Be The One Who Stops

Dear Kids,

I heard a story recently that has been bothering me all day today.

Someone in my extended family was riding their bike. It was on a busy street in Idaho. During the bike ride, he lost control and had an accident. He was just laying there on the side of the road and hurt his back so bad that he could not move. He said he just laid there as cars drove past him, for quite a while. No one stopped immediately, not even those around him when they saw the crash.

This really bothers me because of the story of the Good Samaritan. Hopefully you will know this story when you read this entry. A man was also hurt badly and laid on the side of the road. People just passed by him and didn't help him - those who professed to be 'good people'. Finally, his supposed 'enemy', the Good Samaritan stopped to help him. Took him to an inn. Paid for his lodging and then followed up to make sure he was okay. He was the one who stopped.

What is happening in our society? Are we Good Samaritans or not? Do we stop to help people? Are we even looking for the opportunity? Or are we professing to be Christian and then turning our backs to those who truly need our help around us? What are we doing with our lives? What is happening to our culture?

I want to challenge you kids, and myself as your parent, to look better. Pray for the eyes of recognition in your daily lives. Stop to help a stranger. Don't just pass by and assume that everything is okay. BE THE DIFFERENCE. Be the one who stops. Be the one who notices. Be the one who acts on an inspiration, follow through and be better than the world around you. Be the one brave enough to be different. Be the one courageous enough to be good.

If we have lost the ability to be the Good Samaritan in our society, then what do we have? Please, always be the one who stops.

I love you,

Your Mom