Acts 9:39b “All the widows stood by him (Peter) weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.”
For my husband’s birthday, our son gave him a tandem skydiving experience. My first thought was, “Why in the world would anyone want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane?” However, my adventurous husband seemed genuinely excited.
Being assured of the safety of this adventure, we arrived at the airfield toting all manner of video equipment. (Not sure if this was for our posterity or for a possible insurance claim.) We walked into the airfield office where, behind the desk, sat a young woman registering all skydivers. She was perched high on a stool with both legs stretched out in front of her. Both were encased in casts from her thighs to her ankles.
My curiosity got the best of me, so I sympathetically inquired about her two broken legs. Looking straight at me, she replied, “Actually, I broke my legs skydiving!”
WHAT!
I was halfway to the car with camera gear in hand before my husband could retrieve me.
Long story short, against my will, both my guys jumped from the airplane that day and still talk about the thrill of it all. On the other hand, I still talk about the girl behind the desk. In my wildest dreams I cannot fathom the fact that she was the “Human billboard” (and the broken legs) of the organization responsible for her injuries. How dreadful!
In the book of Acts, there lived a woman named Dorcas. She was a generous seamstress and a deeply loved “Human billboard” for Christianity in Joppa. When sweet Dorcus died, the widows of Joppa mourned the loss of their dear friend. Her influence had not stopped with her needle and thread. Dorcas had cared for them, ministered to their heartbreak, and borne their sorrows alongside them.Her heart had overflowed with compassion, love, and generosity. All of Joppa had witnessed Christianity in action through the life of Dorcas.
The girl in the skydiving office was a most unfortunate first impression. Dorcas, on the other hand, remains to this day the “human billboard” for a life well lived in Christ Jesus.
Friend, may we follow the example of Dorcas and be “human billboards” advertising our faith. May our hearts be filled with love, our lives committed to serving others, and our compassion used to heal the hearts of those hurting. In doing so, may we bring glory to our Heavenly Father.
Father God, may our lives advertise the beauty of living a life in You.
Blessings,
Rita Cochrane