What does it mean to care for widows and orphans in their distress. Why
didn't the verse just say- care for widow and orphans? The verse is so
strong as to be a summative answer about what true religion is.

What then, is distress? It could be need. It could be financial. Widows
in Bible times were often women who wouldn't have any means of support.
Ships send distress signals when they are in danger of sinking..so distress
also reflects danger. Are there more meanings of distress? What do we think
of when we hear that someone is distraught? They are not calm, they are not
easily comforted. Maybe they are even flailing arms, or words.

Not such an easy thing, then, is it to care for widows and orphans in their
distress?

Why would such a verse sum up true religion? Could it be that God comes to
us and cares for us while we are in need and while we are still not so easy
to care for, and true religion - or true reflection of God is to care for
others who are not easy to care for?

Thank you to those who cared for me when it was easy, and when it took more
time, more effort, more energy than you thought you had. Thank you to those
who gave and helped. Thank you to those who cared for me when I was
distraught. Who chose to hear, to feel, and to be with me anyways. You were
God with skin on.

I am also grateful for the prayers, and thoughts proffered on my behalf.

love
felicia