Sometimes T does something completely unrelated to me or to our family that reminds me of his traits that I love. I wish I could say I always remember these traits, but daily life isn't like that. Rewind to last night. A group of teenage boys were roaming our neighborhood shouting profanities. We could hear them with all the windows closed and the air on. T and Cody opened the front door and just watched. The boys were screaming profanity after profanity, cursing our "safe" little neighborhood and the white wealth they perceived to be dwelling here. I should add that as home prices drop and then drop some more and as the last year has brought increased burglaries, my neighbors are on edge. We constantly talk about issues of safety, the houses that are for sale and for how much. New houses keep popping up for sale, probably encouraged by the three that sold earlier this summer (for rock bottom prices). I suspect several of my new friends would move, if they could sell their house for a decent price. Anyway, the boys roamed the block and were coming around a second time. I know the neighbors were hoping one of the two cops who live here would do something, but maybe they were not home.
Cody and I thought T was on the toilet, taking care of the day's business because he was gone a long time. We were being the geeky family that we are and both Cody and I were on our laptops, sitting on the couches. We had paused the movie, waiting for T's return. Eventually the front door opened and in walked T. He had followed those boys, saying, "Hey, I just want to talk with you." They swore at him, threatened to beat him up, made threatening gestures and swore some more. He just kept repeating his desire--let's talk. T's determination scared those 17 or 18-year-olds and they ran away. I'm sure the neighbors sighed with relief as they nervously watched out their windows. I wish the boys had chosen to talk-- I want to hear their story.
Yes, I can see it too, the list of the dangers and the reasons why T should not have followed those boys at night in Ignored, MI. I saw that list at first, but God reminded me, through my husband, of who I want to be. As a follower of Christ, I am so thankful that my husband is different. Not fearful. Full of desire to confront sin, to love sinners, to live where others won't (as if living in this lovely neighborhood is hard--but people think it is).
So my friends, how are you different from the rest of world? If you follow Christ, you should shine like stars in this crooked and depraved generation. T shines in the hope he has, in his lack of fear, in his desire to hear the story of these young people. As sinners, none of us will overcome all our fears here on earth. But each believer has a hope and that hope means that many of the fears of the world do not overcome us (not that we don't think about them). We all have fears, but at least some of the things the world worries about shouldn't worry us. Sure, sometimes we worry and have to repent, but we have a hope that makes us different. I think that our hope becomes visible when fear and worry do not overcome. Last night I asked myself, "Laura, is your hope visible?"
8 comments:
Well God calls us each to his own work. Your may not look and sound as dangerous but is equally important.
That was amazing. Tom was just being a missionary right here on our own streets. We can all learn from that.
When I used to live not far from your neck of the woods I had a couple scary encounters, and Casey was always at work. I stayed locked in my house and prayed for the safety of my children.
Way to go, Tom. It's so easy to let fear get in the way of living out hope.
Amanda, I didn't mean to make a commentary that suggested only dangerous work was important. I just wanted friends to consider how they were different from the world, what does the world worry about that you don't? Those are some of the evidences of hope in our lives. The question about visible hope was just inspired through a "scarier" encounter.
I didn't mean to sound so dead pan either. :)
I think I understood you. I just wanted to add that sometimes i look at missionarys and pastors and think wow they are brave and closer to God. It was a reminded to myself who is living a less danagerous and mundain life style.
OKay maybe I missed the hope thing. heh. ummmm hmm. Thats funny that you ask. Ambers husband preached about fear and trusting God. I think trusting God is a big show of hope. When I say trust I mean that I will be okay that my family will be taken care of and that we will all be in heaven one day. I don't mean it like I just mismanaged the $ he has given me and now he will make it all okay.
Amanda,
I think I didn't effectively get my point across in the first draft post! I rewrote the last paragraph a bit, do you think the hope part is clearer now?
Moving to a new city that didn't have the best reputation wasn't easy for us. I find myself scared to go to community events, but usually give them a try. I have been happily surprised to see a lot of people at most of these events - I'm glad they don't let fear keep them at home. I always have a great time – and am glad fear didn't keep me at home either.
EXcellent!!! Prefect!!! I could have not said it better!!! It was just what pastor was taking about I feel like I got double dipped!! Thanks!
I hope my hope shows when my gram dies. That I can be strong b/c I know she is in heaven!!
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