Orphans and widows are oft mentioned throughout the pages of the Bible as God teaches about justice and compassion, revealing His heart of justice and mercy.  As I began to read the Scriptures (280 concerning widows and 105 on orphans), tears welled up in my eyes. As I read, God’s love and cause/plea for justice felt overwhelming, momentarily taking my breath away. I note that foreigners are also often included in these passages of scripture.

I think these scriptures especially garner my attention because it occurred to me—my home is the home of a widow and an orphan, one who is also a foreigner. I tend to discount this because our culture is different today than in biblical times, and many governments have some kinds of provisions. However, one thing is sure. Distress, such as is mentioned in James 1:27, is real. When Wyndham was living, we often spoke of the many ways that more distress accompanied orphans than simply having no parents. Even when/if orphans find adoptive parents or parents find them, distress runs deep and wide. I resist even writing the words orphan and widow, because they are uncomfortable words, especially when describing me and my beloved son.

How much my perspective on life and the ways I view it have changed since I began my quest in trying to understand the underworld of orphans and the effect their lot in life has on their sense of loss identity, rejection, shame, and control. I guess God felt I also needed to understand widowhood, so I am learning as best I can as I live this new way of life.  After learning much this year about deeply embedded racial injustice, justice and mercy have been especially on my heart. I have since been inquiring about ways to interact with refugees in my area, and as soon as the pandemic eases should have some new opportunities for this, which I know will teach me much. I feel growth coming on, which feels exciting and a little scary. I long to live as Micah instructs. Pray for me, as I pray for you.

  He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)