Did you know the average age of a widow is 59? And there are eleven million widows in the United States with 1000 women becoming widowed every day?? This is a sobering topic none of us likes to think about, but the truth is, because it’s so prevalent, we need to talk about it.
Marilyn Nutter suddenly became a widow twelve years ago after 42 years of marriage and knows first-hand that widowhood is an uncomfortable the topic. But she also knows that there are many women out there, like herself, who are hurting and looking for resources to help. Because of this, she’s written a book, Hope for Widows: Reflections on Mourning, Living and Change. She wrote it for two groups of people: widows and those who know and love widows. It’s a valuable source of encouragement and comfort as widows adjust to their new normal and reimagine an active life with purpose in their future.
She also gives practical tips on how to interact with widows in a way that lifts them up and provides much needed help. And she shares her secret to learning how to do things her husband used to take care of. We also talk a little about how to be better prepared if something does happen to your husband. Marilynn has acquired a lot of hard-earned wisdom over the last twelve years and wants to share that wisdom with you so that your load won’t be quite as heavy to carry.
Quotes and Scriptures
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23
“There is an empty chair that stares at us all the time.”
“I didn’t want [other widows] to read my story and leave it there. I wanted them to write their story.”
“Everybody’s grief is unique and personal, it’s like a snowflake…”
“Time doesn’t heal, Jesus heals. Time lessens the pain. It changes the shape of your grief…”
“This is my assignment… This is my new chapter. What does God want to do in and through me in it?”
Resources
Order Marilyn’s book, Hope for Widows: Reflections on Mourning, Living and Change
Find out more about Marilyn and check out additional resources at Marilynnutter.com
Listen to Hope for Widows and the People Who Love Them with Marilyn Nutter
Watch on YouTube Hope for Widows and the People Who Love Them with Marilyn Nutter
Related Episodes
Finding Hope After Loss with Mike Nappa
Embracing Joy in Life: Lessons from Carol McLeod on Finding Happiness Amidst Challenges
Learning to Trust God in Our Suffering with Kathy Burry
What To Do When Your Life Falls Apart with Marilyn Nutter and April White