Seeing Beyond My Grief

This weekend was one of the best weekends I’ve had in a long time.

And the truth is… it was also one I initially dreaded.

I attended an event called Widows Unite—a gathering of widows from various churches across Georgia. It was a weekend filled with so many moments I didn’t even realize I needed.

There was praise and worship led by Kim Stanley—an amazing singer whose voice carried so much power and presence over those two days.

There were speakers… and I was one of them.

There were breakout sessions covering different areas of life and healing. One included practical tips from the sheriff’s department on safety as a single woman. Another introduced a men’s ministry that helps women with things around the home—things our husbands once handled. That one hit close to home for me, because they’ve already been helping me with things I simply can’t do on my own.

There was also an art therapy session where we created a cross using paint. It wasn’t just art—it was healing. There was a method behind it, and it truly was therapeutic.

But more than anything…

There was connection.

There was engagement.

There were conversations.

There were hugs.

There was love.

And what I’m most proud of is this:

I found the courage to get up on that stage and speak again.

To share a part of my story.

I feel like I’m stepping into a new chapter of my life.

A version of me that I’m still getting to know.

But I’m showing up.

I’m being faithful.

I’m trusting God to lead my steps and open doors I couldn’t even imagine.

And I mean that… I truly couldn’t have imagined this.

I’m proud of myself.

Proud that I didn’t give in to the nerves.

Proud that I didn’t listen to the whispers of discouragement.

I rebuked them.

And I kept moving forward—on purpose and with a purpose.

I feel blessed.

I feel thankful.

I feel grateful that I made it here… to witness this moment.

And yes… some may not understand how I can feel this way.

How I can be grateful despite everything.

Because losing my husband almost broke me.

And in many ways… it did.

But it is God…

Who is still holding me.

Still carrying me.

Still making me whole again.

I know life will still come with ups and downs.

But I also know this:

God is with me.

He sees me.

And He is for me.

And right now… that’s all I need.

– Janeece McCullough

Founder, EmpowerHER Widows Network

Live with purpose. Love without limits.