By Tina Smith, LPC MEd.

“He hears the widow’s cry, surrounds her with compassion, and comforts her as tenderly as a mother comforts her child.“

Note to My Readers
It’s been a little while since I last shared here. Life has taken me on a journey I never expected—one filled with loss, deep reflection, and quiet healing. Thank you for your patience during my absence. I’ve missed writing, and I’m grateful to be back—ready to continue walking alongside you with words of hope and encouragement. 

As I walk this path, my understanding of that truth has deepened. The first sermon I listened to—and the songs that led up to it—after my husband’s passing were God’s way of turning my heart toward Him. Every word seemed to speak directly to my soul. The more I leaned in, the more I began to receive insight into the path and purpose my heavenly Father was revealing to me. More importantly, I began to develop a deeper connection with God, knowing that He is—and has always been—my Father and my protector.

In the midst of these revelations, I also experienced moments of sorrow and whispers of purpose. Naturally, I cried. I still have moments of crying. But it is just that—moments. I miss my husband dearly. He was my best friend and the love of my life. In my heart, there will never be another. So, how do I live after living through the best parts of my life? God has shown me: live the way He created me to live. By finding purpose in His Kingdom, and loving His people compassionately—just as He has loved me all my life. This journey of grief, intertwined with renewed faith, has transformed my life in ways I never anticipated, leading me to embrace my calling with a heart full of love and gratitude.

Yet, when the ache lingers and the reality of his absence settles in, I find myself grappling with the daunting thought that the months after my husband’s passing were just the beginning of an even more challenging journey. I’ve heard that the years to follow can feel even lonelier and emptier. I am definitely not looking forward to that. So I must trust that God has a plan to sustain me. His Word says: “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:7. This reassurance in His promises fuels my strength as I navigate this path, reminding me that I am not alone in my struggle.

In moments of deep loneliness, I have found that God’s comfort often comes through the people around me. By refusing to isolate myself, I allowed my family and friends to love me. Some of them I hadn’t seen in years, yet they were incredibly supportive. Others didn’t quite know what to say—and that was okay. Their presence was a gift that provided an essential connection during my hardest times. I realized that the silence I sometimes faced was not good for my physical or mental health; in those quiet moments, my mind filled with anger, confusion, and despair. Dark thoughts tried to settle in and torment me, but that’s when I needed to press into the promises of God and remind myself of His Word: “You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry.” — Exodus 22:22–23. This dual support of divine strength and human connection is what sustains me as I move forward in this journey.

Similarly, when the chatter quieted down and the days got long, my prayer warriors stood in the gap. I reached out many times, and they showed up—faithful, steadfast, and ready. They listened to my cries and heard my need for comfort, protection, provision, peace, and rest. Then, they carried those unspoken requests straight to God in prayer. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” — Matthew 18:20. The combination of their unwavering support and my reliance on God’s promises became a lifeline during this challenging season, and I am forever grateful for them.

This unwavering support has profoundly impacted my journey, allowing me to embrace the peace that surpasses the pain. Now, as I continue to walk this path, I know that God is with me—and He will continue to strengthen me. My purpose now is to encourage others to press deeper into His provision. Because when the darkness feels darker and the days seem endless, He gives a peace that truly surpasses all understanding. “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10.