I think we can all agree that there are people in the world less fortunate than we are. I don't know about you, but I've never truly starved. I've never gone without. In 2000, I spent two weeks in Santa Lucia, Guatemala teaching children English. To this day I'm still impacted. I saw children without proper access to medical care. I saw women sweep the dirt floors of their small metal huts. I smelled the raw waste of a village without proper sewage.
Although I've seen poverty with my own eyes, I tend to overlook it here in my own community at times... or most of the time. I don't realize if I head north from my office building and cross the railroad tracks, there are families who can't afford to manage their health. They can't afford the repairs or utilities on their homes. And their clothes are someone else's hand-me-downs.
If you think about it, there's no one else who loves us quite like ourselves. Really, think about it! If you're cold, you're grabbing a sweater. If you're thirsty, you're going to get a drink. If you cut your finger, where does it go? In your mouth! We take such wonderful care of ourselves without hesitation. And there's nothing wrong with that whatsoever. Please do take care of yourself! This illustration just magnifies Jesus' command to love others as we love ourselves.
I care for myself so intuitively, yet I easily turn a blind eye to the folks across the railroad tracks. As I'm inspired to reach out and love on the people around me that are in need, I hope you'll be inspired, as well. There are great places to get involved in reaching out to your community. Find them! You can do so in many ways, whether physically or financially. You'll find that in doing so, you're utterly fulfilled.
Here are pictures from Chris' recent trip to Florianopolis, Brazil. While this may be one of the most wealthiest parts of the country, the village Chris' team ministered to is considered to be a 3rd world slum and is ignored by the people in surrounding cities. The scenario hits close to home for me. (The children there are beautiful! Chris tried to bring a few home.)
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