Sometimes, it can
be very difficult, being in a wheelchair, trying to get people to pay attention
to your comings and goings. Beep! Beep! I attend Grace Baptist Church in Santa
Clartia, California. One of my favorite memories, in my late teens, is when I
joined the choir called Living Proof; I sang for five years Every year at
Thanksgiving weekend, our church hosted an Advent celebration: dinner, skits,
music, and handmade Advent wreaths! It
prepared our hearts for Christmas, and reminded us of the true meaning of the
season.
For a couple years in a row, our choir
provided the music. When it was time to get on stage, I would carefully edge my
through the crowds trying not to run over any toes.
Even though, I
would say,“ Excuse me!” Excuse me!” in my loudest voice, people just weren’t
paying attention! Finally, the choir director’s wife helped me.
“Hot coffee! Hot
coffee! Hot coffee coming through!” She yelled. Suddenly, everybody moved out
of the way real fast, and I was able to get on stage!
It took the right vocabulary to get people’s
attention. No one moved when I said, “Excuse me” because it was too polite.
However, when she yelled, “Hot coffee!” everyone moved because they were all
afraid of getting burned! From that
night on, Instead of saying, “Excuse me,” I yell, “Hot coffee!” and it works!
Everybody moves, and I chuckle!
The same principle
applies to us as Christians. We are called to be lights in a darkened world.
You never know what’s going on in someone’s personal life. Seeing you might be
the only time a person sees Jesus. Using just the right vocabulary can either
turn their heart toward Jesus or away from Jesus. Sometimes the words, “I’m
praying for you” are exactly what someone needs to hear, just to know that God
is present in their circumstances and loves them. What does your life say for
Jesus, today? What kind of memories will you leave that will lighten others’
darkened world?
Dear Lord,
Help me use the right words that I may be a light for You in
a darkened world.
Amen
