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All alone. Isolated.

That’s what this journey can feel like, especially those first hours, days, weeks and months – just trying to survive. Losing our husbands, it can be easy to step away from it all, retreat and isolate ourselves and dwell on our circumstances. After all, that is what seems natural when our world falls apart.

One Sunday at church, the pastor at my church discussed the topic of isolation in our everyday lives, which got me thinking … if everyday circumstances cause us to isolate, becoming a widow is more than enough reason. But this is exactly the opposite of what God wants for us.

“For the body does not consist of one member but of many.”
1 Corinthians 12:14 (ESV)

“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.”
Proverbs 18:1 (ESV)

“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:25 (ESV)

The Lord doesn’t want us to be alone. He mentions this time and time again. He wants us to call on Him and those around us for help. He wants us to share our trials and our troubles with those closest to us. He wants us to find community with those who have experienced similar circumstances.

By isolating ourselves, we take away the opportunity for God to speak to us through others.

I know for certain the Lord placed people in my life not for the time when I met them, but for the time when I needed them the most – when I lost my husband Michael seven-and-a-half years ago. He also placed new people in my path along this journey. They have been the Lord’s hands and heart here on earth.

My friends and family listened night after night as I tried to process that horrific time, others helped take care of my son – who was just one and a half at the time. Another couple paid for my way to A Widow’s Might conference just six weeks after Michael passed, and there were countless others who sent devotionals, cards, and Bible verses and words of encouragement.

God also provides us “tools” for healing. I joined a Suicide Survivors Group and sought help through counseling. Both of these tools helped fight the feeling of isolation. I could talk through my deepest darkest moments with people who could somewhat understand. I knew God was with me and I wasn’t alone, but meeting others who were in a similar situation was a way the Lord showed me He was there in the midst of unbearable grief.

There are people God has and will place in your life, too. We have to be open to “hearing” them. And, that can’t take place if we isolate. Sisters, I encourage you to listen, and let the Lord work in your life.

Lord, Thank you for placing people in our paths along this journey. We know it is You who ultimately provides comfort, but you also show us your love and comfort through others on this earth. It can feel natural to isolate ourselves. But help us connect with others and be open to listening and letting You work in our lives. Amen.