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<v SPEAKER_00>This week, one of the scriptures that we're lifting up is Matthew 25, where Jesus says, Whatever you do to the least of these, he tells a story about how he was in the world and was ignored by so many of us.

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<v SPEAKER_00>And then another story about how he was in the world and yet others met every need he had.

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<v SPEAKER_00>And it was an encouragement to the church to always be aware of those in our midst who need the love of Christ displayed through our lives into theirs.

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<v SPEAKER_00>For many years I partnered with the ELCA Outreach Center in Kenosha.

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<v SPEAKER_00>And I did so as a youth leader and I continue to do so as a pastor.

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<v SPEAKER_00>I remember many years ago as a youth leader, we would lead a Bible study and we'd also offer some songs and food.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Every Thursday throughout the summer, me and my youth.

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<v SPEAKER_00>And every Thursday there was this same woman who sat near the end of the table, looked to be in maybe her 50s.

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<v SPEAKER_00>We found out that she was homeless and that was using many of the resources there to figure out how to get back on her feet.

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<v SPEAKER_00>She was often quiet.

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<v SPEAKER_00>And at the end of our Bible study, we would hand out donuts or whatever we might have brought for a snack that day, and then slowly leave.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Well, one day I had some extra time, and so I decided to go over to this woman who remained quiet almost every single time we were there and introduced myself.

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<v SPEAKER_00>I learned that her name was Linda.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Linda and her brother were trying to figure out a way to live independent of assistance.

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<v SPEAKER_00>They were having a hard time.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Linda had had some struggles in her life.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Some of them had affected her mentally, and she was very honest about these.

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<v SPEAKER_00>I realized in that moment that no one really ever talked to Linda.

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<v SPEAKER_00>And so I made it a point every week when I came back to sit down and talk to Linda.

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<v SPEAKER_00>What was amazing is maybe after a month of this, at the end of our Bible study, we invite someone to pray.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Linda had never raised her hand.

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<v SPEAKER_00>But in this moment, Linda raised her hand.

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<v SPEAKER_00>And she prayed.

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<v SPEAKER_00>A simple prayer for her and her brother, and then offered up a word of thanks for the people at that table.

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<v SPEAKER_00>I don't know what God is doing in Linda's life today.

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<v SPEAKER_00>I've lost track of her.

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<v SPEAKER_00>But I know in that moment Linda felt recognized, and it reminded me that often, even in the midst of good ministry, we can overlook people.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Whatever you do to the least of these, I think justice begins with conversations and learning someone's story.

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<v SPEAKER_00>I think that's where real justice begins.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Once we realize we're all the same.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Like Linda, we just want to be listened to, to be recognized, to be seen.

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<v SPEAKER_00>My encouragement to you this week, church, is that you look for ways to be Christ in a world that so desperately needs Christ.

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<v SPEAKER_00>That you look for the least of these in your midst, and you sit down with them.

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<v SPEAKER_00>You hear their story, you learn their name, and maybe you give them a little bit of courage to speak up, to encounter their God in a new way.

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<v SPEAKER_00>As always, we are praying for you.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Love and peace.