When You Think of Widows

           When you think of widows, you probably think of James 1:27 where it says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress..."  Now, we usually think that widows are, well, that dear lady down the street... or the elderly woman who always sits up front at church.  A widow in distress is usually someone beyond our family.  But have you ever stopped to think that "pure religion" may mean looking after a widow in your own family?

            For instance, right now you might be helping to take care of your husband's mother... and it's a little inconvenient... it cramps things a bit... but wait a minute.  What you are doing to help your widowed mother-in-law is pure and faultless worship.  God calls it pure religion.  When you take your mother-in-law shopping or to dinner or if you have to take care of her in your home... God the Father calls it pure, spotless, perfect worship.  Wow!  That kind of puts a different slant on helping that elderly family member, right?

            Sometimes it can be a little draining taking care of the mother-in-law or the or the aunt... or the grandmother... or, I guess, we could say that pure religion could include taking care of widowers, like your father-in-law who lost his wife some years ago.

            Whichever, there are very encouraging biblical principles which are so helpful.  Things like "Honor your father and mother" and Isaiah 58:6-8, "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:  to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?  ... and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?  Then your light will break forth like the dawn and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard."

            Friend, we honor our parents, or our parents-in-law, when we provide care and safety, and the best, most thorough support we can possibly manage.  For many caregivers of aging parents, that's in the context of your own home, isn't it?  For others, the best support, and the safest environment might be a skilled nursing facility.  And we can honor our parents even if they are in a long-term care facility.  How is it that you can "not turn your back on your own flesh and blood?"  Well... you can be a good a good daughter-in-law or son-in-law by visiting often, overseeing the healthcare management of that family member, working with the ombudsman at the facility, establishing good relationships with the nursing staff, taking your love one home on occasional weekends and holidays, day outings, and much more.

            And as you do it, please remember James Chapter 1 because you will be offering faultless worship and pure religion.  And you know what?  That helps not only your in-law, but it glorifies God.

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