We had been at the fair about 15 minutes and had already indulged in Pad Thai and popcorn. Then as we turned the corner to walk down the main isle of worldly treasures I noticed a small man lying on a mat in the the middle of all the people. His legs and arms were considerably smaller than the rest of His body. He was also twisted in a way that didn't seem humanly possible. His posture caused his head to be turned sideways and rest on his arms and feet. I notice his face and the way his eyes stare blankly off into the distance. He seems lifeless. My mind wonders for a second if he is actually real. I stand there paralyzed for a few extended seconds as the world continues to rush by. I notice a small can in front of him. He is a beggar. But my mind thinks "how did this frail contorted man even get himself here in the middle of this sea of people. Someone must have brought him here and set him up on this mat. Are they using him to make money? Does the money really go to help him? Should I give him some? Should I stop and pray? Should I stoop down and look in his eyes and speak life to him?" These thoughts fly through my mind and then the world around me grabs hold and I continue walking through the fair and I do nothing. Once again I've let my fear, my logic, my lack of understanding, my laziness, whatever it is, keep me from acting. I am so tired of this. But praying to change this isn't going to change it. Loving people is the Lords will, I don't have to pray about that. I just have to make the decision to act. To go against my nature, take a risk and act in compassion, no matter the outcome. I'm tired of letting fear rob me of opportunities to love. May the picture of that frail man be burned in my mind as a reminder to never let fear paralyze me.
