A small, striped cat wove itself between the pool deck chairs, peeking out from time to time to see if it was safe. It occasionally, hesitantly meowed a feeble cry for help. It skittered when anyone came near. As I observed more, I noticed a red, raw wound on the side of its neck. It was injured, scared and in great need.
I sat at a distance from the cat, watching it and then watching a fair skinned woman, wearing a hat and speaking English approach it. It ran from her, hiding once again. She asked someone to bring her a cup of water.
She placed the cup of water on the patio and knelt down to care for the cat. It responded, and eagerly lapped up the water from the plastic cup.
The woman spoke to the pool boy who brought the water.
“Is there a vet nearby? How can I find one? Can I take this cat there, if I pay for a taxi? And then pay for the vet? This cat is sick and needs help.”
The cat was sick. It needed help. It could not help itself.
“Yes, ma’am. I can get you the number. I can get you the address, and I can get you a box to carry the cat in” the pool boy, answered, apparently sensitive to the request of the woman and the plight of the cat.
The woman hugged the young man, thanking him.
The kitten was helpless. It did not know it was sick. It was scared. It was alone. It did not know there was such a thing as a veterinarian. And even if it did, it could not get there on its own. It was helpless and hopeless.
I turned my attention back to the book I was reading about global poverty, worldwide oppression of women, HIV/AIDS and other humanitarian issues. Issues plaguing precious people – God’s precious people – who are injured, hurting, helpless, scared, without resources, perhaps even without knowledge that there is help out there for them. They often – most often -- are hopeless. They are in great, GREAT need.
My passion has long been for women who are hurting and in need of encouragement, but this was a new spark in me that the Lord was breathing upon, igniting it in to a flame.
Part of my “considering the clutter” is asking the Lord to show me more of my heart (the heart He formed and impassions) and more of His heart.
So, I’m asking myself, “What is God calling me to do?” That is what I’m seeking and praying about. Who is He asking me to reach out and give a “cup of cold water” to? What does that “cup of cold water” look like? When? How?
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).
Stay tuned for more information, more thoughts and more resources … and may I challenge you, too?
Who may He be asking you to reach out to?
1 comment:
Dear Andrea, I dare say God is entrusting you with more of His heart and giving you greater glimpses of His compassion for the hurting as you sit with Him. I am praying with you, dear sister.
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