A year and a half ago, I met four people that would change my life, and if it would have been up to me, I would have missed out on all of them.
A year and a half ago, I showed up to Training Camp for the World Race and met Andy, Paul, Troy and Rachel. I immediately judged and categorized them. I thought Andy was too loud, Paul was too hipster, Troy was too immature, and Rachel was too fancy.
Andy Paul Troy Rachel
I didn’t think I would connect with any of them. In my eyes, we were from different worlds and with different interests. We were too far apart, and I didn’t see a way, or want to make a way, to close the gap.
I mean, we could be friends, but how could we be close? All I could see was our differences, all I could see was division. I was caught up in my own insecurities, negativity, and flesh.
Did I see them as brothers and a sister who loved Our Lord?
Did I see them as sons and a daughter of The King?
Did I see them for anything other than their outwardly appearance?
No, I did not.
It took me a few hours with Troy, few days with Paul, few weeks with Andy, and few months with Rachel (not her fault, I didn’t spend time with her until six months into the Race), but I finally allowed the Holy Spirit to show me who they truly were and truly are. They are my people.
Troy is full of life, completely loyal, refreshingly genuine, and a fighter.
Paul is encouraging, full of wisdom, quietly fearless, and humble.
Andy is powerful, surprisingly gentle, a tireless servant, and compassionate.
Rachel is gracious, quick to laugh, an amazing friend, and loving.
Don’t give up on those whom seem different. Don’t say “we never will” or “it will never happen”. Take another look, and look through the eyes of Jesus. Look at their heart, their soul, their spirit.
Don’t give up on God’s provisions in your life.
Don’t give up on your them. They might become your people.
