What about the Widow? 

I am a widow. I was 44 when I first began to use this label and after almost 28 years with my high school sweetheart I found out that identifying as a widow was not an easy thing to do. I had witnessed my mom find the grit and strength to walk through being a widow but truly I had no idea what journey was ahead for me. Since 2021 I have been walking out wearing this label and I have learned so much and I know I have so much yet to learn. 

One thing that has become evident is that widows are hidden and forgotten in our society. Not in a mean or outcast kind of a way, but more in a “that is too messy” kind of a way. You see, it is easy to see a child, an orphan, or someone in need and offer to help knowing you can open your home or your wallet and be a part of the solution. With widows, it isn’t easy. We have a life, we had a spouse, and more often than most are aware of we still have a family and need help to navigate the road that lies ahead for us. 

There are several places in the Bible that call out Christians and others to help the orphan and the widow. Yet, how often do we see people move for the widow? It is easy to put a child’s face on a brochure or a screen and mobilize people to help. They need a home or a mentor. It is easy right? Not always. But it is even more difficult to put the face of a widow on something and elicit help. You see, what face should you use? Someone older? Someone younger? Someone with kids and a family or someone all alone in a home with one light bulb burning dimly? We come in all ages, stages, size, shape and race. What we all have in common is we want someone to see us. Like really see us and talk to us like our world makes sense. We desire a conversation that fills us up and makes us feel like we used to feel.

So, what about the widow? I have had this question burning inside of me for almost the entire time I have been a widow. Why? I am not sure but what I do know is that surely I am not the only one who feels deeply about this question. Surely there are organizations, churches and individuals that wish to change the narrative and follow the command God has set before us and care for this forgotten fraction. 

This is my why. This is what drives me to write, post, speak and share. So, join me in learning more about widows and how you can help!