Horton Hears a Who — Wordle

I am a huge fan of Dr. Seuss’s books. One of my favorites is “Horton Hears a Who,” so here is my Wordle based on this wonderful book.

I’ll never forget how touched I was by the reading of this book by David Dahlin at a Compassion International Advocate’s Conference.  The point of the book is obvious, perhaps, but do we really live by its message?  Do we really believe the smallest persons in the world are important enough to listen to?  Do we treat children with respect and honor?  Do we recognize their potential and value?

My favorite part of the Olympics opening ceremonies was watching little Lin Hao walk around the stadium with 7′6″ Yao Ming, the basketball star. 

This little 9-year-old was tiny in size, but huge in courage and leadership.  When the May 12 earthquake struck his Chinese Sichuan Province, he not only survived the rubble, but went back to rescue two of his classmates.  Why?  He responded that since he was a hall monitor, it was his responsibility to help the others.  Lin Hao apparently also encouraged fellow students to sing songs to help keep up their spirits while awaiting rescue.  This went on for at least 2 hours, and once rescued, he went right back into the rubble to rescue others, although he suffered several injuries.  Sadly, 20 of his classmates died, and it was estimated over 70,000 were dead or missing and 5 million or more left homeless.

Apparently, Lin Hao almost missed the opening ceremonies, because officials didn’t realize he was authorized to go into the arena.  Why?  Because he is small, and they didn’t think he was important?  In truth, we need this kind of role model–we need his courage, integrity and lack of fear.  As Seuss says, “A person’s a person.  No matter how small.”

This is the kind of student Compassion International seeks to support through the Leadership Development Program–those with high academic, spiritual and leadership potential.  My own sponsored child, Siriporn, was accepted to this program.   As her sponsor for several years I did, indeed, recognize this potential in her well before she started her university studies.  What if she had not been given the opportunity to reach her potential?  What if she had remained in poverty, in hunger, uneducated and without Christ?  I’m so thankful Compassion is working to maximize the opportunities of these small bundles of potential.  Why not sponsor a child today, or support a student from the Leadership Development Program?  You never know how far-reaching your support may reach.

~ by Juli Jarvis on August 12, 2008.