The Least of These . . . .

And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Matthew 25:40

    This verse has become very personal to me in the last few months. I am being personally challenged by God in a way I have never been before. Like many believers I have used excuses to walk away from those I knew I could help in some way, no matter how small. A kind word, a dollar in their hand, an ear to listen, just to show them that one person gave a flip about them. It is easy for us to be kind to those we know. A friend is sick, bring a meal. A loved one dies, over a shoulder to cry on. A troubled marriage, give a listening ear. I have been on both sides of each of those situations.  But when have I really stepped out of my comfort zone and followed Christ’s example of loving those who are very difficult to love? Who do not look like me? Those who seem to have endless and abundant needs? A few times, but God has made it abundantly clear that He wants me out of my comfort zone.

     We live in a very selfish world. No one seems to have time for anything that they will not benefit from in some way. We are all too busy making sure our own lives are in perfect step with what we think “others” will say is okay. We must live in the right neighborhood, find the right schools for our kids, drive the right car, and wear the right clothes.  And while there is nothing wrong with any of those things in-and-of themselves, when we ignore the least of these, to achieve the best of everything else, there is something wrong, and we have ignored Christ. As believers we are told to look after those who cannot look after themselves, to spread the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. We are supposed to demonstrate that in what we say, what we do, and how we live.

     I have often envied my friends who have been able to go to Africa, and Latin American, and many other places. Some have spent time in some of the most dangerous and poorest areas. But, it has become abundantly clear to me that while I too may do those things one day, I do not need to go to a foreign country in order to minister the least of these, because they all around me.

During this Lenten season my prayer is that God will show me some of the least of these and give me the mercy and compassion I need to show them a glimpse of Him. “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48 I have been loved and blessed beyond measure. Have you forgotten how very blessed you are? Have you slowed down enough to see the pain of those around you? Will you give to the least and show God’s love because He showed so much to you? My prayer is that you will.

Mardi Gras Time

I love this time of year in New Orleans and I miss it terribly. The funny thing is that the last year I lived in New Orleans I didn't attend one parade! I guess it's easy to take things for granted when they are available all the time. Mardi Gras for my family was not a time to party in the French Quarter, in fact, for most New Orleanians, yes that's a word, Mardi Gras does not involve the French Quarter, that's just what they show on T.V. For us it was a time to get together with friends and enjoy fellowship. My home church, First Baptist New Orleans was located on the corner of St. Charles and Napoleon, a hot spot for parade watching, and the church would open its doors on Mardi Gras Day and members would come into the fellowship hall with their food and we had the best time running around catching beads and goofing off with friends. It was just a great time. Even as an adult when I lived in the apartments located on that corner I had friends over and we played all day.

Of course nothing is the same now. Friends have married and moved away, although there are some still there along with some family, including my mother and brother. But, the apartments I lived in have been torn down, and the church has relocated. Katrina destroyed many things in the city but the spirit of Mardi Gras and many other great things in that wonderful fishbowl remain constant, as do my memories of growing up in one of the best places on earth, and I'm lucky to be able to go back and visit every year during spring break. But this weekend, when everything comes to a head for the Mardi Gras season which will end on Fat Tuesday, I will be there in spirit remembering a time that has long passed but still remains in my mind like it was yesterday.

Happy Mardi Gras to all my New Orleans friends, have fun, be safe, and le bon temps roule!!!!