Welcome, Shelly. Why
did you decide to write this book after all these years?
I never aspired be a writer. I was definitely not qualified to write a book, but on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 in 2011, God really started tugging at my heart to tell my story. So honestly, it was out of obedience to God. But through the long process of writing this book, God was continuing to heal my heart and grow me into the woman I was created to be.
When your husband died on 9/11, you became a widow and a single mom. What did you learn about God during those darkest days?
That He is my all and all. I knew all along as I watched others go through 9/11 that I had something not everyone had. I had hope! I knew God was going to take care of my daughter and me. And He did. God was faithful through it all.
You talk about refusing to believe that your husband was dead even though you saw his tower collapse, as did many family members of 9/11 victims. What kind of emotions did you go through during those first few days and weeks?
I was absolutely in shock and denial, but I also believe that God placed me in a protective cocoon. My spiritual gift has always been faith. So even though it seemed humanly impossible for anyone to survive the towers crumbling to the ground, my faith kicked in. I knew that my God was bigger than what I could see. I hid myself in the Lord and I refused to lose faith. In return, my faith grew stronger.
You talk about your reluctance to love again after your husband died. What would your advice be to widows about dating after loss?
I think if you’ve ever truly loved someone, you want that love back in your life. I was so afraid to allow myself to love again that I almost lost my chance at finding happiness. I would say completely give it to the Lord and stay under the umbrella of His protection by being in His will. Loving someone again doesn’t mean that you ever have to stop loving the other person. God will give you a big enough heart to love both.
I never aspired be a writer. I was definitely not qualified to write a book, but on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 in 2011, God really started tugging at my heart to tell my story. So honestly, it was out of obedience to God. But through the long process of writing this book, God was continuing to heal my heart and grow me into the woman I was created to be.
When your husband died on 9/11, you became a widow and a single mom. What did you learn about God during those darkest days?
That He is my all and all. I knew all along as I watched others go through 9/11 that I had something not everyone had. I had hope! I knew God was going to take care of my daughter and me. And He did. God was faithful through it all.
You talk about refusing to believe that your husband was dead even though you saw his tower collapse, as did many family members of 9/11 victims. What kind of emotions did you go through during those first few days and weeks?
I was absolutely in shock and denial, but I also believe that God placed me in a protective cocoon. My spiritual gift has always been faith. So even though it seemed humanly impossible for anyone to survive the towers crumbling to the ground, my faith kicked in. I knew that my God was bigger than what I could see. I hid myself in the Lord and I refused to lose faith. In return, my faith grew stronger.
You talk about your reluctance to love again after your husband died. What would your advice be to widows about dating after loss?
I think if you’ve ever truly loved someone, you want that love back in your life. I was so afraid to allow myself to love again that I almost lost my chance at finding happiness. I would say completely give it to the Lord and stay under the umbrella of His protection by being in His will. Loving someone again doesn’t mean that you ever have to stop loving the other person. God will give you a big enough heart to love both.
How can the body of
Christ be more helpful to widows and single moms?
Most of all by praying for them. I would not have survived everything I went through without prayer. The body of Christ was so unbelievable to me, and prayed me through my darkest days. We also need to offer help with the ordinary, day-to-day tasks of life such as food, money, housing, etc. Helping them do simple tasks like babysitting, picking up their kids from school, or grocery shopping—things we take for granted— can be such a blessing to a widow or single mom.
9/11 was an emotional experience for the entire country, but obviously, it was thoroughly traumatic for the families of the victims. What was the worst moment(s) for you during the aftermath?
I would definitely say waking up each morning and realizing that your life will never be the same. It was very difficult for me to watch life go on as normal, when nothing in my life was normal. I thought I would never be happy again. But my God is a Redeemer and made all things new.
If you had to offer 3 pieces of advice to people experiencing tragedy, what would you say?
Realize that you’re not alone. God is always there. He is there to offer comfort in times of trouble and to give us hope when we feel hopeless. He is honestly our only hope. Secondly, surround yourself with the family, friends, and the body of Christ. They want to help you. In return, you will feel the love of Christ wrapping His arms around you by the precious people He places in your life. And lastly, take one day at a time. God will give you just enough light to take the next step toward your journey of healing. Unfortunately, there are so many tragic events in this fallen world today. I personally do not know how anybody goes through a tragedy without knowing Christ.
Most of all by praying for them. I would not have survived everything I went through without prayer. The body of Christ was so unbelievable to me, and prayed me through my darkest days. We also need to offer help with the ordinary, day-to-day tasks of life such as food, money, housing, etc. Helping them do simple tasks like babysitting, picking up their kids from school, or grocery shopping—things we take for granted— can be such a blessing to a widow or single mom.
9/11 was an emotional experience for the entire country, but obviously, it was thoroughly traumatic for the families of the victims. What was the worst moment(s) for you during the aftermath?
I would definitely say waking up each morning and realizing that your life will never be the same. It was very difficult for me to watch life go on as normal, when nothing in my life was normal. I thought I would never be happy again. But my God is a Redeemer and made all things new.
If you had to offer 3 pieces of advice to people experiencing tragedy, what would you say?
Realize that you’re not alone. God is always there. He is there to offer comfort in times of trouble and to give us hope when we feel hopeless. He is honestly our only hope. Secondly, surround yourself with the family, friends, and the body of Christ. They want to help you. In return, you will feel the love of Christ wrapping His arms around you by the precious people He places in your life. And lastly, take one day at a time. God will give you just enough light to take the next step toward your journey of healing. Unfortunately, there are so many tragic events in this fallen world today. I personally do not know how anybody goes through a tragedy without knowing Christ.
Where can my blog
readers find you online?
Thank you, Shelly,
for sharing your new book with us today.
Readers, here are links to the book.
Twice Blessed: A Journey of Hope through 9/11
- PaperbackTwice Blessed: A Journey of Hope through 9/11 - Kindle
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7 comments:
Hello from a very HOT and DRY central Texas! I’m actually surprised that we haven’t seen very many widows stories since the tragedy. I admire her standing in faith to get through all of this. It was a terrible time in our nation.
perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
Perrianne Askew
Thank you for sharing your most personal journey. Although completely different, I feel that I can relate in some small way. We lost our only child, our daughter Jenet, when she was 17 due to a horrible car accident in which she was a passenger. Although many kids were involved, Jenet, was the only one to die. Like you, I don't know how anyone could go through such sudden, unexpected deaths without God with them through the days when you are numb, to the days of asking why, and on to the days of living without them.
I know that "TWICE BLESSED" is an amazing book and I would love the opportunity to read it. It's now on my TBR list. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!
Kay Garrett from Mountain View, AR
2clowns at arkansas dot net
I would be honored to read this book. We are truly blessed that God gets us through the highs and devastating lows in life.
Melanie Backus, Texas
I’m so sorry for your loss, but God is good and brings restoration. Thank you for sharing. Blessings from WV.
This sounds like a very inspiring book. Thanks for sharing!
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you Shelly for sharing your story. I believe you will have some good lessons for anyone who reads it both those who have experienced loss or for those who love them. Praying for as you embark on this journey.
Kelly from Michigan
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.
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