The pressure of being an American and the reality of what we actually represent.
It’s ridiculous how many kids think I’m famous or have been in a movie or something. “Jovenes de pelicula” I believe is the term.
A couple of weeks ago I was sitting in a little cafe drinking coffee and studying my bible while we were having our “ciesta.” Suddenly, kids start walking by. One boy, however, curiously stops and stares at me. So, of course I say, “Hola.” He then asks what country I’m from. “Estados Unidos” (United States), I replied. I’ve never seen eyes light up like that in my life! All because of where I was from. He couldn’t believe it…as if he had never seen an American before.
A couple of weeks later, a girl actually asked if I was famous. That same day we did a children’s program in the morning. I’ve never signed so many autographs in my life! I felt like Ricky Bobby.
At the children’s program there were 2 guys about my age. At the end, they started doing these INSANE soccer tricks!
Obviously the children asked for their autograph too. But I was astonished by their demeanor in humility. When the kids started clapping at the end they both pointed to the sky and said they did it for the glory of God. At this point I had probably already signed my name on at least 20 torn pieces of paper. But when I glanced at theirs…I did not see their name. I saw “Jesus Cristo” or “Jesus Te Ama” (Jesus Loves You).
What pressure it is to be an American in other parts of the world because of how many children look up to you. But, also what opportunities we have to share the love of Christ. They don’t realize what we, the US, actually represent…success, achievements, being famous, STUFF! What a bunch of boa! We should represent Christ, not ourselves.
Next time someone asks for your signature, sign it “Jesus Te Ama.”
