Remembering the Widows
“Why not extend some joy into the life of a widow at Christmastime? What a great season to share Christ’s love in tangible ways. Perhaps your family would like to adopt one widow to bless. Why a widow? Because they are among the most neglected segment in the Body of Christ! Christmas can be especially sad for those who still long for the companionship of their husband.
“Many widows are plagued by loneliness, fear, financial woes, health issues, or transportation needs. Some are so emotionally drained they have lost hope. Poverty among widows is three to four times higher than among elderly married women.
“The Holy Spirit can give us creative ways to let one know she is loved and not forgotten. A trip with our family to a Christmas concert? A ride at night to view the town’s decorations? An invitation to a home-cooked meal? A gift basket of food? A movie night, even at our home? Write her a note of appreciation? Volunteer to pray for her each week on the phone? Please don’t forget her after Christmas when she needs a ride to the doctor, her lawn mowed, or a high ceiling light changed.
“That widow could be your mother or aunt or sister. Men, someday she could be your wife. (Let’s don’t forget the widowers either, for they need a touch of Christian love and kindness too).” (Quin Sherrer)
“ …Plead for the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17b; NASB)
Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:
- Intercede for the widows you know.
- Do you know what their needs are?
- Do you know who their family members are or how often they receive visitors? This could be important, if there is ever a medical emergency.
- Pray, but also plan some practical activities to let at least one widow know she is loved and cared about, and not forgotten this Christmas.
A prayer you can pray:
Lord, help me be Your hands extended to one or more widows. Some have given me great footprints of faith to follow and I desire to bless them. Your Word tells us to watch over the widows and I want to do my part, especially this season. Give me and my family creative and practical ways to show them how much I care. Things that I think are simple to do, may be very challenging for an older woman. She shouldn’t risk falling off a high ladder while trying to change light bulbs or the batteries in her smoke detectors. I can help with those things. Help me to make my church aware of the needs of those who are widowed in our congregation. Help us to do a good job caring for them, Lord. Someday the one in need may be me. Thank you for the reminder in Your Word to care for the widows, Jesus. Amen.
Today’s decree:
I will be an encourager in practical ways for a widow or widower.
Quin Sherrer, a widow, is the author of Hope For A Widow’s Heart: Encouraging Reflection For Your Journey, and 30 other books she has written or co-authored. All available on Amazon.