hurting people

I recently wrote a blog titled, “Who’s That at the Well?” Several of you responded with helpful comments and insights of your own regarding this story from John’s gospel. Prior to writing that piece I hadn’t been familiar with the Casting Crowns song, “Does Anybody Hear Her?” Because of its relevance however, I’m now sending the video (linked below) and a few added thoughts as follow-up.

I like reading and watching science fiction. H.G. Wells was among the first science fiction writers who caught my attention when I was a kid. Some of you have probably read Well’s “The Invisible Man.” It’s the story of a scientist named Griffin who learns to render himself unseeable by manipulating air and light. He successfully carried out the procedure on himself but was then unable to reverse the process.

Truth is said to be “stranger than fiction.” It can also carry much greater pain.

In truth, there are “invisible” people all around us. I’ll soon share a ministry update about a group of people who fit this category. Greenhouse Ministries recently invited us to partner with them in discipling people who are among society’s unseen. Working with six homeless men over the past month has been a convicting experience. More on this in the next news update.

Maybe we overlook those caught in poverty because we don’t cross paths with them regularly. But are there others – much closer – we choose not to see? Are there lonely, hurting people “in the shadow of the steeple” who don’t come into our assemblies because our judgmental glances keep them at a distance?

I was riding down Broad Street a few days ago when a song on the radio grabbed my attention. Here’s the link to “Does Anybody Hear Her?” by Casting Crowns: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhOJW4Uwy3c It addresses the potential for not hearing or seeing hurting people who need our encouragement. Jesus was keenly aware of the painful experiences of those in His path. He had compassion on them. He calls us to hear, see and help them, too.

Be vigilant,

Mike