A Widow's Heart

Can grief and joy really live in the same heart? My guest, Lara Silverman, has faced serious illness, the loss of her career, and then the death of her husband, Matt. But somehow, her story also includes love, laughter, and a faith that has survived the fire. Today, we're talking about finding joy even when the hard things don't go away. I'm Pam Lundell, and this is A Widow's Heart.   https://larasilverman.com/

Grief can make everything feel unfamiliar. Your life has changed, and you may have no idea what comes next. My guest, Pamela Joy, knows that feeling. After losing her husband, Jim, she began discovering how God could meet her in the grief and gently lead her forward, one step at a time.

There really isn't a roadmap for becoming a widow. We make new decisions, learn when to ask for help, and eventually begin to wonder what the rest of life might look like. Dr. Susan Walton, author of Lunch with the Widows, has spent years learning from other widows. And I love her reminder that there's no one right way to do this.

My guest is Bishop Daniel, president of GFA World. He's going to introduce us to widows in parts of Asia and Africa who are often forgotten, rejected, and even blamed for the death of their husbands. But we're also going to hear about the people who are showing up, learning their names, listening to their stories, and reminding them that they are deeply loved by God.

If you have ever wondered whether you'll laugh again, dream again, or even feel like yourself again after losing the love of your life, you're not alone.  Today, you will hear from Rachel Powel, a previous guest of A Widow's Heart, whose journey through heartbreaking loss reminds us that while grief changes us, it doesn't have to define us. In today's conversation, you'll find a little hope, a little peace, and another reason to trust Jesus with your heart.  Rachel Powel is a contributing author in the Scars to Stars anthropology book series and the founder of Hope Speaker, where she serves as a Christian widow coach. You can learn more about Rachel and her ministry at hopespeaker.com. 

What does one do after unimaginable heartbreak? On this episode of A Widow's Heart, Pam Lundell talks with Shawn Mathews, a woman whose story has touched hearts across Minnesota and far beyond. Shawn Mathews lost her beloved husband, Wayzata police officer Bill Mathews, in the line of duty following a tragic crash in 2017. This conversation isn't just about lost, it's about love, faith, family, resilience, and the legacy one life can leave behind. Shawn joins us today to share memories of Bill, what grief has looked like for her and their son, and how hope can still shine even after unimaginable heartbreak.

How do you trust God's plan in an unexpected season?   Today, you will hear from Jamie Bollinger. She is an encourager, worship leader, and songwriter with a recent release, "Even So." She recently spoke at the Widow Might Spring Lunch-in and was struck by how gently and honestly she talks about grief, loss, and learning to keep walking. Jaimie shares how God meets us in quiet ways when life feels very different from what we thought it would be.

How do you balance great loss with great blessings? On today's episode of A Widow's Heart, you'll hear from Kirby Kelly, an author, YouTuber, and podcaster. She shares her experience of joyful anticipation mixed with grief and loss. 

Healing after loss is hard, but it can be a beautiful journey.  On today's episode of a widow's heart, you'll hear from my returning guest, Averil Shadd, about a time where she had to care for her children and herself in a moment of grief. You'll hear how God met her in a powerful way.   

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