Inspiration for the week

"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat." ~Mother Teresa

Before you can love others, you must receive God's love for yourself, because you cannot give away something you don't have.

John 15:12 "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

Our church was a big ball of wonderful chaos yesterday. Partnering with www.SamaritansFeet.org we were able to provide socks and shoes for local children. The Samaritan's servants who came to our church are a young, newlywed couple, Patrick & Kessid (forgive me because I know I'm not spelling Patrick's wife's name correctly). These precious young people have been married less than 3 months and are working as a team to present the story of the founder of Samaritan's Feet, Manny, to the children (and adults who accompany them) who come to receive new shoes. (I encourage you to go to www.SamaritansFeet.org to learn about Manny's story!) I am grateful for Patrick & Kessid for selflessly giving of themselves, pouring the love of Jesus into so many hearts. I know that God will continue to bless them. I look forward to seeing them next year and watching God work through them and Samaritan's Feet.

Many lives were touched yesterday, some changed, because of yesterday's experience. I know that I will never be the same.

I volunteered as one of the "foot washers" and WHAT a blessing! We washed the children's feet, put lotion on, all while talking to them about their goals in life, etc., put new socks on them, and new shoes. To see these precious children who so greatly needed the items...just a blessing. I wasn't sure what to expect when washing the kids' feet...not sure how they would react. The little ones exploded with joy at the sight of their new shoes and when they were on their feet, they just danced around. Let me tell you, some of these precious children will stay in my heart forever. One particular 16 year old girl (her friend was also there in the chair next to hers) has really made an impact on me. She looked like a tough street kid.....tatoos all over her arms, legs - skulls, etc., Ring in her bottom lip....well, you get the picture. She didn't want her feet washed....well, through a bit of talking with her (I ADORE teens) she allowed me to wash her feet. I was able to "love on her a bit" with words, and she brightened up and we shared a few laughs, then I asked if I could say a quick prayer with her. She said, "Sure." Her friend was finished at about the same time, and the gal who had cared for her led us all in prayer. A quick hug and this young girl was on her way. A brief encounter that has left a permanent mark on my heart.

I wonder how many hugs or words of encouragement and kindness this girl has had in her life? How many people would look at this child with disgust instead of compassion? I'm sure I've been guilty of such thoughts in the past; judging someone's appearance rather than their heart. Looking at the external through my own eyes rather than looking at their soul through Christ's eyes.

God wants us to love the unlovely, to show compassion and love to everyone, not just the "pretty people" of this world.

Today, start becoming aware of the unlovely people you encounter. Offer them a smile, a touch, a compassionate hug. I promise that not only will the recipient be changed, so will you.