Submitted by “Hopeful”

I saw a bumper sticker today that shocked me because of it’s boldness. This is what it said, “Sorry I missed going to church, I was busy practicing witchcraft and being a Lesbian.” The license plate was from Arizona and a young woman was driving.

My first response was to think about how audacious this young woman was and one of the definitions for audacious is “contemptuous of law, religion, or decorum.” This definition most certainly fits this attitude.

I as a “Christian” and one who is still not perfect; initially wanted to run my vehicle into the back of her car. Then I read another bumper sticker on the back of her car; “Be Love.” Well, I quickly made sure my foot was still on the brake and prayed for forgiveness. I realized that my initial reaction was one that was fueled by anger. The “missed church” bumper sticker was intended to make fun of my Lord who died on the cross for my sins (and hers) and me for following him.

Now, whether or not she intended to offend the Lord or just “church goers” is not clear. But it was clear to me was that my reaction to it was wrong. I had to be reminded that God is “love”. Jesus died on the cross for our sins because of “love”. I had to be reminded by the “other” bumper sticker that I am to “Be love” as God is. I prayed, not only to ask for forgiveness of my sin of anger but also that this young woman’s heart, mind and soul will be opened to realize that through her chosen behavior; she is not following the Lord.

I know that we have all recently experienced a great deal of emotion which included anger, hatred, and fear with the recent LGBT ordinance that was repealed. Some very painful things were said and done by both sides of the issue. I may be stirring up some of these same feelings again by bringing all this up but that is not my intention.

I think the Lord brought this experience to me today to remind me of who he wants me to be. Maybe that young woman won’t change. I prayed for her and will leave the rest to the Lord. I however will change. I will not allow satan to plant his seed in my soul that stirs up emotions like anger. I will instead allow the seed that the Lord planted in my soul that is filled with the love of God to continue to grow. It is my prayer that this story will water the seed of “love” that resides in your soul my dear “church goers.”