Abstract
In Ecuador, most cases of widowhood correspond to women, many of these believers. Although I cannot prove that this is certain in all cases, my experience has shown me that many widows feel alone and unprotected at some point in their life. This article reflects on the biblical affirmation that God is close to the afflicted and the weary to strengthen them (Ps. 34:18; 73:26), and focuses on the feeling of loneliness that accompanies widowhood, doing this in light of the Word of God and my own personal experience. The essay has four parts. In the first two, we contextualize how happy moments lived in the service of God and in the family become memories that, paradoxically, feed that feeling of loneliness that a widow experiences. In the third section, besides these memories, we highlight other less pleasant moments that surface during widowhood, which translate into heartbrokenness and physical weariness. Finally, in the fourth part, we show how God comes near to the widow and strengthens her in many, often unexpected, ways. This confirms that God strengthens the heart and body of widows, giving them the greatest treasure: putting good people in their path. In truth, the Word is fulfilled: God defends and sustains the widows (Ps. 68:5; 146:9b).
DOI
10.7252/Journal.02.2024F.11
Recommended Citation
Flores, Elis Damarys Carrión and Valencia, Christian Bermeo
(2024)
"Strength in the Midst of Loneliness: An Ecuadorian Christian Woman’s Experience of Widowhood,"
The Asbury Theological Journal:
Vol. 79:
No.
2, p. 346-356.
Available at:
https://place.asburyseminary.edu/asburyjournal/vol79/iss2/12
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