One of the most underestimated theologians of our time is Theodor Geisel, whom you may know as Dr. Seuss. He wrote one of the best treatises on human dignity. It is called, Horton Hears a Who.
At first glance it appears to be a basic kid’s story used to entertain children. It’s about a lovable, affable elephant named Horton. One day Horton discovers a sound coming from a floating speck. He pursues this speck until it settles on a clover and soon discovers that on this tiny speck there is a village called Who-ville. Horton tries to save the people of Who-ville by finding a safe place for the speck.
Deeply rooted in this story is the idea that people are significant no matter who they may be. Horton repeats this sentiment throughout by saying, “A person's a person, no matter how small.” No matter how insignificant or invisible they might seem, all people are worth saving.
Relating this to our world, it seems to me there are a lot of Who’s—“invisible” people—in our midst. In many respects these people, many with disabilities and special needs, are invisible to the rest of the world. They don’t form lobby groups. They aren’t in our face about their needs. And to the world, they just don’t matter.
Yet, Jesus showed special attention and compassion for the Who’s of society. He was indignant and sharply rebuked His disciples for their attitude toward children and asked that children be brought to Him (Mark 10:13-15).
He identified with insignificant people in society when He refered to Himself as a Shepherd at a time when shepherds were considered “low-life.”
He saw the outcasts and the sick, those who were “invisible” to the righteous and mainstream of that day, and touched their lives. Jesus declared, “‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me,’”(Matthew 25:40 NIV).
You see, these invisible, insignificant people depend on others, Hortons if you will, who will recognize, love, and in some way, touch their lives. So what is our attitude toward them? Better yet, what is our action toward them?
The Bible says, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God,” (Micah 6:8 NIV).
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Act justly
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Love mercy
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Walk humbly with your God
Horton wasn’t about to go down without a fight. He worked frantically on behalf of these small people. He kept encouraging the jungle animals to stop and to listen. None of them heard, and yet Horton pleaded. He became their advocate. He became a spokesperson for those whose voice wasn’t being heard. He was their champion. Are there people like that in your life, church, or neighbourhood who need you to speak for them? Do they need a champion for their cause?
There is another side to this story that must not be forgotten, the story of the people of Who-ville. They are satisfied with their happy little lives not caring a bit about anything beyond their world. And yet they are living a life that is in danger of destruction. When one speaks to them of such destruction, they look at him as if he is crazy. They don’t want their lives disrupted by his message of the need for salvation. The Who’s in our lives need to hear of Jesus’ mercy too. Granted, some we reach out to will reject to the offer of salvation in the same way as those in Who-ville. But they deserve a chance to hear it. Are we sharing it?
“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NIV). “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are…” (1 Corinthians 1:26-28 NIV).
Having a special need or disability—or not—does not make anyone better or worse than anyone else. Just different. In His sovereignty and providence, and for reasons unknown to us, God determines differences. Accepting that fact will enable us to see ourselves and others truthfully. Until then we will never see or hear the Who’s around us.
Are you a Horton?
