“Let us be the first to give a friendly sign; to nod first, smile first, speak first, and- if such a thing is necessary- forgive first.”
–Unknown

As you may or may not know, I’m going to be one of many presenters at the 2013 Faith & Culture Writers Conference in April at Multanomah University in Portland, OR. It was with fear and trembling and faith that I said yes way back in October of last year when I was asked. When I read the quote above this morning I was right away reminded of one of the reasons the organizer asked me to speak.

You and me and all of us are children of God. Some are far from Him. Some are near. Many, like me, are bumbling about somewhere in between. Yet we all have unique experiences, events and encounters with God which no one has had or will have. Often times I don’t stop to let those encounters sink in…I simply walk through or by them and continue on. But some times, when I stop, I am never the same.

“Let us be the first…”

Those moments where we feel a close encounter with God need to be shared with others. It isn’t always easy. It doesn’t always seem the thing to do, and yet, I know from my experience that so many simply need to know that someone out there has shared in their experience. Something in the sharing validates both the sharer and the sharee. It creates a bond, a relationship…which God wants for us. God does not want for us to be alone…either as we weep or as we rejoice.

“…to give.”

In writing my two books. In writing periodically and sending out emails, my goal is to share my God. To share those moments when God taps me on the shoulder and says “there is more than this.” It is easy for me to take things at face value. To not ask questions. To not risk. To stay in my comfort zone. But in stopping, and asking, I exponentially increase the opportunity for God to reveal His glory to me. You and I must not keep quiet about our encounters with our living God.

“‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.'”
— Luke 19:40

But go back to verse 37 – “the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices”. As you read on, the Pharisees wanted Jesus to quiet, even rebuke, the crowd. To which Jesus replied in verse 40.

There is no one else who will share the perspective that you have. No one else can. Your sharing doesn’t have to be a book, or a blog or an email. “Nod first, smile first, speak first, forgive first.” Don’t leave it to the stones.

In His service,
Keith