“Funny how a dollar on the ground will make you stop, but a human being on the ground will make you walk faster. Or maybe that’s not so funny after all.” –J. Barnett
Last month, I sought the Lord for my eyes to be opened, and my heart to be compelled to act upon what I see. The Holy Spirit heeded my request. I saw people differently – more deeply. I perceived situations differently – with greater discernment. And I saw myself differently, as well – man, do I need His ever-extended grace. Sometimes it’s hard when I get what I pray for.
This month I’ve been in Tirana, Albania. A large section of the people here are Roma.
“Gypsies.”
“Street people.”
So called “less-thans.”
Early in the month, as my team and I walked through town going about our day, we would cross paths with Roma people. Usually women, their faces etched with hardship, surrounded by their children, visibly not carefree. They would pull at our coat sleeves as we walked by, begging for food or money. They pulled at my heartstrings when I had no food or money to offer them, far after they were in my sight.
One day, I felt compelled to give my freshly purchased lunch to a precious Roma woman, sitting on the curb and cradling her coughing little boy. I crouched down, looked into her gorgeous brown eyes and said, “For you.” Her entire face broke into a smile and her little boy’s eyes widened with glee as he saw what he was about to eat.
A shift begins. Perhaps in her heart, but definitely in my own. Just by altering my vantage point and looking into the eyes of this woman, (I just found out her name is Susana. What a lovely name.) I became immensely aware of the beautiful weight of showing someone that they are seen.
A shift continues. As I passed Susana on the same curb almost daily, I smiled and nodded and she greeted me back. I hope she realizes more and more her vast worth. That a smile from her can brighten another’s day. It has brightened mine.
For Valentine’s Day, my team gave flowers to the lovely-but-often-overlooked women we encounter, including Susana. Such a dually simple and powerful gesture.
You are seen.
You are beautiful.
You are loved.
photo credit: Allison Laverty
We choose to see and it touches their hearts. When have I chosen blindness for the sake of convenience?
“When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matt 9:36
He saw and He had compassion. Now that I’ve asked and received more Christ-like vision, I’m aware that He is entrusting me with dissatisfaction at the status quo.
May it be said of me “Erika saw and she had compassion.”
This holy shift goes on.
From my heart,
Erika Venese
