epiphany part 2

part 2

as  i determined what words to use

 i quickly built up my wall 

of preconceived notions 

as to who this man was and what he wanted

my neck stiffened and my stomach tightened. 

i felt safe…i was just annoyed. 

i didn’t want to encounter what 

i suspected would be a rant of theological perspectives 

designed to put me in my place.  

i’ve lived through enough of those in my life.

but none the less i told him i was a minister. 

and none the less i told him 

what kind of church I serve. 

and none the less i shared 

with him a bit of my personal story. 

and none the less 

i finished talking 

and waited for his retort

his critique…

his GOD loves me but put me in my place speech.

but that’s not what he did.  

he didn’t do what i expected.  

nstead

he listened

then offered back words 

that seemed so very personal in nature 

as if he had known me for a very long time

kind words

gentle words

words that sounded a lot like 

the ones we speak in the church i serve. 

“i believe GOD is love

and that is all there is to it. 

i believe GOD loves us inwardly 

despite what others see on the outside.”

i told him he could come preach for us.  

but he didn’t answer

he just listened some more.

when we arrived at my car in the parking lot

he got up from his seat to help me with my bag

but instead of grabbing my bag

 he extended his hand to me 

and asked if he could pray with me.

and though i was still very touched

 by the words he had already spoken

i still flinched and thought to myself

this is when I’m going to feel the sting of his judgment.  

but again

the unexpected.  

he spoke eloquent, 

powerful words of acceptance, 

healing and care and hope and peace. 

he didn’t rush

he took his time

time enough for me to let down my wall 

and hear what 

what my guarded heart 

would not let me hear minutes earlier.  

then the encounter was over and i got in my car

 and like the three wise royal ones of the past, 

i went home a different way.  

oh, i followed the same roads home

but as i drove over the walt whitman bridge 

and then up the atlantic city expressway

i felt the difference.

to be continued...