By Judith Nichols Moore, director, Iris B. Vest Widows Ministry Center
“Honor widows that are widows indeed.” 1Timothy 5:3
Does a mandate of caring for widows in the contemporary church hold true for today? Does the church give attention to this directive as adamantly as scripture tells us? Do you realize widows can become a powerful force in our churches. . .if we fulfill the mandate of “caring for the widow”?
In 2003, the International Church of God recognized its widows and designated the first Sunday of summer the day in which to honor them specifically. This year—June 22, 2008—marks the fifth annual Honoring Widows Sunday.
We all know someone that is a widow. Eighty percent (80%) of all women will become widows…which is staggering! We do not like thinking about it, but the Bible speaks very loudly concerning the church and the widows. James 1:27 tells us we should care for her; 1 Timothy 5:3 says to honor her. Do we see widows as women that should be honored?
The word widow in our modern day world is often synonymous with the word victim. Think about it for a moment. . .what comes to your mind when you hear the word widow? Do you automatically think old and feeble? Forty five percent (45%) of women are widows by age 65. The average age of a widow today in the United States is 53-55. Fact is, widowhood can happen to women of all ages.
Generally, most widows are uncomfortable when it comes to receiving attention, especially in church. In talking with widows, we find they almost seem ashamed or embarrassed by the loss of their spouse. How can this be? Not only must they deal with the crushing pain of their loss, but also with society’s victimization of them. Widows consistently tell me they do not want to be a bother to anyone. Because of their silence, they often become invisible to us.
However, scripture gives us specific instructions concerning widows. We are to honor them. The Greek translation also uses the words, to revere, to esteem, to prize, and to value. If the scriptures tell us to “honor the widow”…then they must have a place of honor in the Kingdom of God. Yet most widows do not see themselves as women of honor. Have you considered planning a day in which to honor these wonderful women of God?
We encourage you to make time to honor these great women. Pastors, if June is not a good month for you due to other scheduled activities, then choose another time, but do not let it slip away. You will be very blessed as you minister to these ladies.
As we minister to and honor them…they emerge as mighty women of God. They will rise up as powerful intercessors in prayer, as mentors to our children, as matriarchs to our churches—a great and powerful army that God is rising up for the last day.
The Iris B. Vest Widows Ministry Center is offering all pastors a promotional packet in May concerning Honoring Widows Day. Upon request you will receive a 11 x 17 full color poster, a 5-6 minute DVD (featuring Dr. John D. Nichols), bookmarks, and a letter from the director of the Widows Ministry Center. .
For more information about Honoring Widows Day, please call the Iris B. Vest Widows Ministry Center at (865)453-7707 or contact us at WMCDirector1@aol.com.