Many of the women Hands serves have left abusive relationships and situations. Most of them have children, and are faced with the challenge and responsibility of parenting on their own. Biblically, a “widow” is a woman without the covering of a husband; an “orphan” is a child without a father. Daily, the Lord brings each of us “widows” and “orphans” to care for. God is a “father to the fatherless and a defender of the widow” Psalm 68:5. He calls us to join Him. Throughout scripture, it says we are blessed if we serve and care for the widows and orphans. We are to invite them to our celebrations; set aside food for them to eat, and give them shelter where they may sleep. We are to defend their justice and bless them with open hands and open hearts. We are grateful to be doing this together through Hands.

I challenge you to look around your world today. Who are the single parents and children without fathers in your extended family? Your community? Your place of business? Your church? Take time to reach out in love and in service to those in need – you will be blessed if you do!