It’s here…the week that many widows and other single women (and men, for that matter) dread. The week of love, candy hearts, romantic dinners, bouquets of flowers, love letters, cards, and attention. Valentine’s week.
For this young widow, I never really expected this first Valentine’s Day without my Chris to be that difficult. I thought it might be a little sad, but for some odd reason, I wasn’t planning on it being one of the holidays that I thought would sideswipe me with painful grief. I was wrong. It has. And, it’s not even here yet. My precious Valentine is in Heaven, and I can’t be with him this year. And, you know what? It really stinks. How’s that for poetic honesty?
However, I’m not alone. There are widows all over this country that will not be celebrating with their loved one but rather remembering their precious Valentine now in Heaven with my Chris. This week, I’ve chosen to honor the memory of several of these men. I’ve asked a few of my widow friends to write a post sharing about their beloved husbands – now in the arms of Jesus. This website is just one place this week they have to honor their true loves – the men they cherish and miss dearly. I wanted to give these ladies a chance to share with those in my little blog community how love looks from a widow’s perspective. And…we widows know how to love deeply…perhaps more than we ever thought possible, especially now.
Beginning tomorrow (Monday), I invite you to stop in each day this week and read about these precious guys and share a little blog love with their sweet gals left here without them for a little while longer.
And…I also invite you to remember widows (and other lonely women – single, divorced, separated – for that matter) in your own circle of influence this week – especially Tuesday. Give them a hug, maybe surprise them with a plant or send them some flowers at home or work. How about a surprise on their desk at work or their doorstep? Maybe a card in the mail just to say you care? How about a phone call to let them know they are loved? The possibilities are endless, but the tangible love you might choose to share with a grieving widow this week will not be forgotten. And…our Father in Heaven will bless you for blessing those that He’s commanded us to bless in His Word.
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. ~James 1:27
Sheila Rye says
February 12, 2012 at 11:09 pm♥ love you sweet friend ♥
praying that we will feel GOD’s strong arms {hugging} us tightly this week! ♥
thanks for asking me to join you here this week . . . not the way i wanted to spend this valentine’s day, yet, so thankful for the time i had with my valentine here on this earth . . . ♥
leahgillen says
February 12, 2012 at 11:24 pmSo thrilled that God allowed our paths to cross sweet Sheila! I’m also thrilled to feature you this week! May God be glorified and your precious husband be honored even in death. You are loved!
Sheila Rye says
February 12, 2012 at 11:42 pmOh, my, we are on THE SAME PAGE . . . I just posted on my blog, I linked to your blog and this was the last portion of my post . . . On Tuesday, I will link to the post that I wrote for Leah’s blog . . . I’m already praying that it will be a blessing to those who read it – will you pray with me – that GOD will be glorified . . . through Rick’s life, through his death, through our love and our story . . . ♥ To God Be the Glory ♥! Hmmm, I think (as if we really needed a sign), that’s a sign that God’s ALREADY in this . . . !! 🙂 ♥
Mary says
February 13, 2012 at 11:36 pmLeah…thinking of you as always. Thanks for sharing what is on your heart and “being” there for other women while processing your own grief and loss. This is a reminder to send some love to my mother-in-law tomorrow. Hugs!
leahgillen says
February 14, 2012 at 11:12 amThank you Mary! You are a sweet treasure!
Deborah says
February 14, 2012 at 10:19 amLeah,
I’ve been reading your posts through my google reader and didn’t realize you had changed up your blog. It looks wonderful. I picked out a card for my dad yesterday, a V-day card. These special days are hard on the men too. Even after a year, I see him still miss my mom and weep over the separation, even though it is temporary. However I’ve also see God give him healing and laughter again. I’m praying that for you too.
leahgillen says
February 14, 2012 at 11:13 amThanks Deborah! A couple of sweet friends gave me the gift of this redesign and move to WordPress! I love it! So much more to come…but, I’m working on it a little bit at a time. Praying for your sweet dad today! Thanks for your continued prayers!