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Listen while you read: "Hiding In Thee"1 (Lyrics) |
James 1:27 – Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (RSV)
Psalm 68:5 – Father of the fatherless and protector of the widows is God in his holy habitation. (RSV)
How many of us know couples who always did holidays together or got together for fun nights? Then the unthinkable happens: one of them passes away. We find ourselves feeling awkward when it comes to planning that next holiday or getting together for a game night. Things have changed; it will never be the same, because one of the group is missing. So, what is the result? Usually the one left alive is left behind by their friends. Sad to say, we do not want to feel awkward, so we cancel games nights and downsize on the vacationing group. The widow or widower has now not only lost their partner but also the circle of friends that they shared. There should be an aspect of friendship with each one of a couple, so that if one passes away, there is still the friendship with the widow or widower.
- We're Still Friends
We get together, we have a blast —
Hope these good times will always last.
We are a compatible gang,
Thinking of nights we all danced and sang.
How do we keep doing what we've done
When unfortunately, we have lost one?
It hopefully will get better as time goes by —
With God's help, we have to try.
We are still friends after all
So this week we'll give her/him a call:
"Are you up for a game tonight?
We're here for you. You'll be all right."
Can you imagine making that call or receiving that call? The sense of love and friendship would fill the heart, I am sure. Is this something that God would enjoy watching?
Do you know a widow or widower whom you could call this week?
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and helping us to show Your love and compassion to others. Thank You for putting someone on our heart to call and show Your love to. Be with us as we talk and share a laugh over a coffee. You never forgot the widow or widower, so help us to keep them in our thoughts also. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Hip replacement on April 17th - please pray for me: "Update April 24, 2025: I am grateful to you all for your prayers. They supported me through my hip..." 
Neighbour: "Aril 24, 2025: Our neighbour Tom just passed away. Pray for the family. In Jesus name. Amen."
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Thanks for the good word, Brenda.
So true!
(B.C.)
Thank you for your uplifting prayer words today.
A recent widower.
Thank you, Brenda, for sharing this devotional with us. We widowed folk truly do want to be included. Blessings.
A very good thought Brenda.
Bless you for writing and sharing this.
(ON)
Brenda – thank you for putting this message out there. As a widow, I know of what you speak. Even so, your devotional prompted me to call a friend who has recently lost her own husband. God Bless you.
Greetings Brenda,
Many thanks for a most poignant devotional this morning. Your message was right on and it is so wonderful when friends continue to reach out to each other even when one in the group becomes a widow or widower. I am so grateful to a couple who, even after I became a widow, always took me along with them to events that I formerly attended with my husband. Our Lord is so good at knowing our needs and faithful in putting the right people in our lives at the right time.
Blessings to you.
(B.C.)
Thank you, Brenda, for your insight with those who are left when a loved one is gone from this life.
I was a widow and did notice that certain people who were, what I called friends, did leave the scene of my life. However, there were also friends that supported me and kept me in their company. I also gained new friends during the years of my being on my own. I am now married which we feel was a miracle and a blessing.
I have books on hand that I give to widows after a month or two after a death of a husband.
It is called, Living When A Loved One Has Died by Earl A. Grollman. I do try to keep in touch with widows.
Thanks, Brenda for such an important reminder.