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EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

I met a boy named Thoughtfulness.

There’s a song likely you’ve heard entitled “A Boy Named Sue.” I often think of this title when I hear an unusual name. I didn’t know the lyrics until this morning, and, liking Johnny Cash music, I looked it up. It was not the song I expected, but then again, a boy named Sue is a bit of an anomaly or “something that deviates from what is expected,” according to the Google definition.

Thoughtfulness was tall, skinny, a bit shy and peered through a beautiful head of hair. It hung down in front of this eyes, as if we were playing a game of peek-a-boo as we engaged in conversation.

He replied with “Yes ma’am,” and I instantly realized the momma that named him also instilled respect, honor and a spirit of “thoughtfulness” in him. I am sure with such a unique name it has brought up a handful of conversations in his young life, but after less than 30 minutes interacting with him, I know it is an attitude in his life.

As in many of my life interactions, my mind wandered. Am I living a life and does my relationship with others represent my life and faith as I desire it to?

The next day at church — yes, ma’am or sir — the theme was “Knowing Jesus.” One point strongly emphasized was that we can often think we know someone, but do we really know them? Not others’ perception or rumors, but the true fabric of who they really are.

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” — Galatians 2:20, NIV.

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” — Colossians 3:17, NIV

“Authentic isn’t just about believing the right things, but also about how we act and speak. Integrity of our faith, which should manifest in our everyday behavior, particularly our words. It serves as a stark reminder that our speech must reflect our beliefs; otherwise, our faith appears hypocritical.” — www.christianwebsite.com

Challenge this week: Live an authentic life for all to see.

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