Josiah Road

Bears, Stares, & Embarrassing Affairs

posted by Daniel Blackaby 17Feb

Life holds a few absolute formulas which always yield guaranteed results. For example, blue mixed with yellow always produces green. Likewise, e always equals mc² (or so I’m told). A lesser known, but equally valid, equation was recently proven: Daniel + public places = an overwhelming measure of humiliation.

I had only been at the airport a few minutes, but had already checked into the wrong airline and attempted to fill a coke cup with ice, forgetting to remove the lid first. I thought the worst was over. I was wrong…The line of grumbling travelers at the security checkpoint stretched out interminably. However, my impatience quickly evaporated as several young girls filed in behind me. Must be a cheerleading squad, I thought. Quickly deducting they were first time flyers, I puffed out my chest and began to mutter, “This line’s long, but nothing like the lines in Paris. And of course no airport is as bad as Frankfurt…” I nonchalantly opened my passport, revealing a page riddled with international stamps. Confidently, I flashed them a reassuring smile, “Just follow me, you’ll be ok…” They giggled and grinned, obviously impressed to meet a young and attractive world class traveller
Occasionally I flipped my cell open to check the time and shook my head about the inefficiency of flying. But finally it was my turn and I confidently strutted through the metal detector. Immediately, a security officer approached me. “Sir, we’d like to double check your backpack.” Reluctantly agreeing, I apologized to the young ladies behind me for this needless delay. “Just routine” I assured them. “Probably need to scan my laptop.” Suddenly a wave of panic washed over me…I remembered what was in my bag. In slow motion I frantically lunged for it. But I was too late. The security officer had pulled out George…my fluffy brown Teddy Bear. Chewing the inside of his cheeks to keep from laughing out loud, the officer gently placed George to one side as he continued to scan my bag. I have no idea how the party behind me reacted, because I hurried off to hide my red face. Needless to say, George would travel in my checked luggage on the flight home.

Looking back, I think of the irony in that moment. George was a gift from my girlfriend, Sarah, and he has been my prized possession for over a year. To me, he represents the love and acceptance of a very special girl. But his very existence made me embarrassed and self-conscious. Likewise, Christ is my greatest passion, but I am often secretive about my Christianity. I frequently sidestep the topic of faith in conversations with non-believers. Jesus calls us to unashamedly carry forth His name as a light to the world. Are we following this call? Or are we more worried about what non-Christian friends at school or work think? I encourage you this week to boldly uphold the name of Christ.

Matthew 10:32-33 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in Heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in Heaven.”