International Widows Day
Every year on June 23rd, International Widows’ Day gives special recognition to the situation of widows of all ages across the globe.
The reason this day was created by the United Nations, is to raise attention to those widows who are mistreated. How blessed we are in America, but in many developing countries, the conditions of widows is especially dire. Some of the problems widows face in those countries include poverty, violence, shame, dishonor, and health issues. Today I pray for those who live in those countries. I pray they come to know God who loves them so much.
I know this. God keeps a watchful eye on everyone, including widows(ers). He is concerned for them and the fatherless. He protects them for He is “a father of the fatherless, a defender of widows in His holy habitation.” (Psalm 68:5). The Son of God is like Him. He cared for His widowed mother (John 19:25). and condemned those who took advantage of widows (Matthew 23:24).
Some folks don’t understand how I chose to move forward with my life and out of the survival mode into the thriving mode so quickly. I took on the desire to give empowerment to a word that most everyone doesn’t want to think about. Just google “widow” and you’ll see dark, evil and spider images. Ugg!
But I changed the meaning purposely to show strength, love of life, and fullness of spirit despite tremendous odds. No matter our age, we can choose a long, dismal and painful recovery or we can choose to be full of love, life, and light.
A few years ago, I was a facilitator for a nondenominational Faith and Grief Ministry. I was pleased to help someone feel safe to express their grief and encourage and offer them comfort, hope, and faith.
I never wanted a group like that. I thought it was only a “meet and greet” for lonely people to find a replacement for their loved one. Did I ever get it wrong! It is a beautiful ministry for a parent, a child, sibling, widows(ers), or anyone who is working their way through grief in the loss of their loved one.
In a blog a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned Camp Brave Heart, a camp where the children who lost a loved one can go to and see they are not alone.
Grief comes in all shapes and sizes, and oftentimes, people question God and His goodness for the first time in their lives. A group that helps people realize they are not alone makes a world of difference.
When we share our stories of grief and faith and then have the opportunity to engage in honest conversation, we feel supported, welcomed, understood and loved. We feel assurance of God’s love and care for us.
I want to give others the “living” perspective God gave me. My husband completed his God-given, earth assignment. I am still here, so I am not done living. Why shouldn’t I complete my assignment by living, loving, caring, giving, inspiring and leaving a joy-filled legacy to my loved ones?
Widows and widowers are perhaps some of the most beautiful people on earth. They are often young, vibrant, and full of life while others are seasoned with many years of love and wisdom and are quite willing, like me, to share the abundant life and love that Christ gives us.
Yes, we know deep love and deep loss, but those of us who are determined to live life with gusto, realize we survive and can thrive through tremendous and unthinkable circumstances.
I pray if it’s you I’m talking to or to someone you know, be assured that God sees you and wants you to know that life is worth living. Let’s embrace our stories and become faith, hope, and life-givers to others.