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There is a really powerful verse in James 1 that says this:
"This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to
visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by
the world." James 1:27 I have read that verse and often wondered what exactly is a "widow's
distress?" What do orphans go through? Then, of course, the whole question
of keeping oneself unstained by the world. That's huge. But back to the first question: what would a widow be feeling and thinking
and experiencing where somebody else could help them and in so doing
practice "pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father." Then, last week I was led to visit my aunt Shirley. Shirley is 78 years
old, and has the greatest laugh in the whole world. She is a special lady
and I am just sorry I haven't been able to be near her more to enjoy her. Here is what I saw as a widow's distress: -- she was lonely. She didn't say it but she was thrilled when I called and
thrilled when I showed up with lunch and sorry to see me leave. Her husband
of many years died several years ago. She did not re-marry. Her only son
also died a few years ago. Her two granddaughters (now in their early
40's) provide the most care for her. -- she was frail. She needed some assistance in walking and when we went to
look at her fruit trees I was afraid she could fall. What if she fell in
her yard one afternoon and it was 100 degrees outside? She has a hard time
driving her car any more because her reaction time has diminished. -- she was scared. Shirley had had a biopsy of her lung and was awaiting
word of whether she had cancer. Who do you share that fear with when your
mate is gone and you spend most of your days alone hoping the phone will
ring? So, I understand better now what a widow's distress is. And God sees every
widow in every place. I wonder how often God prompts us to go see somebody
like this and we don't do it. But when we do, we live out "pure and
undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father." Bret
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