Trading My Sorrows
for the joy of the Lord
by
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Chapter 22: I’m Trading my Sorrows How can I live a Joy-filled Life? By Jerry Woodbridge This has been a cathartic experience for the widow and widowers interviewed and who have written these devotionals. It has been a feeble attempt to make sense of the painful and life-altering experiences of those whom have lost loved ones and define and describe lessons learned through the lens of God’s Word. While digging out my wedding picture to include in a devotional, I came across a love letter that my fiancé had written shortly after our engagement. Inside was a ticket stub from a Christian concert we attended on a first date, January 18, 1985. My heart catches and eyes began to mist as I read the words, I know now for sure that you are the one that I want to share my life with. I want you to be my best friend for life … I think you already know, but just to be sure. I want you know that I want to be the one who fills those needs for you for life – forever and ever. Amen. Amen. With love and sincerity, Dave My whole being glows from knowing the sincere love of my husband even 6 years after his death. The written and spoken word are powerful reminders of the depth of love we shared. I can relate to Solomon as he looked for wisdom in all the wrong places. I have been looking for understanding and healing …. what I have found is a constant , like the northern star, in the Word of God. He wrote the most amazing love letter of all time. He is one I can put my trust in, whom will never die or leave me. If I am willing to trade him my sorrows, He will surely give me the only real joy that can come from Him. Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28: 6-7 There is a moment in each widow’s life where a decision must be made. The choice is whether to trade her unexpected sorrows for the life of the past or embrace the life of the future. “Yes, Lord, Yes!” I’m Trading my Sorrows for the Joy of the Lord.
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About the Book
There is a moment in each widow or widower’s life where a decision must be made. The choice is whether to trade her/his unexpected sorrows for the life of the past or embrace the future. “Yes, Lord!” This book offers multiple perspectives on widowhood. It is a collaborative effort that began with a small group of young widows that met for fellowship and encouragement over Thursday lunches. Our conversations ranged from how to cope with our grief to dealing with our own realities as single parents and unexpected widows. Jerry began to keep a journal, which lead her and Vickie to writing devotionals from a widow’s perspective. This project expanded as awareness arose of other widow and widowers who were open to sharing their stories of going through the mourning process. Healing began when we traded our stories with each other and found the joy of the Lord.
“Journals can help us remember the details of moments that framed our lives, and sometimes to help others with theirs. Jerry Woodbridge opens her life’s pages and affords us an articulate glimpse of hope for whatever comes our way.”
Jerry Pattengale, Executive Director of National Conversations, Assistant Provost, IWU
“An inspiring memoir of a widow’s journey through grief and how her strong christian faith guided her to find peace and strength in her sorrow.”
JoAnne Funch, Heartache To Healing
“Life can make us bitter or better. The writers of Trading My Sorrows have exchanged their grief for the Savior’s grace. In these pages, you too will find hope and help. Romans 8:28 is fleshed out in the lives of these fellow travelers and strugglers. Be encouraged to join them on the road to healing and a better life of usefulness.”
Chaplain John Wrightsman, Indiana Wesleyan University
“As a young widow myself, I am so excited about this book, especially as it affirms that we have a choice to continue dwelling in the pain or turning toward healing and living again. What Jerry has done with this book is refreshing and inspiring, offering hope to fellow widows as they experience their own journey from pain to renewal of living with loss and beyond.”
Michelle E. Vásquez, MS, LPC True Love Relationship Coaching
About the Author
Jerry Woodbridge at 42 became an unexpected widow and single mom in 2004. Jerry’s servant leadership involvement in the Young Widows Fellowship and Day of Healing 2008 in “Graceful Grieving” provided the inspiration for this book. Her attendance in November 2008 at the Christian Writer’s Conference in Indianapolis affirmed the call on her life to write her story and collaborate with other widows and widowers. Jerry Woodbridge, Ph.D is an Assistant Professor in Education for the Adult Teacher Licensing Program at Indiana Wesleyan University. Vicki (Kirkpatrick) Rudicel was born and raised in Marion, Indiana. She married Charles (her High School Sweetheart). In 2002, just six months before her 50th birthday, she lost Charles to cancer. Vicki has been employed with Indiana Wesleyan University for over 30 years and is currently serving as a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church and serves on the Board of Directors of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office’s Chaplaincy Ministries. Vicki founded the Young Widows Fellowship group when she met with a co-worker (Sharon) after her husband died in a farming accident. It is her sincere prayer that you will be blessed and ministered to in very special ways as you read this devotional. Other contributors included Sharon Cecil-Hill, David Rose, and Russ McCann.