Wednesday, July 25, 2007

simple words

"The least of these" is a phrase that I have wrestled with for years. Simple words with such complexity, ambiguity, and resonance. To my dear college friends who have put-up with all my thoughts, pondering, and passion for this phrase and all that it may imply- Thanks for putting up with me.

This phrase is never far from my mind, and has again come to haunt me. A couple weeks ago I was at a church camp for 1st- 3rd grade girls. At this camp I met a couple young girls that had heart-wrenching stories. One girl so touched me as she told me that her mom was going to jail, again. She asked the hard questions about why her mom wouldn't change and why she did what she did. My eyes where glued to her small face as I wondered how a Mom could through action communicate to her daughter that this small one was not worth a life change. Again, my heart hurt for this young girl- her mom had in a way told the girl that she was the least of these. Yet, my heart began to soar as I believe that this young one is held by a perfect love in the very heart of God.

So is this young one really "the least of these?"