Inspiration - January ⁄ February 2008 
Before I was born the Lord called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name. Isaiah 49:1
The woman crouches on the sidewalk, back pressed against the rough brick building. Her matted hair coveres half her face and her mouth moves ceaselessly as she mumbles and rubbes a thumb over the gnarled knuckles of her hand. But her bright eyes are intelligent as she watches people hurry past without a glance.
A forgotten woman on a dirty street.
No one knows her name. No one seems to care.
Until one young woman turns the corner and stops.
This woman wears a neat, blue blouse and black slacks. Her hair is clean and plaited in a neat braid. Her voice is gentle as she kneels next to the street-woman and takes dirty hands into her smooth, clean ones. "There you are. I've been looking for you. It's time to come home now."
Have you ever felt like the forgotten woman?
No one sees you. No one asks how you are or where you belong. No one seems to care.
Yet God cares.
God knows your name. He knew you and loved you before you were even born.
You are the reason he left heaven and lived on earth. He loves you so much, he took on human form, human wants, desires and failings. And he put that flesh through torture and death on a cross for you... so you can go home with him.
Take his hand, follow Jesus. Let him lead you home again.