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A Person’s a Person, No Matter How Small

July 16, 2013 By Jean Wise

Horton hears who? Horton Hears a Who! 
This fun Dr. Seuss story teaches children and reminds adults the important lesson of loving your neighbor.  I used this book as part of the children’s sermon last Sunday when the gospel lessons told the well known parable about the Good Samaritan that starts with the question, “Who is my neighbor?”
Does Horton talk about neighbors?  Not exactly. The weather is hot so Horton, the elephant, jumps into the pool to splash the heat away. He is having lots of fun when he hears a small noise.
Looking around he sees nothing.  But once again he hears a faint cry for help.
“I’ll help you,” said Horton, ‘but who are you? Where?’ He looked and he looked. He could see nothing there but a small speck of dust blowing part through the air.”

Horton ends up discovering a whole group of people barely visible to the eye who need help. And Horton does help. In fact he goes the extra mile for these people he didn’t even know and almost missed seeing.
This is Horton’s philosophy:

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

Horton’s mantra has lingered in my heart this week. I wonder how many times I am too busy splashing in the pool, focused on my own needs to hear the cries of someone else.
I wonder how often I don’t see the person on the margins of life or someone not important enough to my ego to draw my attention.
I would like to think I have a good heart, but I know it is often filled with worries and doubts that squeeze out the energy to reach out to another.

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

Jesus’ parable show us the Levite and the priest who conveniently walk the other side of the road to avoid the one lying in the ditch needing help.
How often have I played those roles staying in my safe corner of the world with my head buried in books about service instead of hands soothing the wounded.
Yes Horton is right. Everyone, no matter the size, has meaning. Just because I don’t see suffering doesn’t excuse me from lending a hand or offer kindness.

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

Horton’s wisdom and Jesus’ parable – good lesson to ponder!

What lesson have you learned lately?

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Comments

  1. blankJean Wise says

    July 17, 2013 at 11:52 pm

    so glad it was the words you needed today, Lisa. I know it has lingered with me all week. And a kid’s book! I would love to write a kids book someday that speaks to all ages.

  2. blankJean Wise says

    July 17, 2013 at 11:51 pm

    I have done this too when commenting on blogs – used the wrong name. don’t worry, I understand.
    You were so right in your comment too: we can’t do it on our own – only though God’s powerful love.

  3. blankLisa notes... says

    July 17, 2013 at 4:02 pm

    “Yes Horton is right. Everyone, no matter the size, has
    meaning.”
    I needed to hear this day to remind me why I need to do what I’d planned to do this afternoon. God sends inspiration in all kinds of ways, even through Dr. Seuss. 🙂 Thanks, Jean.

  4. blankMia says

    July 17, 2013 at 1:27 pm

    Sorry Jean! Not Nancy, but Jean!!

  5. blankMia says

    July 17, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    Dear Nancy
    I have often tried to love my neighbor as I love myself, but failed miserably! Until the day I realized that that kind of love does not come automatically! Only as our Pappa’s goodness and love fills us to the overflow, will it spill over to those around us!
    Blessings XX
    Mia

  6. blankJean Wise says

    July 16, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    You have such a gift of encouragement, Nancy. Thank you!

  7. blankJean Wise says

    July 16, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    Dr Seuss is full of wisdom and fun, isn’t he?

  8. blankNancy Ruegg says

    July 16, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    What a pointed lesson from Horton and you, Jean! You are so right–our hands need to be busy soothing the wounded. But even as you look for ways to spread kindness, do consider that the voice of your blog does much to soothe wounded hearts!

  9. blankJanis Cox says

    July 16, 2013 at 2:05 pm

    One of my favourites along with Yertle the Turtle. thanks for the memories.
    Janis

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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