Widows & Orphans

James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Religion is the practice of our faith. In many evangelical circles religion is a bit taboo. It is said that Christianity is a relationship, not a religion. However we need religion to be part of our faith. Religion is the rituals and habits that keep us in step with our faith. At the core of our religion is the truth that God loves and has a special concern for the poor; especially those who have suffered loss. The way we exercise this truth is to care for the ones who most need care, who cannot care for themselves. This we must do constantly. We can't settle for an occasional donation or drop-in. We must develop a habit and ritual that causes us to cross paths with these people on a regular basis. Caring for widows and orphans must become our ritual.
This truth is what called us to adoption and foster care and a move back to Chicago to care for our mothers. And because of these shifts in our focus, we have been richly blessed. God has proven that His blessing rests on those who focus their lives on what He values, on what is closest to His heart.

Father - thank for your sharing this ministry with us. Thank You for calling us to bigger and more meaningful dreams than we could dream for ourselves. Draw us into greater faithfulness and purity and make our religion more pleasing to You each day. Amen.