I’ve been inspired recently, really challenged, by some stories I’ve read of individuals who’ve encountered a need in the world, were compelled to act and rose to the occasion. The story of Paul Farmer, a doctor providing care to the poorest of the poor in Haiti, was documented in a book by Tracy Kidder called “Mountains Beyond Mountains”. Dr. Farmer is Christ to the poor in Haiti, almost single-handedly wiping out tuberculosis in his clinic’s catchment area, and revolutionizing medical care for AIDS and other diseases ravishing the poor all over the world. The story of Greg Mortenson, documented by David Oliver Relin in “Three Cups of Tea”, is a story of a climber who encountered children without schools in remote Pakistan and was compelled to give his life to building schools and promoting peace throughout Pakistan and Afganistan. “Left to Tell”, the autobiography of Immaculee Ilibagiza, tells her story of narrowly surviving the 1994 genocide in Rwanda by hiding in a small bathroom with seven other women for 3 months. Immaculee was compelled to return to her country to work toward reconciliation and forgiveness among neighbors who murdered neighbors. My friend Patrick Van Delden, a seasoned electrician, recently visited the West African country of Liberia and was compelled to return to teach the electrical trade and promote reconciliation in a country ravaged by genocide as recently as 2003.
I hear these stories, and I am inspired. I’m inspired at how simple, normal people are suddenly in a position to respond to an encountered need…and they follow the voice of God to act. I find myself wondering what call will I encounter? My friend Patrick says that we simply seek Christ, and act on what is in front of us. For 30 years, he’s been building a family and a business, and suddenly there is something in front of him to act upon. His only authentic response is to go to Liberia, where he was so deeply touched and changed. He found a passion, and to turn away would be to turn away from who he is.
I’ve struggled recently with feelings of restlessness. I’ve worked in ministry to hurting people for some years now, and I’m finding my passion is not there like it once was. I’m feeling a desire for change, so I’ve begun to work toward a new career in education. But, its not a deep passion that I’m acting upon, (although it may well become one ) it’s just a decision based on the practical needs of a growing family. This is no less a calling, to take care of a family. However, I find my inner dialogue comparing me to Paul Farmer, Greg Mortenson, Immaculee and my friend Patrick…who are compelled to change the world in ‘big’ ways.
I was reminded in prayer today of some perspective. What if Christ was walking the earth today, and there were books and PBS specials documenting his work with the poor, the oppressed and the brokenhearted? Would I be just as inspired as I am of these others? I am reminded that a book was written about Christ…and it’s been around a whole lot longer than any of these others will be. Why then, am I not inspired in the same way by Christ? Jesus calls us to respond where we are, right now…to the seemingly insignificant needs we encounter every day. There may be no books written about kind words to a homeless man, but the power of that response is just as great as the acclaimed actions we do read about.
Who inspires you to dream big? What great actions do you daydream about? Perhaps there is response in front of us right now. How can we not be inspired by Christ…and how can we be inspired by Christ?
Lord, let me act against anything that would make my response to you less total.
Resources:
Paul Farmer: Partners in Health / Greg Mortenson: Central Asia Institute
Immaculee Ilibagiz: Left to Tell / Patrick Van Delden: Dot Liberia
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