Horton the Elephant is one of Dr. Seuss’ most lovable characters.  As his story unfolds, Horton hears the faintest of voices, as if some tiny person were calling for help.  Although he is ridiculed and thwarted at every turn, Horton persists in his quest to rescue the minuscule one – the Who!  His reason:

“I’ll just have to save him, because after all,
A person’s a person, no matter how small!”

I couldn’t help but think about small voices that may be crying out for our help. Perhaps the abused and battered woman, afraid to trust, withdrawn and helpless.  Perhaps the elderly man, alone in the nursing home, forgotten by family and friends, lonely and discouraged.  Perhaps the neglected child, hungry and cold, living with a homeless parent, longing to have friends like other kids.   Perhaps the overwhelmed caregiver, who deals 24/7 with a spouse suffering from Alzheimer’s.   Perhaps a starving child in a war-torn nation, suffering from day to day with no hope for a future.   Are these the small voices of the weak and powerless?  Do we hear them?

Horton the Elephant’s quest began because he listened closely.  Maybe that’s good advice for us too.  We can begin by listening, by noticing, by looking.   We will see need close at hand and far away.  There are so many opportunities, both to help personally and to support others who provide services beyond our reach.   We remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.”

Our loving Father created each and every person in His image – that means you, and that means the most needy of humankind. Listen for their cries.  Open your hearts to their need. Remember God loves each and every one. God asks you to share that abundant love, a love that is beyond our understanding.  Read Matthew 25:31-40 and remember: God loves you; He loves you unconditionally.

Judy (Originally posted in April 2017)