"Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which when translated in Greek is called Dorcas): This woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did."
Acts 9:36


I was intrigued by her, Dorcas. I was drawn to the fact that in Holy Scripture this woman was remembered for "abounding" deeds of kindness and charity. What a wonderful way to be remembered 2000 years later. She must have been extraordinary! With all of the women who were alive Luke mentions her actions and how those around her felt when she died.
(Acts 9:36 -42)

I've studied her before, but again I've been reminded.
She was a servant of the Lord! I know that God wants me to be a woman like Dorcas, a true comforter to those around me...to my family, my friends, to strangers. A comforter in many ways. Perhaps its in the power of praying for and with someone who needs to be lifted up, encouraged, or reached out to in a time of need or frustration. Perhaps it's in simple acts of charity, a card or a plateful of cookies. It seems that Dorcas was always ready and willing to "EXTEND HERSELF."

It strikes me that we don't know much about Dorcas from Scripture. In Acts, we are not told if she is married or how old she is. We do know, however, that she is the only woman in Scripture to be called a disciple. That alone tells us she was passionate. Passionate as a doer and follower of Jesus. She lived for others, earning the honor of the title "disciple." Wouldn't you love to have the words, "she was a disciple" spoken about you long, long after you were gone?

So as I sit and reflect on this woman, one of the first I'd choose to meet in God's great kingdom, I think about my own life and how I can learn from this woman of long ago. I know that she had compassion and concern, many of us do. Her water buckets spilled just like the rest of the women and the olive press got STUCK some days, but she was remembered for kindness...
ABOUNDING kindness and charity! WOW!!

I am sure many women of the day possessed those qualities. It seems that what set her apart was her passion for the cause. She was truly a disciple in word and deed. What set her apart was that she was unceasing in her commitment to discipleship. I have the same capacity, she after all was a woman, living in desperate times, and yet she found a way to live passionately for Christ, by serving and tending to the needs of those around her. It's not that she did it occasionally, but continually.

One word, made all the difference. "Continually" doing for others, not occasionally, as the mood strikes, but ALL the time. She was the one who noticed who needed what and simply did what she knew to do. She chose to DO, all the time! And, did I mention, continually, not just when SHE was in the mood. yeah....that's the tough part, for me anyway.

How moved and inspired I am by a woman I have only come to know in a few short lines of Acts. She has inspired me and challenged me at the same time. I, too can be like Dorcas. It won't be easy, being a disciple never has been and likely, never will be. Oh, but the rewards in heaven are fruitful. It will require commitment and passion, not occasionally but continually! It will require a constant commitment to the cause. (even when I am tired!) As I pray for the spirit that Dorcas had to penetrate my life, I am thankful to Luke for mentioning her...2000 years later, Dorca's legacy lives on and I am looking to her to help me on my walk, to be a better disciple of Christ...

In Him,


most days I can be found over here at my personal blogspot,
I'd love it if you came over for a visit.