A humble woman prays

The name Tabitha in Aramaic and the name Dorcas in Greek mean gazelle

Act 9: 36-42

³⁶ Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas.^[a] She was full of good works and acts of charity. ³⁷ In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. ³⁸ Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, “Please come to us without delay.” ³⁹So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. ⁴⁰ But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, rise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. ⁴¹ And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. ⁴² And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.  This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Dorcas aka Tabitha was a woman recognized in the early Christian church due to her care, support and love for widows and children. It is not clear how she was able to financial provide for large groups of widows and some children. Was she a widow herself or did she inherit the funds from a deceased father. Did others help support such an important ministry?

Regardless of how she did it, she did it!

Back in the time of the early Christian Church, Christ had been crucified and sat at the right hand of our Heavenly Father. On earth, the disciples were teaching and performing miracles as enabled by Our Lord and Savior.

In those times, when a husband/father died his wife was cared for by their children. However, if the husband and wife had no children or the children did not take care of their mother then she had little opportunities. Living in a bustling port town, Dorcas would have seen evidence of these situations. She shared the Love of Christ to the widows who were in need of assistance. Providing them with food, providing shelter, and obtaining material for her and the other widows to make clothes for a widow in need. Often, she offered hope and respect to these women who may have been homeless, hungry, abused and disheveled with worn out clothes. Being in a situation where you are seen as worthless and tossed aside, would cause the widow to loss hope and value. Makes me think of those in that situation now.

As a follower of Christ, we are shown the importance of caring for others. Dorcas took this call seriously and helped many, many widows and orphaned children.

When Dorcas died, those she helped surrounded her deathbed. In their grief, they remembered that some of Christ’s disciples were in a near-by city. They called for Peter.

The scripture shares that Peter prayed over Dorcas and she was brought back to life.

Dorcas lived a loving life of charity for those in need. What does remembering Dorcas aka Tabitha, inspire us to do? To take care of those in need. This season may encourage us to help but I believe, we need to do this at all times.

How? The need may require money, clothing that is in good shape to help someone not feel ashamed by their appearance or to keep someone warm. One way that I encourage you to remember, is visiting those who are homebound or living in care facilities. A visit may make a difference and wipe away loneliness and knowing that they are not forgotten.

Dorcas today

I am blessed to be able to visit several care facilities every week. A few weeks ago, I met a new friend. Her name is Dorcas. She is being cared for well. However, she is a humble widow who is suffering from early dementia. She knows who she is but gets confused and afraid.

I met her while visiting a church member who lives in the same facility. Quite often, when visiting someone, you are blessed with the opportunity to make new friends. I met Dorcas as I was sitting in the main lobby with James. He was in his wheelchair and I sat in a chair. Next to the chair was a loveseat that Dorcas was relaxing in. She leaned over and whispered “I am afraid.” I had a lovely conversation with her that day. I helped reassure her by showing where her room was, listening to her concerns and about her wonderful family. I visit with Dorcas and James every week now. I am truly blessed to have a new humble gentle friend who shares the name with Dorcas aka Tabitha who provided loving care to widows and children back in the early church time.

I have seen so many times that if we open our eyes, hearts, and arms, Our Lord will bring those who need Christ’s love and peace.

Please take an hour or so out of your time to visit, call or send a card to those who may need it. What a blessing you can be!

Almighty God, please use our eyes, our ears, our arms, our everything to help your child in need. We place ourselves to serve you and your children in need. We want to help. Please stir our hearts and thoughts to those who need help. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen!