I love that God cares for those who are suffering and allows us to help.
“Speak up for the people who have no voice,
for the rights of the down-and-outers.
Speak out for justice!
Stand up for the poor and destitute!”
Proverbs 31:8-9
I don’t know statistics, but I know faces.
The basic needs of people in Mexico and Guatemala, like food and shelter, are not being met.
I’ve seen individuals in this situation, talked to them, and spent time with their families.
I’m amazed.
I guess I’ve always heard it, but it didn’t seem real.
I didn’t have a name and a face.
It makes me ask the question “why?” Why didn´t I realize that a gigantic portion of the world is hungry and more than that, why haven´t I done anything?
I think part of the reason is lack of education. I didn’t realize the extent to which people were suffering and when I did, I didn´t know how to help. I read articles or heard stories, but they were just that to me…stories.
I think the other reason is apathy. It’s easy when you’re surrounded by people whose basic needs are met to falsely assume that everyone in the world is comfortable.
I had good intentions to help others but most of the time it was a checkbox left unmarked on my To-Do list. I didn’t have an immediate need in my face, so it was easy to put off.
My hope this year is to learn and help raise awareness for those “who have no voice”. I pray my words don’t leave you feeling guilty but instead leave you with a fire in your belly to make a difference in the life of another.
