| One Another Ministry Encouragement Story |
| A Stranger Among Us A few years ago I remember a young man entering our church. He was not like the usual attendees. He was tall, gangly, and, quite frankly, stood out like a sore thumb. He had recently moved to our city and was very much alone. His father had asked us to watch over him. The young man had grown up in a church and felt at home and comfortable when he was in church. He had a mental illness, he was different. I have often wondered how this young man felt. I know how I felt and I know what I saw. I have to keep asking myself...What would Jesus have done? A Stranger A young man walked into the church. Those present stopped and stared. ...Who was this fellow? ...Why did they care? Was it his jeans Which were tattered and torn That made him stand out And look so forlorn? Or was it his hair Tossed and uncombed That made them all wonder, Where was his home? Was it the way his hand shook As he sat and ate his pie? Or the way he moved so abruptly And so quickly walked by? Did he belong here? Should they say "hi"? Should they say "Welcome"? Just give it a try? This was God's house And God loves everyone. Here was a lesson... Even this man was His son. Jesus would have stopped And given him some time, Shared the spirit of love Seen through the grime. Recognized the man And not the appearance. Welcomed him in, Shown some forbearance. And so they approached Made him feel welcome, Touched the heart Of someone very lonesome. God looked down and smiled! Cheryl, British Columbia, Canada |
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