I see you
Did you know that there are some women who feel invisible? They keep their head low, because to speak out or assert their voice is dangerous.
Did you know that 160 million Indian women are called untouchable, believing they are less than human?
Did you know that some of our sisters are forced to sell their body?
Did you know that some of our sisters are beaten because they love Jesus?
Did you know that many girl children never make it past birth?
Some of you might think that this is a downer, talking about such hard realities. I understand where you are coming from, and that would be true if it caused us to sit around and wring our hands in worry.
But seriously, we are strong enough to hear the numbers. We are strong enough to read the facts. We are strong enough to make a difference.
We are strong enough to get on our knees and pray.
We are strong enough to give out of our plenty — but, also to give when we don’t have plenty.
We are strong enough to look her in the eye and tell her that she’s beautiful, not just on the outside, but through and through.
[ctt template=”4″ link=”W7b5H” via=”yes” ]When faced with the hard realities of our sisters, we are strong enough to respond. #uninvited #ComeWithMe @suzanneeller[/ctt]
We are strong enough to notice that she’s working 16 hours a day for the equivalence of two dollars a day.
Not too long ago I was interviewed on a radio program. He asked about this subject. “It’s just all so overwhelming,” he said. “Does it make you want to just throw your hands up in the air and walk away?”
No.
Because if we see one person at a time, then we’ve made a difference.
That’s all it takes.
I celebrated my birthday on September 1st. When Richard asked what I wanted for my birthday, I knew.
I wanted a woman to be able to read for the first time, and for her to learn about Christ in the process.
One woman.
You see, one woman equals one family, which equals another generation, which means that one woman reached might eventually be a community when it’s all said and done.
Eventually eight women were sponsored by family and friends on that special day. My grown kids jumped in. My friends. On my actual birthday, some of my grand babies came to say happy birthday.
Where’s the balloons, Gaga?
Where’s the party bags?
Where’s your presents?
The oldest is just turned six. The youngest that day was two. They didn’t understand, even though Gaga tried to explain it.
It was the best birthday gift EVER.
When you compare eight to hundreds of thousands that still can’t read and millions that don’t know Christ, it might not seem like much. Yet, when I consider that even one might turn around and touch another life it makes me want to weep with joy.
I’m sharing a video with you today from our trip. In it, you get a glimpse of some of our sisters. Look at the beautiful faces. See the hope. You’ll also see a sweaty Suzie in this video (it was 111 to 118 degrees), but I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
Seeing your sister might not take you to India. It might take you next door. It might take you to your knees. Let the Lord lead you where he wants you to go.
What is one way you feel led to “see your sister?”
Do we ever let the fact that the need is big keep us away?
Suzie
Are you interested in learning more about Mission India? It takes only $30 for one woman to receive a year of literacy classes.
Lysa TerKeurst’s book, Uninvited, is impacting this beautiful ministry and others.
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I’m so glad to see this here today, Suzie. Thank you for what you and P31 are doing for these women. I’ve met many women who can’t read; most women here my age didn’t go further than 5th grade in school…
I feel led to see my sister today by reaching out to the Middle Eastern women God has put in my life, to let them know they are loved and valued, to let them know God offers forgiveness and new life, AND to pray for them because they don’t have moms and sisters who do that. Although there are many women I’ve reached out to and worked alongside, God called me 13 years ago to especially invest in one, and she’s so precious to me now. Now God’s calling me to take a second one under my wing. She’s so wounded, it scares me. Will God come through for her? I choose to trust and believe He will. She should be receiving “The Mended Heart” today! <3
Wow. Loved this post Suzie. “one woman.” I don’t think I ever thought of it that way but it’s true! It is EASY (at least for me) to be overwhelmed by the enormity of need in the world. But “one woman” matters…”one woman” has a reach so much farther than I can see. Jesus, show me the one woman you want me to reach today.
Amen, Cindy! I’m praying for you now, friend, that He’ll show you ONE! You have so much to offer. 🙂
I’m with you. I love the perspective this gives me! Just. One. WOW!
Suzie, this is such a great emphasis because so many women feel invisible in their pain, even many who know Christ feel as if there’s a requirement (a secret handshake?) for being accepted and known by others. Our hearts need to receive the truth of a God who sees and knows us, so that we can dare to see and know our sisters.
I’m so thankful for community here on the web that opens my eyes and builds my confidence so that I am more present to the people in my real world.
Goosebumps! Awesome ministry for a heartbreaking cause. May God use this to bring hope and healing in a way that surpasses our imagination. (P.S. I didn’t mean to add the blog I did to your site today. It was last week’s theme. What I get for rushing :-0).
Your blog has renewed my passion for India. My sisters matter. Excited to have this passion to love them and try sooo hard to make a difference in at least one life there in India.
Tears. Love. What beautiful perspective and truth you’ve given by reminding us to start by reaching out to just one woman. WOW. Thank you for sharing this intimate part of your heart with us, Suzie; I know this ministry, this mission, these women mean a great deal to you.
Lord, open my eyes to see my sisters. Show me the one woman who is waiting on me right now. Lead me in the direction of your will. Give me the courage to get into the boat and push out further than ever before. To step out of my comfortable Christianity. To go. To do. Give. Love. All more passionately and boldly than ever before. In Jesus name.
Love this post! You see, one woman equals one family, which equals another generation, which means that one woman reached might eventually be a community when it’s all said and done> What a great reminder. Helping one can make a generational impact for eternitry!
Beautiful, and the very reason I wrote “Unnamed Women of the Bible.” Far too many of our sisters feel forgotten.
Praising God. Such gifts! The very best!
Being a teacher of the young and reading is my favorite subject to teach, I just love it that that is what you chose to give along with Christ, the Answer!
Wonderful post, Suzie! I just love this —> “Seeing your sister might not take you to India. It might take you next door. It might take you to your knees. Let the Lord lead you where he wants you to go.”. It’s such a powerful and inspiring truth. Thanks so much for sharing and for hosting as well! GOD bless you, beautiful friend! 🙂
Just one. The whole picture is certainly overwhelming, but if we make it about just one, who knows what God will do next? Love this, Suzie!
Hugs,
Lori
I love how “just one” can impact a whole family – and your “just one” birthday decision impacted your family, too. I think you’ve created a snowball effect even in the 100+ degree heat of India!