The Undistracted Widow: Living for God after Losing Your Husband

by Carol W. Cornish

Writing from a biblical perspective, Carol Cornish helps readers to discover how God is working in the midst of the deep distress of losing a spouse. She provides the reader with direction in finding true and lasting comfort in Christ. Cornish, who lost her husband of 38 years to lung cancer, encourages widows to use their widowhood for God’s glory. Ministry to widows needs to be a priority for Christian communities, and Cornish equips churches, families, and friends to come alongside those mourning the loss of a spouse.

The Undistracted Widow includes sections to help widows find renewed identity and purpose. Cornish helps readers trust in God, manage emotions, learn from both biblical and contemporary widows, rethink the past, present, and future, and prepare for what’s next. Pastors, churches, and others will benefit from practical appendices. Any woman who is grieving the loss of her husband, or who knows of someone in mourning, will find this to be a valuable resource.

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

CAROL W. CORNISH has been a biblical counselor for over 20 years and is a regular speaker at women’s seminars, workshops, and retreats. She co-edited and co-authored Women Helping Women, which was a finalist for the Gold Medallion Book Award.

Reviews

[April]

“Marriage is the most intimate of human relationships. When that relationship is severed by death, intense sorrow follows. Seek out the companionship and counsel of the One who can guide you perfectly and thoroughly.” I have read numerous books on grief since the passing of my sweet husband 15 months ago and this one spoke volumes to my heart. It revived my soul in my continued pursuit of Christ, resting in God's sovereign will with practical application for day-to-day living with the heartache. Exceptional read...highly recommend it to those walking this path or those who know someone walking this path. Brilliant...it's aligned so sweetly with God's heart.

[Ashley Galo]

Definitely have to be the right place in your widow/ grief journey to read this. Some chapters brought comfort, closer to Christ, and some chapters stretched me in my perspective. Encouraging that God’s plan is His Best for me..”We look to Him - back at what He has done and forward to what He will do.”

[Carol Roskam]

I loved this book from the perspective of a widow of almost three months. This book encouraged me that despite my painful loss (which still is largely not understandable to me) to keep my mind stayed on Christ.
Although, that may sound easier said than done the author tenderly explains and shows us how. As the title of the book says, It’s about becoming an Undistracted Widow. I pray I am able to move forward and focus on the plan God has for me.

[Wendy Park]

Best read after the first year of widowhood and young widows should read some suggestions with the viewpoint of they are meant for the older widow. The mending while intending section is very helpful.

[Linda Carroll]

Excellent book and counsel

Biblically based advice on widowhood and honoring God in your life after becoming a widow. This book enlightened me and encourage me. Highly recommend.

[Amy]

3 1/2 stars. There are many good things in this book to apply to my life, however it lost some stars for being too black/white on matters I felt were not so. Some passages are very helpful.

[Lisa Halloran]

This is an invaluable and Godly book for widows. It gave me perspectives on many issues I hadn't yet considered.

[Ann]

Easy to read. Great thought-provoking coverage of an important subject from a realistic and Biblical perspective.

[Darius]

very good

[Mark Loughridge]

Good solid book on life after bereavement from a biblical perspective.