This past week I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with Elaine, Elaine’s Aunt and Elaine’s Grandma (commonly known as “MaMa” as it is a sign of respect in Chinese culture). 

MaMa has had a rough life.  She endured several years of poverty in China while she grew up.  She has had to fight diabetes for quite some time now, and is currently in a wheel chair due to “diabetic’s foot”.  Is there ever a break?

As we spent an afternoon with her in Richmond,  I came to realize that no there isn’t ever a break.  I was amazed at how many people were so ready to cut in front of her to get on and off the sky train (despite the fact that she’s in a WHEEL CHAIR!!!).  If that weren’t enough, there was a young lady (probably early twenty’s and fully capable of her motor movement) who cut MaMa off when getting into the elevator!

Have I been completely ignorant to people’s laziness in today’s culture?  I must confess that at the sight of all of this I was fuming!  As I came home and was left to reflect on such a day, I really took a hard look at myself and asked, “What in this world have I missed due to my laziness, pride, or ignorance?”  Has God been revealing to me injustices all over and I simply have not stepped outside of my own little world to see it?  How many people have I walked passed, cut off, or completely ignored that were in desperate need of God’s love? 

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
- Matthew 25:37-40

I’ve been reading a book called “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan.  In this book Francis Chan suggests, “As we begin to focus more on Christ, loving Him and others becomes more natural.”  In other words, God, Himself, is the key to living out the two greatest commandments in the Bible (Matthew 22:37-39).

If Francis Chan is right, and that loving others comes more naturally to us when we are more focused on God, what does that say about my focus on God?  Have I allowed myself to become so wrapped up in myself that I can no longer see God’s People in need?  Am I getting in the way of having a clear focus on God? 

Now many people who read this might think in their heads, “Don’t be so hard on yourself Curtis.  You can’t beat yourself up about this.  We’re all flawed human beings.”  Thank you (if indeed you are thinking that).  There is great wisdom in your thoughts.  And I do know that we are all flawed and that no one is perfect.  BUT, out of all the distractions in this world, “me” is one distraction I can control.  I can control how often I treat myself because I’ve done something well.  I can control how often I spend money on something I want.  I can control how often I say the word “I”. 

What if for just one day, every time the word “I” comes into my mind, it’s replaced with “Jesus”.  Rather than saying “What should I do today?” it would become “What does Jesus want for today?”  Rather than saying “I can’t stop and help that person” it’d become “Jesus can and will help that person”. 

My challenge for this week is to stop and look around.  Where is Jesus’ brothers and sisters…where is the need?

We can make a difference.  It all happens with one small act of random kindness at a time. 

Many Blessings,
Curtis