04/16/2026
Honoring the Journey: The 2026 Widows Gathering Services
This past week, the campus of Mt. Olive College in Mt. Olive, N.C., became a sanctuary of healing and empowerment.
The 2026 Widows Gathering Services brought together women from all walks of life to honor their past, acknowledge their present, and equip them for a future defined by Power and Strength.
Hosted by the visionaries Dr. Barbara Lee and Kent Lee of *Word of Truth Outreach Ministry* and *Kingdom Work Force*, the event was a masterclass in intentionality. Every detail was designed to undergird these women as they navigate the complexities of their "New Season."
Empowerment Through Education & Testimony:
The gathering focused on providing practical, emotional, and spiritual tools to help widows transition from grief to resilience.
Mental Health as a Foundation:
Our very own Mary L. Goodman, MSN, APRN PMHNP-BC—a distinguished member of the Gamma Eta Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.—took the stage to educate attendees on the mental health aspects of loss. Mary empowered the women with essential tools to navigate the psychological shifts of widowhood, reminding everyone that mental wellness is a vital component of strength.
The Power of Shared Experience:
Guest speaker Lynn Cox moved the room with a raw and empowering testimony of her own journey. By sharing her personal story of suddenly becoming a widow, she provided a mirror for many in the audience, proving that while the path is difficult, it is possible to walk it with grace and courage.
A Community of Support:
The intentionality shown by **Word of Truth Outreach Ministry** and **Kingdom Work Force** ensured that no woman left feeling alone. By fostering an environment of "undergirding," the organizers created a space where vulnerability was met with support and fear was met with faith.
"Widowhood is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of a New Season of Power."
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