We have all done it, or will at some point, when someone mentions a fear or a struggle. Perhaps it’s something rather large or small but it doesn’t matter.
Perfect opportunity to witness right? We jump in with advice. “You should do this!” We exclaim as we confidently word vomit our favorite Bible verses. (I call it the cocktail method)
Cocktail Method: An assortment of seemingly related or sometimes unrelated memorized Bible verses that give people, mainly us, that feel good moment. Something we use in pressured situations. Typically because it’s been a while since we have read the Bible.
Yay we threw out our favorite verses!
That should make them feel better…now we can tell them about our story! Quick! change the conversation into one about our struggles and battles we have seemingly overcome. Why not right? We figured it out a long time ago so might as well tell them! Right?
Good thing we told them our cocktail of feel good verses! It really just gets us going. What a great way to start off with a bang!
Before long we are talking about who knows what subject and we are in this theological debate. It’s great! I mean we love deep conversations! Who doesn’t?
Woah woah woah hold up partner…
Calm down.
And for lack of better phrasing…
Shut up.
I’ve noticed at some point we all do this. Why? Jumping in mid conversation cutting people off from their heart opening experience with us. I’ve seen the pain in those peoples eyes as we throw our victories in their face with out even a thought or two of who they are and where they might be in their lives. I’ve felt the pain, having so many knowledgeable people talking to you knowing you’re the worst person in the world…
” I’m so glad God made you.”
A phrase that one Christian girl said to me only about 8 or 9 months ago… That moment saved me from abandoning my faith and God all together. Why would she be glad God made me? Didn’t she see my struggles and my mistakes. I’m nothing like a Christian should be.
“Huh?”
” I’m so glad God made you.”
Silence.
I have a fear, a fear that perhaps God can only mend.
Truth is, I’m not good enough to go on this missions trip. I am a broken down and beaten up Christian who struggles daily with my faith. I have struggled with some thing God only knows about. But that phrase never leaves my head. It was the best advice and confirmation of importance I have ever gotten. Something so simple yet so meaningful. Something no cocktail of word vomited conversation could ever achieve. A reminder that God made me, and someone was glad…
I don’t know why I feel like writing this… But I hope you accept me where I am at. I am not a savior but I know the savior. I am just a witness… That’s where I want to stay.
I am glad God made you
Maybe the only thing I say in the year to come. It maybe the only thing I understand enough and see the power in…
I’m glad God is giving me the opportunity to share this…
Till next time
– Me
