The Church & The Widow

The Bible commands us to care for the widow. I was honored to speak with today's guest, Cherisse Branch regarding her experience as a widow in the church. 

Ms. Cherisse Janelle Branch was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1974. Ms. Branch graduated from Benedict College with a degree in Marketing and Business. While going to college full time, she paid her way through Kenneth Shuler Cosmetology School and is a licensed professional hairstylist. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, UOO chapter. Ms. Branch married the love of her life and soul mate Mr. Chamberlain Branch in 2001, and they have three beautiful children; Chyann, Chamberlain Jr., and Chaniya. She and her family have been active members of Bethlehem Baptist Church for over ten years. 

On December 14, 2012, Ms. Branch's life dramatically changed when her husband was killed in a tragic car accident. Through that tragedy, she started a nonprofit organization in 2013 called Storm Survivors, LLC. Storm Survivors' primary purpose is to inspire, encourage, and motivate women to move through life disappointments through education, writings, speeches, workshops, and spiritual growth. Storm Survivors has collectively donated over 150lbs of food to Harvest Hope and adopted over ten families for the Christmas holidays! The group gathers every few months to discuss various topics that impact their daily lives and struggles. This group is not just for widows, but all women! Ms. Branch's motto is; I was created; therefore, I am purpose-filled and destiny driven. Her message to women is, "You held on, you didn't give up! You came out stronger and UNHARMED!!! Created, molded, tested, but you survived…YOU ARE A STORM SURVIVOR!!"

Interview Highlights 

* Cherisse shares her and Chamberlain's love story and his tragic death. Timestamp 3:48

* "I looked to the officers and said 'I don't know if you're married or not or if you have any issues with your spouse or your husband, but get it right. Because you don't want the knock that I got at the door'."  - Cherisse Branch

* Cherisse educates us regarding the things we shouldn't say to a grieving spouse. Timestamp 13:05

* "Let's be careful with I know how you feel. It's insulting to widows. That's the worse thing you can say." - Cherisse Branch

* We discuss the necessity for ministries for widows and widowers in the church. Timestamp 20:15

* We discuss dating for widows and misconceptions about widows. Timestamp 24:06

Relevant Links

* Connect with Cherisse on Facebook at Cherisse Branch, Storm Survivors, Personal Touch by Cherisse Accessories & Personal Touch by Cherisee. 

* Order Finding Peace in the Journey: One Widow's Story of Resilience by emailing her at [email protected]. Cost: $10 + $2 for shipping. 

* Follow We Are The Church with Sherry Jones on Instagram & Twitter.

*Email [email protected] to share your thoughts, topic suggestions, and receive email notifications about new episodes.

Take care, be blessed, be safe, and remember, the church is not a building. We are the church!