What do you think?
Rate this book
Widowed Walk: Experiencing God After the Loss of a Spouse
A beloved spouse dies. Your husband, wife, and life partner is gone. Your world is upended. The emotional pain can be intense.
Your heart begins asking questions. "Am I going crazy? Am I going to make it? Where is God in all this?"
Many of the people around you don't know what to say or do. They utter clichés and platitudes.
"It's okay. You're strong. You'll get through this."
You need something more than this - far more.
You need to know that it's okay to hurt, to be sad, and to grieve.
You need to know that you're not crazy and that your grief is "normal."
You need to know that you're not alone in this.
You need to know that you will get through this, even though you will not be the same person you were before.
And most of all, you need the comfort of God's presence. You need to experience his compassion and love. You need to know he is walking with you in your pain and grief.
And that's what Widowed Walk is all about.
Multiple award-winning author, speaker, hospice chaplain, and grief specialist Gary Roe has become a trusted voice in grief recovery who has been bringing comfort, hope, and encouragement to wounded hearts for more than three decades. A former missionary and pastor, Gary knows the spiritual questions that tug at your heart during this time of deep loss.
Gary says of his own losses, "Even in my darkest moments, God was there, embracing me in my pain and whispering to my wounded heart. He kept me alive. He has led me through the valley of the shadow of death many times. He continues to bring healing to my injured soul, though never quite in the way I ask for or anticipate. And, true to his loving nature, He continues to take my losses and use them for good, in my life and in the lives of those around me."
"God meets us in our pain and embraces us. He journeys with us through the emotional upheaval, mental confusion, physical distress, spiritual questioning, and relational changes. Jesus has personally experienced more pain, suffering, and grief than we can fathom. He knows. He gets it. He is the best grief companion imaginable.
He walks with us through the loss of our spouse. That's what Widowed Walk is all about."
Widowed Walk is designed to be read one chapter a day. Consider it a grief devotional. Take your time. Open your heart. Be honest about your thoughts and emotions. Allow Jesus to meet you in each day's reading.
God is with you in your pain and grief. He loves you where you are, as you are. If you're willing, He will bring healing and growth to your broken heart. He will somehow use the loss of your beloved spouse for good - in your life and in the lives of those you touch.
Let the Widowed Walk begin...
Your heart begins asking questions. "Am I going crazy? Am I going to make it? Where is God in all this?"
Many of the people around you don't know what to say or do. They utter clichés and platitudes.
"It's okay. You're strong. You'll get through this."
You need something more than this - far more.
You need to know that it's okay to hurt, to be sad, and to grieve.
You need to know that you're not crazy and that your grief is "normal."
You need to know that you're not alone in this.
You need to know that you will get through this, even though you will not be the same person you were before.
And most of all, you need the comfort of God's presence. You need to experience his compassion and love. You need to know he is walking with you in your pain and grief.
And that's what Widowed Walk is all about.
Multiple award-winning author, speaker, hospice chaplain, and grief specialist Gary Roe has become a trusted voice in grief recovery who has been bringing comfort, hope, and encouragement to wounded hearts for more than three decades. A former missionary and pastor, Gary knows the spiritual questions that tug at your heart during this time of deep loss.
Gary says of his own losses, "Even in my darkest moments, God was there, embracing me in my pain and whispering to my wounded heart. He kept me alive. He has led me through the valley of the shadow of death many times. He continues to bring healing to my injured soul, though never quite in the way I ask for or anticipate. And, true to his loving nature, He continues to take my losses and use them for good, in my life and in the lives of those around me."
"God meets us in our pain and embraces us. He journeys with us through the emotional upheaval, mental confusion, physical distress, spiritual questioning, and relational changes. Jesus has personally experienced more pain, suffering, and grief than we can fathom. He knows. He gets it. He is the best grief companion imaginable.
He walks with us through the loss of our spouse. That's what Widowed Walk is all about."
Widowed Walk is designed to be read one chapter a day. Consider it a grief devotional. Take your time. Open your heart. Be honest about your thoughts and emotions. Allow Jesus to meet you in each day's reading.
God is with you in your pain and grief. He loves you where you are, as you are. If you're willing, He will bring healing and growth to your broken heart. He will somehow use the loss of your beloved spouse for good - in your life and in the lives of those you touch.
Let the Widowed Walk begin...
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2021
73 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Gary Roe
46 books69 followersHi. My name is Gary.
My story began with a childhood of sexual abuse and numerous other losses. When my life began to unravel as a teen, another family took me in and changed the trajectory of my life. My healing journey began.
Eager to help others heal and grow, my heart turned outward. Over the next three decades, I served as a campus minister, a church-planting missionary in Japan, an entrepreneur in Hawaii, and a pastor. I'm currently work as a writer, speaker, and hospice chaplain.
After walking through deep valleys with thousands of people, I can say the following with confidence:
• We've all been wounded
• Healing isn't for sissies
• We’re all designed for impact
• The world needs us
• We must heal
I'm here to help. I'm no guru or master of anything. I'm a fellow struggler. I still bear the scars of my wounds. I grieve, get anxious, worry, and battle fear regularly. But I'm healing, and I'm growing.
Stop by my website. Drop me an email. I’d love to hear from you.
My story began with a childhood of sexual abuse and numerous other losses. When my life began to unravel as a teen, another family took me in and changed the trajectory of my life. My healing journey began.
Eager to help others heal and grow, my heart turned outward. Over the next three decades, I served as a campus minister, a church-planting missionary in Japan, an entrepreneur in Hawaii, and a pastor. I'm currently work as a writer, speaker, and hospice chaplain.
After walking through deep valleys with thousands of people, I can say the following with confidence:
• We've all been wounded
• Healing isn't for sissies
• We’re all designed for impact
• The world needs us
• We must heal
I'm here to help. I'm no guru or master of anything. I'm a fellow struggler. I still bear the scars of my wounds. I grieve, get anxious, worry, and battle fear regularly. But I'm healing, and I'm growing.
Stop by my website. Drop me an email. I’d love to hear from you.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 22, 2021
I found this to be very helpful in the first weeks and months. It was validating to read that others had the same feeling and thoughts as I did. It made me feel less alone and more thoughtful. It helped to see things from an outsiders perspective too.
March 21, 2021
This book is very poignant reading for anyone who has lost a spouse - either recently or long ago.
An easy read (like all of Gary Roe's books) this book has a great feature - daily devotionals - for those who love the references to relate to. It is not only for those of a Christian based faith either.
This sweet and very touching book outlines all the aspects of relationships in our lives - with spouses and without them - in our daily lives. We are reminded that "love endures" and "on some level you will always grieve...". The grim reality of grief is shared in this book with a kindness and understanding that few possess, but Gary takes the time to choose each word he shares.
Gary goes on to explain all about "grief bursts", and let us vent while we read with no feelings of guilt over doing so. This is an author who knows of what he speaks and it shows in this book.
As a former counsellor, I highly recommend this book to anyone who has or is experiencing grief as a tool in their personal arsenal of defending and protecting ourselves from grief's attack on our hearts.
"Widowed Walk: Experiencing God After the Loss of a Spouse" is a book I will gift to anyone I know who has lost a spouse and I will keep as a library reference guide.
Notes: Gary Roe is also the author of the award-winning bestsellers Shattered: Surviving the Loss of a Child, Please Be Patient, I’m Grieving, and Surviving the Holidays Without You. He is also the co-author (with New York Times Bestseller Cecil Murphey) of Not Quite Healed and Saying Goodbye.
(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book as an advance reader, but am not connected to the author or publisher.)
An easy read (like all of Gary Roe's books) this book has a great feature - daily devotionals - for those who love the references to relate to. It is not only for those of a Christian based faith either.
This sweet and very touching book outlines all the aspects of relationships in our lives - with spouses and without them - in our daily lives. We are reminded that "love endures" and "on some level you will always grieve...". The grim reality of grief is shared in this book with a kindness and understanding that few possess, but Gary takes the time to choose each word he shares.
Gary goes on to explain all about "grief bursts", and let us vent while we read with no feelings of guilt over doing so. This is an author who knows of what he speaks and it shows in this book.
As a former counsellor, I highly recommend this book to anyone who has or is experiencing grief as a tool in their personal arsenal of defending and protecting ourselves from grief's attack on our hearts.
"Widowed Walk: Experiencing God After the Loss of a Spouse" is a book I will gift to anyone I know who has lost a spouse and I will keep as a library reference guide.
Notes: Gary Roe is also the author of the award-winning bestsellers Shattered: Surviving the Loss of a Child, Please Be Patient, I’m Grieving, and Surviving the Holidays Without You. He is also the co-author (with New York Times Bestseller Cecil Murphey) of Not Quite Healed and Saying Goodbye.
(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book as an advance reader, but am not connected to the author or publisher.)
March 20, 2021
Grief is no respecter of persons and I’ve had more than my fair share of it. Gary’s Widowed Walk is a wonderful book of 155 short devotions or situations one might find oneself in when grieving the loss of a spouse. Each day ends with a scripture and a prayer. I like the brief format of each day because I have oftentimes in my grief found it difficult to concentrate, yet craved an encouraging word, relevant scripture and/or prayer. This book does the trick.
“When we feel seen, heard, and accepted, we feel a little safer. When we have a sense of safety, our hearts open to healing and growth. Our walls come down—not just with safe people, but with God, as well.” {Devotion 155 Widowed Walk}
Gary Roe always has a way of helping those of us in grief feel seen, heard and accepted. This is a highly recommended book for yourself or to give as a gift to someone you know who may be on a grief journey. ~peace
“When we feel seen, heard, and accepted, we feel a little safer. When we have a sense of safety, our hearts open to healing and growth. Our walls come down—not just with safe people, but with God, as well.” {Devotion 155 Widowed Walk}
Gary Roe always has a way of helping those of us in grief feel seen, heard and accepted. This is a highly recommended book for yourself or to give as a gift to someone you know who may be on a grief journey. ~peace
March 20, 2021
I find Gary Roe to be a compassionate author who has the unique blend of understanding my sorrow while offering me hope. This book is laid out in readable chunks. During a time when my brain doesn’t even want to process making coffee, the most important part of my day… I am able to absorb these words off the page while deep in my grief. I think this is because Gary really understands. That is what we need most, to be understood In our grief and our pain. It is sorely lacking in the world and society at large. Where can you find comfort? Read this book! I rarely meet people with this depth of care who are able to minister to me. I think not only should you read this book but you should get to know Gary, he truly loves to help hurting souls because he’s been there.--
Read
March 22, 2021Gary Roe's books for people who are grieving addresses the thoughts, feelings and emotions we go through. At the beginning of each short chapter in Widowed Walk: Experiencing God after the Loss of a Spouse, there is a very short example of these thoughts, feelings and emotions. This is then followed with a short affirmation recognizing the reality of our thoughts, feelings and emotions with encouraging words to help us realize that we are not alone. These thoughts, feelings and emotions are uniquely ours, but they are also the thoughts, feelings and emotions that many, if not most widows/ers go through. He then closes each chapter with a Bible verse and a prayer. Even 5 years after my husband's death, this book speaks to me.
March 20, 2021
This book has truly spoken to me and provided such comfort since the loss of my husband. The chapters resonate, and I love the format. I go back and re-read sections often, which brings my heart much needed peace. I have struggled with my faith and this book is bringing me back. This is definitely a hug given in words! Gary's books are akin to being enveloped in kindness, understanding and compassion. I have shared his books with others, and I plan to share this one, too. ALL of Gary's resources are simply amazing!
March 21, 2021
Stunning. Raw. Hard-hitting. Sorely needed.
This book left me feeling both heartbroken and strangely comforted, at the same time.
The daily readings in this book begin in the first person singular, like diary entries of the bereft.
There is no sugarcoating of pain.
And yet, with a beautifully small number of words, this devotional also communicates understanding, empathy, and love.
The brief Scripture selection at the end of each reading anchors it to the Source of all comfort.
Must-have.
This book left me feeling both heartbroken and strangely comforted, at the same time.
The daily readings in this book begin in the first person singular, like diary entries of the bereft.
There is no sugarcoating of pain.
And yet, with a beautifully small number of words, this devotional also communicates understanding, empathy, and love.
The brief Scripture selection at the end of each reading anchors it to the Source of all comfort.
Must-have.
March 21, 2021
What a truly beautiful and soulful resource. When I lost my wife, I was devastated and slipped into a deep depression. My faith was strained because try as I might, I could not understand how God could let this happen. The daily readings from the book are really tough and most days they make me cry. Gary has done a masterful job of slapping me in the face with a raw reality and then comforting me with empathy and scripture to get me through this. Bravo Gary, your finest work for us widowers!
March 22, 2021
“Widowed Walk” is hope-filled and encouraging! Upon reading this, I felt seen, heard, and understood. Compassion and empathy are peppered throughout this book. This easy-to-read devotional comes alongside the reader like a compassionate friend touching deeply on the hidden places of hurt that a widowed spouse, like me, often experiences, and by so doing gives the reader the feeling of being understood while at the same time pointing to the God of all hope who can comfort, understand, and heal. Thanks be to God, and thank you, Gary!
Read
March 22, 2021I love all of Gary's books on grief but "Widowed Walk" has helped me break down everything that I am going through. He gives you scripture that can help you through your grief journey and also explains what you are going through in a way that makes it easy to understand. I have shed several tears-healing tears while reading his book but I have found out grieving for my spouse is different from any other loss that I have ever experienced. If you have lost your spouse "Widowed Walk" is a good book to help you through your grief journey.
March 20, 2021
Widowed Walk is Gary Roe's newest book on grief and healing from the loss of a loved one. This book was written specifically for those of us who have lost a spouse. I have read most of Gary's previous books, and I believe this is my favorite as he incorporates the Word of God into daily readings that guide toward the healing of our minds, which then allows our bodies to heal as well. BRAVO, Gary!
March 20, 2021
Gary Roe's previous books were a godsend and guided me through those first nightmarish months of widowhood eight months ago when my husband died. Widowed Walk is essential reading for the continuing journey of working through my grief. The book captures and validates all of the emotions and experiences that only a grieving spouse can know. I encourage anyone who has lost their spouse to read (and re-read) it as they travel the path of grieving their loved one.
March 20, 2021
A beautifully-written daily spiritual journal for anyone suffering the devastating loss of a spouse.
The author, Gary Roe, brilliantly addresses the feelings of those in grief, and reminds us through brief scripture readings and explanation, that God journeys with us through it all.
The book brings peace and clarity of God’s promise of eternal life and happiness with Him for our spouses, ourselves, and all those who believe and trust in Him.
The author, Gary Roe, brilliantly addresses the feelings of those in grief, and reminds us through brief scripture readings and explanation, that God journeys with us through it all.
The book brings peace and clarity of God’s promise of eternal life and happiness with Him for our spouses, ourselves, and all those who believe and trust in Him.
Read
March 20, 2021These short, thought-provoking, devotional-type chapters are encouraging in the difficult journey of losing a spouse. With transparent, authentic topics that speak to every part of the tangled emotions of grief, each chapter points us to the love of the Lord and scripture to remind us that God is continually at our side in this season of loss. A valuable book that I will read again as I walk this out in the years ahead.
March 21, 2021
As a person who has lost a spouse I can attest to the wonderful support that will be given to all that pick up "Widowed Walk: Experiencing God After the Loss of a Spouse". This is a daily devotional read that will support and uplift those who are grieving and mourning their loss. I truly believe that through this book one will be able to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I recommend this book to all who are "walking this road of loss."
Rev. Louie Lyon
I recommend this book to all who are "walking this road of loss."
Rev. Louie Lyon
March 26, 2021
A GREAT comfort for a grieving heart! 💔😢💔
This book is not afraid to be upfront and sometimes brutally honest about what you're going through after losing a spouse. Garry Roe does an excellent job keeping the chapters short and concise, never giving you more than you can handle at each reading. Each topic has a Bible verse and a prayer, always leading you back to the ONLY true source of our Comfort and Peace. I wish I would have had this resource when my own husband passed away 9 months ago.
This book is not afraid to be upfront and sometimes brutally honest about what you're going through after losing a spouse. Garry Roe does an excellent job keeping the chapters short and concise, never giving you more than you can handle at each reading. Each topic has a Bible verse and a prayer, always leading you back to the ONLY true source of our Comfort and Peace. I wish I would have had this resource when my own husband passed away 9 months ago.
January 16, 2022
A Christian view of grief
Many grief books are generic when it comes to faith. Gary uses his faith to help those who are in deep grief heal. This book is easy reading for those of us with "widow brain". Just a couple of pages complete a question/ comment by someone in grief that Gary responds to. All our grief is different so some things may not apply to how you feel, but always good to know other people have the same feelings and that youre not crazy! Thank you Gary.
Many grief books are generic when it comes to faith. Gary uses his faith to help those who are in deep grief heal. This book is easy reading for those of us with "widow brain". Just a couple of pages complete a question/ comment by someone in grief that Gary responds to. All our grief is different so some things may not apply to how you feel, but always good to know other people have the same feelings and that youre not crazy! Thank you Gary.
March 20, 2021
Gary Roe did not let me down! I am not a widow. But his books always helps me from the loss of other loved ones! The Bible verses he adds to his books are awesome! I use his books to share with other widows I know! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! Also, buy any of Gary’s books! You will not regret buying them!
March 20, 2021
This book is another treasure from the pen and heart of Gary Roe.
This man really understands every bit of the pain that you are going through at this moment.
He has been there and will gently walk you through your healing journey.
You will find that his wise words are a healing balm for the soul.
This man really understands every bit of the pain that you are going through at this moment.
He has been there and will gently walk you through your healing journey.
You will find that his wise words are a healing balm for the soul.
March 20, 2021
Once again Gary has managed to touch my heart and bring comfort in ways I didn’t even know I needed. When it comes to grief, no one knows it better... And in Widowed Walk he adds the bonus of spirituality, which gives you the opportunity to examine that part of your own life as well as it bringing added comfort. Well done, Mr. Roe.
March 20, 2021
This book has helped me tremendously. Grief after the loss of your beloved spouse following many years of marriage is such difficult path. I found help and comfort in going through the feelings and ups and downs with these short daily readings and knowing that the Lord is with me always and I am never alone.
March 20, 2021
Gary has written yet another helpful book, especially for believers. It is a little to read each day and as a widow I know at first, a little of anything nay be all I could handle. and the scripture is an very important part in the grieving process. Grieving is never easy and you may want this to give to a grieving friend
March 21, 2021
After losing my husband, I found myself in unchartered territory. Was I going crazy? Is this normal behavior? Did others experience similar thoughts? Widowed Walk is just that. A walk through the most difficult period in my life. Read daily experiences woven with God’s words right where you are. Gary Roe has once again reached out to help hurting hearts move forward.
Read
March 21, 2021Widowed Walk is the latest in Gary Roe’s toolbox for those of us grieving. Reading Widowed Walk helped me realize that my next step is to repair my relationship with God and that I can be successful. If you feel that your relationship with God has not been the same since the loss of your spouse, Widowed Walk will be a huge help to you.
March 21, 2021
As a hospice chaplain, I read the book with great interest. I am always looking for resources for patient's families which they can pick up or put down when needed. When grieving, resources should be to the point and easy to read/digest. This book is just that and if you are grieving the loss of a spouse, I would highly recommend.
Read
April 8, 2021Are you grieving? Grieving a spouse? Then this is THE book for you. Gary touched my broken heart once again with this amazing book. It's like he takes my personal experiences and put it down on paper and remind us that God are walking with us on this sad path. Thank you Gary, you are a Godsend to everyone with a grieving heart...
March 20, 2021
This book has made me cry, healing tears. It has reached down into the pain, fear and lostness of my heart and has brought me comfort from the Lord. For anyone who has lost a spouse, this book is a resource for you to find the hope to continue, in the midst of your grief.
March 20, 2021
"Widowed Walk is a healing walk through scripture and love through a daily devotional. I love the scriptures and how Gary Roe hits my grief spot on. Read it slowly and daily knowing Jesus is walking this journey with you."
Karen Q
Karen Q
Read
March 20, 2021Excellent book! Love the format! Love the scripture guidance!
Gary explains and validates our feelings and struggle we face on our grief journey. Easy read for man or woman who has lost their spouse.
Gary explains and validates our feelings and struggle we face on our grief journey. Easy read for man or woman who has lost their spouse.
March 20, 2021
This book is a great resource for someone who has lost a partner. Such a loss makes it a struggle to make it through each day. This book is written at a pace of a few paragraphs a day - very easy to digest and let inspire you.
I highly recommend it.
I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews