Transparency

Have you ever come across a person who you barely knew, just met, or never even met at all and knew without a doubt in your mind that they were a Christian?  It has only happened a few times in my life and I consider it a privilege that it has happened at all.  I count seeing Christ lived through another life (without even knowing that it is a life committed to trusting Jesus as their Savior) as one of my neatest experiences.  Some of you probably think this is crazy talk, so let me share with you a few examples....

Several years ago, while still living in Dallas, I went to the baby shower of a co-worker, Cari.  It was mostly co-workers and then a few other friends of hers.  One was an older woman and I don't think I even spoke to her...or maybe just exchanged names.  But, I watched her and saw her interacting with other people and I just knew that there was something Holy about her.  There was a gentleness, a kindness, a Joy that cannot be mistaken.  It was so strong that I wanted to ask, but I did not.  However, when it came to gift giving time and Cari opened the gift from this older lady, it was a collection of children's books...every single one of them was a Christian book.  I knew it!

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are FILLED with an inexpressible and glorious JOY, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:8-9

Another time this happened was a few years ago, here in NYC.  I was meeting a friend later, but had some time and needed to grab a bite for dinner.  It was a gorgeous day, so I picked up some cheap sushi to-go and took it to Lincoln Center to eat in the beautiful outdoor area they have.  After a few minutes, a girl came up to me and asked if I had a pen she could borrow.  I found one and gave it to her and that was the extent of our conversation.  There was literally nothing to it, but she had a joy and a light that was unmistakable.  I just knew she knew God well.  I was intrigued and I watched her.  She went and sat not far from me and pulled out her Bible and a journal.  When she came back a bit later to return my pen, I told her I noticed she had been reading her Bible and asked where she went to church.  She was a faithful member of the Brooklyn Tabernacle and I asked her a lot about that as I had always thought of it as more of a tourist attraction...turns out they have a really great community.  Anyway, she was definitely a Christ follower and her time spent with God caused her to glow.

 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the LIGHT of life."  John 8:12

I had another experience last week at the Glamour show.  I mentioned in my other post that it was SO awkward when Lisa Leslie accepted her award from Michael Bloomberg.  He was awkward.  She was not.  When she gave her speech, I began to feel like she must be a Christian...she gave God credit for her height (and not in a way that seemed trite).  As she continued to speak, I got the impression that the confidence she has in her height was something that is not of this world...I pegged it as a confidence that could only be gained through trust in Christ.  I just knew she must know God well.  So, I did a little google research later and had trouble finding much, but found this little quote that I believe confirms my thoughts... "I've grown so much since 1996. I think that was the turning point of when I started to go to church every Sunday and not just because you're supposed to. But because you enjoy going and listening to the Word and being excited about it."  Yes, I believe her love of the Word has transformed her.

"Blessed is the one....whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers." Psalm 1:1-3