Recently I listened to a video clip of a lady who was shopping with her infant. During the conversation, she mentions she also had four children waiting at home. Another woman looked surpassed and replied she had three grandchildren and she was thankful there would be no more because “children are just too expensive!”
That comment made me stop and think. I raised five children myself. Were they that expensive? Probably. But I never measured their worth or value by what they cost.
CHILDREN ARE A GIFT
Our children are a gift of God and therein, lies eternal value. When we teach our children about Jesus, the Christ, we have honored God with His gift. As they grow and learn to be good stewards of their time, finances, material goods and all they have, they have learned how to honor God, as well.
WORSHIPPING GOD WITH OUR LIVES
This is worshipping God with your whole life. When we live our daily lives to intentionally invite Him into everything we do, our parenting, working, resting and even our pleasures, then we are honoring —and worshipping Him! This isn’t supposed to change when we become widows! We still have purpose, and even in our brokenness, God still shines!
USING OUR GIFTS
As we continue using the gifts God has given us, our children and grandchildren see love in action. Even without abundant financial resources, we can overflow with generosity through our time, encouragement, wisdom, prayers and acts of service. When we faithfully use whatever gifts God has entrusted to us, we honor Him.
OUR LOSS CHANGES THINGS
Losing our husbands changes everything. There are days when grief leaves us feeling fragmented, wondering how we could possibly encourage someone else when we’re barely holding ourselves together. Yet even then, God is still at work. The Holy Spirit continues shaping us, strengthening us, and gently reminding us that our usefulness didn’t end with our loss.
We are not perfect, even as we strive to be. We are human and to be human, is to err, even with all the deliberateness to walk in ‘The Way”. When we allow the Holy Spirit to make changes within us, even as we grieve, we are again honoring God. By being obedient to our purpose, even when it seems insignificant, brings Glory to Him.
CONTINUING TO GROW
As we grow and dig deep into His Word, the fruits of the Spirit will shine! As these fruits develop, we will be better equipped to share the Good News of Jesus with others. The story of His faithfulness in our lives, even during our tears caused by widowhood, brings God glory!
Our story matters — not because it’s ultimately about us, but because it’s about God’s faithfulness. Every act of obedience, every conversation about Jesus, every quiet example of trust, leaves a legacy. Whether we’re speaking to our children, grandchildren, church family, neighbors, or a complete stranger, we have the privilege of pointing others to Christ. And when we do, even through tears, our lives bring glory to God.
Surviving Together In Loss And Love 
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