A Widow's Heart

My guest is Bishop Daniel, president of GFA World. He's going to introduce us to widows in parts of Asia and Africa who are often forgotten, rejected, and even blamed for the death of their husbands. But we're also going to hear about the people who are showing up, learning their names, listening to their stories, and reminding them that they are deeply loved by God.

If you have ever wondered whether you'll laugh again, dream again, or even feel like yourself again after losing the love of your life, you're not alone. 

Today, you will hear from Rachel Powel, a previous guest of A Widow's Heart, whose journey through heartbreaking loss reminds us that while grief changes us, it doesn't have to define us. In today's conversation, you'll find a little hope, a little peace, and another reason to trust Jesus with your heart. 

Rachel Powel is a contributing author in the Scars to Stars anthropology book series and the fo...

What does one do after unimaginable heartbreak?

On this episode of A Widow's Heart, Pam Lundell talks with Shawn Mathews, a woman whose story has touched hearts across Minnesota and far beyond.

Shawn Mathews lost her beloved husband, Wayzata police officer Bill Mathews, in the line of duty following a tragic crash in 2017. This conversation isn't just about lost, it's about love, faith, family, resilience, and the legacy one life can leave behind.

Shawn joins us today to share memories of Bill, what grief has looked like for her and their son, and...

How do you trust God's plan in an unexpected season?   Today, you will hear from Jamie Bollinger. She is an encourager, worship leader, and songwriter with a recent release, "Even So." She recently spoke at the Widow Might Spring Lunch-in and was struck by how gently and honestly she talks about grief, loss, and learning to keep walking. Jaimie shares how God meets us in quiet ways when life feels very different from what we thought it would be.

How do you balance great loss with great blessings?

On today's episode of A Widow's Heart, you'll hear from Kirby Kelly, an author, YouTuber, and podcaster. She shares her experience of joyful anticipation mixed with grief and loss. 

Healing after loss is hard, but it can be a beautiful journey. 

On today's episode of a widow's heart, you'll hear from my returning guest, Averil Shadd, about a time where she had to care for her children and herself in a moment of grief. You'll hear how God met her in a powerful way. 

Experience the story of Jesus like never before in THE CHRIST, a four-part Easter audio epic.

THE CHRIST brings the gospel narrative vividly to life—from the humble manger to the victorious resurrection—through world-class voice talent, cinematic soundscapes, and stirring music.

From the halls of Roman power to the wilderness of Judea and the hills of Galilee, this immersive audio drama follows the life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth—and the people forever changed by Him.

Follow the podcast now so you hear each new episode the moment it releases...

Today, you're going to hear from Gary and Mari. And as I listened to them share, I just kept thinking… this is one of those stories that will really stay with me. It's a story of grief, faith, and forgiveness… and of God being present in ways we may not expect. Book: https://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Hannah-Journey-Through-Loss/dp/B0FY5KFKG3

Have you ever felt like you had to be strong for everyone else… even when your own heart was breaking? Hi, I'm Pam Lundell, and today on A Widow's Heart I'm talking with Deedee Lindelien. Deedee shares honestly about grief, faith, and what it looks like to keep walking forward when life changes in ways you never expected. If you're navigating loss, or learning how to trust God in a difficult season, I think you'll find encouragement in this conversation.

Have you ever answered the question "How are you?" with "I'm fine," but didn't really mean it?

HI, I'm Pam Lundell, and on this episode of A Widow's Heart, Darla Nelson shares how God's strength lifted her in the middle of grief. 

We talk about anxiety, giving yourself permission to grieve, and what it means to truly move from stress and sorrow into peace and purpose. If you are walking through loss or simply feeling overwhelmed, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone.

Find Darla's book I'm Fine. Really. here:

Pastor Londa Lundstrom will help you move through grief with one word that can change your life. She wrote "Living with a YES in your life" just for you!

Loss can change everything in a moment. And when it comes without warning, it can leave you feeling stunned.

On this episode of A Widow's Heart, Pam Lundell talks with Annalee, a young widow who shares what it was like to walk through deep grief during an already overwhelming season of life. She opens up about loss, faith, and the quiet ways God met her when she needed Him most.

This honest and compassionate conversation is for anyone walking through loss, or for those who love someone who is.

If you want a...

Loss can change everything in a moment. And when it comes without warning, it can leave you feeling stunned.

On this episode of A Widow's Heart, Pam Lundell talks with Annalee, a young widow who shares what it was like to walk through deep grief during an already overwhelming season of life. She opens up about loss, faith, and the quiet ways God met her when she needed Him most.

This honest and compassionate conversation is for anyone walking through loss, or for those who love someone who is.

Grief can affect every part of your life. It can change how you feel, how you think, and even how close you feel to God.

On this episode of A Widow's Heart, Pam Lundell talks with licensed psychologist and author Audrey Davidheiser about grief and healing after loss. They talk about common emotions many widows experience, including sadness, anger, guilt, and loneliness.

Audrey shares gentle encouragement for those who feel tired, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. She offers a compassionate way to understand grief without rushing the process or trying to be strong...

Grieving during the holidays can feel overwhelming, especially when Christmas traditions and family gatherings bring up painful memories. In this heartfelt conversation, host Pam Lundell welcomes life coach and widow advocate Erin Hente to share gentle, practical wisdom for navigating the holiday season with grace, honesty, and hope. Whether you're newly widowed or years into your grief journey, this episode offers encouragement, grounding insights, and simple ways to honor your loved one while caring for your own heart.

Lori Larson Heller is a writer, speaker, fierce ALS advocate, and a widow. She is also the President of the Jim Heller 'End ALS' Memorial Fund. Lori was a previous guest on the podcast (EP 6) and since then has written a book called "Buckle Up" about her life, loss and the power of moving forward. Lori doesn't tell you to "move on" or offer cliches that don't help. She encourages you to emerge stronger, roll down the windows, listen to some tunes and begin to enjoy life again. I hope you are encouraged by her story, humor and faith.

When Rachel Powell lost her husband to suicide at 31, her world fell apart. But in the midst of pain, God met her with healing, purpose, and a new calling to help other widows find hope. In this heartfelt conversation, Rachel and Pam talk about surviving deep loss, breaking the silence around suicide, and discovering life and light again through Christ.

Worship leader and songwriter Jamie Bollinger joins A Widow's Heart to share her story of faith, loss, and hope. After walking through her husband Freddy's kidney failure, transplant, and sudden passing, Jamie discovered God's peace and provision in the hardest valleys. She now encourages others through worship and her devotional booklet, Names of God: Who God Is in Our Time of Need.

In this episode, Jamie opens up about:

Facing grief with faith in God's presence

How worship becomes a lifeline in suffering

The powerful names of God that bring comfort...

In this powerful episode of A Widow's Heart, host Pam Lundell talks with Dr. Kimberly Hubenette—a skilled cosmetic dentist, author, and widow—about love, resilience, and the will to keep going after unimaginable loss. Kimberly shares her extraordinary love story with her late husband Mark, a double lung transplant survivor and devoted search-and-rescue volunteer. Together, they embraced an adventurous, survivalist lifestyle that prepared Kimberly in surprising ways for the day she would need to live, love, survive, and thrive without him.

Discover how Mark's legacy inspired Kimberly's unique novel Grid: Once in a Lifetime You Get to S...

On today's episode, you'll hear from Tiffany. She lost her mom, and it hit hard, but in that loss God met her in a deeper way. Her mother had quietly passed down a strong faith through simple things like weekly devotions and memorizing Scripture. Now Tiffany is doing the same, passing on that legacy and learning what it really means to trust God through every season.

JoAnn Kuzma Deveney lost her 18-month-old son in a tragic accident—and years later, her husband to leukemia. In this powerful conversation, JoAnn shares how grief shaped her faith, the signs that gave her comfort, and the healing she found through God's presence, symbolism, and storytelling.

Learn more about JoAnn and her award-winning books at: Award-Winning Author JoAnn Kuzma Deveny

Her books are also available on Amazon:
📘 When Bluebirds Fly: Losing a Child, Living with Hope
📗 I Am Widow, Hear Me Roar: Confessions of a Surviving Spouse
📕 99 Ways to Make a Flight Attendant F...

Where do you run when crisis hits? When grief, fear, or loss shake your world, is there a safe place to land?

In this deeply personal episode of A Widow's Heart, host Pam Lundell welcomes author, speaker, and Samaritan's Purse leader Lynne Rienstra to talk about her powerful new book, Sacred Refuge: Finding Unexpected Shelter in Your Crisis. Their conversation moves from childho

Through the valleys and mountains of life and marriage, Michele and Chris had been through just about everything. Michele tells the story of her husband with grace on this special episode of A Widow's Heart. Michele shares the hard details of her sometimes-difficult marriage, as well as the ways that Jesus showed up.

Book: WestBowPress

Website: HOME - His Last Breath

Today, you'll meet Lisa Lounsbury Executive Director of Art Lab RX. Lisa will share her recovery story that led to a healing ministry of creativity and faith. You'll hear breakthrough grief and trauma stories that will encourage you on your own journey.

On the anniversary of her husband's passing, Tina Zimmerman took a trip that her husband always wanted to take, a safari in the African wilderness. As God's daughter, a moment took place that was exactly what Tina had asked of her Father in Heaven. Tina felt safe as she was reminded of God's love and goodness. Hear Tina's story on this special episode of A Widow's Heart.

Deb Hadley is an inspirational speaker and Christian author who has transformed profound personal tragedies into a mission of hope and healing for others. In less than a year, she endured the unimaginable loss of two of her children: her daughter, Kaylie, and nine months later, her son, Tyler.

On this special episode, we'll focus on Deb's story with Tyler.

Deb Hadley is an inspirational speaker and Christian author who has transformed profound personal tragedies into a mission of hope and healing for others. In less than a year, she endured the unimaginable loss of two of her children: her daughter, Kaylie, and nine months later, her son, Tyler.

On this special episode, we'll focus on Deb's story with Kaylie.

Deb's Story - KT Humble Hearts

How do you navigate grief during the Christmas season? Have you ever experienced a Christmas memory that made you just want to sneak away? Erin Hente makes a return appearance on A Widow's Heart to talk about grieving a loss during the holidays. 

An old friend and a new friend! Amy and Carrie are 2 co-founders of the Widow Collaborative, a group that connects widows with people that can help.

About The Widow Collaborative | Nonprofit Helping Widows

Share your story of grief: A Widow's Heart | Wow God Podcast Network

There's a special place where we all go to getaway and rest. For my friend Candy, that wonderful place happened to be in Mexico, but a tragedy changed everything. Hear her story on today's episode of a Widow's Heart.

I know a friend of mine heard, "Well done, good and faithful servant" when she met Jesus. I'm Pam Lundell and Naomi Anderson selflessly helped other widows while on this earth through a non-profit. And her son, Matthew Blades, shares his mom's legacy on the latest edition of A Widow's Heart. 

Erin Hente is a certified life coach and now is realizing her dream of planning trips for widows. She talks about her  recent first trip to Portugal and shares exciting news of upcoming trips through her creation, "Bedoming You Adventures". You can learn more at ErinHente.com/travel. You can also listen to Erin's story of widowhood on EP 14 of "A Widow's Heart".

 Is excitement in life and a full purpose too hard to imagine right now? I'm Pam Lundell and my guest on a Widow's Heart will give you a fresh infusion of hope! Cindy Brinker Simmons, author of "Restored" says, "even though our circumstances aren't glorious, God is always glorious. And when you cling to that you can walk through those valleys that are dark dark dark." Reconnecting life's broken pieces on the next episode of "A Widow's Heart".

Mikaela and Michael lost their infant son at 35 weeks. In her grief Micaela turned from her faith. I asked her how she came back.  Her answer was short and powerful, "How can you not worship the God who's taking care of your kid?" Mikaela Fenger shares her heartbreaking story and how she is helping other parents in a similar situation find hope and healing though her non-profit named after her angel baby Kolt. Mikaela is my guest on A Widow's Heart.

 You'll be inspired by the heartfelt story and faith of young widow and mom, Alexandra Hope Craig, my latest guest on A Widow's Heart. I'm Pam Lundell. She bravely shares the loss of her husband to cancer. She felt the goodness and faithfulness of God in a profound way. Now she's dedicated to sharing that message of hope and healing.

We've all been told there's no right or wrong way to grieve, but author Kathy Renner found it can be very hard. Kathy's husband died unexpectedly, and she decided to use her knowledge as a healthcare professional to write Why Is This So Hard? 7 Factors Affecting Your Personal Experience of Grief.

"God will use this journey to help others!" Maybe you've heard those words during a tough time in your life and it wasn't until later you smiled and went, "Now I get it, God." That happened to Kathy Scheffler, my guest on A Widow's Heart. Kathy shares her story about how God led her to be the director of a non-profit for widows.

Lisa Appelo is back! I featured Lisa's story in Episode 8 if you'd like to check it out. Lisa has incredible faith resources for you on her website Lisa appelo.com. I'm sharing her LIVE presentation at a yearly gathering for widows through the non-profit Widow Might. I know it really lifted me up and I believe it will do the same for you. Lisa will help you to ReBloom in the desert of grief.

Fred Colby's wife went to Heaven after decades of marriage. In a moment, his life changed as he knew it. While looking for resources for widowers (which he couldn't find) his therapist told him to write the book, which he did! It's called Widower to Widower. "I realize it was just a very different experience for us men, and that we did not know how to reach out. We didn't know how to admit that we needed help."

It's all about lifting each other up. Today, I talk to Chris Scheider, author of The Last Weekend: A Story of Love, Loss, and Hope.