By Juli McGowan | Published: May 17, 2011
In staff meeting this morning, our Living Room team talked about the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25. As we shared together about the ways we are responsible to God for the treasures he has placed within our care, a little boy named Moses sat in our midst. His story was told of how he was abandoned as a baby by his mother. For all of his life, he has been plagued by loneliness and surrounded by abuse and hunger. He knows the story of Moses in the Bible and how he was “thrown away” as a baby, too. Covered in dirt, this Moses was sent to our village to search for a home. In our meeting, he sat wearing a small backpack that contained all that he owns—a few tattered clothes, a notebook which represents his dream to learn, and a small Kenyan flag. As I listened to his story, my heart was moved with compassion and conviction that this is simply not alright. This child, created in the image of God, must be treated with value. Love requires it. Like Moses in the Bible, this Moses needs to be introduced to the friendship of God; because, just maybe, God is wanting to raise him up to deliver and lead His people. Tonight, as I prepare to go to sleep, I am asking God: what does love look like in this situation? It is clear to me that a treasure of immeasurable worth lies before us, and we will be responsible to God for what we do with him.
The story of the talents, for the past six years, has been especially significant to me because of my dear friend Betty. Like it was yesterday, I remember the day she explained to me that she felt like HIV was a “talent” entrusted to her that she wanted to use for the glory of God. With a smile on her face, she said that one day she would stand before God; and He would tell her, “Well done.” In the fight against HIV/AIDS, Betty has been a giant. Back in the days when no one even mentioned the word HIV, Betty had the courage to stand in front of our church and community and speak truth about her life and the need for others to go for HIV testing. She has visited the sick and helped lead support groups for others living with HIV/AIDS. Betty has taught me much about faith and demonstrated what a life, safe in the love of God, looks like. Over the past few months, Betty’s physical body has grown increasingly weak. After consultation, we decided to admit her to Kimbilio Hospice. In speaking with Betty tonight, she is requesting prayer. Please join me in praying that God’s healing presence would be near to her.
Betty
Jaden & Moses
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One Comment
Juli,
Thank you for your post this morning. My spirit weeps and resonates with your work.
I wanted to pass along a word for Jaden. My boy’s name is Jayden too. Jaden means, “Jehovah has heard.” The scripture I speak over my son is Malachi 3:16, 17 “Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. “On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possessions. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.”
Prayers and peace be with you,
John