Daily Bible Reading Plans to help you read and understand God’s Word

Thirteen years ago, at the ripe old age of 22, I moved to Chihuahua, Mexico. I was teaching elementary school to a class of ten students whose parents were missionaries, and I believed I was going to be this generation’s Mother Teresa—compassionate acts would flow through me, bringing hope and healing to the most vulnerable. 

One of the greatest lessons I learned was not in the classroom but rather through walking alongside my friend, Barb. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Barb has called Chihuahua home for over thirty years, and I had the privilege of watching her make room for the poor by extending the love of Christ in simple yet profound ways. I distinctly remember the first time I visited her home, which was on a dirt road about twenty minutes outside of the city. She welcomed me and made me feel at home. But she didn’t just do that for me, her friend. She did that for everyone. 

Rarely did I spend time at Barb’s house without a neighbor stopping by or hearing a story about someone she was praying for or sharing the gospel with. After busy days of teaching kindergarten, she hosted a weekly backyard Bible club for children and a Bible study group for the mothers. She didn’t allow her lack of Spanish fluency to deter her but rather relied on the Holy Spirit to be the means of connection, knowing He would communicate the love in her heart to her neighbors and friends. While many peers in her season of life choose to pursue retirement—she was in her sixties, after all—Barb relentlessly marched forward, determined to demonstrate kindness and hospitality.

Deuteronomy 15:11 says, “For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you, ‘Open your hand willingly to your poor and needy brother in your land.’ ” When I reflect on Barb’s example, I see that loving the poor need not be extravagant or extreme. I simply need to be willing to go where others may not go, do what others may not do, and see the people others may not to see.

Friend, as you consider today’s Scripture, remember this: God doesn’t ask us to do things bigger and better for Him. He simply asks us to walk with Him. We need not overcomplicate a life of love. Barb didn’t, and I will forever be grateful for the lessons learned watching her live a life with open hands, ready to serve and love those in need.