Truly the forgotten

As I sit here in the safety of my home, I think back to the times that I haven’t always been in a place of safety. And we take so many things for granted. We live now in threat of constant turmoil locally and globally. So, it’s easy to focus on everything going on in the world and forget things and people right there in front of us.  People are in need, yet we focus on those in other places instead of our neighbors and families. People are facing hunger, yet we focus on third-world countries. People are in need of medical assistance, yet we focus on those whose conditions are seen. We forget our neighbors or families might need a ride to the doctor or need medication. It is easy to forget children or young people in need of someone to talk to. They hear things that are going on in the world and are afraid, just like other people. Our children are facing abuse, both physical and emotional, yet they go unheard.

It is time we stop and pay attention to those around us instead of staring at the phones or videos. Stop and see the very people around you. Everyone is in need of something. It’s time to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Not everyone has a voice to let anyone know they are in need. Pay attention to those people you are overlooking. 

The needs are sometimes so deep that people just can’t express them. It begs the question of do we really know what those around us are facing?

Recently, someone I knew had been hurt so bad yet was unable to say a word about it. I had no idea until someone else had mentioned it. We don’t need to allow hurt people to go unnoticed when it’s within our reach and ability to help them. That’s like walking on the road and seeing someone hurt. Are we going to cross to the opposite side and keep walking like we never saw them, or are we going to help?

It’s time to refocus.

Today is the day to help somebody, whether  it is a kind word or actually get up and do something to help someone. Some people just need someone to listen, or just a touch to let them know you care.