By Leigh DeLozier (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest)
There are so many situations in life that we might try to empathize with but will never truly understand unless we’ve walked that road ourselves.
Widowhood is one of those situations.
I don’t think anyone would ever say that being widowed and adjusting to life afterwards is easy. I certainly wouldn’t. But now I feel like I have a tiny bit more understanding of what those women go through and how widows can be encouraged and find hope, thanks to reading the newest book by Marilyn Nutter, Hope for Widows: Reflections on Mourning, Living, and Change.
I had the honor of helping spread the word about Hope for Widows before and after it officially released. And, although I’m not a widow, reading it impacted me in ways I didn’t expect.
It’s sure to also help widows find hope as they adjust to changes in their lives, despite the hardships they face.
In Hope for Widows, Marilyn shares her own story of widowhood — without glossing over the anger or grief or any other emotion. Her vulnerability in sharing about her years of adjustment is part of what makes the book so special. It’s not a pity party, but also doesn’t shy away from the reality of struggle after loss.
During her grief journey, Marilyn began to see small treasures of hope through her tears. The encouragement she found through those treasures is what she wants to share with others.
Here are a few gems from Hope for Widows: Reflections on Mourning, Living, and Change:
- One size does not fit all in grief or in groups. Grief is as unique and personal as an individual’s fingerprints.
- The most joyous joys were treasures, and in the absence is sadness. With time and healing we begin to see those moments move into treasured memories. When grace meets us, they are priceless gifts.
- In grieving, I’ve been fortunate to have the support and prayers of friends and family. But, at the end of the day, my house is occupied by me alone. At the end of the day, it’s only me and God.
- Even though some life events come without warning and seem unreasonable, God’s grace and faithfulness meet us in each one.
- I know I’ll never be over my loss, but I know I will continue to get through it and find life again, as will you.
- My circumstances haven’t changed, but my burden of discouragement and thoughts about my future have. God is at work.
I could list more, but will stop there. 😊
Each reading begins with a Bible verse, then tells a story from Marilyn’s experience. It ends with a prompt encouraging readers to take a moment for “Treasured Reflections” to connect their own journey with what Marilyn shared. “Treasured Thoughts” encourages the reader to journal about their reflection or other lessons being learned.
Hope for Widows was obviously written for women in that place, but it’s a powerful book for anyone to read.
Learning about Marilyn’s journey — from the emotional to the practical and all in between — gave me a deeper level of understanding for what women go through when they lose their husband. I hope it will help me be a better friend and supporter when someone I know is walking that path.
It’s a wonderful resource for anyone wanting to be more empathetic to widows, whether you’re a pastor, women’s’ ministry leader, or simply a family member or friend.
Back cover copy: Hope for Widows: Reflections on Mourning, Living, and Change
Published by Our Daily Bread Publishing
Find hope in an unfamiliar journey marked by changes and challenges.
It’s a paradox. Following the death of a spouse, some widows can barely boil water, yet must make major decisions. Reevaluating finances, handling changes to legal documents, and learning new skills require attention at a time when you may be struggling to even think straight.
Through personal reflections, questions, and expressions of gratitude, Marilyn Nutter leads you to recognize God’s faithful presence in unusual places. Sixty-five brief readings cover widows’ universal experiences with poignant honesty. Marilyn applies Scripture to grief and mourning and looks with transparency at how widowhood dramatically changes a woman’s life. Among the readings are invitations to journal treasured memories, reflect on the additional losses that accompany the death of a spouse, and appreciate unexpected gifts.
Though nothing can fix this irreversible loss, Hope for Widows offers you connections in your grief, guiding you to see hope, grace, and camaraderie on this unfamiliar path.
More about Marilyn:
Marilyn and I met almost 20 years ago when a small publisher accepted the first devotional books we each wrote. She is a beautiful believer inside and out and an absolute blessing to everyone around her.
After a career as a speech-language pathologist, Marilyn pursued writing and is the award-winning author of three devotional books and a contributor to compilations, print, and online sites, including Chicken Soup, Refresh Bible study magazine, CBN, Hope-Full Living, and Devotable. She is a speaker for women’s and grief support groups.
Connect with her at MarilynNutter.com.
Your turn (and a giveaway)
How do you find hope in hard times? Leave a comment to help encourage someone. One person who leaves a comment will receive a copy of Hope for Widows to read themselves or gift to someone else. Drawing will be held Monday, March 11, 2024.
We can’t truly understand widowhood without walking that path. Hope for Widows by @MarilynNutter encourages widows & helps others understand what they’re facing. #wordsofhope #bookreview Share on XDiscover more from Leigh DeLozier
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Marilyn’s heart shines through her words in this book. This truly is a resource for anyone who grieves, not just women. Thanks for sharing more about this wonderful library of encouragement. Thanks also for the great job you did as the launch leader.
Barbara, you’re so right about Marilyn’s heart for others. It’s always a joy to help tell others about friends’ books, but it was a special privilege to help people learn about “Hope for Widows.” It’s an amazing resource for anyone dealing with grief and I applaud Marilyn for her bravery in writing it. Thank you, my friend.
Ms. Marilyn’s latest book is a treasure. Helping anyone through their grief journey is a special blessing. I’m certain many treasures await her in heaven for those souls she’s touched with her speaking and writing. I’m just as certain that numerous writing awards await her here on earth.
Amen to all of this, JD! “Hope for Widows” is an absolute treasure and Marilyn’s heart to help others is evident on every page. I pray it finds its way to people everywhere who need its encouraging message.
I’ve read Marilyn’s book, Hope for Widows, and found it very helpful. The pain of losing a loved one never goes away, but the love and concern God shares with us, along with family and friends, reminds us we’re not alone.
I agree, Katherine, it’s a beautiful book in all respects. I’m glad I read it and got some tiny insights into how that walk is so I can be a better friend and loved one to others. Thank you for sharing, sweet friend.