With all the preparations for 2010, Gauteng roads have become a nightmare. Not only is there construction on the Gautrain rail system wherever you look, but every inch of the highway between Pretoria and Johannesburg is either getting an additional lane, a new off-ramp, or a resurface. Hence, I’ve taken to reading bumper stickers on my tiresome morning commute to work.
Earlier this week I read two stickers (on the same bumper) that disturbed me immensely, viz. “Christianity has pagan DNA,” and “Born again … and again … and again … and again.” I came to the swift conclusion that the joyless man behind the wheel was either one extremely confused Christian, or an embittered human being with a grudge against Christianity. I quickly settled for the latter, for Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith and there is certainly no trace of pagan DNA in the Son of God―only heavenly, godly genetics. The other reason for my conclusion: rebirth is a once in a lifetime happening, not something that occurs multiple times within a Christian’s life.
I couldn’t help noticing, however, that most passing vehicles had no stickers or advertising plastered on their rears. It struck me that the majority of people are like these message-less modes of transport. They traverse through life with no story to tell; nothing to offer those that pass them by. No one will notice their coming or their going. They leave nothing for the world.
I challenge you reader: what message are you leaving behind to those you bump into every day? When people look back as you pass them by, will they somehow have been affected by their interaction with you?
Shirl and I have our own frantic preparations for 2010, with construction happening on novels, devotions, one-sheets, business cards, research, etc. (the non-stop list of preparation work for the Florida Christian Writers Conference goes on).
Stuck in traffic and considering this sticky rear end issue, I pondered about what impressions Shirl and I would leave behind on the American writing community? Once the hype of the conference is over and we’ve returned home to South Africa, will we be remembered as talented writers with a future in the published world? Or will the kindred spirits we meet during that week get to know us as writers who want to glorify God with the talents He’s gifted us with―whether published or unpublished? Hopefully both!
There’s one thing I do know we’ll be known for, however. . . the girls with the red cases.
Earlier this week I read two stickers (on the same bumper) that disturbed me immensely, viz. “Christianity has pagan DNA,” and “Born again … and again … and again … and again.” I came to the swift conclusion that the joyless man behind the wheel was either one extremely confused Christian, or an embittered human being with a grudge against Christianity. I quickly settled for the latter, for Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith and there is certainly no trace of pagan DNA in the Son of God―only heavenly, godly genetics. The other reason for my conclusion: rebirth is a once in a lifetime happening, not something that occurs multiple times within a Christian’s life.
I couldn’t help noticing, however, that most passing vehicles had no stickers or advertising plastered on their rears. It struck me that the majority of people are like these message-less modes of transport. They traverse through life with no story to tell; nothing to offer those that pass them by. No one will notice their coming or their going. They leave nothing for the world.
I challenge you reader: what message are you leaving behind to those you bump into every day? When people look back as you pass them by, will they somehow have been affected by their interaction with you?
Shirl and I have our own frantic preparations for 2010, with construction happening on novels, devotions, one-sheets, business cards, research, etc. (the non-stop list of preparation work for the Florida Christian Writers Conference goes on).
Stuck in traffic and considering this sticky rear end issue, I pondered about what impressions Shirl and I would leave behind on the American writing community? Once the hype of the conference is over and we’ve returned home to South Africa, will we be remembered as talented writers with a future in the published world? Or will the kindred spirits we meet during that week get to know us as writers who want to glorify God with the talents He’s gifted us with―whether published or unpublished? Hopefully both!
There’s one thing I do know we’ll be known for, however. . . the girls with the red cases.
Hi Marion,
ReplyDeleteI came over here from Susan's blog. Great post and something to think about, for sure. The FL Christian conference is the only one I've ever been to and it was wonderful. :-) The people were very nice and friendly.
My mother-in-law is from S. Africa. I'll bet you have a cool accent like hers. :-)
Great blog!
Hi Jessica
ReplyDeleteIt's great to meet you. Hope you will stop by frequently and follow our journey to the USA in March. Glad to hear that FCWC is wonderful - Shirl and I are really excited about the opportunity to attend. Where does your mother in law live? I guess we all think that other nations have cool accents :) We lived in Ireland for 18 months and the Irish people used to think we were from Australia. Will you be attending FCWC 2010?
Chat soon ... and watch this blog!
Marion
LOL We're on the same wave length again with our blogs. Now if I just find a red suitcase . . . otherwise I'll just stick a label on a navy one and say "In my heart I'm really red!" :-)
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