My journey through widowhood, like everyone else’s, has been unique. I can’t recall when I began to receive communication from More Than Conquerors, but I would put the correspondence aside unopened. When I was ready, these cards and Newsletters became the missing link to the Assemblies of God, which had been a huge part of my life when my husband was alive and had disappeared upon his death. These faithful communications have affirmed that I’m seen and known by someone in the Assembly of God community as well as to learn how other widows’ experiences have been.

     I am grateful to my church family who have surrounded me and my family with great love and lovingly refer to me as the “Church Mother.” They follow the Scriptures in caring and blessing widows like me with not only their loving comments but with action as well. Since the church we planted is located in a very rough area of Philadelphia, I am surrounded by “bodyguards” when I’m either coming in or leaving the building. As much as I appreciate it, it makes me laugh to have these now young adult men, who were once in my kids’ program, escorting me back and forth. However, it does not escape me in knowing I am truly blessed.

     Several years ago, I received a call from “Cindy” asking if I would be available to assist her with a project. During that conversation I found out “Cindy” was the one behind the cards and newsletters that came faithfully. I was amazed that she herself was NOT a widow, but God placed a love and compassion and yes, a calling upon her life for widows and widowers who have served in ministry.

     Through the years she has been faithful to that call and God has expanded the vision for further growth to this “unique club.” Thanks to this ministry, I have found a small community who truly understands the joys and sorrows of ministry, who share the history of a life serving alongside a spouse who was called by God to be a Shepherd, and who now has entered a new season that looks drastically different than what we’d known throughout our lifetime. Cindy’s work to acknowledge, support and know us has truly been a beautiful gift to me in this journey through widowhood.

     For those whose lives have taken an un-wanted, un-expected and heart-breaking detour to the thin veil separating heaven and earth…. Be comforted in knowing that your loved one is with Jesus and Jesus is with you. Each person grieves and mourns differently: embrace it, knowing that God will NEVER leave you. For those who don’t know how to help a loved one in the throes of grief… let them grieve. Be patient. This scar never goes away but as the years go by, we get stronger and with the Lord’s help, we adjust to the “new normal” and move forward.