It was a great sermon on patience. The pastor told a funny story, challenged me in my walk with God, gave me much to consider and then closed with a heartwarming story about a homeless man. He gave the invitation to salvation and we bowed our heads to pray. We sang the obligatory hymn for the alter call. I considered deep, meaningful issues — where are we eating lunch?
He walked down the aisle, his leather vest, biker gloves and bandanna-wrapped head made him stand apart from this Sunday morning crowd that is much more comfortable in an SUV than on the back of a bike. As he stood at the front and spoke to our pastor, the tattoo on his bicep caught my attention. I couldn't make out the words in the three circles, but I wondered about them. What do they mean? Are they a code? A creed? Who is he?
I loved that he was here — in my very traditional Southern Baptist church. We don't get many bikers… okay, we don't get any bikers. And edgy is not something we see in these parts. I loved it. This was just what I wanted to see in the church — different people. My heart soared — and then it shattered. As I watched these two men, one young, dressed in leather and the other older in a suit, there heads together almost touching — one slightly graying, the other wrapped in a bandanna, my heart broke.
As much as I talk about wanting to break out of the box, I don't do anything to reach out to those who are different. I don't ask people who cross my path about God in their lives. I don't ask them to come to my church. I don't ask God to use me to reach others for Him.
I just don't ask.
Do I not ask because I'm afraid of the answer? Am I afraid that God will use me? Or am I afraid He won't?
As I looked at those two men, heads bowed together, each with one hand on the other one's shoulder — one leather biker glove, the other with a single gold wedding ring. So very different, these two men, but joined together before the God who created them both, the God who loves them both and the God who sent His son to die for both.
What an incredible picture and the tattoo? I never did make out the words within the three circles. It doesn't really matter, because to me, that image represented the three who stood at the front of the church — my pastor, the biker, and my Savior. Two I saw in the flesh and the other I felt in my spirit.
Mary, this left me with goosebumps. I, too, have a hard time stepping out of my box. I know the willing spirit is not always the one I have. It’s not so much fear as it is pride.
This may be one of my all-time favorites. Absolutely wonderful. Absolutely convicting.
Love you,
Melinda
Mary,
What a wonderful story! It really brings to heart what God wants each of us to do. We are to reach out to those who are different. We all need THE Savior.
Sheryl
That brought a memory back of when I was very young and at church with my grandmother. A man walked in during the middle of the service and went straight to the alter. People began to whisper and I asked my grandmother what was wrong with him. She shushed me. He was dirty, scraggy looking with long hair and a beard. I thought he looked like Jesus. He was on his knees and crying. Several members along with our preacher were there with him. When he was done he just got up and walked out. My eyes never left him. I have often wondered about him during my life.
My husband and I ride. We see and talk to and hang with a few bikers. They know me and I do talk about Jesus I am often surprised that they are very open and talk back. Do I take the extra step to invite them to church or to even ask if they are saved? I am ashamed that even though I talk about God I DO NOT ask those questions. I am not doing my part but I need too!! Great post! Thanks for the reminder that I do need to do more.
This is an amazing story! Thank you for sharing. I have been thinking about similar things today.
Based on the verse “Jews do not associate with Samaritans” (John 4:9), I have been asking myself, “Who do Christians not associate with…?” The people that we do not associate with are the very people Jesus would be around.
It really is a beautiful picture of our church – we should be all different, look different and be from all walks of life
That is God’s grace for sure!!
Much love
Kim
Beautifully written. We have a had a very rough looking, recovering addict, biker and his wife attending our church for the last few weeks. As a matter of fact, he and his wife are planning to participate in the Sunday School class my hubby and I will be teaching in September. We are quite anxious to see what God is up to.
I know exactly what you mean about failing to reach out to the people who cross my path…I am terrible at that. Thanks for the encouragement to do better.
Terry
Mary I love the honesty. God does too. He knows how we have a hard time dealing with the issues we face daily.
Boy, you 11:00 people sure have all the good adventures. 🙂 jk
Hi Mary,
I have just spent some long desired time looking at blogs this morning and came upon yours! It is by FAR, the coolest one I have seen today!
You go girl!!
Blessings,
Pat
What a great lesson, Mary. Loved it.
And this so resonated with me too: I considered deep, meaningful issues — where are we eating lunch?
That’s beautiful, Mary! I am so thankful for you. I needed to read this today.