Kevin Carter could never escape his continent’s turmoil. For a decade, the photographer captured vivid pictures of repression and strife in his native South Africa. He went to famine-racked Sudan and came upon a starving toddler stalked by a vulture. He photographed the scene–an image that won that year’s Pulitzer Prize–then chased the vulture away. As the child resumed her walk to a feeding station, he lit a cigarette and wept. At 33, he killed himself with carbon monoxide pumped into his pickup truck. Explained his father: “Kevin always carried around the horror of the work he did.” (U.S. News and World Report, August 8, 1994.)
Jesus was also moved with compassion when He saw hurting people.
Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
We should be moved with compassion as well. But let’s make sure we are moved to a positive reaction rather than despair.
Today, as you go to work, school, or throughout your community, allow God to open your eyes and see someone who may be hurting. You might be the brightest part of their day. You may be the answer to someone’s prayer. You could be the reason someone chooses life over death.
The word of the day is help. Help someone today. Help make someone’s day better. You’ll be glad you did.