Another Widow

 On my heart this evening. 

Oh Lord, protect your people (widows) with your shephard's staff; lead your flock, your special possession. Though they live alone in a thicket . . . let them graze in the fertile pastures . . . Yes, says the Lord, "I will do miracles for you . . ." 
~Micah 7:14-15~

I find it no coincidence that the Lord speaks about widows and orphans. In this world it seems like nobody knows what to do with us. Yet our Lord takes time to give us a command.

  Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..James 1:27

 The NIV uses distress the ESV uses affliction. Whatever version you choose it comes down to this. That we are to be there for widows and orphans. As a widow I feel that does not count me out. 

  I must say that before I was widowed the only widows I knew were old people. Sadly that is not the case anymore. I joke it's like being pregnant..all of sudden you recognize other pregnant women. But the sad truth of the matter is this. In the first three months of a loved ones passing you are surrounded by people there with meals, child care or whatever it may be. After that people get back to their lives and not that they mean to forget us but it happens. We need to do better. Much better. 

 A very dear friend is leaving for Africa in just days and I love that my children want to show love to the people of Africa. We may not be able to travel there but we can send crafts, and a couple comforts of home to a friend. And my most favorite.. money for rice and beans for the widows. Some day I hope to travel there and reach out to these sister's of mine. Yes, we have very different stories but an understanding that goes beyond any language. 

 I have such a heart for the widow and orphan. I honestly ache when I learn of a new situation or the stories that come back from Africa. I don't wish this walk on anyone. It's hard, trying and lonely..oh so lonely. Currently another widow friend just lost her sister in law...leaving her brother widowed and two boys without their Mother. I can't seem to grasp the fact that their dear parents have had both their children widowed. But, our God knows. And this man could not have a better example of widowhood than through his sister. 

Though this life can be hard. Raising children alone is not easy!  I pray daily that I am an example of what God can do. I am so thankful that He has surrounded me with such precious people. And He knows my heart..and has blessed me by surrounding me with children and not just my loves but a special half dozen +.