Ashley

I was picking up some extension cords at the Ace Hardware, Super Store, in Truckee and was out the door, when I looked to the right and saw a young lady behind the coffee maker. My head basically snapped to the right because her bright colored shirt caught my attention. It said, "HOPE". Now in my first glance it looked like one of the President Obama t-shirts that said "Hope", but it wasn't. It did, however, have a picture of a little African child on the front, that I mistook for President Obama, but regardless it was a conversation starter. Here's how it went:

Hi, my name is Luke and I am writing a local blog and am investigating our culture and community with respect to spirituality.

Q: Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

A: Not at all I am pretty slow right now.

Q: Where are you from?

A: Originally, I am from Sonoma, but I moved up here in November with a friend... unfortunately we are not roommates any longer.

Q: Do you have any belief system that you ascribe to?

A: No not really... well like my shirt... Hope in today!

Q: Ok, let me phrase that differently... if you had one slogan to sum up your life, like a title to a movie, What would it be?

A: I'm not sure... I haven't really thought about it much. I mean I work, hang out with friends and go home.

Q: Were you raised with religion?

A: Yes, I was baptized Catholic.

Q: So are you Catholic?

A: No

Q: Ok, well have you ever read the Bible?

A: Never, I have a friend who has though.

Q: Would you be open to reading the Bible?

A: Definitely, I just don't have one. Maybe one of my roommates does though.

I told her that I would bring her one that she could read and keep.

Q: Do you know who Jesus is?

A: Well sort of, but I think our culture has it all wrong as to what He looked like and other outward things concerning His life.

In the midst of learning about her and her life I told her what I did here in Truckee and what I am passionate about. Explaining to her who the God of the Bible is, and what He has done in sending Jesus as a love offering for us. I explained to her what sin was (missing the mark) and how it separates us from God, but then told her that Jesus died to pay for our sins and forgive us. She was interested and welcomed future conversations. I was amazed at how God uses his people for Kingdom Purposes.

TO ASHLEY:

I will bring you that Bible and would love to tell you more about who Jesus is and what He has done.

TO THE CHRISTIAN:

Allow God to lead and guide you as you live for Him today. Psalm 32:8