Do we still see poor people any more? I wonder sometimes if they have disappeared into their food insecure homes in economically disadvantaged communities making it almost convenient to forget they exist.
We speak of them in politically correct, academically accurate terms that the average person doesn’t understand, much less feel compelled to do anything about. That’s unfortunate because for nearly any cause you name there are millions who need our help.
I listen to non-profits, ministers, politicians and academics alike spout huge statistics coupled with the new catch phrases of our time and I want to tell them all so badly – stop trying to impress us and go back to the basics! Talk to us about the poor, the hungry and the homeless. Connect our heads with our hearts and our helping hands will follow. Inspire our passion to help just one…
I don’t know about you, but I want to keep it simple. When I get to heaven I want God to say:
When I was hungry, you fed me.
When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink.
When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.
When I was naked you clothed me.
When I was sick you took care of me.
When I was in prison you came to visit me.
When do we do all of these things? When we take care of the people God places around us who need us the most.
We see them everyday. They are the children that come to school hungry and can’t concentrate. They are your neighbors who have been unemployed for months and about to lose their home. They are the young mothers trying to make ends meet. They are, at one time or another, you and I.
Systemic change is important, but it doesn’t negate our personal calling to love one another. As we tirelessly work to solve the problems of the community, I pray God gives us the vision to see the person in need right in front of us. Helping the one is as important as fighting for the collective. We can make a difference, if we but open our eyes and see. Be passionate.
Loving on Me as I Love You. ❤
Kerri Vaughan says
Beautiful!
Nikia Hammonds-Blakely says
Lord, open my eyes to see the need of others around me!
katrinamcghee says
Amen!
Crystal K says
I’m going to share this with the team at work! It’s so appropriate for the work that we do. Gracias!