The Real Heroes

Feb 11, 2014

I’ve been surprised at my focus on THE COLD while living here on the prairies. Every morning since about November, I get up, open the blinds, check the thermometer outside, run upstairs, check my iPhone to confirm the minus temperatures that I already have seen, but somehow have a need to have it sink in even more and check the usually colder wind-chill factor which is also indicated on the phone.  Now I have herd that this is one of the coldest winters on record here in the Canadian prairies, but what shocks me is my “being stuck” on the COLD.  Why?  In my privileged, 1^st world life my outlook should be outward, giving, others-focused….not inward, in a self preoccupied and in my case silly survival mode.

How quick am I to judge others who do the same in focusing on their survival needs. 

Phil and I have been working more and more in developing nations.  How often have I thought. “ God helps those who help themselves”, or why do you expect us to give a helping hand when you don’t seem to be able to maintain it on your own or simply “Do something!”

My narrow focus on surviving the cold is nothing compared to real survival.  I could give you a heart wrenching list here.  Phil and I hear and see more and more of this real survival. Children who are trying to survive man’s wicked and sick desires, corruption, hunger, and economic injustice.

Who are the real heroes?   

 You read about them once in a while, usually not the ones who write autobiographies, because it is never about them, always about others. They are the people who can set aside their need for survival and can channel their love into a sacrificial making a difference for others.    

 We think of names like Mandela, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, but they are all around us.    

 You know them.  I know them.

Buingo, a Congolese brother on the school start-up committee in Kinshasa I work with. Educated in Brussels, but has chosen to return to his native country, lives on a salary well below the poverty line, couldn’t even afford a second-hand computer until my brother gave him one, works for the Congo Alliance of Churches, is helping us start a school, and oh “on the side” has opened a home for unwed mothers and has plans to open a summer camp for young Congolese juveniles.  

                                  
A woman Phil met in South Africa who has moved into a slum neighborhood to work with over 100 street kids, many who have aids and no parents. She provides for them a safe place to come to where they can learn to read and write and be shown God's love in practical ways

My 85 year old aunt Shirley, who is still taking care of my disabled 56 year old cousin Cindy without a single complaint, gives most of her money away to missions and who still sends me birthday cards.

So what am I saying to myself in this blog. 

Don’t judge, 

learn from Jesus and those people who are examples around us, 

 love and help others,

 be thankful,

 give when you can,

 ...and put on an extra layer of warm clothing if it helps to change your focus.