one thing is certain – you have a responsibility.

I sit and try to process what I’ve seen. But yet, still no words.

The ramblings running through my mind are stripped void of any coherent thought. While the people of Guatemala stole my heart (day 1 pics here), I’m left feeling bare naked. Vulnerable. Stunned.

The need is great.

The need is vast and thinking of the complexity of the issues it all seems quite bleak. I wonder how I can possibly make a difference in a land unembellished.

One thing is for certain.

Once you have seen, you have a responsibility. Your heart wants to respond and Jesus asks you to, as well.

In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil. James 4:17 MSG

As I’m stripped bare of all I thought was important, my heart begins to beat with a response. A response I’ll share more about in the coming days. But for today, I’ll treasure the stripped, bare, and rawness I’m experiencing in my soul.

Have you seen a need lately?

How will you respond?

Linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker today in Five Minute Friday.

About the Author

Alene Snodgrass

I love to tell the story whether it is from behind a camera lens, writing at a computer screen, or speaking into the lives of others. With a heart for the broken and down-and-out, I am the Director of Volunteers at Bay Area Fellowship Westside, a church on the inner city of Corpus Christi. I speak regularly around the country at conferences, retreats, and women’s groups sharing Christ truth as my heart sees it, through my real life experiences. Follow me on twitter @alenesnodgrass or facebook.

Katharine Barrett

Stopping by from FMF- My son is headed to Guatemala in March to work in a malnutrition hospital. Thanks for you post today, have a wonderful weekend!
- http://www.positivelyalene.com/ Positively Alene
  
  What hospital is he going to? We spent a few hours in one. It was quite the experience for me. I was totally overwhelmed. But I saw a few people step into their element — a pediatrician who happened to be with us and a few men who stepped out and fed and cradled crying babies. How old is your son? He will never forget what he experiences there.
http://myfreshlybrewedlife.com/ Barbie

Oh friend, I cannot imagine. And yes, once you have seen, you have a responsibility. May God open my eyes to see the world around me, and then give me the grace and strength to act.
http://theinnerharborblog.com/ Emily Gallimore

“I’ll treasure the stripped, bare, and rawness…” Yes! Right there with
you! Yet somehow, I’m also noticing peace in the emptiness…and
expectantly waiting for Him to increase and fill where I lack. Much love to you today!
http://www.razella.com/ RaZella

Hi, I am stopping by from the FMF link up.
Wow. This gave me goose bumps. Literal, both arms, “wow” goose bumps.
“Have you seen a need lately? How will you respond?” Thank you for asking those questions.
http://www.facebook.com/carolina.lindholmsizemore Carolina Lindholm Sizemore

I still can’t talk about it without crying, (I tried in Starbucks), sorry Mom! But the stories need to be shared, so I love your challenge.
- http://www.positivelyalene.com/ Positively Alene
  
  I did some talking about it today and sharing the pics. This afternoon I saw a cerebral palsy man in a wheel chair and immediately I had tears. Made my miss little Micky!!! Oh how I miss the city. I’m hoping to share stories next week. Oh how I hope my heart is ready.
Alia_Joy

Sometimes I think that is exactly what He asks of us after times like the one you’ve had. Just to treasure it and let it sink deep and transform you and with that heart, comes the wisdom to do what your heart is telling you needs done.
http://jonstolpe.com/ Jon Stolpe

Alene,

I went to Guatemala last summer, and it rocked my world. It rocked my world so much that I’m heading back there again this summer with my family. We’re hoping to feed 200 kids for a year as part of our adventure.

Don’t let this experience go to waste.
- http://www.positivelyalene.com/ Positively Alene
  
  Thanks for sharing. Definitely not going to waste — just trying to process. I have some ideas and I’m definitely going back. How will you feed children? Where? Are they part of a home? Please share.
  
  We experienced about 5 ministries there. I have to say the one that is on my heart is the Potters House that ministers to the children around the dump.
  - http://jonstolpe.com/ Jon Stolpe
    
    You can read some of my story and call to action for this next trip through my blog post here: http://www.jonstolpe.com/2013/01/08/building-something-bigger-again-the-big-ask/
    
    We served in a small town of Xenacoj. I can’t wait to go back again. The kids all go to one of the schools in this village. They often go off to school without breakfast. This warm lunch time meeting could change their worlds. For just 35 cents a day, we can feed a hungry child in Guatemala.
http://www.alifesurrendered.com/ Michele-Lyn

I wholly understand, my friend. For months I didn’t know how to process what I saw. I’m so glad you got to visit this land — these beautiful people.
- http://www.positivelyalene.com/ Positively Alene
  
  Please tell me you finally processed! Will you be going back? I can’t wait. Now I know why God impressed Guatemala on my heart last Fall.
  - http://www.alifesurrendered.com/ Michele-Lyn
    
    He had His way in me… But I will never be the same. I will never see God and life the same. I do want to go back and know I will go back regularly for the rest of my life. God will work out the details how! I go to Haiti with World Help in March for baby rescue. I love reading your stories! Love your heart, my beautiful world changer friend!
http://www.jeffdolan.com Jeff Dolan

When I saw that you and others from the trip were already posting on your blogs, I couldn’t imagine how you could muster the words so fast. Good to know I’m not the only one without words yet.
- http://www.positivelyalene.com/ Positively Alene
  
  Can’t wait to read some of your words. I’m telling more stories which are hard to verbalize, especially if you weren’t there. I’m hoping to have words this evening to recount a story from the Potter’s House. I sure miss the team!
http://www.facebook.com/vicki.m.taylor Vicki M. Taylor

You definitely life with a purpose. And you are a very strong person. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Even if you are experiencing writer’s block, don’t worry. Do other things you love. The words will come.