Faith like a Child

Do you ever feel worried about stepping on toes if you speak the name of Jesus? Do you find yourself feeling intimidated by the judging of others? Are you worried about what others will think, leaving your lips sealed instead of speaking out truth in the name of Jesus? Is it just me, or do you keep "quiet" unless you're in the "right" group?

I myself, have always struggled with the confidence to stand firm in what I believe. Afraid of the judging eyes, I remain quiet instead of proudly proclaiming the love of my heavenly father. Worried that speaking the name of "Jesus" will cause offense, I stand with lips sealed trying not to rock the boat.

God, with his amazing sense of humor, saw me in my weakness and gently yet firmly has been pushing me out of my comfort zone. He's blessed me with the greatest gifts I could have ever asked for, and these two gifts have shown me exactly what Jesus meant when he said,

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15)

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These two right here, one "quiet" and one very "outspoken" live out that verse everyday. They don't seem to care what anyone thinks, somehow they fit "Jesus" into everyday! Their stories are my favorite part of the day.

Ever since she was very small, Olivia has had a strong desire to tell others of Jesus love. At five years old, I took her to the park🛝. Sitting under the shade tree🌳, I just wanted to sit quietly and enjoy the warm summer afternoon "by myself" while the girls played😎. Soon I saw my girls were playing with another little girl, laughing, running and playing like little girls do. Coming in for a quick water break💧, I asked Olivia what her new friends name was. She looked at me with that, I knew I was forgetting something face🤔, and then said, "umm, Im not sure.... But mom, she doesn't know who Jesus is... So I'm telling her all about him and how he's my best friend!" Of course I'm sitting there thinking🤨, "okay.... so, how did this conversation start exactly? But before I could get an answer she ran off playing and apparently "preaching" at the park. Next thing I knew, I see her over by the little girls mom talking. So there I am sitting under my shade tree, worried about what my five year old is saying to this mother😳. All I wanted to do was sit and relax, but feeling as though I should probably go and acknowledge this woman my children were talking to, I get up and head over the whole time thinking, "what on earth are they talking about, and what have they gotten me into🥴?" I honestly don't remember the conversation we had that afternoon. I just remember as soon I was there, all the little girls were off playing again, and there I was awkwardly trying to make small talk with this mother that I had no idea if my girls had just shared the gospel with👀.

Ironically, I've been placed in many situations like that with my children. I'd like to say that I've been able to come alongside them and continue spreading the gospel, but the reality is, that has never been my strong suit. I guess I'm worried about rejection. I'm worried about what others will think. I tend to freeze and only talk about Jesus if someone else does. Over the years I've begun to look up to my girls and the way they share the Joy of the Lord so freely without a care of what others think. I'm learning from them. I'm learning to talk about my faith. I'm learning to do it first, and not wait for the invite. I'm learning not to care what the world thinks. I'm learning through the faith of a child. I'm learning through these gifts my father sent me. Jesus said,

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.

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As a homeschooling family, God nudged us out this year and placed these two into a public school. I remember that nudge, I was driving on I-494, my girls in the back seat were singing to their VBS songs shouting "Romans 12:2" with their fists in the air. It was like a small whisper in that moment, "Its time to share them with the world, Jody!" I really didn't know what to think, so talking with my husband, we spent the next few months in prayer.

I remember when we toured the school, I had a peace I couldn't explain. I knew it wouldn't be an easy transition, but still I felt it, this peace! Yes, I had concerns, but trusting God we walked through the doors He had opened. watching my girls bloom and blossom has been a gift in and of itself.

At the end of the day, these girls come home with many questions,

Is the earth really a billion years old? How come some people don't believe that God created the world? Who is Taylor Swift? What does it mean to scream bloody Murder? Am I allowed to talk about Jesus in school? Why does it feel like I shouldn't? What is the F word? What is a witch? Is it okay to pretend to be a witch?

We do our best to answer these questions using the Bible as the ultimate resource. I guess, it would make sense that they like to talk about the Bible at school, I mean should I really be surprised?!

When everyone talks about Taylor Swift, these two talk about Anne Wilson and their favorite songs like, Hey Girl, Sunday Sermons, Let me tell you about my Jesus, and Rebel.

They tell me that at lunch they like to share Bible stories with their friends, they don't pick the usual ones either. They tell me how they've shared the story of Jesus tempted on the mountain. They've talked about sin, they've talked about the devil, they've talked about the temptation we all face. They've shared the story of Jesus on the cross. They've talked about the Passover meal at the the last supper, tracing it back to Moses. They've talked about the miracle of His resurrection, the promise of a savior for you and for me! They've talked about how to ask Jesus into your heart, they've talked about what it means. They get questions, they try to answer those questions, and bring those questions home asking us. They tell us all about these stories they share! Honestly I'm blown away! How do they do it?! I'm 37 years old and I still have yet to be that bold in sharing my beliefs!

One time I asked them, when they ever had the time to talk about Jesus. Their answer,

"We were working on a project and we were allowed to talk... So we talked... about Jesus!"

Our Sunday sermon this last week was on Romans 13:11-14, which talks about what it means to love your neighbor and the importance of understanding the day is near. Paul encourages his readers with an urgency to share the love of Jesus knowing that the night is nearly over and the day is almost here. This night refers to our present day where the prince of this world (the devil) roams at large, but the day is almost here, which refers to the King of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ's return. So what does it look like to love your neighbor? How do we love like Jesus?

Its simple really, I have learned so much from my girls. To love like Jesus is to share the good news, regardless of what others may think! To stand firm in truth while sharing the hope of a savior who has conquered sin and death and given us the gift of life through Him. I'm encouraged by the words of my 9 year old, if given the opportunity to talk... "then talk about Jesus!"