Yours truly was at the Christian wake keep of a beautiful old lady who had just passed away at the age of 80 and listened to all the wonderful testimonies that attested to her as the quintessential virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 of the Bible. Mama was known for her acts of charity to all and sundry, her sacrificial giving of time, resources, and skills to help widows and orphans in particular, her wise counsel to corporate concerns, her deep involvement in church projects and so many other great works. However, I was most moved by a young man who walked up to the microphone alongside his wife and two beautiful children. He introduced himself as a recipient of Mama’s immeasurable love, which had enabled him an education and that had made him a son by assimilation into her family. Mama had also extended that love to his wife and children. His testimony was encapsulated in one simple sentence “Brothers and sisters…if we still lived in biblical times, I would have invited Apostle Peter to resuscitate Mama.” I found this to be a profound testimony as it set me thinking about the reference to Dorcas (Tabitha) of Joppa, who was resuscitated by Peter, according to Acts of the Apostles 9:38, for her good works and acts of mercy in sewing for the poor. These deeds singled her out for mention in the book believed to be the most widely read book – the bible. Her memory has thus remained blessed through the ages. Because of her charitable acts, good works and hospitality, the women were pained at her passing and requested that Peter resuscitate her.

Dorcas was a virtuous woman who lived a life of purpose, diligence, and forgiveness. She served God through service to humanity and was a disciple of Christ which is why the women sent for Peter. She served others with love and kindness. She spent wisely which enabled her enough to be charitable. She was industrious engaging in profitable work with her hands and assisting others. She exuded an inner beauty which was recognised and evidenced by the love people had for her.

As women, we should emulate Dorcas by being charitable and hospitable to all, giving not just material things but also care, time, and counsel. How often do we lend a hand, particularly in these difficult times?  Have you assisted that young mother who must juggle her work schedule with picking up the children from school whereas you have the time and means to actually pick them up from school and keep them comfortable till she gets back from work? What of that washerman, security guard, or driver who can barely eat a meal from his meagre salary, while you have excess foodstuff, both raw and cooked, have you thought of giving him some? Have you put a smile on the face of your neighbour by paying for extra tutoring for his son who is your son’s classmate or paid for his external examinations which funds his parents are struggling to find? Honestly, there is so much to be done and we can be creative about assistance but most importantly, let us put a smile on someone’s face. What indeed will you be remembered for – your kindness or your hostility, your hospitality or your aloofness, your gentleness, or your brashness?

I recently came across two persons who were pleasantly surprised by the results of acts of kindness presumed forgotten. The first person had assisted some itinerant students with accommodation, feeding and out-of-pocket expenses while they were in the university. The 3 ladies had lived in her boys’ quarters, and she never knew their parents. Long after they left school, they remained in touch and expressed their gratitude by gifting her with a Mediterranean ship cruise. The overwhelming joy she experienced cannot be captured in words. The second is a recipient of the result of his father’s largesse. Having applied to a Government Parastatal regarding a contract, he walked in to see the Director-General with the hope of obtaining favour. Immediately after he announced his name, the Director-General asked if he had any relationship with a certain man with the same surname and when he affirmed the man to be his father, the Director-General waved him to a seat and recounted how his late father had been monumentally helpful to him and that he would gladly do anything in his power for any of his children. Needless to say, what he was requesting was a done deal. It is important to note that our deeds never go unnoticed and the rewards for our actions, both good and bad are often reaped whether by us or by our children. Let us learn to give positively of ourselves to humanity.

Love

Havilah