The other day at church, my wife Kathy shared a very interesting story, which I want to share with you today. She was working with our daughter Katrina and some 8th grade students. They were doing a class trip fundraiser at a local credit union. They were stationed at the entrance with a small table and some items to sell. Something happened during that time, which involved a lady who is a Russian immigrant to our great nation. Here’s the story in Kathy’s words:
“As I sat observing people coming and going into the credit union I noticed a SUV pull up outside the bank and park just outside the doors. The car was not parked in a parking spot and I had a thought that it seemed a little odd. A woman jumped out of the vehicle and hurried in, past us, into the bank. I thought that was a little odd too, since I remembered seeing her come in earlier that same day. (What power of observation I have!) In just a few minutes the woman returned, walked past us to the doors, hesitated and turned around. She came up to us and said: “Be so very grateful that you live in this country, be so very grateful that you live in this country.” She had a slight Russian accent. Then she proceeded to tell us that she had left her wallet in the bank on a counter and upon returning had gotten it back with nothing missing. Then she told of another story when she had left her wallet on a shelf somewhere in Wal-Mart. It was later returned to her with nothing missing. She told us that in Russia if you left a cabbage, worth 20 cents, and turned your back, it would be gone! She stated how, in Russia, nothing of any value could be left with any hope of getting it returned and again reminded us of how grateful we should be of living in this country.”
Okay, I’m back. I told you it was a great story, but I wanted her to tell it to you, because she was there. I often hear people portraying our country as ungodly or even as deteriorating. Here’s the truth: It’s still the best deal going! The other part of this story is how easy it is for us to see how great our nation is through the eyes of those who have not been blessed to be born, raised and lived their life here. Her proclamation is believable because she has experienced both sides of the story. She was there. I, for one, have traveled to 3rd world nations, and believe me, this is paradise, every day, no matter what. Our worst day is better than most people’s best day. We are blessed.
What I want to point out is that the former Russian and now American lady who lost her purse was there, in Russia. She had the experience of that way of life. My wife was there, in the credit union, to see this lady and experience the emotion of this woman’s gratitude for now being here in America and to have this new, better experience.
This “being there” experience is exactly what the Apostles had. They walked with God on the earth. They touched the hands of Jesus. They heard His words, yes, but they also experienced His heart, His emotion and His passion. The Word of God is full of this “experiential passion.” Listen for it the next time you read your bible or discuss the scriptures with your friends. This “original view” of our faith can still be experienced today when we fellowship with one another and allow the passion of the Spirit and the Word to abide in us and cause new experiences of the original passion of faith to happen between us. Blessings!

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