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...

Episode snapshot: Cindy and Vickie meet listeners on Christmas Day with comfort for widows—whether you’re surrounded by family or spending the day alone—by revisiting the Christmas story, focusing on the angels’ message, and offering practical ways to push back fear and choose peace.

On Christmas Day, Vickie and Cindy reflect on the meaning behind familiar Christmas songs and the birth of Jesus, then read the story of the shepherds and the angels (Luke 2). From there, the conversation turns into gentle coaching for widows: how to resist fear (especially around finances and the future), how to “capture” dark thoughts, and how to intentionally shift from “woe is me” into gratitude, worship, and joy.

Vicki shares how, after coming to faith, the lyrics of well-known Christmas songs became deeply meaningful—each one pointing back to Jesus’ birth and lifting her perspective.

They read Luke 2:8–18 and reflect on the awe of God’s presence, the angels’ announcement of “good tidings of great joy,” and how the shepherds responded—going to see Jesus and telling others.

The episode pivots to practical encouragement: fear can be loud (especially after loss), but the hosts emphasize trusting God and refusing to let fear lead your thoughts or decisions.

Vicki shares a memorable “puppet skit” story about a child afraid at night—and how quoting Scripture and telling fear to leave became a practical pattern she still uses.

A standout moment: Vicki describes opening the front and back doors and literally sweeping through the house while commanding fear to go—ending in praise as the fear lifted.

They name how easy it is to slip into “woe is me” during the holidays and encourage listeners to intentionally look for what’s good, worship, and receive peace as a choice.

1. Luke 2:8–18 (and through the shepherds’ response) — Angels, “good tidings,” peace, and the shepherds going to see Jesus.
2. 2 Timothy 1:7 — “God has not given us a spirit of fear…” (quoted in the fear story).
3. Jeremiah 29:11 — God’s good plans for the future (referenced as encouragement for the new year).
4. Job 3:25 — fear opening the door / what is feared coming upon a person (discussed as a warning against living in fear).
5. “A merry heart does good like medicine” (referenced as encouragement to choose joy).

1. If you feel alone today: you’re not forgotten—turn toward worship and the Christmas story as a lifeline.
2. When fear shows up, name it and challenge it—out loud if you need to.
3. Interrupt spirals by shifting your body (walk, dance, clean, praise—anything that breaks the...