Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love me like You have loved me.
As I walk from earth into eternity…”
They’re the unlovable of Jo’burg. They make you hold your purse a little tighter when you walk through town, and they’re a large part of the reason you avoid the city streets at night.
For the last 2 weeks, Blair, Shannon, and I have been working alongside Melville Junction Church developing possible programs that serve the homeless men, women and children of Johannesburg, South Africa. In researching needs and ideas, I met Ricardo ‘n friends begging on the street corner between McDonald’s and KFC. They’re street boys who beg from sun up to sun down, and take a break in the afternoon to receive a cup of soup from us. We got looks from everyone coming in and out of the restaurant. They would just gawk at the 4 Americas chatting with the street boys. We were asked if we were naïve, scared or just plain crazy.
Crazy? I’d think. For talking to a street boy? At first, I was hurt by their misunderstanding, but as I thought back to who I was before Christ, I began to understand the looks. I knew I would have been the one munching on French fries and passing judgment 5 years ago…
I remember hearing stories about the company that Christ kept when I first became a Christian. “Lunatic,” I thought. Who pursues the prostitutes, beggars, and thieves? Aren’t you taught to avoid people like that as a child? Great example, Jesus. Why don’t I run down to the red light district and have a quality chat with the lady on the corner of 3rd and Peachtree? I’m sure she won’t mind me stepping between her and this month’s rent. And that thief over there? I’m sure that he won’t steal from me because I have a cross, a smile, and good intentions. Wrong. Thanks for the example, Jesus. I’ll stick to my Birmingham circle. Much neater. Much safer. Much more expected.
Africa. They’re all the types of people that Christ would have loved, while onlookers shook their heads in confusion. And before I can stop myself, I am loving them too. Relationships like these teach you to love with Christ’s eyes, as titles fall to the ground and nothing but laughter and love rise to the surface. It’s when they become more to you than the orphan, the prostitute, and “some street kids.” Instead, you’re changed; when through Christ’s power they become your friend, your brother, and your family. Christ molds you through these relationships. He challenges you to serve, pray, and love way past what is comfortable. You love with no guarantee that the love will be reciprocated, and it doesn’t deter you from loving harder. You’re reminded that the Creator of the Universe adores YOU, and that’s all the Love you need for fulfillment.
