Under The Mango Tree by Barbara Chadwick

Under the mango tree sounds delicious - a gathering place to share warmth, sunshine, idleness and laughter. We're lulled by our comfort and our fun. We sit in the shade and watch the world go by.

Angie sat under the mango tree with a sick little girl, rubbing her back. A group of Islam worshipers began to gather near by. Some men put up a pole and attached a light bulb to it. Soon the people began to prostrate themselves facing the pole, chanting.

The little girl's family had called for the witch doctor. He came and began to chant. He asked for a coin. He made it disappear then reappear. He broke some glass and ate it. As he performed tricks he watched blond headed Angie carefully, almost as if the spirit within him knew of the spirit within her. Angie began to sing, "This Little Light Of Mine."

He told the people he wanted to talk to her so they brought him over to her. After trying to engage her in conversation he said he wanted a piece of her hair. She said, "no." Her host family was astounded that she would deny the witch doctor but something within her said emphatically "NO!"

Help us, Lord not to be under the spell of this idea - "under the mango tree" and lulled by our comfort and our fun. Help us to be like Angie and deny the sinister and evil darkness of the world. Open our eyes, Lord, to see those in darkness around us and let Your light shine in us. Make us willing to listen to the brokenhearted and let Your love flow through us. Put words of truth and grace on our lips. Lead us to sit with those who need comfort and may the touch of Your hands be felt through ours.