I have discovered that it can be easy to distance myself from the value of human life. It is easy to see value in those I care about, but beyond that it starts to fade. The marginalized, the homeless, the least of these are easy for me to miss in day to day life.
Our neighbor came over recently and asked if we had seen a man in all brown walking our road over the last week. My husband had. She had just seen him get dropped off at an unmarked trail across the street and he headed into the woods. We began to speculate wondering if he was living in the state forest.
The next day there were squad cars in front of our house. We again began to speculate wondering if it was about the man in brown. Was it about a man who needed water and shelter that went unnoticed? After a half hour of watching, an officer came over to update us. Unfortunately, it was about this gentleman who was found deceased in the woods.
I admit that initially my main concern was not the value of human life but my own safety and the security of our property. It took me some time to process that was a person, someone’s son who had inherent value.
4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” 7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 1:4-7 NIV).
I don’t have an answer. I just know that I can do more. I can do more to see the unseen. I can do more to help others see their value. We are all known and loved by God. Do you see the value of human life? Do see the unseen? Do you need to be seen? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.