Am I willing to sacrifice for you? This is a questions that has been rummaging around my mind recently. In reading The Nightingale, I have been reminded of the sacrifices so many made during WWII. The story depicts two sisters in France. The starvation, the treatment by the Nazi military, the incredible drive to protect their children all wrenched at my heart.
WWII is my parent’s generation. They lived through the Great Depression. My dad fought on Okinawa. They knew sacrifice. They knew what it was like to go without.
I sit in my air conditioned house in front of a TV scrolling the internet. I am surrounded by comfort. Yet, many around this globe and even within this country have nothing. They are starving. They are trying to protect their children. I whine about traffic inconveniences. I struggle to give up my precious time to help someone out. Am I willing to sacrifice for you?
47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you[f] a light for the Gentiles, that you[g] may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’[h]” 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. (Acts 13:47-48 NIV).
I am commanded to be a light to the world. Scripture tells me to feed the hungry and care for the poor. How did I get so far away from the person who used to spend her summers doing mission work, from the person who would readily sacrifice for you?
I’m doing some self examination. Have I become too comfortable? Could I be doing more to be a light to the world? With countries at war, a military willing to lay down their life for me, and homeless literally across the street am I being called to more? How about you? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.