Veterans Day 2005...a day to remember

This past Wednesday, I went in to work with a heavy heart. I was expecting a load of work--far beyond what is reasonable for the pay. The workload I was expecting was not there. Three girls made up all the lost time, and caught up with everything in a matter of hours--about six hours, to be precise. The leader was a pharmacy technician who happened to be black/African American. She was amazing and performed better than anyone I have seen in that pharmacy. And she did it with a smile on her face. I told her she was in the wrong job.

So today, Veteran's day, my parents Chinese friend, wanted to meet with me for a second time. Let's call him John, just to make it easy. So John had come with me to my Bible study, once. And then he invited me to dinner the same day. Meanwhile my parents had started a Bible study in their home twice a week. I would keep running into him (I work or am at the library most evenings), and he would keep saying that we should get to know each other. I was certain that he was an agent of my parents, simply there to deliver a message to me. John came once to my Bible study and didn't say anything and then never came back. I asked my dad, why was John coming? Did he want to change churches? Why not come for the Sunday service? At first my dad said that he was just interested in seeing how things were at my Bible study. I had the feeling that this was not the case. Someone in my Bible study, suggested that I was being double-minded. I brought this up with the leaders of the Bible study, and they simply said that I should be honest. So I decided I would--I would treat him as if he were being upfront with me.

But today, my dad said that the prophetic word that was spoken at my Bible study didn't come through. Also, he said that a woman led the Bible study. The prophetic reference, meant that indirectly the Bible study was that of false prophecy. The other reference was that a woman should have authority over a man. These are legitimate concerns. But, as the Bible would have us resolve disputes, John should have spoken up then and there, rather than tell my Dad. (My dad and mom used to go to the church that I am going to and the Bible study as well). I mentioned this to my dad. And then I left to meet John for dinner at his house.

On the way my girlfriend was praying for me. Prior to this, they attacked her primarily, and secondarily myself. Now they were going after my church and my friends in the church. That hurt me, knowing that someone came with a hidden agenda to a Bible study, where people poured out there personal problems and pleaded for prayer and God's mercy. Actually, I was pretty upset. At the same time, John said very little--actually nothing, about the situation. This was effective in creating a sense of tension in me! So I prayed, and I said to the Lord to help me. And help me to see the truth, and if I was right to defend myself and my girlfriend.

I went in to John's apartment, and he was cooking a delicious Chinese dinner. We ate and then we sat down and prayed and started talking. He tried to control the conversation, but I didn't allow him. I was respectful, but at the same time, everytime he asked me a question, I would ask him one. He didn't like that. He thought that I should sit and listen to his lecture. But he had simply heard my parents side of the story and had already come to a conclusion, despite not knowing my side of the story. Furthermore, I mentioned my father's words to him, and I was honest with him. He kept emphasizing that my parents and family were important. But I kept talking about how God was important and doing His will.

I also brought up Romans 14:12, and how I was accountable for my actions, and that I would have to face God and stand before him. And with that, I was aware of what I was doing, and I have proceeded with caution, and continue to do so. He shared with me Proverbs 4:23.

Well, it is getting late, I will have to finish this later....