Beautifully Broken

What does Cher, the legendary singer, and I have in common? We both wish that sometimes we could turn back time. But even in the midst of what feels like a failure to me, God can still use my fumbling ways to make Himself known. Follow me on my socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

My brother, Ric Engram, joins me this week to talk about a very personal "train wreck" of life he has walked through in recent years. What a bold and vulnerable testimony he gives to the goodness of God but also the valuable struggle he had when it felt like God was silent in the aftermath. You're going to love this one! Follow me on my socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Do you have a prayer that's tired? Like, you've prayed this prayer so many times and it feels like a drag to bring it up to the Lord again? We can feel frustrated and hopeless about them and wonder if God hears and sees what struggles we are facing in our lives. Follow me on my socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

The older I get, the more I realize how lazy I have become

Do you ever get tired of waiting on God to answer your prayers? I definitely have! Just a little change in my perspective has made a huge difference in my life. Instead of waiting ON Him (like He's a genie in a bottle), what if we decided to wait WITH Him? God is for us! He wants our best and the peace that comes with knowing He is in the room with us, He is in our situation, makes life so much sweeter. Follow me on my socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here:https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/Follow me on my socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Prodigal parenting is difficult with 2 parents, but single parenting can seem overwhelming. I talk a bout how God has helped me with mine, some promises from scripture, some practical things we can do to help our children (hint - get your prayer time ready!!) and some helpful resources.Follow me on my socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Have you ever feared Heaven? All those endless days of....what? If you have ever feared it, you're not alone! I'm reading the best book that has filled me with a new love, appreciation and anticipation for heaven. Join me as I discuss what I've been learning from Randy Alcorn and Charles Spurgeon in We Shall See GOD.Follow me on my socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

My youngest son, Joshua joins me today to discuss what it's like to be raised by a single mom.Follow me on my socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Sharon Engram joins me today and we talk through how to have hope during this holiday season.Follow us on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Jesus came to earth to give us life. Not just life, but life abundantly. He wants to make beauty from our ashes, joy from our mourning and praise out of our despair. When we give Him all our lives, He can do something so incredible, we could never begin to imagine. As Corrie Ten Boom said, "Today I know that such memories are the key not to the past, but to the future. I know that the experiences of our lives when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work he will give us to do."Follow us on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

8 years ago today was the hardest day I've faced in my life. It's hard to believe I am here podcasting on the anniversary I lost the love of my life. But, God has shown me that He is Immanuel...He is God with us. And He has been with me through all my brokenness. He illuminates my life and lights up the darkest corners, even when I want to sit in them. Jesus is Immanuel for you too. He is close to the brokenhearted and wants to be the light of your life. Follow us on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Let's walk through this Christmas season together! Let me know what topics you would like to discuss by letting me know on social media!Follow us on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Goodbyes are hard. Some of us got to tell our spouse those precious words, while others of us either didn't have the time or weren't given the opportunity to say them. Goodbye has such a finality feeling to it so I think the Italian's say it best... Arrivederci, which means, 'till we meet again'. This life is full of goodbye's, but for those of us who know Jesus as our Savior, it's not the end! Follow us on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

This is where things get good! For those of us who have asked Jesus to be our Savior, we have eternity to be in heaven. It's when we focus on what lies ahead of us instead of focusing on our loss and allow God to fill us with His peace and hope that we can move forward in confidence. It's hard this side of heaven, but the best is yet to come! Follow us on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Last week we talked about the fact that God has a purpose for our lives, but does He have a plan to go about doing it? Of course He does! In fact, we can be certain that He will guide us with this plan for all the days of our lives. Follow us on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Figuring out who we are after our spouse dies can be a long and arduous process. There are times after they are gone that we may wonder what are we to do with our purpose or do we even have one at all! I love Jeremiah 29:11 where God reminds us He has a specific and unique plan and purpose for each one of us...even after suffering a death. Follow us on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

How do we get through all the anniversaries and important dates without our spouse? We have found that if we prepare for it in advance, that can help along with prayer, praise and gratitude. Focusing on what's left and not what's lost can seriously change our perspective on life. Follow us on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

As a widow, it's hard sometimes to keep the faith and trust that God is in control of our lives. In the book of Hebrews, we are encouraged to look at people who had great faith that came before us and imitate  what they did. Follow us on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Something we have learned in our widowhood experience is that God's grace is sufficient in our lives and sustains us every day. Sharon talks about her experiences with this and how you can experience it as well. Follow us on our socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

This week, Lori describes what it' like to have joy as a widow through the different seasons we walk through. Are you allowing your joy to be stolen or slip away? Can you get it back? Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Today Sharon shares with us from Revelation 21:4 on how to be brave. Being widowed can conjure up many fears (including serial killers

Psalms 23 tells us that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. However, sometimes life does not let us feel that He has been especially good to us. If you are struggling to see God's goodness, we have hope for you and some ideas on how to find it. Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Do you ever find yourself being afraid or in need of protection? It can be a scary feeling to be alone without your spouse. The good news is that God has something to say about how He wants to protects us and more than that - He wants to carry our scary thoughts and anxieties! Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Single parenting is hands down the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Thank goodness for a God who is willing to give us His wisdom GENEROUSLY! Today we talk about good and bad decisions we have made and some tips on what to focus on after the loss of a spouse with your children. Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Memories can be such a bittersweet thing, They can usually lead to one of two ways: a sad pity party or thankfulness. In this episode, we discuss how to grow our relationship with God and choose thankfulness over focusing on our loss. Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Do you ever find yourself being angry at God because of the loss in your life? Or maybe you're taking your anger out on your children or other people in your life. The good news is that God is big enough to handle your anger because God is perfected love! Walking around with anger only causes resentment and bitterness. It's time to let go of the anger and embrace the love God has for you!Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

The dreaded question of what to do with our spouses belongs after they are gone. How soon do we part with them or do we keep them a year? Two years? Forever? It's so tempting to compare ourselves to others who have gone through the same experience and wonder if we are doing it right or wrong. It's hard to find comfort in the midst of this chaos, but believe it or not, there is comfort to be found! Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Have you ever heard someone say, "Well, I guess all we can do now is pray," as if it were our final option in taking action? Prayer should be our first option to go to and our last (and our middle!) God is a big God with a very special and unique plan for your life, but how will you ever know if you don't ever talk with Him? Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Is there a day in your life that you sometimes dread as a widow? Or maybe a task, like going out to dinner alone that you set for yourself to conquer? Today we discuss how to get through these days and push past the fear and what God says about it. Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Losing a spouse can sometimes feel like love has walked out of your life. I often feel like Cinderella in reverse, which makes for a pretty sad story. However, there is a love that is unfailing and unconditional. And, if we open our hearts and minds to it, we never know the squeezes and winks we might get from it.

It feels like loneliness is inescapable for the widow and widower. So how do we get through it, grow from it and move forward away from it? The good news is that we have a good God who promises to meet all our needs!Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

John 11:35 "Jesus wept." It's the shortest scripture in all the Bible and yet so powerful. It wasn't until I experienced my deepest sorrow that I fully understood the impact of this verse. Jesus, the Creator of the Universe, has felt the sting of death as well. How awesome that God knows and understands even the biggest pain of our souls. Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

Sometimes, the smallest of traditions we do with our spouse, that now we do alone, can be the hardest to face. Whether it's big like the holidays or vacations, or small like making the bed together, facing these alone can sometimes send us spiraling. We discuss some tips and scripture on how to get us through doing traditions without our spouse. Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

The devastation of widowhood often leaves me feeling broken. I love that in scripture, God says if you'll let Him, He wants to put you back together. No, you won't ever look the same, but He has something new and blessed for your future. Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

How do we trust God when it feels like we are tumbling around on the spin cycle of life? God does ask us to trust Him and He doesn't just leave it there - He says He has a plan and a purpose for our lives; even after the death of our spouse. Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramhttps://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Find our book here: https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/

I think because death is so final, we are often left feeling guilty. Guilty about the way we handled things, left things, said things or even what we didn't say to our loved one. How do we surrender the guilty feelings and allow God to help us walk in freedom? Join us today as we discuss how God wants to set us free from our guilt. 

It's the little things that I think I miss the most. The simple joy of being able to hold my husbands hand through the good times and the bad. God has something to say about this simple act of holding hands and how He is there for us in the big things and the little things too. 

Unbelievable, there are only 85 day until Thanksgiving and 116 till Christmas! With these holidays around the corner, we have learned the best way to tackle them is to prepare for them. Lori dives into her deeply emotional story of surviving the holidays. 

What does God mean in Isaiah 45:3 when He says He will give us the treasures of darkness? Can we really find any treasures walking through the darkest part of our life? 

It seems like there is never enough peace in the widow's life and finding peace can be hard. Where do we find the peace to comfort our broken and aching hearts and how do we get more of it in our lives? 

Anxiety is something all of us widow's can identify with at some point in our journey. But God tell us to put all of our worries and anxiety on Him. What does it look like to be able to do that? Join us today as we talk through giving God all our anxieties. 

Have you ever struggled with the question of why did God allow your spouse to die? I have asked this question a million times! After much prayer and wrestling with God, I have reached some conclusions. Join us this week as we tackle the question of the why. 

Sharon and Lori discuss the new season of widowhood and a new take on a verse. You CAN do this new season called widowhood! 

Being a widow can leave us feeling desperate; in need of a healing touch from Jesus. Lori and Sharon discuss Mark 5 and the desperate women found in this scripture and how Jesus can still heal you with a miracle in your life today! 

I know this concept sounds ridiculous in the realm of widowhood, but when we change our perspective from grieving, loss or even feeling like a victim to one of thankfulness for the things we have in our lives, we can feel the hope that God wants us to have. I would even go so far as to say that as someone who has experienced deep loss, we, above all people, should be so thankful for what still remains in our lives, knowing how precious life is. When we stand on the two pillars of Thankfulness and Trust in God, we can soar through life with peace and hope!

What do we do with all the fear we face as a widow? Life can seem so overwhelming and fear can make us feel out of control in our lives. Lori and Sharon discuss how scripture and God have helped them find peace and not fear.TALK TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram: sharonengram https://www.instagram.com/sharonengram/Instagram: lorirohlinger https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/?hl=enFacebook: sharonwickhamengram https://www.facebook.com/sharon.wickhamengramFacebook: lorirohlinger https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7/FIND OUR BOOK: Surviving Widowhood https://redemption-press.com/product/surviving-widowhood-40-devotions-of-hope/Please rate and leave a review!

This message is about how God can take your broken life and make it into something beautiful.WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buJFlpilP7cFIND MY BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Widowhood-40-Devotions-Hope/dp/1646456688/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YLX75R5MID7A&keywords=surviving+widowhood&qid=1648648874&sprefix=surviving+widowh%2Caps%2C989&sr=8-1TALK WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorirohlinger/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.rohlinger.7

Our life changes so much when we become widows. What does "normal" change look like? What should we change and what should we leave the same? Sharon and Lori answer these questions and also talk about what God has to say about the change in your life. 

Lori and Sharon discuss what's it's like to walk with grief and how scripture can help give us hope. 

Sharon and Lori talk about the widow's fog and some things to avoid while dealing with it. They also talk about some great scripture to inspire you during this time of feeling lost.

Lori and Sharon talk about how being a widow can feel like being a lone survivor of a shipwreck with no land in sight. What is the "lifejacket" you are relying on to get you to shore and how will your journey to get there look like?