A widow of Zarephath town
discovered her cupboard was bare.
Some meal, and a few drops of oil
were all that was left for her there."
Elijah the prophet appeared,
and God said, "Please see that he's fed."
She used up the meal and the oil
to bake him a fine loaf of bread.

A poor widow came to the mount
where Jesus was teaching that day.
He watched as she offered her gift,
and went in the Temple to pray.
Her offering was two copper coins.
She had no more money to give.
Said Jesus, "Her gift was the best.
She gave all that she had to live."

Two widows from days long ago,
forgotten by name, but not deed,
both teach us how we should respond
whenever God shows us a need.
In plenty we're all quick to give,
but slower when cupboards are bare.
God, move us to share in your work
to show by our gifts that we care.