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If I had a nickel for every time I failed to show Christ’s love in a practical way…when its blaringly obvious…well, I’d have a hellofalota nickels. This priceless, all-to-common and convicting story was shared by Renee, Living Word’s manager, at this month’s staff meeting:

Today I hugged a stranger!

I hate the Atlanta airport nearly as much as I hate shopping at Wally World.  I pushed my way through the crowd, looking for a place to eat to minimize the drudgery of my 3 hour layover.  I asked for a booth somewhere in the corner so that I could do some work.  The only booths available were in the smoking section.  I frowned and asked for a table in non-smoking.  (I live in Florida, everywhere is non-smoking.)  The hostess looked over and found a booth between two single gentlemen diners.  I really did not want to sit there but I did.  The one on my left was friendly enough, but finished and left less than 2 minutes after I sat down.  The other was having cocktails.  He had work spread out in front of him.  Two cells phones, note pads, etc.  It looked as if he had a couple already.  I pulled out my laptop to finish the employee schedules that were already late, and the drinker begins asking questions about my net-book. I really did not want to talk, but I answered his many questions.  He then asked about my line of work, I stated I have a book store.  No detail, don’t want to talk, tired.  He asked what my niche was since there are so many; Barnes and Nobles, Borders etc.  I reluctantly said Christian. One because I did not want to be bothered and two I did not want him to think that I was judging him.  As usual the Lord made a “fool out of the wise”.  He kept asking and I kept answering, but the question that got me was “Do you believe that this is a calling, what you are supposed to do?  I powered down my laptop and had one of the most amazing conversations I had had in a long time.  Now, I saw how many drinks he had, and I kinda wondered what his story was but I did not care, until then.  My “line of work” is my passion.  I love the people that come into the Living Word.  Do I love all people?  I had looked past all the people that I passed in the airport.  I sighed as some stopped in mid traffic to determine where they were going, but I never saw the people.  Did I mention that I was reading, “What Difference Do It Make?  For those who do not know it is a book written by a former homeless man and a wealthy art dealer who have made it their mission to live out their faith.  As I talked and poured out my passion for the Lord and the store, the Spirit took over the carnal.  When I looked up tears where running down his face.  We talked about the difference between religion and faith.  He asked if I considered preaching, I had not.  He asked if he could touch my hand.  He felt like he had met an angel. I told him that I am no angel, I just love people. I gave him a hug and my copy of “What Difference Do It Make?”

My schedules are still late, ATL is still not my favorite airport and I have a million and 10 things on my mind, but I got the opportunity to be what Christ wants all of us to be for just one minute.  In a crowded restaurant with a bar and a smoking section.  When was the last time you where Christ to someone?

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