What People Are Saying About “Take Courage”

I can’t think of a better title for a book than Take Courage!. The first words I heard from God after my husband of almost 28 years and ministry partner, best friend, and confidant passed away was, “Courage brings clarity, cowardliness brings confusion.” I was to walk in courage, in order to have the direction I was going to need for the days ahead. The power that comes from the encouragement and practical how-to suggestions from people that have walked where you are walking is tangible and life-giving for us that are left to start anew. To hear the struggles and successes gives reality and confidence that we can make it as well. For it to be reinforced that crying is not just ok but encouraged is healing in itself; and to be released to apply what you can from the book in the speed and timing that is good for you, is the best advice ever. Linda, Mary Beth, Nancy, Bruce, Ruth, and the other authors were blessings from God just when I needed it the most. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your transparency, faithfulness, and love.

Pattie Klewer

Pastor’s Wife, Singles Co-Pastor for 27 years New Covenant Church, Longview, Texas

 I have many friends here in Mexico who are mourning for loved ones who have passed away. They are trying to find words of comfort to soothe their deep pain. Take Courage! will satisfy their need. It helps the reader realize that it is beneficial to grieve, to cry, to ask for help, and to take care of ourselves. The authors are very articulate in explaining not only how to process normal grief, but they also explain how to process complicated grief. They share what they have learned by living through their own experiences of grief. I highly recommend Take Courage! for all those who want to find empathy and courage. Thank you very much for encouraging me in my grief journey.

Ruth Avendaño

Administrator in Accompanying Legacy - Comforted to Comfort

It is with great appreciation and anticipation that I endorse Take Courage! written in part by two sisters in widowhood. Having studied Dont Lose Heart!, this great addition to their writing will encourage all widows and widowers as they journey through the difficult steps of being widowed.

These authors know first hand what the journey is all about. The various topics of Take Courage! will speak to the many challenges each widow will face. Through God’s Word they verify what God’s teachings are about living widowed. The pain is real, and this book will address your sorrow and what is needed to live after being widowed.

Cindy Rose

Seattle Widows President

This book flows from the experience of real people, who suffered real loss, who found real encouragement, in real time, from a real and present God. As I read the reflections, testimonies, and advice from these authors, I recognized the fulfilled promise of 2 Corinthians 1:3-5:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

The authors of this volume suffered great loss, experienced comfort from God, and now find the Holy Spirit’s strength to help others through their personal experience. I commend this volume to you, as well as the ministry of The Widows Project. You will find inspiration and instruction.

Rev. Leslie E. Welk

Ministry Resources International, Pastoral Counselor; Former Northwest Ministry Network Superintendent

 Thank you for walking through that valley of the shadow with me—and others—holding our hearts and steadying our feeble knees with listening ears and helping hands. You have helped me see grief as both affliction and antidote, finding hope and rest for our souls.

Charlene Baldwin

Author, Bible Teacher, Missionary, Pastor’s Wife

Mary Beth Woll and Linda Smith have spearheaded the publishing of a great book on grief and widowhood. Nine authors share their personal experiences on becoming widowed. They give great personal insights into their own journeys. The chapters are filled with personal struggles and victories in navigating their lives. They ask great questions at the end of each chapter for reflection by the reader on their own life.

I have known Mary Beth for many years as her pastor and friend. I have watched her live what she teaches. She and Linda Smith help lead the Widow’s Project and have a great heart for the widowed. Mary Beth and Linda are godly women full of Christ’s character. Read it and weep (in a healing way) and be helped and strengthened. I highly recommend this book.

Dr. Dan C, Hammer

Sonrise Christian Center, Senior Apostolic Leader; President, Seattle Bible College