Move on? NOT! As widows, after a while we often hear people say, “It’s time to move on.” This usually comes from someone who has never lost a spouse. You cannot move on from grief. It is here for the long haul. But we can Go Forward.
Read more: This Mourning: Move on or Go Forward?
I have just made it through the hardest, most unwanted year of my life. I have made it through all the firsts. But it’s not like wiping your hands and celebrating, “Well, I got that done. “
About this time last year, a widow approached me with her condolences. This was nice; she knew what I was going through. But she continued telling me she had been a widow for 30 years. This took me aback. I was not ready to hear that. The formidable idea that this is what I have to look forward to was crushing.
Finding Identity .. again
I still don’t like the thought of it. The peace that I had with Michael at my side is now gone. That life is over and I can’t have it back. But here’s the truth. I learned this when chronic pain hit. My identity is/was not in my work as a children’s minister, or a homeschool advocate, not even as a pastor’s wife with Michael. My Identity post … Your Identity is More Than Your Chronic Pain
My identity is in Jesus Christ, my Lord. It’s something I have to keep reminding myself. In my grief, I miss Michael terribly. I miss the life we had. I let myself cry and then I look to the One who never leaves me, the One whom I put my trust.
I Want My Life Back
The life I had is gone and we can’t get that life back. We have to build a new life. People love to grab onto the scripture that is found in several places in the Bible.
“I am doing a new thing, something you wouldn’t believe.”
But what is the context of this? When God said it to Habakkuk, he was saying the Chaldeans would overtake Israel.
It’s the same for Isaiah. Life is going to get harder before it gets better. That’s what I’m hearing now. Widows are telling me it’s going to get worse before it gets better. The second year is worse than the first.
Again, not what I want to hear.
But what did God tell Isaiah? “Forget all that.” (All the coming troubles)
Because I will make a path through the wilderness. I am taking you to a new place, and THAT will be beyond your dreams. And I am going with you through every bit. There is more for you to do, and I will help you.
Don’t tense up. Like when you see you are falling, you tend to straight your legs and arms to brace for the fall. But what happens then? You suffer severe breaks. I have to relax in the arms of Jesus.
“You (God) will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. ” (Isaiah 26:3-4, NLT)
My story is not over.
And I am committed from now on with Jesus because,
“I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
Go Forward
I’m in a training ground for the new thing. It won’t be easy. It never is. But I can go forward. Not move on, but go forward. It’s my OneWord for 2026… FORWARD.
I have found several scriptures to hold onto this year. I’ll be sharing those throughout the year. But I believe this is the theme…
“If you do these things, your salvation will come like the dawn. Yes, your healing will come quickly. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind.”
Isaiah 58:8, NLT
“The LORD will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.”
Isaiah 58:11, NLT
I covet your prayers. I do not know what God has in store. Well, I have some thoughts on that, and it scares me to death. 
But walk with me and let’s go forward together.
Pastor’s Wife (retired) & Chronic Pain Warrior blogs about how to make it through anything by relating her own life experiences to her writing. She is passionate about her love for the Lord and desires to spread that passion to others. She has a great desire to encourage women who are following behind her.
