Beautiful Kindness
12 Baskets Full
A Tabitha Basket
Tabitha, called Dorcas in Greek, was known for her good works and acts of kindness to those in need.[1] At her death, many widows, overcome with grief, showed Peter various items of clothing she sewed for them. In our language, her name means ‘gazelle’ and recalls an animal with lightness of step, beauty and grace. Interestingly Joppa, the harbour city she called home, also means beautiful.[2]
While the Bible does not tell us whether she was single, married or widowed, if she was rich or poor or whether she had children, we do know that this disciple of Jesus actively cared for the poor. She willingly gave of her time and talent to help others in need. An ordinary woman, with an ordinary skill, Tabitha did something simple yet beautiful with her life.
Covid19 has added 500 million people to global poverty, which means 8% of the global population.[3] Imagine the challenge and opportunity this brings to the church and missionaries around the world. While we can easily feel overwhelmed and do nothing, my plea is that the ordinary woman of today with her ordinary skills, will do something beautiful for a sister or a stranger – someone stretched and challenged, weary and drained, someone who needs encouragement.
Let’s get practical!
Poverty has many faces as there are different types of poverty, different causes of poverty and also different solutions to poverty – making it a complex problem that can easily overwhelm us. Yet, our priorities should remain steadfast as we tackle this basket.
A Bible: For man does not live by bread alone!
The Message explains it well – “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.”[4] Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega and the reality of His presence makes all the difference to our circumstances. Thus, when we give someone a Bible, we put into their hands the most powerful tool for transformation that exists in the world. Unique in its message, it is a life-giving force that brings hope. It has the power to convict, regenerate, to produce faith, build up, make wise and bring peace[5] – reminding us that the Word is not only with God, but that the Word is God.
While many people can read, it is important to remember that to communicate with non-readers, illiterate, visually impaired and blind people, the solar powered audio Bible is an invaluable tool. Easily available and affordable, it will speak comfort to everyone in need.
Tissues: He will wipe every tear from their eyes.[6]
God sees our tears. He knows about our loneliness. Close to the brokenhearted, Jesus reminds us that a bruised reed he will not break and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out.
When a slave girl with no rights or opinions and mistreated by her mistress, flees into the desert because she can take the abuse no more, she finds herself alone without shelter or food. On top of everything, she is pregnant with her master’s child. Hagar’ story [7]
may be unique, but many can relate to the emotions of rejection, fear and loneliness she experienced. It is here that God calls her by name and reveals himself as El Roi – the God who sees.
Abandoned by a husband, laid off at work, neglected by parents, betrayed by a friend or abused as a child – too many women can relate to Hagar’s story. To bring them comfort, it is important that we too call them by name, take time to listen to their stories, wipe their tears and remind them that God is intimately acquainted with the details of their situations. Wonderfully and fearfully made and worth far more than many sparrows, the very hairs on their heads are numbered.
Hand & Nail Cream: The Aroma of Christ
In the Old Testament, aromatic incense was continually burnt on the golden altar inside the Holy of Holies, representing the constant prayers of God’s people. Adding any type of cream to this week’s basket, will remind us to pray for the person or family we are blessing. First prize is to lavishly apply it to the hands of these beautiful individuals ourselves and then bless them in their own homes. If they are comfortable to share their specific requests, it is a bonus. Otherwise, we can trust the Holy Spirit to show us what to pray for.
So pleasant are these precious prayers that God lovingly collects them in golden bowls.[8]‘ By keeping them close, he can continually enjoy their blessed bouquet,’ writes Denise Kohlmeyer. [9] What a beautiful incentive to spread the fragrance of God’s grace as we walk in love and keep praying for those in need.
[2] https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Joppa.html
[3] https://dialogos.co.za/seven-tipping-points-in-2021/
[4] Matthew 4:4
[5] https://www.biblesprout.com/articles/bible/power/
[6] Revelations 21:4
[7] Genesis 16: 1- 13
[8] Revelations 5:8
[9] https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/four-aromas-god-loves-most
