Excited to meet with social workers at a high school, I pulled in to the parking lot.
Walking down the hallway and in to a small room, I noticed there was no view. There were no windows. But I was fine, I was there to talk about how I could help. How we could partner together to make a difference in student’s lives.
The social workers spoke passionately.
I listened intently. My ears really couldn’t believe what they were hearing.
One thing was for certain —
Now that I had seen and had a view, I couldn’t ignore the need.
Once you have seen, you can not ignore the need . . . [tweet that]
Students needed clothing.
Students needed money to get vaccines.
Students needed bus money.
And food,
shoes.
shelter,
beds,
homes,
snacks for the weekend
and soap. For crying out loud they needed soap to bath and wash their clothes with. I held back tears. Tightly!
These were students HERE in my city.
These aren’t the streets of Haiti, Africa, or Guatemala. No, just seven miles from my home kids are living on the streets, going without food, and parentless. They don’t know where their next meal is coming from or if their parents will let them in the house when they get home. Does this not stir your heart? Oh it does mine!
Just seven miles from home —
I realized my view had changed from what I had seen.
Have you had a change of view lately?
Linking up with Lisa Jo Baker as we write for 5 at Five Minute Friday.
Please join me for Graffiti Summer, a challenge to see needs and fill them.
oh yes, Alene, you got the view, the vision, the call … sounds like you’re ready to live it out!
Oh yes . . . if we would look for the mission fields SO close ! Thank you for sharing!
Go live the view He’s giving you. Bless you lady, for following. He will!!
This is sobering. I am guilty of looking at the ocean-spanning picture, not giving a second glance to the view down the block. I love your heart…just beautiful. Blessings, friend. :)
I totally get that, Mel! It’s such a hard thing to continually keep your eyes open for needs. And when you do it almost seems overwhelming. Right?
It is so easy to forget what happens outside our view. When we finally get a picture of it, it is heart wrenching. Beautiful words, and thank you for making a difference!
I pray for God to give me eyes to see! I know that He does, and is, but sometimes I keep those blinders on. Oh that I would see His view and long to make a difference.
When you rip the blinders off, girl, oh how your heart hurts. There’s so many needs right next to us in each step we take.
Powerful post, bless you.
I thank God that He has begun to take the scales off my eyes and allow me to see others as He sees them. Thank you for this reminder to be aware of the needs around.
Bless you, Alene…for moving as God leads you :)
I work with a homeless shelter providing meals and lodging and it has changed me. It has changed my kids. When we say grace at night . . . we are truly thankful and feel blessed. Thank you for this post.
You have a beautiful blog, and heart. I am your newest follower! :)
Ashley from http://theheartofashley.blogspot.com/
Girl,
You know I’m loving this one. . .
Loved this Alene! We all need to open our eyes and see the need around us, not just across the oceans, but right under our noses. Love the challenge! Thanks!
We so tend to keep need at arm’s length, to tut tut and oh my it away as we watch the television news from our overstuffed chairs and LazyBoys. Thank you for making it real.
Keeping my eyes peeled for the needs I can meet right around me. Thanks!
Did they try to contact the parents of the children?