We Are All In Need

You see it on the child on the street. You see it in the eyes of the old man sitting in his stand hoping to sell his vegetables. You see it with the tourists walking along the beach. And you see it on the face of the young girls who have been victims of forced sex.

The need for: love.

As I am looking to wrap up my time in Fiji, there a few prominent things I need to accomplish with the human resources database, misc. network projects, and the computer and infrastructure upgrades. But the reason for doing all of this is for the residents and their children. Really, you could simplify my motive down to one word: love. I have been loved by God, and out of my overflow, I love others.

This past week, we lost 3 residents/moms; either running away, graduating or leaving to be with family. As the holidays come upon us, so many of the moms are missing their families. Even though most of their families are the reason behind the forced sex, abuse and trauma in their lives--these young girls are looking to be with their families because of love. Even if their experience of 'love' has been abuse from their family, they are willing to sacrifice themselves to feel the 'love' they are used to.

The need to be loved is profoundly human. No matter your age, race, skin color, religion... Or anything else, you find at the core of one's being, the need to be loved. From the outside looking in, it can be difficult to understand why someone would turn to victimization and abuse to feel 'loved'. But is it so different for other activities we turn to? Addictions to..... Alcohol... Drugs... Food... Media... Sex... Attention... Wealth... Security... Experiences... ... Are they all that different at the end of the day? Do they not leave you feeling an emptiness that keeps you coming back for more?

I have found only One thing to satisfy. And the awe inspiring thing is when you see others with incredibly less (of everything in the above list) hold onto Jesus more tightly than yourself. They are often more thankful, more honest, more 'human' than those that have the 'more' that everyone else seems to be clawing for.

I've been able to go on another holiday trip the past few days, and while being in a more touristy area, you see people coming to spend their "dream holiday" on beaches and resorts that chase away locals because of the perception of seclusion and purity that the resort is trying to offer the western travelers. This is often done at the expense of the locals who work long hours, little pay, and only minute potential for an improvement to their life-situation.

More important than any holiday (which, don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed and been awestruck by the splendid scenery and sights), but I think we could stand to take another 'look' at those people around us and the need for them to be loved. Many people can casually love something or even someone; but I think it becomes a lot harder when you love unconditionally. To love without expecting a return, without keeping a record of wrong, and believing the best for someone--that is a good deal harder.

The conclusion of my thoughts is this: I am looking to do a better job at loving the person right in front of me. No accusations, no expectations, just pure and simple Christ-like Love.