July 25, 2026
“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” ~ James 1:27 NLT Adapted
I had a brief visit with a friend and her pup this past week that ended with a walk with three pups to search for the chapel on campus.
The chapel is hidden in plain sight, a small, lovely structure with stained glass windows on three sides, nestled in a small courtyard next the the Health and Rehabilitation Center (HRC), and accessed by a gate. I’d noticed the stained glass windows but assumed that they were hanging in someone window.
After enjoying the contemplative space, we continued our walk. We got to the side walk and to our left was Martha, a woman who had warmly welcomed Rod and me a year ago.
She was delighted to see me, and more delighted to see the pups. She asked if she could pet them, and was rewarded with wagging tails. She asked if she could hold one, and my friend’s pup was happy for the extra attention.
She was so happy she had tears rolling down her checks, thanking us for taking the time to stop.
By this time, I had tears in my eyes, tears for this holy encounter, and tears for how much a brief encounter meant to Martha, and to me.
I’ve had people comment that when I’m walking the pups I am a woman on a mission. They are correct. The mission is a good cardiovascular workout. And this time my heart was full of emotions: gratitude, sorrow for all the encounters I was too goal oriented to recognize.
It cost so little, and gave so much, to Martha, my friend, our pups, and me.
Caring for people, especially for those who are alone, is true religion according to James 1:27. Not a perfect slate (an impossibility), or a perfect attendance badge, or even what we believe.
Thank you, Holy Love, for this lesson, perfectly orchestrated. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 