Have you ever wondered what draws someone to care for the single parent and the widow? What causes a human heart to respond to the heart of God? Throughout scripture, God’s heart for the “widow” (a woman without the covering of a husband) is clear. We are called as a community of believers to care for, feed, clothe, and walk with (visit) the widow in their trouble and distress (James 1:27) Old Testament passages declare “the Lord your God will bless you in all the work of your hands” if you do these things, (Deuteronomy) and “cursed is the man who withholds justice from the widow” (Deuteronomy).

People serve alongside Hands of The Carpenter in our desire to support single parents and widows for various reasons. Sometimes people come to us because they have personally seen and experienced the struggles and sufferings of the “widow” through the life of someone dear to them. Perhaps their mother was a single parent (through divorce or death.) Or maybe their sister or close family friend has left an abusive relationship. Often volunteers come to us because of their love of the automobile. As a mechanic, they are passionate about their cars! They serve single parents and widows by helping to repair and maintain the woman’s vehicle, so that the woman can remain self-sufficient and care for her family. Other times, someone is responding to the call in scripture – they come and give of their time, their talents and their resources because they are touched by the word of God and His heart for the single parent and widow.

And sometimes, God gives us a gift named George. George is an eight year old boy whose heart has been touched by the heart of God for single women and widows. George is the son of some dear friends of mine. We had never even met, but George began to send me gifts from his heart to encourage me as a single parent. Before Christmas time, I received a beautiful hand written card from George with a present – to encourage me. “This is a gift from God through our family to you” he wrote. George gave me more than money – George gave me hope – that indeed God was taking care of my family and meeting our needs – through the most unlikely source – the generous heart of an eight year old boy. George had no shame or disappointment; no contempt or disregard for our needs. He simply responded to what the Spirit of the Lord laid on his heart – and he gave.

George has continued to surprise me. After I sold my townhome (Thanksgiving weekend) and needed to be moved out by January 2nd, George sent me another gift: a homemade card with three one dollar bills taped inside, saying,” This is to help with some of your moving expenses.” George deeply touched the hearts of some of our clients at a recent car care clinic – by handing out cards of encouragement to everyone present. He washed their cars and played with their children. In one aspect, George is a very typical boy. He plays sports, goes to summer camp, loves his dog Breck, and has to do family chores. But George is anything but average. George has been changed by the heart of God. He responds with a child-like faith. And that is changing those around him.

He sent me a copy of a “poster” he created for his neighborhood. It read something like this:

HELPING SINGLE MOMS
“I’m trying to help the Widows and the single moms though encouraging notes and helping them not feel lonely. My plan is for you to find them at your churches and talk to them and encourage them to not be stressful and lonely. So, if you have any questions please call George. We will be happy to answer all your questions. If you want a reference, please call Juli.”

The heart of a child –caring for those around him through action and above all, through love. It’s really quite simple. Jesus asks us for what we have. We give out of obedience, and the abundance of our own lives. Jesus blesses, gives thanks, and multiplies our five loaves of bread and two little fish – to feed the thousands of hungry souls, hoping and waiting to be fed. With baskets left over. What will you give to encourage the lonely and suffering widow? How will you respond to the heart of God for those He has called us to serve? Will you give as freely as a child – with hands and heart open – to love?