Widows, orphans and strangers...

"God defends the cause of the fatherless, widow and orphan. We are to love the strangers and fear the Lord."
~ Deuteronomy 10:18
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At some point we are all strangers.  It is something that we have all experienced, and know how important hospitality can be.  It makes the difference between feeling welcomed, or feeling like an outsider.

This morning I was with a woman as her mother took her last breath on this earth.  Her first words were, "I guess that I am an orphan now."

The woman also just recently lost her husband, compounding the impact of this loss.  Her next words were, "I am an orphan and a widow."

We are reminded time and time again in scripture that we are to care for the widow, the orphan and the stranger.  Our ability to present for one another in these moments not only provide encouragement and support, but serve as instruments in sustaining one another as well.

We are the living instruments of the God's own spirit of love to and for one another.  We are to be companions for one another as we journey through life, especially when we encounter those who are widows, orphans, and strangers.  

By being companions with one another, we are not just present for one another, but through Christ living in us, we become companions for our souls.  Through this we are no longer strangers, or alone.

It is in these relationships that we learn more about our own gifts, affirm our journeys, while being present for one another.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2018