tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382629264175127167.post7795466575560100625..comments2024-03-25T05:22:40.086-04:00Comments on Widow’s Christian Place: How Long Will Grief Last?Ferree Bowman Hardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739485535852107104noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382629264175127167.post-41556473195802575392010-11-30T22:31:17.830-05:002010-11-30T22:31:17.830-05:00Ruth, I have been a widow since March 2009, and fo...Ruth, I have been a widow since March 2009, and for the longest time I felt I was doing better than I was "supposed" to be. I learned quickly that I was and am doing as well as Jesus has led me to be. I've even wondered if people look at me and wonder if I ever loved my husband at all, because I never hid from people, I never lost my sense of humor, and had no problem talking about John. My pastor said something very wise: "Never think you have to live up to other people's idea of what grief is supposed to look like. Show your joy if you feel it, don't be ashamed of the joy that lies within you."Kelly C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03980257184558215962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382629264175127167.post-37142434975218488232010-11-30T00:41:57.444-05:002010-11-30T00:41:57.444-05:00Thank you for the comments and encouragement! Elai...Thank you for the comments and encouragement! Elaine I appreciate your referrals, and Ruth, this is a good place to gauge your progress and a safe place to be if the days get hard. I think sometimes widows have this dread hanging over them because we expect we have to go through all these stages of grief--anger, depression, etc. But grief is unique to the individual, the pattern varies. Ruth, if you hang on to the thankfulness you will have a much easier time overall. Not saying there won't be any hard days, but in Christ you have a wonderful, bouyant hope.Ferree Bowman Hardyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10739485535852107104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382629264175127167.post-88230095657921642332010-11-29T21:49:48.425-05:002010-11-29T21:49:48.425-05:00I am not very far on my grief journey,but sometime...I am not very far on my grief journey,but sometimes it seems like it has been forever.I wish I could know how I will fare as the days go on,but I know that is impossible.I do have much to be thankful for,but sometimes I wonder if I am still in shock,because of how well I am doing.Ruth Hieberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11260132564992492524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382629264175127167.post-55028050041808257432010-11-29T08:35:29.616-05:002010-11-29T08:35:29.616-05:00Ferree, you win me over with your wisdom and love ...Ferree, you win me over with your wisdom and love and care all wrapped up in one blog post. Thank you for your ministry to widows. I am not a widow, as you know, but one day, any day, I could be, and you are preparing me to face my tragedy with hope. I send every widow I meet to your blog. May God bless you as you write for Him. Merry Christmas hugs, Ferree!Elaine W. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10180843077491105642noreply@blogger.com