I KNOW VERY WELL
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 1-2

"I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds to those who are on the road to destruction. But we who are being saved recognize this message as the very power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT

From the moment I began announcing that I been gifted with a trip to Israel, I have received one of two looks from people...

The first is a look of envy, from folks who themselves want to go, from people who understand the value of the place and the enormity of the blessing I had been given.

The second is a look of fear. Literal fear. They begin stuttering, they start relaying information they had just that morning heard on the news, they start in with advice--Don't wander away from your party, Don't look Israeli men in the eye, Don't forget to have all your things in order, as you might not come back, Don't drink the water, Do your parents and husband approve, Won't that cancel your life insurance policy? (Actual pieces of advice I received.)

I know some folks get it and some don't.

I knew with each reaction who understood my drive to go, and who didn't grasp it.

The same is true when we share out faith. There are those desperately needing what we speak of, and there are those who get that look of fear on their faces.

I get that the accounts of Jesus make no sense. I see how folks would question what I believe. I fully understand how difficult it is to give up what one used to believe for a new Way, a new Life, a new Truth.

It doesn't make sense until the peace that passes all understanding settles in your heart...