March 2015

I believe there are five types of excuses when it comes to our women not wanting to be a part of our women's ministry in our local churches. On this page I will be covering those physical excuses. I feel that understanding each type of excuse is important to our leaders when it comes to understanding the daily issues in their women's lives.

Physical Excuses

Physical Excuses are the type of excuses that are related to one’s health either long term or short term. There are a lot of every day health reasons that end up making our women unable to attend or be involved in a women's ministry program.

This category also includes things like emergencies, unforeseen circumstances, obstacles that come up relating to one’s health or the health of a loved one.

I think about the many women I know who end up taking care of a loved one who can no longer function on their own or be alone for long lengths of time. And we have to realize that not all ailments come with just aging. Many younger women have health problems that we may not even be aware of, so we have to be understanding. And then there are those who are aging and have some issues sitting for long lengths of time, climbing stairs, and sitting on hard chairs or pews. So much is involved when it comes to health issues.

I think of the many moms in our local churches who care for autistic children or children with other disabilities. Life is extremely hard and takes a toll on those women. We can't just expect them to show up when we want. We have to be understanding, take steps to help them out, and to pray for them.

Physical types of excuses fall into the category of legitimate and understandable. There is not usually anything you can do to combat physical excuses, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them completely. Those women still need ministered to by the women's ministry program.

If someone is sick, send a get-well card, make a house visit, call, or contact them in some way to show that you care. If someone is a caregiver, let them know you are praying for them, and help them out physically or in a kind way when you can. If someone has just lost a loved one, or had a loved one hospitalized, be there for them. Send a card. Send flowers. Send food or whatever is needed. Let them know you are praying for them and their family.

Be sure to add these folks to your prayer list. Those who deal with physical issues for themself or care for sick loved ones need our prayers.

Copyright ©2015 Julia Bettencourt

Find all parts to this series in the Dealing with Excuses Index.

See more along this line in the Setbacks and Growth Index.

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