Widows Free to Marry

1 Corinthians 7:39-40 "A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord.  But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God's Spirit when I say this." NLT

      Lord, thank You for the wonderful husband you have given me and for our 41 years together.
I know in Paul's time and culture things were much different for a woman.  If she was widowed with children, her children were bound to care for her.  If she was childless, it fell to the church to care for her.  She could not just get a job and provide for herself.
      If she was young with small children, it was better for her to re-marry than to stay single simply for provision sake.  The Law required her husband's brother (if he had one) to marry her if she was childless to carry on her husband's name.
      It is very different for us.  If a husband dies, a woman can work, get survivor's benefits from Social Security, be on welfare and get food stamps and medicaid for health insurance for her children.  The church has little to do with providing as it should.
      If statistics prove true, I will be a widow at some point in my life.  I do have children who love me and would provide for me, and I would be eligible for the Survivor's benefits.  I could continue to work depending on the time frame and my health.  I know I would be free to re-marry, but do not believe I would because I want to serve You with as much time as I have.  I believe that is what Paul is saying here about "being better off to stay single".  However; I am in my "Senior" years.  Your plan would be best for each widow in her circumstance.
      We have several widows at our church and they serve You with all of their free time.  Some are still working, some not, but they have chosen not to re-marry.