Dave

This is Dave.

We were at the "Tap Room", a neighborhood bar about a block from our apartment, tonight, and while I worked on my computer, Jen talked to Dave. Dave ended up confessing that he believes and God and is terrified by that belief. He also confessed to holding on to the anger from his wife's suicide 20 some odd years ago. It has crushed his life and brought him to a real low point. He openly cried as Jen and he spoke. He is afraid of trusting God and going to heaven because he believes that there is no forgiveness for suicide since the offender can't ask forgiveness. If he goes to heaven, he'll never see his wife again. Wow. That's a real struggle. I believe that my sins are covered by Christ's work not my asking forgiveness.

If Dave ever sees this, I hope he knows that I have a lot of respect for what he's gone through and where he is in life. Dave isn't really any different from the rest of us. He is struggling. I struggle. You struggle. The church is full of Dave's in one form or another. I pray the Lord opens his eyes just as I pray the Lord opens mine.

I found myself thinking about how little difference there is between Dave and I. Wow. I struggle with issues that are just as core and unsettling as Dave does. I feel like crying openly sometimes as I thrash about in this world. I wonder if Dave is an evangelistic opportunity or a vist of an angel unawares...