The contradiction is one that is difficult to swallow. One time I had the opportunity to stand on the equator with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern Hemisphere. It was a cool experience. But having one foot in the first world and one in the third world is not cool. There is an imbalance and stark differences that make maneuvering between the two extremely painful. And yet, I have this deep desire and clear call to do just that. It leads me to wonder about how God can stand to reign in a world like this although He claims to love it so. Can God love a people so much as to send His only Son to save them, only to have them live like this? How can it be so?
One could answer that human beings have a human mind and are incapable of understanding the workings of the Almighty. True... but it doesn't stop me from wondering.
It led me to write the following poem... a conversation between me and God. It is written for all missionaries and all people who support missionaries by prayer and support... meaning you too!
I said
Look at all that I have... clean water, plenty of food, doctors,
family and friends
He chuckled and said
You're welcome...
But, I said
Look at them- no water, food is scarce, they are abandoned,
they are naked and uncared for.
Well, I love them, He said.
In frustration, I said
I look at all I have and I can see how much you love me.
I look at them and think there is no evidence of your love.
Aahhh, He said...look closer, look deeper.
His eyes seared mine with a burning love.
I can see love when I look at you, Lord, but when I look at them
all I see is suffering and pain.
It hurts me as well. It makes me feel so mad at You,
at the world that forgot about them.
Sometimes I feel like shouting,
FINE! IF YOU WON'T TAKE CARE OF THEM, I WILL!!
Exactly, He said.
Confused, my teary eyes searched His and I said
Exactly what?
Where is the evidence of your love?
He said
I love them so much, I sent them you.
Pictures from Cuzco, Peru... The Missionary Servants of the Poor of the Third World.
