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EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

We were recently at a conference in Florida. On this trip my highlighted stories included three Cuban men, two being our Uber drivers (they knew minimal English, but kindness and a smile is a universal way to communicate). The third was a young man who worked at the in-hotel Ice Cream Shoppe… calorie temptation! I introduced myself and he instantly related my name to a Cuban soccer player (named Robinson, there again, language gap), as we bantered daily, I started to call him my cousin, my last dish of ice cream was bigger than the previous.

We all like to be seen and appreciated!

One day whilst in this shoppe, Greggy decided to pay for the young conference attendee behind us. I couldn’t resist starting a conversation, all due to a Red Bull Energy drink! He is a Rapper, K-Ace if you like rap music.

What at a joy to hear his testimony and to see him following Jesus in reaching this generation.

Greggy started up a poolside conversation with a teenager that had flown in to be a part of the Football Combine — I don’t know what this means as I’m football illiterate, but it’s a big deal. When I was introduced to him, I encouraged him that when he becomes a professional, I will remember him! As I walked through the hotel and saw him and his older brother, I kept the encouragement going — you got this Brice!

We all need cheerleaders in our lives.

Lastly, I struck up a conversation in the pool with a gal. It was a joy to hear her story and to speak life in her stressful, hard, traumatized, wore-out season in life. As we were closing off our time, she looked at me and asked, “Would you baptize me?” I was shocked but didn’t take time to process, I just did! “I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit…go forth in freedom!” and off we went after a hug. What just happened?

One of the gals in our group has gone to seminary, and I shared this experience; then reality hit, I wasn’t sure it was okay that I did as I am not a pastor. My friend assured me, yes you can and quoted:

“In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

“Matthew 28 goes on to say and teach them to obey all his commands. During Jesus’ “Great Commission,” he instructs his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them. Baptism is a crucial step of obedience in your walk of faith with Jesus Christ.” — “The Great Commission,” PursueGod.org

May we all be challenged this week to speak life, love and kindness into others lives!

Robin (Beckman) Gudal is intentional in life, a wife, momma, nana, friend, a flawed and imperfect follower of Jesus.