During times of trouble, the church has historically run toward the fire. As you navigate this pandemic and the trials it brings to your everyday life, what does it look like for you to run toward the fire? As a ministry working with Christian leaders, we see it as running toward people.
And running toward people begins with noticing those around us. Recognizing another person is a powerful gift. We all have a tremendous need to be seen. And we are not talking here about a need for more trophy ceremonies or high achievement markers; we have plenty of those in our culture. We are talking about a human need to be known and noticed by someone.
When we have been noticed—picked out of the crowd as Jesus did for Zacchaeus—we begin to become people who notice others. We see their painful wounds or hidden dreams, becoming for them agents of healing and empowerment. One doesn’t need a degree to do this; one only needs courage and the capacity to ask good questions and listen patiently.
Who are the people you are already surrounded by, the men and women on the edges of your attention, with whom God might be inviting you to walk more closely? Perhaps they are in your neighborhood; perhaps you sit near them in Sunday morning worship or at your favorite restaurant.
Look around your sphere of influence with an eye for Jesus. For by his Spirit, Jesus continues to move in and through crowds of people, noticing others just like he did in the Gospels (Mark 5:24-34; Luke 19:1-10).
The simple act of noticing others is a big deal in the kingdom of God. Let us be God’s particularizing people amidst this isolating and unsettling season, in Jesus’ name.
Kennette Osborn On October 21, 2020 at 6:51 pm
I’m so very glad God led me to VP3 and the Journey and A Way if Life! These days He’s helping me to pay attention to the “particularing” ways that people need to be noticed as they are shut in and shut away. Even as I am compelled to be more isolated due to my husbands many compromising health conditions. But your phrase of “running towards others” is very powerful. I’ve been running through pen and paper! Sending cards and letters to those whom I barely know, but learn of their prayer needs and life struggles. I still feel a part of their story. God is good❤️
Rob Loane On October 21, 2020 at 7:23 pm
Thanks for sharing Kennette. Blessings to you and your husband… And keep up the letters and cards!
Wendy Delcourt On October 22, 2020 at 12:41 pm
This is such a powerful reminder to begin my day with the “intention to notice” the people that God put’s on my path during the day. Working with the most vulnerable in our city, the opportunity is rich and the need is so evident. It is amazing how a conversation can unfold so naturally with just taking the first step to pay attention to something about that person and beginning a conversation from there. I chuckle at myself a little as most of the people I connect with have a pet and it is so easy for me to run toward an adorable dog and then have a gateway of building trust with the owner. I know when people love my moody dog, they have an instant “in” with me!
Rob Loane On October 22, 2020 at 3:15 pm
Great to hear your voice Wendy! And I really like your phrase “begin my day with the ‘intention to notice’ the people God puts on my path… “