Anchors: Living in Two Places at the Same Time
Today I’m delighted to welcome friend and author Marilyn Nutter to share an excerpt from her new book, Hope for Widows. Perhaps you’ve walked through the pain of widowhood with a family member or friend. Or perhaps you know firsthand the devastation and chaos it brings. It’s hard, and we need resources to help us cope.
In Hope for Widows, Marilyn describes her personal journey as she navigates the rocky path back to wholeness with short poignant vignettes. Treasured Reflections and Treasured Thoughts found at the end of each reading provide action steps to help process grief.
Now, here’s Marilyn to share one of them.
Anchors
by Marilyn Nutter
Truly my soul finds rest in God.
Psalm 62:1 NIV
One summer when my grandchildren came to visit, we took our boat out on the water. We chose a spot to anchor, and the kids had a blast jumping off the boat and swimming. At one point, the boat seemed unstable, and we had to set the anchor again. I couldn’t help but make a spiritual analogy to anchors and what they do and who my anchor is, especially in this life season with its uncertainties and newness.
Over the next few days, the concept of real anchors and stability appeared in several readings from different sources. It’s something God wanted to impress on me for good reason.
Anchors moor or hold a boat in place and are especially helpful if someone chooses to swim away from the boat. They keep the boat from drifting. Swimmers need to know the boat is where they last left it. We can count on anchors. They’re stable and reliable.
Hebrews 6:19 tells us, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” This hope, our anchor, is Jesus.
The sudden loss of my husband taught me much about anchors—or, rather, the real, immovable anchors of my life. My husband helped anchor me. With him, I felt secure and safe. His passing meant the end of certain dreams and plans for a long retirement together. Our forty-two plus years together were anchored but now moved.
People often say, “Don’t look at your circumstances.” But my circumstances are real. I live in them 24/7. I now pay the bills, take out the garbage, get the oil changed, eat meals alone, have no one to say “God bless you” when I sneeze or to fasten the clasp on my bracelet. So I choose to live in two places at the same time: in my circumstances (there is no reversing them or getting away from them) and above my circumstances tied to my real anchor.
In Jesus I’m secure. He is the one who keeps me from drifting into negatively imagining my future and engaging in glum thoughts about my present. His promises are true and His love never-ending. He is faithful and is with me every minute of my day.
He is the one anchor who doesn’t move. Stable, secure, immovable, and unchanging. He is my ultimate security and faithful anchor . . . always.
Treasured Reflections: Get to know your Anchor and His promises. Call out for His peace, comfort, and direction as you navigate in two places—in and above your circumstances. He will answer and provide treasures even in pain.
Treasured Thoughts: Journal your thoughts about living in two places and how your Anchor is present in both.
Taken from: Hope for Widows: Reflections on Mourning, Living, and Change © 2024 by Marilyn Nutter All rights reserved.
Published in association with Books & Such Literary Management, www.booksandsuch.com.
Requests for permission to quote from this book should be directed to: Permissions Department, Our Daily Bread Publishing, PO Box 3566, Grand Rapids, MI 49501, or contact us by email at permissionsdept@odb.org.
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To learn more about Marilyn and subscribe to her blog, visit MarilynNutter.com.
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This post shares a truth that can be applied to so many situations. Our circumstances are real, but Jesus is our anchor.
A lovely post. I’m sure Marilyn’s book will be a blessing to many.
I agree, LuAnn — both widows and those who seek to help comfort widows.
Candyce, what a blessing to find another one of my favorite authors here with you! Marilyn’s book hits home for me as a widow. Her honesty and vulnerability in her grief work have been so helpful to me. Marilyn Nutter embodies II Corinthians 1:4, beautifully.
Thank you for inviting her to share her story here.
Jackie Freeman
I’m so glad you’re familiar with Marilyn’s writing, Jackie. Her writing inspires me so.
Thank you Jackie for your kind words. 1 Cor. 1:4 is one of the ways we express gratitude. Marilyn
Marilyn, I can relate so much to your words as a widow. You have captured what most of us feel and helped us see we are not alone in our grief journey. You inspire. May God continue to bless you, your family, and your ministry.
Thank you ladies. Such a needed book. I’ve recommended to several women who lost their husbands.
Thank you Yvonne.
Thanks for sharing from this encouraging book. Marilyn’s experience will help so many women who live in grief.
Thanks, Barbara!
Thank you for sharing an excerpt from Ms. Marilyn’s book with us Ms. Candyce. I’ve been blessed to share several copies with widows (recent and those further along the journey) and all have shared with me how Ms. Marilyn’s book has helped them get in touch with raw emotions, grow, and reflect upon how God is helping them through the process. Being a widow, or widower I suppose, takes grieving to a level that I don’t think can be comparable to any other. Perhaps a child or sibling can come close, but grieving isn’t a competition, it’s a process. Ms. Marilyn’s book helps readers to understand that. God’s blessings to you both and best wishes on your latest book Ms. Marilyn.
Thanks for dropping by, J.D. and sharing your words of wisdom.
Thank you JD for your ministry to widows. I know women relate because my book exposes the many layers of widowhood not “jeust” the loss of a physical presence of their spouse. I appreciate your providing a resource for them. Marilyn
Candyce and Marilyn, thank you for this post. I suddenly lost my husband of 51 years this past September. I just ordered this book and I look forward to reading it because Marilyn has been where I am. Any nuggets of wisdom that Jesus sends my way are greatly appreciated.
Deborah
Deborah, I’m so sorry for your loss. And I’m sure Hope for Widows will prove to be a blessing for you. Prayers for you, Deborah.
Deborah, I am
So sorry for your loss. I pray the thoughts in the book will be personally meaningful and encouraging to you. Lam. 3:21-23 has sustained me and I pray the same for you. Marilyn
Marilyn’s book provides just what the title indicates–HOPE–and we all need hope. This devotional is helpful for anyone who needs reassurance of our Father’s love and the promise of hope. We are blessed to have the anchor that is always faithful.
Thank you Katherine for your kind words about the book. I know you relate in sharing this new and unwelcome life chapter. I also know, like I, you know His amazing grace for each day.
That’s right, Katherine. The anchor that never moves and is always faithful.
Candyce and Marilyn, I’m not a widow, yet this message is relevant for me. We all have “circumstances,” to navigate. Thank you!
Thank you Annie for taking the time to read and comment. Marilyn
That we do, Annie. I’m not a widow, but Marilyn’s excerpt lifted me.