I have often wondered who coined the word widow. Personally, the word brings to mind the image of a menacing, repulsive creature. I inwardly cringe each time I’m required to classify myself as married, single, divorced or widowed.

Isaiah 54 refers to widowhood as a reproach, but he also extends hope that at some point in our grief journey we will forget the shame of our widowhood . . . if we choose to. I don’t know about you, but I have embraced this Scripture tightly.

My husband died seven years ago, January 30. I not only deal with feelings of loneliness, but I find myself bombarded with shame for not having “moved on.” I encourage each of you not to fall into this trap of feeling pressured to fit a timeline. Remember each grief experience is as unique as the individual. Take your time, and know that one day you will come out on the other side of this pain and you will lay aside the shame of your widowhood!