"You’ll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God’s master stroke, I didn’t try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy.
I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified."
- 1 Cor. 2:1-2 (The Message)
As I was trying to put together a cohesive blog in which the depth of emotion and proper intentions of my thoughts could be clearly displayed, I came across the verse above. This verse really spoke to me after I had been mulling around several ideas of exactly how to cohesively include all of my thoughts. I take much time, diligence, and pride in my work, putting everything into writing to the best of my ability. Then I found this verse saying we don't need to worry about having polished speeches and the best theological debate skills for backing up the truth; it needs to be kept simple, because Jesus is simple. In saying such, I no longer am going to focus on trying to fit everything together into somehow making sense, because Jesus will do the work for me. To you, the reader, this means that this blog will mostly be a stream of consciousness and may or may not make sense or fit together, but I aim to keep it simple and let Jesus do the rest.
Let me begin by saying that I have no idea where to really start, because things have been a little crazy lately. I guess I'll start with the turning point to the renewing of my mind. Several weeks ago, probably sometime in March, God brought some amazing people into my life. My good friend kept telling me that she was having some friends from out of town come to visit, and that they were amazing and really wanted me to meet them. In all honesty, I was hesitant and really had no desire to do so, because making friends usually doesn't come easy to me, and I figured I'd just be the odd one out. I almost didn't go, but at the very last minute I felt something tugging on me to just go to the play with them and see what happened. Well the play ended up being dreadful, but the people quite absolutely amazing.
I was expecting to meet some random people, have to try really hard to make small talk for the evening, and then head home after the play the same as I had gone. Boy, was I severely wrong, because I came away from that meeting a completely changed person. I didn't have to think of things to say to them, act extra friendly to cover up my shyness, or try to be someone I thought they would approve of. Instead, the minute I walked in I was warmly welcomed, and felt an incredible peace and ability to just be myself. Small talk wasn't an option for these two; instead, sharing the love and freedom of Jesus Christ was the forefront of their focus, in conversation and in action. I was challenged almost immediately when I was asked "So, what are your biggest dreams and aspirations for your life? If money wasn't an option, what would you dream of doing?" Cutting directly to getting to know my heart and my dreams was definitely not the kind of small talk you typically experience upon first meeting someone. But these people weren't just anyone. They are warriors of Christ, with a passion to get people dreaming and passionately pursuing the ministry and love of Jesus. I was honestly taken off guard, and was not sure how to answer. Someone has never asked me that before, nor have they genuinely cared to actually listen to the answer. This kind of crazy love was something I had never experienced before. These people displayed a huge love and care for me, and they didn't even know me! They laughed with me and touched my arm casually, as if to tenderly say "we accept you!" They knew nothing about me, and yet they repetitively told me how beautiful, amazing, awesome I was, without expecting anything in return. And with no doubt, they genuinely meant it with their whole heart! They told me that God cares about all of my dreams, ambitions, and passions. They told me that healing and restoring relationships with my parents was indeed possible. They told me that I was no longer in bondage, but that I am FREE! I was relieved, taken off guard, and ultimately loved just for showing up- just for being ME! So incredible, and so unexpected. Life changing, really. And it didn't stop right there. Because it wasn't a familiar "I'm going to show Christ's love to you because I'm suppose to. I'm going to be kind and love you while I'm here, but will forget about you as soon as we go home." No. It was a "I love you wholeheartedly. You
are a part of my family now, you are a sister in Christ. I care about you, and will continue to do so as I encourage, love, and speak truth into your life on a daily basis, because that's what unconditional love does.We know you now, and there's no escaping our love after this." This completely unexpected, shocking, unbelievable love and genuine care from a stranger impacted my life in an incredible way. It was the first time I have ever met a person and immediately knew what Jesus looked like. The first time I realized that genuine love for everyone is actually a tangible reality. That day, I saw a living example of what it looks like to represent Jesus. And it has changed my life forever.
MORE TO COME LATER
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