I guess first of all, I should start this blog (and maybe every other one after this) by saying that I hold nothing back. I believe that holding back our true feelings is exactly what the enemy wants us to do. So I apologize in advance if I say anything that may offend you. I believe in raw God, and that means straight up, raw posts. I hope you understand.
So.. ever just meet those people that you can't help but think "Holy nuggets, I need to be friends with this person?" That's Nadine.
Nadine is a tattoo artist. I met her when I went with my friend to get her first tattoo. She runs the shop with her son and a few other employees. This woman was awesome.
She told us about her paranormal investigations. Now, before you all get all wigged, let's think about this for a second. Obviously, she's probably got some interesting theories about the afterlife. Conversation starter anyone? I mean, in situations like that, we have two options. Instantly label her as a freak, or engage in conversation with her. Which is more Christ-like?
Needless to say, I have decided that I want to befriend Nadine. And not in a "oh, gotta convert her" kind of way. I feel like that's the reason the Nadine's of this world are so put off by Christianity. Is her salvation important? Absolutely. But I'm not going to get far if I just go in guns blazing and say "Hey, you should probably repent and stop with these paranormal investigations and with your tarot card readings and…" You get my point.
The truth is? I'm actually genuinely interested in Nadine's life. How she got into the paranormal in the first place. When she decided she wanted to be a tattoo artist. What she believes about the future, and so on and so forth. And dudes, this isn't a "hey, look at me" thing that I'm trying to do here. I'm just reflecting on what it actually means to evangelize.
Nadine is just like everyone else in this world- wondering what the meaing of life is. What we have to ask ourselves is what it looks like to engage in relationship with them.
Everyone has a story, and EVERY story matters. And if we don't take the time to listen, shame on us.
