Women Are Crying

Widows are crying in their heart in grief, awash in emotions that bring a numbness of mind, soul and spirit. Singles are silently crying in their loneliness, hardly daring to admit they are envious of loving couples. The divorced are crying due to the pain of betrayal and loss. The childless woman has moments of anguish brought on by unfulfilled desire, especially in flourishing, family oriented churches.

It is my opinion the body of Christ has too many women sitting alone in the pews on Sunday mornings desperately wanting God to hear their cry, wanting Him to show His love, anxiously awaiting another woman to share a friendly smile and speak a sincere hello. Those who are hurting are seeking comfort and hope in the midst of God’s people. Therefore I have asked God to open my eyes. Why? I have been that lonely woman in the sanctuary. Divorced for a long time, plus, with the added limitation of a disability, I have been in that place of looking and lingering in the hope that someone would want to engage in more than a quick obligatory greeting.

A divorced friend shared the sad story of successive Sundays, at the end of service, looking about at those who had sat by her, trying to see if someone, anyone would be willing to engage in conversation. She deliberately put on her coat slowly, put on her gloves, then with unhurried moves gathered up her bible and purse, all the while looking about, trying to make eye contact, but without success. She then sorrowfully walked out of the sanctuary to head for home, alone, with no plans, as others, surrounded by friends and family, happily visited, shared hugs and laughter. When she was in church, among other believers, her loneliness, her grief, was accentuated.

I admit I have waited on others to make the first move. But my gracious, merciful God has done a work in my heart. I have learned: it is not about me! It is about looking past myself, putting on the love and compassion of Christ, and becoming of aware of others, especially those in need. Too often in my counseling ministry I have observed obsessive self-focus results in depression, bitterness, separation from the body of Christ, and missing out on experiencing true fulfillment by serving Him in extending love to others.

I have asked God to open my eyes, I urge you to do the same. I hope it becomes your desire to purposefully look at who is sitting in the pews near you. What woman is sitting alone? Who seems to be new to the church? It is not difficult to put on a smile and take the initiative to approach her. Engage her with the expectation of what God may do. It may start a friendship or open the opportunity for her for fellowship in the body of Christ, and growth in the Lord. It may be a glorious opportunity to connect with a hurting woman in need of a word in season, even to weep with her as she weeps.

I believe the Lord can use us in marvelous ways to encourage and give hope. Will you make yourself available? Consider how thrilling it will be to be used of Him!