Why?

Yesterday, I was speaking with a friend that went on a mission experience to Africa.  I ask many questions that I had waited a little while to ask such as:  What shocked you the most?  Where have you seen God the most?  Even about bathrooms, but I'm not going to share those details!

Some of what she shared with me broke my heart, but it opens my eyes to things going on around the world that I try to shut my eyes to.  One thing I was told was how the street kids walk down the street with glue bottles sniffing it to get high to try to forget just how hungry they are;  when I think about the last time I was hungry I still could not relate.  I can't place myself in their shoes, because I've never been there and yet we want to say we understand, but we don't.  

Where God is seen the most was in the beauty of Africa.  The animals, the street kids, and the country itself.  One moment that really grasp the attention of some of the people was when a woman purchased a soda for one of the street kids.  A simple act, but such a big act of kindness for this child.

I ask what are you doing with your time?  13 books so far read and working on another.  I stated that might be easy with no family, friends, school, tv and such.  I was quickly corrected that they had 2 tv channels, but they were in Swahili.  So it doesn't do much good to watch.

God is continually opening my eyes to the world surrounding me and it shocks me the way some of our brothers and sisters live daily.  Oh, you don't have to go to a foreign country to see it; no it's right around the corner from each of us.  WE just choose to shut our eyes to the things going on, perhaps, because we aren't directly involved.  Well, watch out because God will involve you in things that break your heart and when you lie down at night you are no longer able to sleep.  You worry, you fret and you pray because God is the only one that will solve these problems.

I am reminded of God's Word in Matthew 25: 35 ~ 36

For I was hungry and you gave ME something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink;  I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me.

Are we feeding the hungry?  Are we giving them water?  Clothes?  Taking care of the sick?  Prison Visits?  How did you do on the checklist?  I didn't fare so well...

Father, forgive me the times I fail to open my eyes and see my brothers and sisters that are hurting.  Please Lord help these children be provided with the food they so desperately need and let each of us wake up to do something.  I know Lord we can't all do something big, but we can all do something!  Open our eyes to the something that each one of us are able to do.  Help us Lord to see the One thing!  WE love you.

Amen

Sweet blessings,

Debbie