While at work the other day I got a text from one of my sons, “where is the video camera?” After spending five minutes making sure I had each word spelled correctly and had properly punctuated, I texted him back. Ten seconds later his response indicated that he had thoroughly searched the area for nine full seconds and had not come up with the lost camera.

This is the boy who has a long history of not finding things that do not immediately jump into his arms or shout “here I am.” My next recourse was to actually speak to him on the phone, vectoring him into the general whereabouts of the camera. Once again, there was no success as cameras don’t bark, honk, or indicate their presence audibly.

Least you worry yourself too much; I immediately located the camera which lay undisturbed, plugged it in, and left it on his pillow. Here’s hoping he will have better luck finding it this time.

A few Sunday’s ago we heard one of the more endearing parables about “lost things.” Lost sheep, lost coins, lost family members. How many of us know lost people in our own lives? I remember a few years back when I was out and about running errands and had come upon a rather reckless bunch of teens that were wrecking havoc and generally causing a scene at the mall. I thought to myself as I walked by, “what a bunch of losers.” What I heard in my head immediately, distinctly, and clearly was this, “Not losers; Lost.”

I have never forgotten that. It is one of those things that stick in my mind unmistakably reminding me that God listens to every thought we think, and every word we speak.

There are so very many lost people wondering all around us each and every day. Do we see them? Recognize them? Attempt to make contact and reach out to them? They are family members, neighbors, co-workers, strangers and friends. People, who have taken a wrong path, made a poor decision, followed awful advice, had immoral examples, or never ever got the chance to hear the Good News.

Some of these people I know well, some I run into from time to time. I think that we are often too afraid of pushing our values on another person so we just avoid speaking the words that quite often could lead them home. Why is that do you think? We aren’t too afraid to give financial advice, restaurant critiques, or our opinions on miniscule matters…but to talk to someone about Jesus, yikes.

What do you think it is that holds us back? Are we afraid they might judge us unworthy, find us hypocritical? Do we think we have to be knowledgeable enough to have a theological and philosophical conversation that “wows” them right into conversion or, are we simply too afraid that we don’t really know Christ well enough ourselves?

So the sheep are left to roam aimlessly through our lives hoping and wishing someone would show them a way that leads to true and lasting happiness, a way that will bring clarity and purpose to their lives, and meaning to their existence.

It does not need to be this way. We are here. We are on the path, at this moment in time for a reason and purpose. Our fellow brothers and sisters need us, this world needs us, and we must take a chance and give Christ to others. This is not difficult and consists in this, simply speaking from our hearts, sharing from our own experiences, pains and consolations? If we are genuine, honest and faithful, if we pray and trust that we will be guided by the Holy Spirit, then what needs to be transmitted will be.

Have no regrets, say the words that may bring peace, healing, and comfort to the lost. The time is now, do not delay. Do not be afraid. Reach out in love and believe that your words can make all the difference.