What Can We Learn from a Widow? (Guest, Pamela Leding)

• Aug, 12 2025

In this episode of Out of the Question, host Andrea Schwartz speaks with Pamela Letting about a life-changing event that shifted her from the role of wife to widow. Pamela shares the story of her 31-year marriage to her husband John, their mutual journey to faith in Christ, and the sudden, tragic accident that took John’s life during the height of COVID restrictions. She reflects on the shock, the deep grief, and the strange coexistence of sorrow with a Spirit-given peace that came from knowing God’s sovereignty over life and death. Pamela’s experience highlights that while widowhood brings profound loss, the foundation of faith can hold fast even in life’s most shattering moments.The conversation also explores what widowhood looks like beyond the initial loss — the decisions, the adjustments, and the ongoing walk with Christ. Pamela speaks candidly about the comfort she found in people talking about her late husband, the importance of reaching out to those grieving, and how her own compassion deepened through suffering. She emphasizes the biblical calling to love and support widows, the sufficiency of Christ as the true anchor in both marriage and widowhood, and how such experiences can open doors to minister to others, even those outside the faith. Her story is a testimony that while life changes forever, it most certainly isn’t over, because our ultimate purpose remains: to glorify Christ in every season.

Hosted by

Andrea Schwartz

Christian education advocate, author, and mentor