"...WHOEVER IS ASHAMED OF ME..."

I don't know about you, but I talk about God all the time...to anyone...anywhere.

He is a part of me...He is the very air I breathe. He is closer to me than my sons...my husband...my friends.

It is just a natural thing, for me to tell people I will pray for them, in whatever circumstance happens to be under discussion.

Don't get me wrong, I am not a bible-thumper...I do not go door-to-door handing out prayer cards...I do not stand on street corners with a placard...but, God does come up, at some point, in many of my conversations outside of the parish.

I've begun to notice, however, that my faith appears to make others uncomfortable.

And, I don't understand WHY!?!

Cases in point:

Last year, when I brought my aunt for her first surgery, I escorted her to pre-op. When the doctor came to explain everything they would be doing, I told him, I would be praying for them...the doctors and my aunt...during surgery.

That stopped him right in his tracks!

This past March, when my aunt was again in the hospital, I received a telephone call, early one morning, from the surgeon who was going to perform the procedure. He kindly explained everything he would be doing...how long it would be taking...and...what the prognosis would be. I thanked him and told him I would be praying, for both he and my aunt, during the operation.

That stopped him right in his tracks!

Last week, one of my dogs went in for surgery. The doctor called to tell me exactly what he would be doing...what the dangers were...and...that she had a 50-50 chance of survival. I told him I would be praying for him and my baby.

That stopped him right in his tracks!

Yesterday, I received the monthly telephone call from the bereavement arm of hospice. The lady is very kind...she asked how I was doing. I told her: "I seem to be surrounded by cancer and death at the moment. I would probably be drowning, right now, if I didn't have God."

There was an awkward pause on the other end of the line...a tentative chuckle...good wishes...and the promise that I would receive another call next month.

Why do people, living in a country established under GOD...living under independence declared in GOD's Name...with the motto: "In GOD We Trust"...squirm when...GOD...is mentioned?

Or worse, when you simply say you will pray for them?

I just don't get it!

When I speak my mind on any other subject, I do not witness this uncomfortable reaction from others.

I am not trying to convert anyone...I am not trying to get anyone to drink any kool-aid...I am merely expressing myself...in what is a very natural way...for me!

How about YOU?

Do YOU believe in GOD?

Do YOU speak about Him outside of prayer, home, and church?

OR,

Does it make YOU uncomfortable when others speak of GOD?

If so, WHY is THAT?


Only YOU know the answer!


For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. ~ Mark 8:38 ~