Widows and Widowers – It’s Our Day!
The United Nations declared June 23rd as International Widow’s Day in 2011 to raise awareness of the many widows around the world who not only suffer the loss of their spouse, but it is magnified by the loss of their basic rights and dignity. There are more than 258 million widows around the world and many of them are left unseen, unsupported, and unmeasured in our societies. The UN did a good thing when they raised awareness to help the many widows who are faced with poverty for themselves and their children with the death of their spouse.
When I first saw that June 23rd is a day for widows, I knew God had already one-upped them. God keeps a watchful eye on widows. 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).
Thank God for the blessings of living in America where my sweet mother, at age 52, was able to draw social security for her and me when my dad passed away. And I thank God that, at 62, I was able to draw support from my husband’s social security and life insurance.
I was able to move forward with my life and out of the survival mode into the thriving mode very quickly. I took on the desire to give empowerment to a word that most people don’t want to think about. Just google “widow” and you’ll see dark, evil and spider images. Ugg!
I changed the meaning purposely to show strength, love of life, and fullness of spirit despite tremendous odds. No matter our age when our loved ones leave us for heaven, we can choose a long, painful recovery or we can choose to be full of love, life, and light. I talk a lot about my children’s dad and grandchildren’s papa (like I did on Father’s Day). I know they won’t forget him, but I make sure to remind them of him and how many qualities they have that are just like him.
I enjoy helping others go through their grief process, encouraging and offering them comfort, hope, and faith. Grief comes in all shapes and sizes, and oftentimes, people question God and His goodness for the first time in their lives. I love helping people realize they are not alone – that they can feel supported, understood, and loved. More than anything, I want them to feel assurance of God’s love and care for them.
I want to give others the “living” perspective God gave me. It is living our best life, being able to appreciate that we’re still here on this side of heaven until we complete our own “God” assignment. Sure, there are times when tears well up in my eyes. I know it is the sweet remembrances of the love we shared. I don’t stay in those tears for very long because I know I still have life and living to do, and I determine to enjoy it to the fullest. I want that for others, too!
I’ve come to realize widows and widowers are perhaps some of the most beautiful people on earth. They are often young, vibrant, full of life and with young children in tow, 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. We’ve 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. May we embrace our stories and become faith, hope, and life-givers to others.