MARLENE BURLING
1. How did your writing change your life? As a widow, my writing has helped me to take my focus off from me and given me a desire to be an encouragement to others who are going through similar losses; to help them to realize they can go on even in the midst of loss. 2. Before your husband passed away, have you imagined becoming an author of devotionals? I had never even thought about writing such a book. It was after my husband passed away that my family and friends encouraged me to write a book after I had been writing daily posts of encouragement on facebook. 5. We have gathered on your Facebook fan page, @morningthoughtswithmarlene that you have started a workshop called There’s Life After Death—(LIVING in Widowhood) . Can you tell us more about it? Grief lasts a lot longer than what our society thinks it should. There are people who may say after even a month or two that “you shouldn’t be grieving; it’s time to get over it.” Yes, it may get better but you don’t get over it. It will never be the same. But, life does go on and there is a verse of scripture that says, “The thief comes to steal, to kill and to destroy, but I have come to give you life and to give it to you more abundantly” John 10:10. We have an awesome God who loves us and will never forsake us. He will give us his peace that passes understanding if we keep our focus on Him. We can go on living NOW with His help. Some widows just want to hibernate and let the world pass them by, but with the Lord’s help we can go on.
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A conversation with Marlene Burling 6. Between where you started and where you’re at, can you say you’ve achieved your goal? I don’t think you ever really achieve your goal. You keep pressing on. I think you grow through your loss more and more every day as you walk with the Lord. That’s why I’ve used the titles of my books that I did. A daily walk with God is so important. 7. What are the five stages of grief for you? Shock Confusion Emptiness Anger Resolution – it is what it is and life goes on and I can go on! 8. Are there any self-help books on the horizon? Because of the losses I have experienced in my life (both parents, husband, in-laws) and being caregivers for both of my in-laws, along with several physical problems in my own life, there may be another book on the horizon. 9. If your husband could read this magazine, what would you want to tell him? “I am thankful for your love for me over the 51 years we had together and the faith that we shared together in the Lord. This has been my strength and encouragement since you’ve been gone.”
M A R L EN E B U R L IN G, Author | DIGITAL EDITION
