Do You Pass By Or Stop By Or Jump In?

I’ve been sharing a parable from RELENTLESS GRACE in some of my talks along this trip.

It’s the tale of An Unexpected Interruption. Cliff-notes version: a runner stumbles into a pit for which he’s completely unprepared and from which he can’t escape on his own. After several unsatisfying attempts at help from passersby, he “resorts” to prayer. Jesus shows up.

“Lord, I’m trapped in this hole. I’ve tried everything, but I can’t find any way out. And I appreciate that You’ve come to be with me, but now we’re both stuck here.”

Jesus smiles and puts His arm on your shoulder. “Yeah,” He says. “But I’ve been here before, and I know the way out.”

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As I told my parable to the folks at Teen Challenge/Tucson on Monday, I realized there’s another side to the story.

What if you’re walking past the pit and hear the cry for help? How do you respond?

You can hear and “pass by.” You pretend you didn’t hear or decide it’s not your problem. And before this becomes a giant fake guilt trip, let’s be honest.

We live in a badly broken world. We’re surrounded by people in pits crying out for help. Everywhere I turn I see social justice issues begging for attention. I’d love to help everyone and solve every problem, but I can’t.

What’s important is for each of us to do what we can, where we are, with what we have. We’re each called to use our gifts and passions to meet the needs that touch our hearts.

You can hear and “stop by.” You might sit for a few minutes, maybe even dangle your feet over the edge of the pit, and toss down some encouraging words and perhaps a Scripture or two. Maybe you promise to pray for (not with) the person.

Then you have to get going, with a promise to “stop by” again.

You can hear and get involved. This is scary because you’re following Jesus. You’re gonna have to climb into the pit.

That’s how He shows up for people who need Him. He shows up wearing blue jeans and sneakers and t-shirts and business suits, because He shows up as you and me. Following Him means getting close to hurting people, spending time with them, forming relationships, sharing the tough path out of the pit.

It’s messy, slow, risky, and dangerous. Trapped, wounded people tend to lash out, even at those who want to help. Climbing into the pit takes courage. But you don’t have to do it alone.

You’re following the One who says, “Take courage. I AM. Don’t be afraid.”

I think we worry a lot about those who choose to pass by.

Me? I don’t want to be the guy who always stops by.

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Last evening we wrapped up the speaking part of TAOS TO TUCSON by talking to students at the University of Arizona. Those young woman and men were so excited and receptive—I honestly didn’t want the evening to end. Aside from being too energized to sleep, I can’t think of a better conclusion to a wonderful tour.

Part of the purpose behind RICH’S RIDE is advancing social justice. On this project, that means telling the story and collecting donations for Convoy of Hope.

I’ve intentionally raised the “money” issue here only one other time on this trip, precisely because I don’t want this to be about guilt or begging for donations. But it’s an ugly fact that millions of kids in the U.S and around the world have nothing to eat.

Convoy uses resources wisely and efficiently to feed more than 125,000 kids every day. For $10 they can feed a child for a month; we’re trying to help them feed a few more.

Please click the chain ring and support Convoy’s vital work.

Thank you.

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This blog’s likely to go dark for a few days as we make our way home. We’ll be on Facebook, and we’ll be back Monday with some reflections and ideas about moving forward together on the continuing journey of hope.

Thanks for following along on this crazy journey. It’s been a blast!

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