I was taught in school to yell “fire” instead of “help” if I was ever in need of rescuing. As a young naïve child I thought “fire” somehow sounded more urgent, which is why it received recognition as a distress call. Fire is a disaster that requires a team of diligent workers to calm the flames. It is a direct word that people unanimously know. The word itself speaks volumes. In contrast, “help” is an ambiguous term. If “help” is hollered does it mean that one of the numerous, cat lady’s kittens is stuck in another tree branch too high for her to reach, a five year old boy lost his favorite toy truck in a crowded shopping mall, or teenage girl just got robbed and her assailant is sprinting towards you? We don’t know. Sad thing is, we rarely ever find out. It is not the lack of emotion in the caller’s words that immobilizes us from acting, but something within ourselves. Do we assume someone else will step in, relinquishing us from any duty we thought we ought to perform? Do we think the caller will ask too much of us? Are we scared to open our hearts’ to a stranger’s plea?
What causes our delayed and more-often-than-not absent response to a call for help?
Whatever our answer is we need to bring it to God. God calls us to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and clothe His people whom He loves. God provides, and He often does so through people we least expect. When we think we have nothing left to give or when we think we’ve already given enough, God tells us to give more. He blesses those who give freely and from the heart.
I pray your heart is set on fire at my call for help. I am three months in on God’s amazing journey, and crave to do more. My next financial deadline is in two weeks (December 1st), and I am $4,000 short. I am asking for your help. The total sum appears unreachable when I think of a few people donating so much money. However, if I asked every person who reads this to donate $11 (for 11 countries in 11 months) AND each reader asks ten of his/her friends to donate $11, then my deadline is easily attained. In this way, I am not asking for much money from one particular person (although if you feel called to give more please don’t hold back). All donations are secure, and it does not take up much time. Please click the support me link located to the left of this page and follow the easy instructions afterwards. Then copy and paste this page and email it to your friends. Personally extend an invitation to be an inspiration to a young woman’s life. There is no need for me to yell “fire” when God already holds me safe in His hands. However, I need the help of others to continue on this race. So, please help.
