As we travel from country to country, I have frequently alluded to the little nicknames people have christened me. In Latin America it was "Chulo" (Honey), in Europe there were many stereotypes of being Christians thrown our way, but in Africa it was something different altogether. While I knew in my head that being American had stipulations that I had not planned on this race, in Africa I got a wake up call. When I went outside, I instantly felt like "Waldo" except this time, EVERYONE noticed me.
Kids would follow our group/me shouting "Mzungu" whenever I went outside, ("White person"). Kids would run and hold my hand, they would immitate my beatboxing (surprisingly well), and followed us with wreckless abandon. We even had to tell them to go home before dark to not get lost. It was almost like being a celebrity. It really made me think what I had "done" to earn their respect. But in my head I kept thinking: "I haven't really DONE anything…"
Sure, I've played with kids. Yeah, I went door to door talking to people about Jesus. But really I don't think I was doing anything spectacular…
And maybe that's the problem with my thinking. So often I think I have to do something: meet the goals, do the objectives, perform to bring about God's kingdom. But really, when I think about it, I think just being present in the moment with God living in me is enough. Whenever I try and take control too much, I think the kingdom is stifled because it no longer is God's plan, God's kingdom. Rather, instead I try and make my kingdom and make God fit into it.
However, this past month has taught me that the kingdom is not about how much "gets done", how many people you save, or even how well you preach a sermon. (Although, those things are necessary and are nice when they happen).
Jesus frequently did what was unthinkable, talking to people who were broken, downcast, and had been given up on. He won over their hearts with Himself, nothing more, and nothing less.
And perhaps, if I am really honest with myself, I want more than just Jesus to change people. I want to be in the mix. I want some of the glory. But when I started this race, I was told "give this race to God. It is HIS race that YOU are on". God's presence should change people, with your help if necessary.
So tonight, I remember the kids I played with. I remember the people who just wanted to talk and be understood, whether they were Christian, Muslim, or other religions. I remember the laughs we shared, the tears we shed, and the long talks about being human.
And I remember that if God's kingdom should come it should come from the outside in.
