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For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
1 Corinthians 13:12 (ESV)

Have you ever been called a window?

It happens to me!

A specialty gift shop had etched a message onto each of the glass votives I got for the writers in this ministry. The message said, “thank you for ministering to windows”.

Yes, you read that right—windows!

And yes, the company was told to etch “widows”.

The company rep called in a panic. “Our computer spell-checker changed it, and we didn’t catch it in time!”

And it hasn’t been just the specialty company. After ten years of writing devotionals and articles, I’ve come to the conclusion that the world thinks we are windows!

That’s because when I type the word “widows”, spell checkers on my computer prompt me to change the word “widows” to “windows”!

I’ve often thought about having a talk with the makers of the software. But why bother? It wouldn’t change the reality that the world simply doesn’t want to think about widows! We’re a somewhat overlooked segment of the population.

It’s understandable. When it comes down to it, who wants to be classified as a widow? And who wants to wrestle with the obvious truth that more than likely one of the two in a marriage will pass before the other.

We are a largely ignored status in any culture.

In Hindu tradition until more recent years, widows were encouraged to martyr themselves in the funeral fire of their husbands’ body. Even now, widows in many countries are considered a liability, not only because they tax a family’s resources, but because they are considered a conduit for bad spirits to come upon the family. So much so that some are cast out onto the streets by their own children. Isn’t that crazy?

We’re very fortunate in the West that because of Christian values, society is encouraged to do as James taught us—care for the widow because that makes “pure and undefiled” religion (James 1:27).

As members of the body of Christ, Christians know in their hearts they are supposed to “visit” us “in our afflictions”, but many don’t. Why is that?

I’ve held my tongue and never uttered a word about those checkboxes on forms that ask you if you are married, single, divorced or separated, but fail to offer a checkbox for widowed.

I’ve held off because I know good and well that many times the form does include widowed, and even seeing that choice of status doesn’t fulfill anything.

My point is we don’t have to take the world’s inattention to us as our identity.

Just ignore the spell-checker. Have a giggle when the specialty shop goofs and etches in, “thank you for ministering to windows”.

Hey, maybe the spell-checker is right–we should be windows. Windows let in the light! Paul tells us how dimly we see God on this side of eternity. (1 Cor 13:12). Any light we can shine to help others see Him more clearly deserves to be shown!

Be light – not only in your laughter and humor but be a light of godliness and goodness to show Christ outward to everyone.

It’s a light like that will never grow dim.

Are you bringing His Light to others? Be a window!

Heavenly Father, would You show each of my sisters that she need not live in obscurity? Perhaps the world doesn’t pay much attention to widows, but You do. Give Your daughters here a special identity in the journey they are on, and help us all to shine Your Light through our lives! Amen.