International Widows’ Day Highlights Biblical Mandate
The world recently observed International Widows’ Day. Taking care of widows is a consistent message in both the Old and New Testaments. God is emphatic in Exodus 22:12 that if widows or orphans are afflicted in any way and they cry out to the Lord, he will pour out his wrath on those who afflict them. James says that “visiting orphans and widows in their trouble” is evidence of someone who is a true Christian.
Today, the United States is home to nearly 12 million widows and widowers, according to a 2023 U.S. Census Bureau report. About 2,800 people are widowed each day, and the average age for someone to become widowed is 59. Globally, 258 million people are widowed.
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The United Nations started International Widows’ Day (observed last month) to raise awareness among policymakers of this “invisible” group. Senior political leaders, international organizations and advocates and delegates from multiple countries recently gathered in London to discuss the economic, social and humanitarian challenges that today’s widows face.
Africa and Asia are two of the harshest places to be a widow. “In some places, it isn’t uncommon for adult children to cast their widowed mother out of the home,” said Bishop Daniel Timotheos Yohannan, president of GFA World. “There are many cultures that blame a widow for the death of her husband and consider her to be cursed.”
The stigma is so bad in some communities that women can lose their rights to inheritance and property, and in some cases, can be forced to leave their homes.
“It’s important for the church to reach out to widows and make sure they’re being included in the community,” according to the ministry. “There isn’t a right or wrong way to grieve, and there isn’t a timeline for when someone should be over their grief. Widows need a community that’s patient and compassionate.
“Widowhood is a lonely and painful experience. While some of their other needs may be unique needs, many also have unique giftings, talent and insight because of what they’ve been through. As the church blesses them and cares for them in body, soul and spirit, however needed, they will be a blessing to the church.”
–Dwight Widaman
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