Genuine Men

I'm thankful for genuine men. This morning in class my professor introduced us to a local pastor who works with him in ministry. They minister to the local community bringing food and water and resources to those in need. I don't know why, but this particular pastor turns me off instantly. I had heard him speak in chapel before and for some reason my heart was not turned to hear his sincerity. I know. That's pathetic. I'm not proud of it, but I was beginning to like him more at the end of class than when he first started speaking. He was dressed in slacks, black patent shoes, tan and white plaid shirt, gold ring, gold bracelet, and carried sunglasses and a hat.

After class I was standing in the parking lot chatting with a friend when I saw my professor and the preacher come toward the lot. They stopped, embraced, shook hands, and parted ways. The preacher walked directly behind my friend and to his car. His shoes clicked on the pavement and his eyes were shaded behind his glasses. His car was an old Pontiac. He unlocked the door manually with his key and opened the door with a squeak. He got in, shut the squeaky door, and after a couple turns the engine started. God broke my heart.

He was genuine. He didn't drive a  Cadillac Escalade. He didn't unlock the doors with a button or start the perfect engine with a quick turn. He was driving a more run down car  and preaching about what it meant to be relevant and reaching to a community through love.

I respected him more in that moment and was ashamed of myself. Am I as genuine as he? What I saw and what he said was who he was. What he told me in class about quiet times and engaging God were ABSOLUTELY true and what my spiritual life has been lacking. So he was right. He preached what I needed to hear He was genuine....and I was judgmental and wrong.

I am learning.....and I am humbled.

Forever learning,
Sarah