Elder Earl C. Tingey
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A widow is any woman who has lost her husband and has not remarried.
Some of the widows in the church are young with small children and sole responsibilities for their upbringing. Loneliness is one of their greatest burdens.
Other widows are older, have lost their cherished companions, and sometimes suffer the limitations of poor health.
"The doctrine of the church is very clear regarding widows."
Paul said to honor them. Brigham Young counseled that pioneer companies should protect them. James 1:27 reads, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
"The term "widows' is used 34 times in the scriptures. In 23 of those passages, the term refers to widows and the fatherless. I believe the Lord has a tender feeling toward widows and the fatherless, or orphans. He knows that they may have to rely more completely on him than on others. Their prayers will be more personal and lasting, service to fellow men more genuine and faith greater."
Widows in the scriptures had legendary faith: the widow of Zarephath who believed Elijah; Anna, who recognized the infant Jesus at the temple; the widow of Nain, whose son was raised from the dead. And don't forget the story of the widow's mite.
"To you wonderful sisters who find yourselves as widows, please know that God loves you. You are the choice among the choice."
