Red Letters

A friend gave me a copy of Red Letters by Tom Davis. I highly recommend it. Here is an excerpt from the Introduction.

"The continent is on fire with AIDS, and unless drastic action is taken, entire countries will be wiped off the face of the planet by this disease.

Sadly, the church has been slow to act in response to this crisis. Like the priest and Levite of Jesus' parable, we have passed by the man on the side of the road, too busy or too "holy" to involve ourselves in lending a helping hand.

Africa is indeed on fire. But as we argue or fuss about how it started and who should be saved first, thousands more children are orphaned each day. Every hour, another 1000 children will die. Did you know that you are just a short plane ride away from a world where eight year old girls prostitute themselves for food?

The true state of emergency lies within the church--it lies within us. It's our problem. We can't leave Africa's children lying by the side of the road as we pass on by.

The gospel I believe in offers a cup of cold water in Jesus' name. The only gospel worth living is the one that incarnates love. The only gospel worth giving our lives for is the one that elevates the needs of others above our own. That's what the "good news" is all about.

And thankfully, there is more good news. Though the church as been slow to move, things are improving. National and local church leaders are beginning to challenge congregations to think globally when they offer that cup of cold water. Christian organizations are responding with more and more boldness. Still, we have a lot to learn and a long way to go. History will judge our generation by how we responded to those in need. History will judge the church by how it responded. We have an opportunity to show the world just what it really means to be Christ-followers. We can make a difference. We can change the world. When we lead with compassion, we can move from apology to action. And out of actions springs hope--hope and life. So, for our mistakes...I am sorry. But for our potential, for the impact you and I can have on a world in need...I am hopeful."

I realize this writing has a "YOU, get up and so something!" tone, but sometimes that is what we need. When I avoid the news, my work at the children's shelter, emails about needs both in the US and abroad, etc. and stay in my comfort zone of peace and plenty; I find myself cushioned from the reality of the desperate world of need only a few doors down from my home. I forget what I can do for others and instead focus all my attention on those in my immediate path. My passion for the poor, the suffering, the hurting, the abused and the lost weakens. I do not want to be comfortable and passionless. Jesus certainly wasn't.

Books like Red Letters and Left to Tell, movies like Hotel Rwanda, The Girl in the Cafe, We Are Together, Sometimes in April, etc. are good wake up tools for me. I highly recommend them.