Thursday, September 23, 2010

Interesting Plane Ride.

Yesterday on the plane I sat by this woman, maybe in her early 60's. First thing she said to me when I sat down was "So, you're going to do long term mission work?" At first I thought she was some kind of prophet (haha), so I asked her "How do you know?" Supposedly, her and my dad had talked earlier while my mom and I were getting breakfast. She told me she was Catholic, so I gave her one of my prayer cards. She kind of skimmed over it and I could tell she felt a little uncomfortable.

She then made a comment, "I don't understand why missionaries feel like they need to go to other countries and convert everyone." I was thinking has this lady ever read the bible (The Great Commission) and then I began to pray that the Lord would give me patience and the right words to say. So I asked, "So you're saying I shouldn't go to a Buddhist country and try to tell them about Jesus, so they can have eternal life?" I guess this was the wrong thing to say because she flipped out. She said, "You should leave them and their religion alone, now can we stop talking about religion? Don't you have anything better to do with your life then talk about God. We can talk about anything else other than religion; boys, pets, school, sports...etc." I was shocked. But I kept my cool and I told her that God was my life. Everything I do revolves around Him. Then, she told me that my life was going to be shallow and I am going to walk on a straight and narrow path.

Without realizing it she was actually giving me a compliment. Because in Matthew 7:13-14 it says, "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it."

At the time I felt so hurt that a complete stranger would say that about my walk with the Lord. But, then I realized this was totally the enemy trying to discourage me. So, I knew what I had to do, love this woman despite her attacks at my relationship with God and what He has called me to do with my life...being a missionary. We ended up talking the rest of the plane ride. I asked her about her pets and children. It was a nice conversation, as long as I didn't bring up God, which was so hard for me! haha. When I got off the plane she wished me the best of luck and told me to be safe.

There are many things I wish I could have said to her. It was perfect practice for me though and I hope to come across someone like her again. I need to be so grounded in my beliefs that I can express myself clearly and with knowledge. I just hope something I said planted a seed.

3 comments:

  1. By having THIS conversation, you are being trained to handle tougher conversations along the way. You planted a seed and I guarantee you that the woman you spoke to has thought about your conversation a 100 times since! Good job!

    Troy Roberts

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  2. WOW, your faith is such a blessing sweet girl!! YOU have allowed our BIG Lord mold you into a more beautiful and beautiful (your song is playing..."your beautiful, your beautiful" as I type this....cool God, thanks for that kiss!!) young woman EACH day!!!! It has been one of the greatest blessings in my life to have the priveledge to watch you and walk beside you. MAN, I MISS YOU!!!! I am one of your biggest fans, always! A day does not go by that you are not in my thoughts Kelly Weimer! You have a place in my heart that no one else will ever fill! Go spread HIS love and be blessed my sweet sister!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!

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  3. It's funny how many people forget what the bible says or maybe they have really never read the scriptures. I attended many different churches in my youth and all seemed to think their particular faith was best following gods word the best.I was baptized into the catholic faith by a missionary priest four years ago in the Jordan river. This man almost died several times spreading gods word to all nations; This man was still on fire! Somewhere along the road of this women's life she has become bitter and talking about our lord.
    It's not about converting its about spreading his grace and love and letting people know who he is and what he sacraficed for all of us !
    You showed grat maturity and confidence in your actions in dealing with this woman. Awesome!!!
    keep up the great work and give my Gabby a hugg for me if You see her. God Bless

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