Be That Somebody Part 2: See the Need

The first step in becoming that somebody who makes a difference is hearing the stories of what others have done and are doing. Their stories inspire us. They create the sense of possibility. If they did it, why can’t I?

Many of us stop at the stories. We enjoy them. We are moved by them. Occasionally we even shed a tear. But hearing the stories alone will not create the passion needed to overcome the inertia of staying put.

There are two reasons the stories don’t change us. We don’t see the need. And we don’t make it personal.

The Need

The world is full of need.

There are those who are hungry and do not have enough food.

There are those who are sick, infected with HIV or malaria, and do not have the resources to get the medical care that would save their lives.

There are those who are orphaned and just need a mom and dad to love them.

There are those who have been trafficked and work as slaves of the sex industry becoming the objects of insatiable lust.

Those who are stranded at home due to illness and disability and need help with the basic necessities of life.

It is everywhere. In your backyard. Downtown. In developing countries. All over the world.

Do you see all of this need? Or do you insulate yourself from it?

Do you seek it out? Or do you you avoid it at all costs.

photo by Kerry L. Williams (Creative Commons)

Personalize the Need

Then once you allow yourself to see it, don’t just let it be “Somebody Else’s” problem. Make it yours.

Imagine what it would be like if it were you. Or one of your children.

What if life had been a little bit different. You were the one born in a poor, developing country. You were the one whose mother died when you were 2 because of HIV.

What if . . .

Put yourself in the shoes of another and feel their need as if it were your own.

Be That Somebody Step 2

The only way our hearts can be moved enough to start becoming the type of person that the word needs is to have a heart for the need of the world.

This week, go and see the need. Experience it first hand. Take off the blinders. Open your eyes to it.

This is your assignment. To see  and experience the need of others.

if you are unsure of what you can do, here are a few suggestions.

• Volunteer at your local homeless shelter.
• Find a group that makes house calls to those in need.
• Find a mission group traveling to some other part of the world. (Although you can’t go this week, sign up today.)
• Visit the homes of those who are dying with hospice.
• Go to an orphanage. Play with the kids.
• If you know someone who already is that somebody, join them on one of their adventures.

Until we feel the need of others in our hearts, we will remain the person that we are, refusing to become that somebody that the world needs.

If you have had an experience where you saw the need, then share your story with the rest of us.

If you perform the homework assignment, report back in the comments and tell us the need you witnessed.

You can leave a comment by clicking here.