An Outfit of Hope: A Day in the Life of a Widow

 By:  Amanda Hedin, Widowed Mom

If you’re a mom and anything like me, you likely don’t get enough time to yourself. My husband died in January and I’ve struggled with finding time for myself.

My girls, ages 10 and 2 ½ are all consuming and definitely my priority. Just this week I was praying to God to help me find more time for myself and to not be afraid to ask others for help. God works in amazing ways and by using amazing people.

Enter the wonderful, albeit frustrating world of social media.

My dear friend, and fellow widow Betsy nominated me for a Blessing Project from Rachel’s Closet via Facebook. Rachel’s Closet is a boutique in Isanti, MN owned by a faith-filled woman named Rachel. I’ve been meaning to visit because lots of other mom’s in my community shop here and always look so cute.

Betsy and I were scheduled for a coffee date and I was about to cancel due to work obligations when Rachel called to tell me that I was selected and asked if I would be able to come to the store on a day that they are closed and pick out an outfit on them and they would surround me with God’s love and grace.

God knew what I needed at that moment and another friend graciously offered to watch my girls so that Betsy and I could visit Rachel’s Closet the very next day.

Rachel and Paula along with Betsy surrounded me with so much love during those few hours, they prayed with me, read from Psalms, gave me a devotional and listened. It was two hours for just me!

Then styled me with multiple outfits helping me design something that looked great on me. I was so grateful for the help, as this isn’t my strong area. I was prepared to purchase some items since I’ve been meaning to get to the store. I found quite a few things that I absolutely loved.

As our time was winding down, these ladies came to me with two shopping bags and said that this was their gift to me. They felt God telling them to bless me after hearing my story and they wanted to gift me with these amazing clothes.

I was sobbing telling them that I had absolutely every intention of paying for all the other items. They simply wouldn’t allow it! I was so overwhelmed and felt so much love in that moment.

This community of women who love me showed so much of God’s love that day. God knew my needs long before this day, but He wanted me to trust Him and pray specifically for time for myself. He answered and provided me with so much more than I could have expected.

God is not only telling me to pray more fervently but ask others for help.

Amanda Hedin is a widowed mom of two beautiful daughters ages 10 and 2 1/2 years. Yes, she’s thick in the toddler phase asking “Do you have to go potty” about 65 times per day. Amanda lost her best friend and husband Scott in January 2020. Amanda is learning to trust God and deepen her relationship with him because as is the reminder on her phone at 6:00 am everyday, God, I can’t do this on my own. 

If you are interested in submitting your own story in an upcoming Forever Changed Widow blog post, please submit your idea and contact information to Erin Hente by clicking here.