How to Find Other Widow Support Groups and Friends

Many widows love our Lifeboat support groups on Facebook, but what if you don't want to start a Facebook account? I totally support this decision! Facebook can eat a lot of time and create drain on time and energy getting used to it.

What are other ways to find widowed friends and discussion groups?

 

Here are a few ideas:
 

1) Visit the other blogs on my blog list.

When you get to know other bloggers you'll be able to contact most of them just like you can contact me. If a friendship develops you'll have a wonderful pen pal to "talk" with. Keep in mind that repeated visits and comments are how the friendship will grow. It does take time, and that's good. Remember you're on the Internet and you need some safeguards. Taking your time with online friendships is one safeguard.

 

2) Try to connect with other widows in your locale.

• Visit GriefShare's website put your zipcode in the search box to see if a group is meeting near you.
• If you're in the Chicago area, click this link for Miriam Neff's Widow Connection to find out about Christian seminars and widow conferences in the area.  
• A secular group in Chicago is with Wendy Diez, Chicagoland Young Widow Connection.
• Or check with your funeral director, pastor, or local hospice about grief groups in the area.

3) Consider if God is nudging you to start a short-term widows group.

• On last Wednesday I offered a free DVD from Miriam Neff of Widow Connection. You might still be able to get one too! Just scroll down for Wednesday's post. There are 5 video sessions for widows and you could invite a few widows to your home to watch it and fellowship.
• There's also my book, Postcards from the Widows' Path. It has a discussion guide for a casual book club style get-together in homes.

4) Secular groups provide additional information too.

For example, Widow Village has forums for widows. You might find some Christians among them, or the topics might be what you're interested in. Another secular group is for young widows and young widowers, click here if you're interested: Young Widow-Chapter Two

Please let me know if any of these are of help to you. One thing I do believe is that the Lord provides us for each other. We're not meant to go through this isolated and alone.

What are some ways you've been able to connect with other widows for friendship and support? We'd all love to hear from you, so please comment today!

♥ ferree