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As a new widow, I've found that God is a true Father, a faithful Friend, and a deep Comforter. As I've learned to navigate this journey with grace, I've found things that are helpful, practical, and inspiring. That's what I want to pass along to you!

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There are moments of grief when all you can do is curl into yourself, as if folding into the smallest space possible might shield you from the ache. I remember those days vividly — days when I felt like I was in the fetal position in a corner of my own soul. Devastating loss can leave you breathless, stripped, and questioning everything you thought you knew about God and life.

In those moments, reaching upward feels impossible. Sometimes all we can muster is a whisper: “Why, God?” Sometimes that whisper becomes anger, confusion, or silence. And yet, even in that broken place, we are still called higher.

Like a climber standing at the base of a jagged mountain, we begin our journey from the lowest valley. The path upward is not easy, but there are toeholds — truths of God’s love and nature — that we can grip as we rise.

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Toehold One: God’s Love Never Condemns

Grief has a way of dredging up memories we wish we could erase: the sharp words left unresolved, the conversations that never happened, the promises broken when death came too soon. It can leave us replaying “if only” over and over, a soundtrack of guilt that weighs us down.

But God’s love doesn’t speak in guilt or condemnation. His love is always reaching, always lifting.

I think of the story in John 8, when the woman caught in adultery was thrown at Jesus’ feet. The crowd demanded judgment, but Jesus simply said, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” One by one, they left. And then He turned to her with words that must have felt like fresh air to a suffocating soul: “Neither do I condemn you.”

That is His heart toward us. Loss does not erase His mercy. Brokenness does not silence His compassion. The love of God relieves guilt and shame, reminding us that even in fractured memories, His grace covers all. This is the first toehold — to rest in His love that refuses to condemn.

Toehold Two: God’s Nature is Creativity

When everything feels like rubble, it’s easy to think nothing good can come from it. But God’s nature is creative — He is the One who spoke light into darkness and life into dust.

Out of the ruins of loss, He invites us to create alongside Him. Creativity isn’t limited to painting or music — it flows through every endeavor that reflects His nature: science, caregiving, writing, gardening, teaching, designing, inventing. Every act that gives beauty, order, or blessing reveals His essence.

For me, this meant writing through my grief — turning prayers, tears, and questions into words that others could read and whisper, “Me too.” For you, it may mean picking up a brush, planting a garden, building something with your hands, or solving problems in your field with fresh wisdom born of suffering.

Creativity becomes a testimony: that God’s light still shines, that His essence can still be expressed through us. This is the second toehold — allowing God’s creativity to flow through your unique gifts and perspective.

Toehold Three: Faith Bridges the Gap

There will always be questions we may never answer this side of eternity. Why here? Why now? Why them?

At first, those unanswered questions can feel like cliffs too steep to scale. But faith is the rope that steadies us, bridging the gap between what we understand and what we can’t.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Even when everything feels broken, God’s heart is still good toward you. Faith doesn’t erase grief — it anchors you in the promise that loss does not get the final word. This is the third toehold — trusting God’s love even when the mountain face is sheer and the answers are silent.

Free Download: 10 Scripture Cards for the Brokenhearted

I’ve created a set of 10 beautifully designed Scripture cards you can print and keep on your nightstand, in your Bible, or even on your mirror. Each card is a gentle reminder of God’s presence and promises when grief feels heavy.

Fill out the form here to get your free printable Scripture cards.

Keep them close. Pray them often. Let them speak life into your heart.

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Reaching Higher: The World Needs Your Vision

As you climb, remember this: the world needs your perspective of God. No one else has your story, your vision, your translation of His love and presence. Through the lens of your loss and the creativity He breathes into you, others will glimpse His heart.

Maybe it’s through the way you parent, the way you serve, the art you make, the words you speak, or the work you do. However He has revealed Himself to you, the world needs to see it. Your life becomes a living canvas, reflecting His love, His resilience, His beauty.

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Closing: Called Higher

Loss will always change us. It may knock us down, leave us curled in grief, and make the climb ahead feel impossible. But even in ruins, God calls us higher — not to forget, but to be transformed.

Every toehold of love, creativity, and faith lifts us upward, closer to Him. Each step becomes a testimony that we are not forsaken, that His love carries us, and that even in brokenness, His goodness shines through.

You are called higher. Not because the climb is easy, but because His love will never let you stay in the valley.

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Looking for More Encouragement?

If this post encouraged you, you'll find more in my book, Unshakeable in Christ—a 30-day devotional centered on healing through our identity in Christ. Each day features a powerful "I AM" statement rooted in Scripture. It’s written for women who, while navigating life’s hardest seasons, yet cling to their identity in Christ as their firm, unshakeable foundation.

Share Your Story

Have you found comfort in any daily routines? What’s helping you heal? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear what habits are helping you in this season, and your experience might give hope to someone else.