Jerry L. Woodbridge

I have heart as a mother and educator of 40 years. I have the heart of a young 42-year-old widow even after 20 years still holding sorrow and joy in my life. After the sudden death of my husband David to undiagnosed colon cancer, I became the sole income provider and mom to two children, ages 12 and 16. I have heart for those who have lost loved ones. It does not matter who you lost, how you lost them, or when you lost your loved one.

I have the heart of a dancer that found community through ballroom dancing, and this special group of dancers from all walks of life and faiths helped me celebrate the first-year anniversary of Dave’s death. I have the heart for my sisters in sorrow while learning that sharing our sorrows can lead to healing so I could embrace joy once again.

I have the heart of an author who found respite in journalling as a young widow and seeking answers to my questions in my faith through scriptures in the Bible to write a widow’s devotional book called, Trading My Sorrows for the Joy of the Lord. My latest writing challenge was to produce a children’s fictional chapter book written from the heart of a 10-year-old-girl named Joy who overcame sorrow. The Lord’s heart guided my heart and hands to the completion of the manuscript; Joy Overcame Sorrow.