In this episode of The Widow’s Life, Vickie and Cindy share a simple but powerful perspective shift that can transform how we navigate grief, loneliness, and everyday challenges: thankfulness—an attitude of gratitude paired with praise and worship. Attitude with gratitude

They talk honestly about how gratitude doesn’t erase the pain of loss, but it does help you choose joy, renew your mind, and reconnect with the goodness of God—one small moment at a time. Attitude with gratitude

1) The “secret” that shifts your perspective

Thankfulness isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a daily choice that can soften the heaviness of widowhood and help you move forward with strength. Attitude with gratitude

2) Choosing joy when you wake up

Vicki shares how, after losing her husband, she realized each morning she could choose joy or sadness—and that choosing joy on purpose matters. Attitude with gratitude

3) God helps you find something to be thankful for

Cindy shares a testimony of asking the Holy Spirit for help when she felt she had nothing to be grateful for—and how a small moment (two little boys on a bike) helped her smile again after months. Attitude with gratitude

4) Gratitude for the “small things” can be a BIG turning point

They share real-life examples of God showing up in everyday needs—like not being alone on Father’s Day, and unexpected help with home issues (those stubborn ceiling fans!). Attitude with gratitude

5) “In everything give thanks” (but not for everything)

This is a key part of the conversation: we are not thankful for tragedy—but we can give thanks while God is carrying us through it. Attitude with gratitude

6) Don’t live as a victim—choose to be a victor

They encourage listeners to resist the trap of “woe is me” living and instead stand in victory through Jesus. Attitude with gratitude

7) Practical ways to renew your mind when grief tries to take over

They talk about redirecting your thoughts toward what is good, lovely, and life-giving—and even using sticky notes or scripture cards around the house as reminders. Attitude with gratitude

1. Colossians 3:15 — “Let the peace of Christ rule… and be thankful.” Attitude with gratitude
2. Philippians 4:8 — Think on what is lovely, pure, and of good report. Attitude with gratitude
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — “In everything give thanks…” Attitude with gratitude
4. Psalm 23 — The Lord as Shepherd: guidance, peace, and provision in a new season. Attitude with gratitude
5. Psalm 26 / Psalm 30 — Using your voice to give thanks and praise. Attitude with gratitude

If grief has been loud lately, start small:

✅ When you wake up tomorrow, say out loud:

“Today is the day the Lord has made—I choose to rejoice.” Attitude with gratitude

Then ask God to help you notice one thing to be thankful for—something simple, something real, something that reminds you you’re still here… and He’s still with you.

In Part 2 of Sharon’s story, she shares what it was like to start dating after losing her husband unexpectedly at 37, how “Mr. Perfect” wasn’t what he seemed, and what she learned through a difficult second marriage and divorce. She also talks about grief counseling, the guilt that can come with moving forward, leaning into faith for healing, and how she eventually found her way into a healthier marriage—plus the real-life adjustments that come with being independent for a long time.

1. Sharon’s timeline: widowed at 37, and dating seriously about 9–10 months later
2. “Mr. Perfect”: charm, spiritual concerns, and the pressure to move fast
3. A hard-earned takeaway: premarital counseling matters (even when you think you’re sure)
4. The complicated emotions of moving forward—excitement, guilt, and grief
5. A candid conversation about grief counseling: group vs. one-on-one, and why it can help
6. Faith-centered encouragement on “natural grief” vs. what they call a “spirit of grief,” including prayer
7. Sharon’s reminder: don’t neglect time with God—Psalms as a lifeline when you’re too deep to read much else
8. Divorce grief and guilt—and why it can feel harder than widowhood
9. Encouragement to live your life, build friendships, and not make “getting a man” the next finish line
10. Sharon’s new chapter: remarried for almost four years, and learning how to grow in the differences

1. 00:00 – Welcome + Sharon returns for Part 2
2. 00:01 – Widowed at 37; the early grieving season
3. 00:02–00:08 – “Mr. Perfect,” red flags, moving too fast, and why Sharon stayed 10 years
4. 00:07–00:08 – “Be careful, be wise” + premarital counseling
5. 00:09–00:11 – Grief counseling and the guilt of dating again
6. 00:12–00:15 – Prayer + encouragement for heavy, ongoing grief
7. 00:15–00:19 – Staying close to God; Psalms; invitation to begin a relationship with Jesus
8. 00:20–00:23 – Divorce guilt, forgiveness, and learning to move forward
9. 00:23–00:30 – Remarriage, expectations, independence, and adjusting as a couple

In this episode of A Widow’s Life with Vicki and Cindy, Cindy and Vicki welcome guest Sharon Perry, who shares her testimony of becoming a widow at 37 after her husband suffered a fatal head injury—“one minute I am married and the next minute I’m not.”

Sharon talks honestly about how grief can feel in a small town where everyone knows you (and keeps reminding you), and how God met her in deeply personal ways—through a “safe place” with her mother, a worship chair in her bedroom, and even practical moments where she needed “husband-help” and asked the Lord to step in.

1. Sharon’s story: widowed at 37, with her only child newly away in the Navy
2. The tension of small-town kindness… and how it can keep grief constantly in front of you
3. How God used Sharon’s mother (living with severe dementia) to give Sharon a “normal” space to breathe
4. The “chair” moment: “I’m gonna go over and sit on God’s lap”
5. A practical miracle story (moving heavy furniture) + encouragement for the listener who feels like they have no help
6. Financial overwhelm after loss—and Sharon’s choice to stay faithful and keep trusting God
7. Why speaking truth out loud matters when you’re alone, and how to resist the enemy’s lies

1. 00:00 – Welcome + why the show exists
2. 01:00 – Sharon’s loss: “one minute I am married…”
3. 02:00–03:00 – Small town grief + the “spirit of grief” conversation
4. 04:00–06:00 – Sharon’s mom as a surprising “safe place”
5. 06:00–08:00 – The chair story: tangible comfort and peace
6. 09:00–11:00 – “God, I need help” (furniture story) + prayer for listeners
7. 13:00–14:30 – Financial pressure, tithing, and God’s provision
8. 15:00–17:20 – “Lord, I trust you” + Proverbs 3:5–6
9. 17:30–18:00 – Closing, blessing, and a tease that Sharon will be back for Part 2

1. Jeremiah 29:11
2. Proverbs 3:5–6

1. “One minute I am married and the next minute I’m not.”
2. “I’m gonna go over and sit on God’s lap.”
3. “If he did it for me, he’ll do it for you. Just never give up on...