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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: LOVE (11/18/21)
Mountains loomed around us. Vibrant colors that peppered the landscape a week earlier had transformed into burnt oranges and browns, with some trees completely barren of leaves.

“I’m really enjoying this,” Maria said in awe. “I’ve never driven this way before. So beautiful.”

We’d taken an alternate route. Anything to avoid driving through Atlanta on a Friday afternoon. “This way is better,” my husband had said. “It’s an easier drive, and a four lane highway the whole way.”

I must’ve taken a wrong turn—blindly following the GPS—because we were currently weaving on a two-lane road in a breathtaking cavern that seemed to have been cut through the mountainside. A river, that better resembled a rocky stream, followed us on our left. We could not have hoped for a more picturesque setting. Consequently, no one seemed concerned that this misstep had added almost an hour to our already long journey.

We were headed to Tennessee for my niece's bridal shower, a whirlwind weekend trip to show our love and support. When I’d first heard about the wedding, I wasn’t sure what to do. She knew I was a Christian. How was I supposed to respond? Would attending show my acceptance? Approval? Complacency? I knew how some of my Christian friends had responded when in similar circumstances—boycotting on principle—but that had ended with hateful, broken relationships.

I’d prayed, trying to discern God’s will. As I thumbed through my Bible, I came across the passage where the Pharisees criticized Jesus for dining with tax collectors and other disreputable sinners, and Jesus said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do” (Matt 9:12). And I kept thinking of God's greatest commandment that told me to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love my neighbor (niece) as myself. I felt the best way to love those who didn’t know Jesus was to meet them where they are, as they are, and not with condescending judgment. Otherwise, people would never see God’s love in action nor stop to smell the sweet fragrance of Jesus.

The following afternoon, we pulled up next to a puke yellow metal building. We were running late, but there were only a few cars in the parking lot. Are we in the right place? I wondered. Yet as we stepped into the foyer, we were overcome by the glamorous, all white interior designed to mimic an open concept living room, kitchen, and dining area. We moved forward to sit on the couch near the fireplace as we waited for the guests of honor to arrive.

Someone stood at the door. This wasn’t a surprise party, but everyone wanted to be ready.

“They’ve just arrived,” the lookout announced ten minutes later.

Everyone stood and yelled “Congratulations” as they entered the building. They were impeccably dressed, looking more beautiful than I’d ever seen them. They’d spent that morning at the salon for practice-wedding-makeup sessions, false lashes and all. The result put even the best glamour shot photos to shame. Brilliant smiles stretched across their faces as they glanced at each other, love shining in their eyes. All I’d ever wanted was for her to be happy. She’d had a few bad relationships—men who hadn’t cherished her the way she deserved—then she’d found a different kind of love.

I hadn’t been to a shower in years, but it seemed to progress like all the others. We ate finger foods and played bridal games tailored to their unique circumstance, opened gifts, and then it was over. She bid us tearful goodbye, touched that we had driven so far to commemorate this momentous occasion, especially when other family members were noticeably absent.

Despite driving through Atlanta and passing a semi-truck engulfed in flames, the heat so intense it threatened to scorch us through the closed windows of the Jetta, we made it home safely. We plan to make a return trip next month for the wedding.

Sometimes I worry people will criticize my choices. Yet I have often wondered how this world would look if we stopped judging and started loving people the way God has called us to love. I have always felt that relational evangelism is one of the most effective ways to reach people with God’s Good News, but when we alienate others with our self-righteous attitudes, we will never earn the right to be heard.

“Lord, give us your eyes. Help us to see others—to love—the way that you do. Amen.”
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Philippa Geaney 
11/26/21
Such a beautiful story. Well written and so on topic. Loved it.
Laurie Bahlke
11/27/21
Thank you for sharing such a personal story. I enjoyed reading your story and loved the imagery in the first paragraph!
Loni Bowden-Horn 
11/28/21
Love that beautiful imagery in your story. It painted a picture like a piece of artwork
C D Swanson 
11/30/21
What a profound abundance of heart, body, mind and soul. Your story was powerful and so well told. Thanks for sharing this intimate account with us, and wrapping up with a great message.

Well done,
Blessings~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
12/02/21
I totally agree with the decision to attend the wedding. I don't know if that helps. I believe Jesus would have done the same. I like that you were brave enough to share this story on here. I think it's important to try to understand and love without judgment. Congratulations on ranking 6th in your level. The highest rankings can be found on the message boards.