Tag Archives: Widow

The Single Series: Beyond Widowhood

Rediscovering Life, Identity, Purpose, and Love After Loss

The loss of a husband can be one of the most devastating experiences a woman will ever endure. When you have shared your life with someone, built memories together, established routines, loved deeply, and imagined growing old together, his absence can make the world feel unfamiliar. Widowhood is not simply the loss of a person; it can feel like the loss of an entire life as you knew it. For me, the loss of my husband was devastating. It took a long time before I could begin to feel that life was normal again. Even today, I still miss him.

Grief does not follow a calendar. People may eventually stop asking how you are doing, but that does not mean the love or memories have disappeared. A widow can laugh again, work again, travel again, worship again, and even imagine a future again while still missing the man she lost. Healing does not require forgetting. Sometimes healing means learning how to carry the memory of someone you loved while continuing to live the life that remains.

The Bible has a special concern for widows. Scripture repeatedly commands God’s people to care for them rather than exploit their vulnerability. Deuteronomy 10:18 declares that God “doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow” (KJV). Psalm 68:5 calls Him “A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows” (KJV). These passages reveal something important: God sees the widow. Her circumstances are not invisible to Him.

God’s concern for widows is not merely sentimental. Scripture places responsibility upon the community to provide practical care. Isaiah 1:17 commands God’s people to “relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow” (KJV). James 1:27 describes pure religion as including the care of “the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (KJV). Biblical faith therefore requires more than telling widows to “be strong.” It calls God’s people to actually help them.

First Timothy 5 provides an extensive discussion of widows and emphasizes that families should take responsibility for caring for their own relatives when possible (1 Timothy 5:3–16, KJV). This is important because widowhood can create practical vulnerabilities in addition to emotional ones. A woman may suddenly find herself responsible for bills, housing, children, insurance, taxes, repairs, and decisions that were previously shared with her husband. Grief can therefore be accompanied by tremendous financial and practical pressure.

My own journey through widowhood has included financial difficulties and tribulations that seemed to come one after another. There have been moments when I have wondered, “Where is God in all of this?” That is an honest question. Faith does not mean pretending that everything is easy. There are moments when a believer can love God deeply and still feel exhausted, frightened, confused, or overwhelmed. The Psalms are filled with people crying out to God in precisely these circumstances.

David repeatedly asked God questions in the middle of distress. Psalm 13 begins with the words, “How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever?” (KJV). Yet David did not remain in despair. He eventually declared, “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation” (Psalm 13:5, KJV). There is something profoundly comforting about this passage: God allows His people to bring their questions to Him. A widow does not have to hide her pain from God to prove her faith.

Through everything, I have discovered that God is the One who pulled me through. Even when I could not understand what He was doing, He sustained me. Even when circumstances seemed impossible, I somehow continued. Even when I felt that I had reached the end of my strength, another day came. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that “they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength” (KJV). Sometimes God’s provision comes as a dramatic miracle; other times it comes as enough strength to get through one more day.

Widowhood has also taught me that vulnerability can attract people with dishonorable intentions. Many men have attempted to fill the place of my husband. Some had the wrong intentions. Some were posers, liars, ungodly, and simply losers. Others presented themselves as men of faith when their lives did not demonstrate the character they claimed to possess. Some even told me that the Most High had supposedly told them that I would be their wife.

Sisters, please understand this: someone telling you that God said you belong to them does not make it true. God does not need another person to manipulate you with a supposed divine revelation. A man’s claim that God chose you for him is not a substitute for your discernment, his character, mutual consent, and a relationship that demonstrates godly fruit. Scripture tells us to “try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1, KJV). We are instructed to examine what people claim rather than blindly accepting every spiritual declaration.

One of the strongest boundaries I established was simple: no sex until marriage. That decision weeded a lot of men out. Men who were genuinely interested in building something honorable could respect the boundary. Men whose primary objective was sexual access often revealed themselves quickly. What initially felt like rejection became discernment. Sometimes God protects us by allowing someone’s true intentions to become obvious.

First Corinthians 6:18 instructs believers to “flee fornication” (KJV), while Hebrews 13:4 declares that marriage is honorable and that sexual intimacy belongs within the honor of marriage. Waiting until marriage is not about pretending that sexuality does not exist. It is about recognizing that sexuality carries spiritual, emotional, and relational consequences and should not be separated from covenant commitment.

My experience has taught me that finding a good man can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. There are many men who can talk about God, quote Scripture, attend church, or use spiritual language. But finding a man who truly loves God with all his heart and actually lives the life is another matter. Character cannot be established by words alone. Jesus taught that people are known by their fruits (Matthew 7:16–20, KJV). The question is not merely, “Does he say he loves God?” The question is, “Does his life demonstrate that he does?”

A godly man should not need to manipulate a woman, pressure her sexually, deceive her, compete with her, or use God as a weapon to obtain her affection. His life should demonstrate integrity, self-control, humility, faithfulness, compassion, responsibility, and reverence for God. Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as including love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (KJV). These qualities matter far more than impressive words.

Widows must also be careful not to allow loneliness to make them lower their standards. Loneliness is real. There may be nights when you desperately want someone beside you. There may be holidays when the empty chair seems louder than everything else in the room. There may be moments when you wish someone would simply hold you and tell you that everything will be okay. But loneliness should never become a reason to accept someone who will destroy the peace you fought so hard to recover. Loneliness really wasn’t an issue for me; I was homeschooling my son and working nonstop to keep my mind busy.

You do not dishonor your deceased husband by continuing to live. You do not betray the memories you shared by smiling again. You do not dishonor your past by discovering new interests, developing new friendships, pursuing new goals, or even considering love again someday. Ecclesiastes teaches that there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4, KJV). Life contains different seasons, and God can meet us in every one of them.

At the same time, no widow should feel pressured to remarry. Marriage is not a requirement for a woman’s life to have meaning. Paul acknowledges the unmarried and widowed in First Corinthians 7 and discusses both singleness and marriage without suggesting that one person’s worth is greater than the other’s (1 Corinthians 7:8–9, KJV). A widow can live a full, meaningful, productive, spiritually rich life without replacing her husband.

Your identity must ultimately be found in God. Your husband was important, but he was never your Creator. He was a beloved companion, not the source of your existence. When he died, something precious was taken from your earthly life, but your relationship with God remained. Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever” (KJV). That verse speaks powerfully to the widow whose earthly circumstances have changed but whose God has not changed.

There may also be seasons when God seems silent. Financial struggles can make faith difficult. Unexpected bills, uncertainty, loneliness, and unanswered prayers can wear down even a strong woman. But silence is not necessarily abandonment. Sometimes God is working in ways we cannot yet see. Proverbs 3:5–6 instructs us to trust in the LORD rather than leaning entirely upon our own understanding. Trust does not mean that we understand everything. It means we continue walking with God even when we do not.

Widowhood can also become a season of discovering strength that you did not know you possessed. You may discover that you can make decisions you once made together. You may learn financial skills, develop new talents, pursue education, build a business, serve others, strengthen your relationship with God, or become an encouragement to another widow. The woman who emerges from grief may not be the woman she was before her husband’s death—and that is not necessarily a tragedy. Sometimes suffering produces a deeper wisdom.

My relationship with God is what is helping me. That relationship has become an anchor through circumstances I never expected to face. I have questioned. I have cried. I have become discouraged. I have wondered where God was in the middle of financial difficulties and tribulations. Yet somehow, He has continued to carry me. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (KJV). I have learned that sometimes the greatest evidence of God’s presence is simply the fact that I am still standing.

To every widow reading this: permit yourself to grieve. Permit yourself to remember. Permit yourself to laugh. Permit yourself to start again. Do not let anyone rush you into another relationship because they believe you have been alone long enough. Do not allow anyone to exploit your vulnerability. Do not confuse attention with love, spiritual language with godliness, chemistry with character, or loneliness with destiny.

Protect your heart, but do not bury it. Be discerning, but do not become bitter. Be cautious, but do not assume every person is the same. There are still honorable people in the world. There are still men who fear God, value commitment, respect boundaries, keep their word, and understand that love is demonstrated through action. Whether God brings another marriage into your life or not, your future remains valuable.

And if another relationship ever comes, let it be one that honors God rather than merely fills an empty chair. Let it be built slowly enough for character to reveal itself. Let the man’s actions agree with his words. Let him respect your boundaries. Let him honor your history rather than compete with the memory of your husband. Let him understand that loving a widow may require patience because she carries a history that cannot simply be erased.

Most importantly, do not allow anyone to convince you that you must have another man to be whole. You are already a complete human being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27, KJV). Marriage can be a beautiful gift, but it is not the foundation of your worth. Your worth existed before your marriage, during your marriage, and after your husband’s death.

Beyond widowhood does not mean beyond the memories. It means beyond allowing loss to become the final chapter. It means recognizing that grief can coexist with hope. It means understanding that missing your husband does not mean you cannot embrace tomorrow. It means allowing God to take the broken pieces of a life you never expected to rebuild and create something meaningful from them.

My next chapter is still being written by HIS hand. I do not know everything that chapter will contain. I do not know every answer to my financial struggles, every detail of my future, or whether another man will ever occupy the place of husband in my life. But I know who holds the pen. And that is enough for me to keep moving forward.

To every widow: your story is not over. You have survived days you once believed you could never survive. You have cried tears that nobody else saw. You have carried responsibilities that once belonged to two people. You have awakened to an empty side of the bed and still gotten up. You have continued when continuing was difficult. That is strength.

There is life beyond widowhood. There can be purpose beyond widowhood. There can be joy beyond widowhood. There can be service, friendship, creativity, accomplishment, spiritual growth, laughter, peace, and perhaps even love beyond widowhood. But you do not have to force any of it. Walk with God one day at a time. Let Him restore what grief has damaged. Let Him teach you what the next season requires. Let Him close doors that would harm you and open doors that are consistent with His will.

The widow’s journey is not simply a journey from loss to another relationship. It is a journey from devastation toward restoration, from uncertainty toward trust, and from asking “What is left of my life?” toward discovering that God still has purpose for the life that remains. Psalm 30:5 reminds us, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (KJV). The morning may not arrive on our schedule, but we can continue believing that darkness does not have the final word.

I still miss my husband. I always will. Love does not disappear simply because death separates two people. But I am learning that I can carry the love and memories of yesterday while still walking toward tomorrow. My husband was part of my story, but he was not the author of my entire story. God is.

And so I continue.

I continue to pray.

I continue to believe.

I continue to hope.

I continue to build.

I continue to live.

Because my next chapter is still being written by HIS hand.

Biblical References

The Holy Bible, King James Version. (KJV).

Deuteronomy 10:18 — God cares for and protects widows.
Deuteronomy 24:17–21 — Israel commanded not to mistreat widows.
Psalm 13:1–6 — Honest lament and renewed trust in God.
Psalm 46:1 — God as refuge and strength in trouble.
Psalm 68:5 — God as a defender of widows.
Psalm 73:26 — God as the strength and portion of His people.
Psalm 147:3 — God heals the brokenhearted.
Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trusting God when the path is unclear.
Isaiah 1:17 — God’s people commanded to care for widows.
Isaiah 40:31 — God renews the strength of those who wait upon Him.
Matthew 7:16–20 — People are known by their fruit.
1 Corinthians 6:18 — Fleeing sexual immorality.
1 Corinthians 7:8–9 — Paul’s teaching concerning widows and marriage.
Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit.
1 Timothy 5:3–16 — Care and responsibility toward widows.
Hebrews 13:4 — Marriage honored and sexual purity protected.
James 1:27 — Caring for widows as an expression of pure religion.
1 John 4:1 — Testing spiritual claims rather than believing every spirit.

The Bible Series: “”Ruth and Boaz”” : A Covenant Love That Endures.

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“Two souls divinely woven in time,
One from sorrow, one steadfast and kind.
She gleaned in the fields with faith as her guide,
He opened his heart, with honor as pride.
Their love was not sudden, but rooted in grace,
A story eternal no culture can replace.
Ruth and Boaz, a union so pure,
A testament of love that forever endures.”

The love story of Ruth and Boaz is among the most beautiful narratives of covenant faith, devotion, and divine providence in the Bible. Ruth was a Moabite woman, widowed after her marriage to Mahlon, the son of Elimelech and Naomi (Ruth 1:2-5, KJV). After her husband’s death, Ruth chose to remain faithful to Naomi, declaring, “whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16, KJV). Boaz, on the other hand, was a wealthy landowner of Bethlehem, a kinsman of Elimelech, known for his honor, kindness, and godly character.

From the beginning of the account, Ruth’s loyalty sets her apart. Though she could have returned to her own family and gods, she committed herself to Naomi and to the God of Israel. This choice was more than a gesture of affection—it was a declaration of faith and identity. In leaving Moab, she symbolically left behind idolatry and embraced the covenant people of God. This shows how love and faith intertwine; Ruth’s devotion was not just emotional, but deeply spiritual.

When Ruth and Naomi returned to Bethlehem during barley harvest, Ruth went to glean in the fields, an act permitted by Mosaic law for the poor and strangers (Leviticus 19:9-10, KJV). Providence guided her steps to the field of Boaz, where she would not only find provision, but also destiny. Boaz immediately noticed her diligence, humility, and grace, even before knowing her full story. His first words to her were words of protection and kindness, instructing her to remain in his fields and assuring her safety (Ruth 2:8-9, KJV).

Boaz’s actions reflected a man of noble character. He was a protector, provider, and a man sensitive to God’s law. Unlike many who could have ignored Ruth’s plight as a poor foreigner, Boaz went beyond obligation and showed compassion. He even commanded his reapers to leave extra grain for her (Ruth 2:15-16, KJV). His treatment of Ruth demonstrates that true love is not predatory or self-seeking, but nurturing, honorable, and rooted in respect.

Ruth, in turn, demonstrated her humility and gratitude. She asked Boaz why he would show her such kindness as a stranger, to which he responded that he had heard of her loyalty to Naomi and her faithfulness after her husband’s death (Ruth 2:11-12, KJV). This exchange highlights how character and reputation play a role in forming godly unions. Ruth’s heart and actions preceded her, and Boaz valued her inner beauty as much as her outward grace.

Naomi, recognizing the favor Ruth had found, instructed her in the custom of the kinsman-redeemer (Leviticus 25:25, KJV). A close relative of a deceased man could redeem the widow, securing lineage and inheritance. Naomi guided Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor, a symbolic and delicate act of trust. Ruth obeyed, laying herself at Boaz’s feet, a gesture of humility and request for covering (Ruth 3:7-9, KJV). Her request was not one of seduction, but of covenant—seeking the shelter of his role as redeemer.

Boaz, again proving his integrity, did not take advantage of her vulnerability. Instead, he blessed her for her kindness and noble character. He promised to fulfill his duty, yet also acknowledged there was a nearer kinsman who had first right (Ruth 3:12-13, KJV). This shows his righteousness in following the law of God rather than rushing into desire. Even in love, he placed honor and God’s order above personal inclination.

The next day, Boaz presented the matter before the elders at the gate. The nearer kinsman declined, unwilling to jeopardize his own inheritance, thereby leaving the right to Boaz. In the presence of witnesses, Boaz formally redeemed Ruth, securing her as his wife and perpetuating the name of her late husband (Ruth 4:9-10, KJV). This moment marked the union of love, law, and legacy.

Their marriage was blessed not only by the community but by God. Ruth bore Obed, who became the father of Jesse, and the grandfather of King David (Ruth 4:17, KJV). This makes Ruth a part of the direct lineage of Christ, underscoring the divine significance of her love story. A Moabite widow, once an outsider, became central in God’s redemptive plan.

The love story of Ruth and Boaz teaches many timeless lessons. First, it shows the beauty of faithfulness and loyalty, as Ruth’s devotion positioned her for blessings beyond imagination. Second, it highlights the importance of character, as Boaz’s integrity and compassion made him a man worthy of trust. Third, it demonstrates that true love is grounded in covenant, not just emotion—it is about responsibility, faith, and legacy.

For modern relationships, Ruth and Boaz serve as the ultimate example. They remind us that love should be God-centered, respectful, and marked by patience. Boaz did not rush the process, and Ruth did not manipulate the outcome. Instead, both walked in faith, and God orchestrated their union at the right time. Their story assures us that when love is aligned with God’s will, it leads not just to romance, but to generational blessings.

The poetic beauty of Ruth and Boaz is that their love was never just about themselves. It was about God’s larger plan of redemption. What began as sorrow and loss for Ruth became the pathway to hope and restoration. Her story teaches that God can turn grief into joy, emptiness into fullness, and ordinary faithfulness into extraordinary legacy.

Ruth and Boaz’s story also elevates the dignity of women. Ruth was not seen as a mere possession or burden, but as a woman of virtue. Boaz acknowledged her worth and honored her as such. This narrative challenges cultures that devalue women and instead celebrates the woman of strength and loyalty as precious in God’s sight.

The legacy of their love continues to inspire because it was rooted not in superficial attraction but in covenant. Unlike many modern relationships that emphasize fleeting passion, their union stood on respect, faith, and divine timing. Theirs is not only a love story—it is a God story.

In the end, Ruth and Boaz show us what happens when faith and love meet in obedience. It is a reminder that love, when consecrated by God, becomes more than personal satisfaction—it becomes part of divine history. Their union produced not only joy for themselves but hope for the world, culminating in the birth of Christ centuries later.

As the book of Ruth concludes, the once-bitter Naomi rejoiced, the widowed Ruth was restored, and the honorable Boaz was blessed. Their story reminds us of the words of 1 Corinthians 13:13 (KJV): “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” Their love was charity in action—faithful, enduring, and eternal.


📖 KJV Bible References

  • Ruth 1:2-5, 16
  • Ruth 2:8-12, 15-16
  • Ruth 3:7-13
  • Ruth 4:9-10, 17
  • Leviticus 19:9-10
  • Leviticus 25:25
  • 1 Corinthians 13:13

Dilemma: Singleness, Widowhood, and Purity.

Photo by Sherman Trotz on Pexels.com

Singleness, Widowhood, and Purity: A Hebraic Israelite Reflection on Divine Timing and Purpose

1. Singleness as a Sacred Gift

Singleness is not a curse—it is a consecrated gift from the Most High. It offers an undivided opportunity for devotion, clarity, and spiritual intimacy. As the Psalmist declares, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help” (Psalm 121:1, KJV). In the stillness of singleness, the believer can focus wholeheartedly on the things of YAH without the distractions of earthly partnership.

Yahawahshi (Jesus) Himself affirmed the spiritual blessing of singleness when He said, “All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given” (Matthew 19:11, KJV). Similarly, Apostle Paul echoed this sentiment: “For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God” (1 Corinthians 7:7, KJV). This gift is not for everyone, but for those whom the Most High has graced with it, it becomes a sacred calling.

As Brother Emmanuel Sdi beautifully reflects:

“I love being single. I get to spend all my time with the Most High. No pressure, just sheer happiness.”

2. The Virtues of Singleness

Singleness offers a distinct advantage in fulfilling divine assignments. Apostle Paul articulates this in his epistle to the Corinthians, asserting that “he that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:32, KJV). The absence of marital obligations allows one to be wholly available to the service and ministry of the Most High.

It is not merely about freedom from marital conflict, but about spiritual focus. The weight and responsibilities of marriage are significant, and not to be entered into lightly (Matthew 19:6). While the institution of marriage is honorable, it requires time, sacrifice, and energy that can divide a person’s focus. A single person, in contrast, may travel, serve, and worship with unburdened liberty.

Sister Lena Garth reflects this truth poignantly:

“I don’t envy those married people having to deal with each other’s problems… Doing my mission work is easier, and if I were married, it would be harder, I imagine.”

3. The Challenges of Singleness

Despite its benefits, singleness presents profound emotional and spiritual challenges. The Scripture affirms, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18, KJV). Companionship, intimacy, and support are natural and necessary human desires, and the lack thereof can lead to emotional voids, sexual temptation, and spiritual fatigue.

Paul acknowledges the battle: “But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn” (1 Corinthians 7:9, KJV). Loneliness, if unchecked, may lead to destructive habits such as masturbation, pornography, and emotional despair. This requires vigilance: “Flee fornication” (1 Corinthians 6:18, KJV). Practical strategies such as accountability partners, prayer, fasting, and community engagement can fortify the soul in times of trial.

ZakaYah Banath Yasharahla shares an unfiltered, passionate testimony of the feminine struggle in modernity:

“To hell with this independent woman, I don’t need no man, do bad all by myself thing… I’m ready to be dependent on my king… I’m tired of having to defend myself from males outside my home… I want to be the feminine, soft, sweet, quiet, nurturing, skilled in home economics, family-oriented virtuous woman that Yah designed me to be.”

Her testimony underscores the deep yearning many women experience—not merely for marriage, but for alignment with their created role under divine order. It also illustrates the psychological, emotional, and spiritual cost of living outside that sacred design.

4. The Eternal View of Singleness

Not all singles will marry in this life—but no follower of YAH is alone for eternity. Earthly marriage is a temporary picture of a much greater reality: the marriage between the Messiah and His bride—the assembly of the faithful. Revelation 19:7 proclaims, “Let us be glad and rejoice… for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” This eschatological hope gives eternal meaning to the single life.

Brother Samuel Geitz, at age 40, reflects with both longing and hope:

“I look forward to getting married, but at 40 it seems so hard to find someone in the truth. I pray that I will experience marriage before I die. Pray for me to find my Sarah.”

His statement is a blend of realism and righteous hope. The wait may be long, but the reward is worth the wait when one’s desire aligns with divine timing.


The Six Commandments for the Set-Apart Woman

  1. Seek the Most High Above All
    • The Bible is your blueprint. Meditate on His Word day and night (Joshua 1:8).
  2. Remain Under Parental Covering (When Possible)
    • In ancient Israel, daughters remained with their families until betrothal (Exodus 22:16–17). This tradition offered protection and moral guidance.
  3. Beware of Spiritual Manipulation
    • Test every spirit (1 John 4:1). Not every man who claims, “The Most High told me you’re my wife,” is sent by YAH. Pray for discernment.
  4. Maintain Physical and Mental Health
    • Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Eat well, rest, exercise, and remain spiritually sober.
  5. Adorn Yourself in Modesty
    • Modesty is dignity (1 Timothy 2:9–10). It honors both YAH and your future husband.
  6. Preserve Your Purity Until Marriage
    • “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1, KJV). Your body is not a bargaining chip—it is a sacred offering.

Final Word

Being single, widowed, or unmarried is not a mark of shame—it is a station ordained by the Most High for purpose, purification, and preparation. Whether waiting for a mate, recovering from loss, or walking a lifelong path of celibacy, know that you are not forgotten. As Isaiah 54:5 reminds us: “For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name.”

Wait with hope, walk in holiness, and serve with gladness.


References:

  • Holy Bible, King James Version. (1769). Thomas Nelson.
  • Apostle Paul. (ca. 55 AD). First Corinthians.
  • Isaiah. (ca. 740–681 BC). Book of Isaiah.
  • Revelation. (ca. 95 AD). Book of Revelation.
  • Harris, J. (2006). Sacred Singleness: The Set-Apart Life for Women. Multnomah.
  • Piper, J. (2011). This Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanence. Crossway.