A Similar Kind of Different
Humanity is wildly fascinating!! I never tire of observing people and the creativity of God. There is a common bond between us through His image and yet that image is expressed distinctly and vividly in every human! On my recent trip to Chad, I’ve attempted to take note of the individuals that have crossed my path. There are so many! Each one uniquely different but equally beautiful in the eyes of God.
It’s the children that always capture my heart. There is a pureness and hope in the heart of a child that reflects God’s image. One small girl comes to mind who grabbed my hand in the market and walked with me through several shops. She was a beggar with a brutal road ahead in this life, but her face so clearly displayed the image of God. She didn’t speak, but her piercing eyes and bright smile communicated a joy that her Father’s presence was upon her. She is one of the thousands of street children in N’Djamena, but God knows her name.
In the villages beyond N’Djamena, the children are an even greater majority. From an early age, they begin contributing to the family's success by supplying water from the communal wells, herding camels, or digging mud for bricks. The road to adulthood has a short onramp in Chad. Children are loved but occupy an auxiliary position in the adult world. But I saw an act of compassion from an adult to a child that will be etched in my mind. God’s image shone forth in a soldier who stepped into traffic to assist a small child crossing the street. God’s compassion extends to the least of these through someone whose duty is often to do hard things.
Then there are Pierre and Dr. Aslo, our friends and partners in reaching Chad. God’s image is so imprinted on these men. I’ve spent the week watching and learning how they live for Jesus under intense pressure.
They, too, have a joy that is so evident. Nothing is their own. Relationship is everything. These men know how to pray. They live and survive by it. They pray diligently for the needs of others. The image of God beams from their face!
There are so many individuals that stand out that it is hard to condense. The numerous missionary mothers that I observed around the hostel serve the Lord and their families wholeheartedly but in relative obscurity. Other individuals like Dave, a pastor from Minneapolis we met at the airport in N’Djamena. He was a missionary kid who grew up to be a pastor and is continuing his heart for the nations. He is serving the Lord by developing leaders in southern Chad. The image of God shines brightly through is life.
I love seeing the image of God in His creation. Humanity alone carries that distinction, and it’s impressed within us as a birthright. It’s God’s image that brings dignity and value to every human on this vast earth.
It’s what bonds us. Some choose to diminish God’s image or deny it. Others embrace God’s image and allow His power to extend through their lives. We all have a choice to make. What will we decide?