Passing through an intersection in Addis Ababa, with my face planted against the glass taking in my new surroundings as we departed from the airport, a man shouts from the window of a neighboring car, “where are you from?”
“America!” I respond. “America,” he repeats.
This experience has become quite ordinary over the past five months.
As crowds form around our group as we attempt to buy produce at the market down the road a few days later, it is very obvious that we don’t fit in here.
I am not the type of person who likes to stand out, or be the center of attention.
I prefer to work behind the scenes.
Too much attention makes me feel uncomfortable.
But, the life God calls us to live isn’t about feeling comfortable.
Throughout Scripture, He calls His people to abandon everything and to boast in their weaknesses.
As David dances before the Lord, he is willing to become undignified and humiliated.
So, I am willing stand out and be uncomfortable.
I will wave to the group staring at me.
And, I will letting strangers grab my hands and pet my hair.
I will be uncomfortable for the sake of the Gospel.
Will you?
**Written on January 6, 2018.
