Yesterday we sat down with the board of directors for the Solid Rock Widows Center. Seated around the table were six women who’s lives have been marked by great loses and intense pain. Somehow that pain has not destroyed them or made them bitter. On the contrary they are truly dynamic women of faith and joy. I was reminded of Psalm 84:5-7 “How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion! Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring. The early rain also covers it with blessings.
They go from strength to strength, everyone of them appears before God in Zion.”
The word “Baca” means, weeping or sorrow! These women have gone from strength to strength in their faith, even though they have passed through intense valley of pain and they are not going to appear before God in the future, they are appearing before God in the now. I am so moved when I am in their presence.
I MISSED THE MOMENT
At one point in our meeting I began to express remorse that we have not been able to do more to help the 600 widows that are part of the Solid Rock Ministry. Don’t get me wrong, we have actually done a great deal to assist the ministry, but compared to the need our efforts have been small. Just after saying that one of the widows began to express her appreciation for our help. As she talked I was kicking myself that I did not video her sharing. Let me make a feeble attempt to recount her words. Her speech went something like this: “Please don’t say that you haven’t done enough to help us. It may have seemed little to you, but it has made a very large difference in the lives of hundreds of women and in my own life. First of all you have helped us to come together in this place. Through being together, as widows, God has shown us how we can help each other in many ways. Our spirits have been lifted because we now pray for each other, worship together, work together and take counsel with each other. You have helped us to find a vision for the center that is already helping many. As for me, the support you have given us has enabled me to start a business to support my family, which I could not do before. And many other women have done the same. We are thankful that God has sent you to us to lift us from hopelessness. You are doing a fine work and we cannot thank you enough!”
I thought I would pass these words on to you because you are the ones that have provided the resources and we have been the delivery boys for your blessings.
We gave $1000 to the widows center which will be enough for them to finally secure the facility, set up their sewing machines and begin their sewing business. The Lord also helped us to give them some vision about just how to start, which I can share with you later.