He said he wanted to make some new friends
so I invited him to attend church with me
He said the church had burnt him and he wasn't over the scars
so I encouraged him to find a different church
I told him about the church I attended... full of common folk.
Full of people from many backgrounds, some broken by addiction
Some broken by relationships, some broken by physical pains...
All looking to the same Savior for healing.
Finally, he agreed to come with me one Sunday.
We entered and, looking down, he followed me to our seats.
He looked at no one and
gave no indication that he was expecting anyone to look back.
His body language said, "I've already decided that you don't like me."
When it came time for "meet & greet" he stayed seated
while the rest of the crowd began to mingle with greetings.
He looked intently at the chair in front of him.
The floor below him and the wall beside him
were the only ones to catch his eye.
He refused to see the people -- who came near
but dared not enter his space uninvited.
When the service was over we rose and headed for the door.
Several people said they were glad he came.
He said next to nothing in response...
It seemed to take all his energy to manage a simple nod.
On the way home, it was obvious that he was disappointed.
It seemed that no one had reached out to him.
Once again, he felt the church had disappointed.
The church had ignored him and, therefore,
had confirmed that he was of no worth in their eyes.
If only he had looked up.
If only he had been willing to offer the smallest smile.
If only he had turned his body, his head, his heart
in a way that said,
"I am here to make a new friend. Is it you?"
