Story for Thought

As Melinda walks into the room, she saw a dreadful sight; a scene which she could not bear seeing anymore. She wants to quickly turn her back and run away. She wants to get out of this place. “Why is there so much pain and suffering? Why is life so unfair to these little children? They don’t deserve it,” she whispers softly in her thoughts.
Melinda was a young lady, who has just graduated from a local university as a qualified nurse. This is her first day of work at GHKL. She was shocked to know how unprepared she is for her profession. All the studying she did had not prepared her for this scene. This horrendous scene. Children of all ages were thin, frail and malnourished. They were very ill and could barely stand to walk. Hence, they lied down on the floor of the hospital as there were not enough beds in the wards.
Deep down, Melinda felt a great compassion towards those children. She wanted to walk away at first, but if she do so, who will look after those children who are in need? Who would show care for them if everyone walks away from this place? Then, she remembered what Mother Teresa had said, “Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”

Like Melinda, we as Christians should show compassion to those who are in need. Jesus’ said, “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, “Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?” And the King will answer and say to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Matt. 25:35-40 (NKJV)

Jesus encourages us to help one another. Helping someone does not mean leaving your job to lend a helping hand. However, there are always little things that we can do daily to ease one’s burden. These acts do not depend on our wealth, ability or intelligence, but rather our willingness and time. You can always carry out simple acts such as giving your friend a ride home, sharing your food/toys with the needy or even taking some time to talk to the elderly or strangers. I personally have spoken to a couple of strangers who are in need and sometimes, it amazes me how much they have actually help me instead of me helping them. So, spend a little time helping those who are in need like what our Lord has done.


Written by,
Li Hoong
20th Nov 2009