I want to be an inspiration. I was reflecting on the impact Mike Yaconelli, who passed 20 years ago, on my life. He showed me the following Jesus was a dangerous adventure that when done right could get you in trouble. He exemplified loving big. Could my life reflect that?
My oldest son lives in an area where he frequently encounters those with housing insecurity often mixed with significant mental health issues. He is intentional about seeing the least of these. He will go into a gas station and come out with bottles of water to hand out.
Last week he came upon a man who was bleeding. The man declined help, but Jackson was convicted to get some first aid supplies and try again. When he returned with the gauze and bandages, he found that the man had smeared his blood all over the wall of a clinic. Two nurses within the clinic had rightfully called the police. Jackson asked the nurses if they had a janitorial staff to clean up the blood. They were the only two on site, so Jackson asked for gloves and cleaning supplies. To the shock of the nurses, he cleaned up the blood. He inspires me.
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “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).
If I hope to be an inspiration, this is what I lean on. I lean on a wild and dangerous adventure that Jesus call us to where I look for the least of these. I lean on the example of my son who lives out the simple things we can do that show people they matter. Many of us would not have felt safe engaging with the injured gentleman, but there are opportunities for me to impact the least, the lost and the lonely. Challenge accepted.
Do you hope to be an inspiration? Do you find opportunities to be Jesus in the lives of others? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.