Divorce can feel like a shattering experience, especially for divorced Christian women who often face unique challenges within their faith communities. Yet, redemption and healing are possible. As Dana Williams shares her story and ministry, we discover a powerful message of hope: your identity in Christ transcends the pain of divorce and offers a path to reclaiming joy, purpose, and wholeness.

Divorce is painful, and for Christian women, the journey can be even more isolating. Dana Williams recalls that when she divorced over 15 years ago, resources and support were scarce, especially for those deeply involved in church leadership. As a pastor’s wife herself, she experienced firsthand the stigma and loneliness that often accompany divorce within religious communities.

“You feel very alone. It’s very isolating. You’re in pain and isolated at the same time,” Dana explains. Sadly, sometimes the church itself can be a source of pain instead of a refuge.

Loren Cribbs, an author and blogger, talks about her marriage falling apart after her husband’s betrayal and how she was blindsided. “Even my male friends knew I would never cheat,” she said.

This isolation makes it crucial for divorce care ministries to expand and create safe spaces where healing can begin. Thankfully, today, there are more Christian groups and influencers focused on supporting divorced women.

One of the most important truths Dana and Loren emphasize is that healing from divorce is a process, not an instant fix. Many women struggle deeply in the months and even years following a divorce. Loren explains:

“So my self-worth is like gone. Like I had no job. I had no husband. I had no kids. you know, I have a quote in the book that's like, here I was, like I was sitting amongst all these packing boxes and you know, I was husbandless, childless, and I was feeling less. I was feeling less than what I thought life was supposed to be like.”

The answer is that healing takes time. It’s natural to want the pain to end immediately, but rushing into dating or seeking validation too soon can often prolong the healing journey. Dana likens the process to rebuilding one’s identity, which divorce can profoundly disrupt.

“Divorce breaks down parts of our identity, and the Lord redeems that identity. But sometimes it takes us a while to walk in it.”

Understanding this timeline allows women to be gentle with themselves and commit to the work of restoration at their own pace.

Learn more from Dana and Loren Cribbs, whose new book helps women rise above divorce, in the full videos and podcasts on Positively Joy.

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Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.

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