When I think about Dorcas, I think about all the women in my life who have used their hands in service to bless others. My grandmother made sure that my mother and her sisters developed skills they could use to care for people in their lives. I have quilts made for me by Mother, Aunt and Grandmother that I can wrap myself in and feel the love that was stitched into every piece of their work. Growing up my mom, Brenda, made it a priority to try to teach me the domestic skills, that her mother had taught her, so I could use the skills to serve others.

I remember growing up having to sit on a specific stool in my mom's kitchen while she would cook. I remember asking her why I had to sit and watch her prepare the meals, and my mom responded that I needed to learn to cook so I could care for my future family and the people in my life that I love.

From baking brownies for every tennis match of mine in high school, to sewing quilts for children in foster care, to crocheting hundreds of potholders to donate to the annual church bazaar to help raise money for missions, Brenda (like Dorcas) uses her domestic skills as her way of serving the Lord.

I think one powerful part missing from these short eight verses of Dorcas' story (which I totally would have included in this chapter in Acts if I had been in charge of editing) is Dorcas' reaction once she was resurrected. Stop and think of how she must have felt opening her eyes and being surrounded by those she had cared for, all holding the tangible and intangible representations of her life's work of love and service. Think of all the potholders that would be held up for Brenda! Think of all the items that others would hold up for you.

What can we do to put love into every effort we make? A simple crocheted potholder can be an act of service when love is sewn into every stitch. I use the skills my mom taught me in her kitchen to bless others by delivering a hot cooked meal to a family going through a tough time, surprising someone who needs a smile with a baked pastry and coffee, or sharing a charcuterie board (that could make Martha Stewart herself jealous) with friends.

So I encourage you to look at the life skills God has given you. Find the unique ways that you can use these to serve others! My Mom would tell you that she does all the things that she does for others because she feels genuine joy using her skills serving. God needs your work in this world, but also wants you to feel the joy that comes with serving others!

For Reflection

Kingdom Life Family Center in Orefield wants people to make an appointment to drop off food on a Tuesday morning.  Call 610-398-0111

Salem United Methodist Church in Allentown, Food bank can take donations in the morning by appointment only.  Call Rev. Navin Satyarvata 610-432-2577