Last week, I told you about the man who asked, “What’s Your Story?” I want to tell you about when he asked me the same question. Week after week, I would see the man, whom I would later learn was John, come into Will’s Coffee Shop, and he would talk to everyone. I always had my head in a book or my Bible studying. I was there every Thursday to pick worship songs and work on lessons for the week. I’ll never forget the day he came up to me and introduced himself. 

John gave me all the explanations why he did not want to serve Jesus. He had many logical reasons. He told me about a book and even loaned me the book the following week called The Urantia Book. He wanted to know why I was so passionate about a man who would willingly give up his life and not fight. John said, “he sounds like a wimp.” For several weeks, we hung out, drank coffee, and talked. John told me he was an atheist, and while he had no desire to become a Christian, he liked hanging out with cool people. I told him I wasn’t trying to force him to become a Christian, and I loved hearing about other people and their religions or lack of as was the case with him. 

Eventually, we lost touch, but I hope that our friendship, which started over cinnamon coffee and French toast, planted a seed to know more, it certainly changed me. I desire every Christian John encounter, sit and listen to him share his views, not belittle him, but listen to his fears and not judge. He listened to my thoughts as well. 

On our last coffee date, I’ll never forget what he said, “Jesus must not be as bad as I thought if someone as nice as you think he’s a good dude.” 

What’s my story? I’m a sinner, just like John, just like you. I’m trying to cope in the world with everyone else, and I’m so grateful that Jesus loves me. How do I know? He died to show me. I didn’t have to do anything to receive the gift of his redemption and grace. My story can be your story. It can be John’s story; it can be everyone’s story.

©2005 Marsha L. Brown