Loose Strings
I have a friend who encourages me by e-mail. Although kinder and much smarter than I, he is adamant about not posting a comment on the blog site. For me his feeling is a paradox, in that, it is completely understandable and utterly mystifying. I get it but I don't get it (which for me is true with much of life). So, this non-public friend quietly asked a few questions about issues that I haven't resolved. There are a few loose ends that I need to tie up. Let me do my best to address them in no particular order.

First, I am a firm believer in processed cheese. It goes on almost anything, (except maybe yellow or chocolate cake). I realize that many of you have similar feelings about processed cheese. You probably find your hearts warmed when, during the NFL Season, an announcer speaks of the Green Bay Packer Fans, affectionately calling them "Cheese Heads." No, it's not about the team or football...it is about cheese. Now, I also realize that you die hard cheese heads (and I'm not talking about Packer Fans), especially in Texas, feel I committed heresy by not mentioning Ro-Tel in the same sentence - or at least in the same paragraph - with Velveeta. For that I apologize. I wasn't trying to offend anyone's sensibilities. I think I just had a brain lapse and won't let it happen again.

Second, and this "string" is sobering. I didn't finish, or rather, follow up with Sophie. Last Wednesday, a week ago tonight, she once again sat in that Overcomer's Circle. We talked and prayed. We even laughed. Another friend baked Sophie a cake with a...wait for it...honest to goodness hacksaw blade in it. I didn't get to eat any, but the stories are already legend...too funny! Sophie was as upbeat as a person facing significant jail time could be. We promised that, although she'd be absent from us physically, she'd be present spiritually. We also promised to keep her space in that group warm, and her life lifted up before God. She quickly said, "You better because this [this = circle with strange broken people] is the first place I'm coming when I get out."

I spoke with Sophie's best friend the next night. She is the one - broken as she was - who first broght Sophie to that circle and then showed her the loving power of Jesus. Outside in the cold, so she could smoke, I hugged her and said,
"So, what did you do today?"
"Oh, nothing...just took my best friend to jail!"
"How did it go? How'd she do? How are you?"
"She was a helluva lot better than I was. The whole time I had to try and keep from crying. We went through a lot of paper work and she had to do this and do that. It took a while, but as they came to take her back for the last time, I got to hug on her and smell on her and kiss her neck, and tell her I loved her (and the eyes start to tear up) and that this 'short' test couldn't break her. I told her we'd be here for her now and when it was all over."

I shook my head up and down in agreement and then reached out to hug her again. "You did good today. I know it was hard, but you did real good."

So, Sophie is in jail today serving a five year sentence. However, Sophie's hardship doesn't just effect her. Yes, even though she is fiercely repentant, she's still living out the gritty, day in and day out, mess of a jail term. But, parents know, when you love someone you can empathize with their pain and with their hurts. While she is there, we hurt here. Yet, we know it will all work out. We know this because we have faith in a faithful God. We know the end will be grand. Sometimes, though, the journey is really, really hard.

Lastly, many have expressed an interest in the Overcomer's group, wanting to know more about it or how it works. So, in the next few months, from time to time, I'm going to write a few first person accounts (based on individual's stories, but not completely biographical). Maybe I'll call it, "From My Seat." The aim of this venture is to provide a front row seat, to see and feel, how a few wrecked people have found a victory, or are currently struggling to find one, in Christ. Should be interesting, that is, if I can get it done.