33.  IN THE WORLD`..... BUT NOT OF IT 

God`s love for each person on the bus is one reason the Holy Spirit leads me to pray for the salvation of each one every day, and for opportunities to sow seeds as He prepares their hearts.  You know, it is one thing to evangelize, it is another thing to be a witness by appearance, attitude, actions, expressions.  I say that because I don`t get a lot of chances to speak English with someone.  Simply because much of the time I hear two and three languages being spoken simultaneously, and  80% of the people are talking on cell phones.

I have wondered what this world is coming to, then I begin to think this IS the WORLD!  I am IN it, but thank God I am not OF it.  No offense to anyone, because that is scripture.  Only those who know Jesus as their Savior  will understand the meaning.  Suffice to say I am with others as I travel this world, but I am not a part of them...I am part of the Kingdom of God.  God has called me out....separated me, and I am truly thankful.  

First He called me out, set me apart, taught me some things, then set me right back in the world, but not of it.  I am here to make a difference.  Being different because of being white and having long natural platinum hair, is not the same as "making a difference".  I am an Ambassador for Jesus Christ and I want my witness to be effective.  Though I am quite conspicuous in a world of individuals with medium to dark skin, as well as dark hair, it is their heart I am concerned about.  I may feel alone in the crowd even though I am sure some are Christians, but I am aware Jesus will never leave me.  He was there by the power of the Holy Spirit when one man caused a scene because he had been drinking.  Everyone else has been kind, polite and shown me respect.  God has been faithful to protect me.  I apply Psalms 91 daily and wear the armor of God.  It is wonderful to not be bound with fear.

                                                               

************************************ Take a Little Breather ***********************************

One more little encounter:  I was talking to a black man on the bus, I know him from church.  A white lady stared at me and with such hatred......it was obvious my communicating with him angered her greatly.  I kept smiling and chatting with him and refused to be intimidated.  She is the one losing out because no matter the color of skin, the spirit has much to offer to those that are open to receive.  No wonder I am so blessed.  Now my friends are so without color sometimes I have to stop and think what color they are if someone asks me!  Praise the Lord....that kind of  "color blind" is "good", and brings glory to God. I daresay it "Pleases Jesus!"

                                                             
                                                       *************************

One more little story from my journey of life.  I was about to walk past a store when I felt a strong nudge to go inside.  Once inside I found myself surrounded with clothes from India, jewellery display cases, lots of fabrics also.  I did not see a clerk though I was in center of he small storefront, but I heard a voice.  I turned to see a woman seated with fabric on her knees.  She asked if she could help me.

My immediate thought was she will have to drop the fabric to serve me, and come over here...but it was hot so I overlooked her lack of public relations skills.  (Meaning if you want to have a customer purchase something, you serve them by showing interest, not by staying seated.)  I walked to her and started visiting with her.  She was so surprised her mouth dropped open and she almost dropped the fabric as she stood up quickly.  From that moment on she could not do enough for me.  She was sincere, too.  She made eye contact and showed respect.  I appreciated her new found efforts.  Her whole demeanor changed and she blossomed with skills as she served me.

Her quick change was reflected in her countenance.  I sought the Lord and He revealed some things to me that helped me understand.  He revealed to me that this woman`s slowness to rise and serve me, a customer, was because she did not view me initially as a customer.  She viewed me as someone who would show ignorance by being demeaning, and had no intention of purchasing anything.  This is because of past experiences she encountered with white women.  Yet when she saw I was friendly, approached her without any offense, but with respect, she arose and could not do enough for me.

My spirit was grieved to think she had been so hurt in the past.  I tried on a top and said, "But there is only one problem....I do not speak your language...."  (yet I was wearing a pretty cream colored top from India).  "...Is it okay?"  She looked at me and smiled from ear to ear...... to even think of me learning her language to fit in...so to speak.  Nothing was said about religion...but we both knew there were differences.  She saw the little cross I

wore with a shroud on it.  I saw the religious figures in her store.

I came to show love, not to condemn.  I came to show love.  God helped me.  The Holy Spirit taught me. When I left we both were happy.  Since then I have been back and purchased another top.  But that is not the end of the witness.  When I walk from the bus to the office I see many women from all countries and they see this white woman wearing their top.  Now... the women that before would not hardly make eye contact if we met outside, look at me and smile and even greet me.  I call that Breakthrough.  
                                                                
                                                       **********************   
The same thing has happened with women who keep their head covered, but not their face and we meet in the parking lot.  I smile at them...... and now after many times....they are smiling back.  Recently one lady wiggled her fingers to wave at me when we greeted.  Yet another breakthrough though we do not speak the same language. Little is much when GOD...is in it!!

There IS such a thing as body language, acceptance, respect, etc.  I think that is what Jesus would have me do because "love never fails."  He is pulling down walls and knows who to use and when; so I do not worry about the language barrier.  He`s preparing someone and in due season that person will have a word in season, glory to God.  I do pray that what I have shared, though very simple little incidents, helps you to see how easy it is to show someone love,  acceptance, respect, and to communicate regardless of language barriers.  Sometimes it starts simply with a smile.  Make a `Smile`......Your `Style`!  :-)))  But first, please ask yourself this question:     

How about you....do all your friends have the same color skin...... if so...who has the problem....THINK.  I did not write this as a reminder of messing up.  It is for you to do some soul searching.....and I pray the Holy Spirit will reveal to you right now any incidents you need to deal with in a more effective manner.  Be willing to yield...so you can be used more effectively by God.  The decision is yours.  I pray you make a wise decision.  Blessings.....are waiting if you do.  Hindsight:  I don`t know which is worse: recognizing racism on my part, or not recognizing it at all.  I do not want to be guilty of either.  So deal with any racism, so we can get on to the next blog about a new perspective.  (Thanks for taking time to read....I appreciate you and pray my words result in changes that are beneficial for you and for others.)