Angels Amongst Us

“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”

Hebrews 13:2 (NLT)

There is a kindness, attention, and even obligation that the Bible speaks to specifically pertaining to widows and orphans. One of the earliest references to this is in Exodus 22:22 where Moses admonishes the children of Israel shortly after they left captivity in Egypt. This is in direct correlation to their former plight as strangers there and serves as a specific warning against ill treatment with dire consequences for failure to adhere. Subsequently, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, he exhorts the people in Deuteronomy 14:29 regarding the extension of hospitality to widows and orphans. Thus, amidst the varied injunctions of health, stewardship, and continued faith commitment, there is pointed instruction on how to treat this prevalent vulnerable class in their midst.

The Bible is replete with reminders to God’s people of how they are to care for this group. Of particular mention is the newly formed Christian church in Acts 6, as they take on evangelizing the world. They took intentional pause and conducted careful, prayerful orchestration around the ministry of the church to widows, which has continued down throughout the ages. I witnessed this continued ministry in recent years after my father passed. At first, it was customary and well appreciated to receive the flowers, condolences, calls, and correspondence on behalf of my mother. Again, as per usual, these points of contact diminished, and then all but ceased; however, I then noticed a different, yet refreshing pattern. Every so often, there was a card in the mail addressed to my mom. At first, I thought, it is a church ministry, but then I noticed the persistency and consistency in not only the receipt of the affectionate tokens, but her response to them.

She looked expectantly for mail, these points of lights that brightened her day and let her know her labors at the church and in the community were worthwhile and meaningful, and that she was special. I also observed that these cards don’t end up with the rest of the mail, oh no, she keeps them in a special basket next to her favorite chair so she can have easy access to them.

Some of the dear church sisters I remember from when I grew up here, some of them I don’t know. Maybe they are not part of this specific church ministry, in fact, I know that some are not, but one thing I recognize is that the Bible also speaks of angels that take on human form (Hebrews 13:2).

I believe in angels. I also believe they walk amongst us and even send cards.