Talking To Strangers - Baggage Claim: Reclaiming Yourself

When I wrote the last blog post in the series, I was prepared to make that the final post in the series. As I reflected on this blog series, I asked myself - what now? What happens after a good or bad conversation.

When we get our luggage the way we want it, we are happy. We are ecstatic when things go our way, or better than expected. In the end of the day we can look back after all the walking, headaches, people, and still call it a good day.

The end of a good conversation, especially a spiritual one, despite the time and effort generated, in the end was a good idea. Things went well, and for the most part everyone is happy. Everyone comes away being a better person than when they started and the work was worth it. Maybe information was exchanged and the parties involved wanted to continue the conversation at a later date. If you promised to get information or send something to the other person, get it out A.S.A.P.. The longer you wait, easier it is that one of you has forgotten about it.

Even more amazing is when a person receives Christ, then we also have the opportunity, privilege, and duty to disciple them and watch them grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. To bring them along side you and pass the baton in the race we are running. 

But what happens when things don't go the way we planned it. Very few things make our hearts sink into our chests than to see an empty airport luggage carousel in baggage claim and our bag(s) not on it. It's the same feeling when the spiritual conversation didn't go as planned. Maybe the other person got mad, or even hostile towards you. Maybe things were said and done to make you cringe, or worse take the wind out of your sails. Your body tenses up and you think to yourself, "It's going to be a long time for me to do that again." Don't worry, we all go through that in one form or another. But what can we do about it.

Sometimes we need to take some time and catch our breath after we have a bad conversation. Even if we are passing out tracts and have a stack in hand, you may just need to take a few minutes and regroup. Take a few deep breaths and reassess the situation. I had many moments when I just needed a quiet space to pray and refocus after bad witnessing encounters. It drains your energy and you feel depleted emotionally and spiritually.

Through the years I've had some really emotional times when I've been sharing my faith. I have had people turn their backs on me; some completely walking away. I've had people get really mad at me for the stance I took and the beliefs I hold. I've even shed tears when I see sin in it's true form. One of the reasons I don't go to gay pride parades to share Jesus is because it's too emotional for me. I see where the world is going, and I just find the nearest alley, weep, and pray. It may seem cliche, but the world really rejects Jesus and not us. Even He had to take time away from the crowds. He was 100% God, but also 100% human. Jesus shared the truth with the rich, young ruler. Despite him walking away, Jesus still loved him. (Mark 10:21-22) That had to cut the Lord. But even through personally witnessing His miracles, His teachings and His love, people still rejected Him. The Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes rejected Him. Pontus Pilate rejected Him. (John 18:37, 38) If they rejected the Master, what do you think they would do with the servants? (Matthew 10:25)

You may think I look at the glass half empty. I do. Because if I set my expectations really low, they only can get better. Weird...maybe? But I hardly get disappointed. 

But in all seriousness, after a hard conversation, take some time for you. Go somewhere and pray. Get a cookie. Do something for yourself. No harm in that. But most importantly, keep going. Don't stop. Don't let these minor setbacks keep you from sharing your faith. You are a child of the King. Own it.