i don't want to forget....

I came across this image yesterday as i was researching pictures for a project i'm doing for WorldVision. It's a young man who has suffered some of the consequences of the Darfur conflict.

I can't get it out of my mind. I don't know what to do with it.

I'm ready this book called "the dangerous act of worship" by mark labberton. it's about worship in the context of God... but it really doesn't have much to do with music and services. He says our major response in worship to God scripturely is micah 6:8... to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. He says that the north american churches silence and uninvolvement with world justice issues and local justice problems comes from our lack of true worship. we are focused on the astethical things, and not the things of God's heart, which is what worship is to help bring us too.

i think he is totally right.
so i'm seeking how to live this out.

but this picture....
it's horrible. i don't have words to cope with it. and this kind of abuse and suffering is so prevelant in the world. i want to hold onto this picture cause it totally takes out the legs from under me.

i live in a culture that keeps pushing me towards the ridiculous and shallow. i should know more about paris hilton and who's hot or not instead of what it means to be truly human. i'm told to keep buying ridiculous shit for myself (skymall!) instead of learning how to give to those in need. this picture gets me to the heart of the debate really quick.

therefore, i don't want it to leave me.

i hate that i'm so groomed to resist suffering and pain.
but the truth is... at least in this lifetime, this is where we find God and we can save our souls from a meaningless spiral downward into self indulgence.

i wish i knew this boy.
i pray for his life.