Fashioned By Godનમૂનો

You Were Fashioned For Service To Widows and Orphans

If you ever wonder what you need to do to express your faith, then here is an answer. And if you only do one thing, then do this. 

Widows and orphans had no resources in the culture of Jesus’ day. A woman was considered her father’s property until she married, and then her ownership passed to her husband. She was not granted freedom to pursue a career that might earn an income. If her husband died, she was dependent on his brothers for support. Many times, this support never materialized. Orphans were supposed to be taken in by the nearest relative, but if there were none who stepped forward, they were left to live on the streets.

Jesus seemed deeply affected by the plight of those without resources and hope. His mission was to give life and hope. We, as his extensions, are directed to care for those who cannot care for themselves. Even today, single moms and orphans are among society’s most needy and underserved.

What can you do? First, pray. Ask God to help you discern the needs around you that might slip by unnoticed. Jot the answer in your journal. Ask how he may want you to get involved. Then decide what steps you can take to meet this level of involvement.

Sometimes, our part can be as simple as donating to a local food bank. Or maybe it’s babysitting for an overwhelmed single mom every now and then. Or maybe you have connections at work for a woman in need of a job. Perhaps a widow lives on your street who cannot rake the leaves from her yard in the fall or shovel snow from her walk in the winter. Could you do that or maybe hire someone? Have your kids outgrown good clothes that you could donate to a girl’s or boy’s home for orphans? Maybe God is even calling you to become a foster parent or court-appointed special advocate for a child, or to adopt.

If you began cleaning out your closet on Day Two, consider giving the better clothes to a ministry-based closet. Many churches operate clothing ministries. Two non-profit groups in my area accept clothing appropriate for job interviews and give it to women who are getting back on their feet after a rough patch. The women also receive help with job applications and résumé writing.

Thrift stores are another good home for your clothing cast-offs. These stores meet the needs of those who couldn’t otherwise buy quality or designer outfits. Discovering a jacket with its original tag from a famous designer in a thrift store for fewer than ten dollars brings a smile to any woman’s face—especially when this is her only option.

Or maybe you have a friend who can’t afford to shop for new clothes because she’s a single mom trying to raise her family. And you happen to know she’s your same size. Pull out a couple of your favorites and take them to her. Convince her she’s doing you a favor by accepting them. Because she is. It will make your day!