Monday, September 7, 2009

Jack Can Wait

I really hate arguing with people, especially when it comes to religion. It isn’t a subject I feel comfortable talking, even though I have been a Christian all my life. I often feel as though I can’t answer any of my friends’ questions and claims against Christianity, so I don’t discuss it with them. I know that isn’t what God wants from me, so I’ve been trying to talk about it more and more.

A few months ago, the Joker and I somehow began arguing religion. He had many questions that I couldn’t answer (as usual!) and as his friend, I wanted to help. Scratch that. I felt called by God to find answer to the Joker’s questions. I dove into His word and I attended an intro to Christianity course at our Church. The program is called Alpha, and it allows people to explore some of life’s biggest questions in a safe environment. In it, questions like “Is there a God?”, “Why am I here?”, and “Where am I going?” are all discussed. No question is too big or too hostile for this course!

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve really felt God telling me that the time is right to ask the Joker to come to Alpha with me. I know the Joker has always wanted answers to his questions (like any normal person!) but no one seems to be able to counteract his claims, (I’ve tried, oh so unsuccessfully.) so I knew that I had to ask him. It was do or die time!

We were walking out, and he was making fun of my new-to-me pick-up because I had named him Jack. The Joker is going on and on about how many different ways he can tease me about that. Jack Black. Blackjack. Jack and the Beanstalk. Jack and Jill. Jack Sparrow. (He must really think he is one funny guy. Someone should set him straight!!) I told him that I had to ask him something, and his reply? “But I’m not finished making fun of Jack.” I told him that he could continue after; this would only take a second. Nervous as anything, I did. I told him about the program and he said that he had been to church before. I said that didn’t mean he had answers to all of his questions and I even went to the course, though I grew up in the church. We discussed it for a few minutes and he said that he would think about it. I told him that I would go with him (he said that sounded like I was going to be his AA sponsor. Seriously, why does he think he’s so funny??) because I didn’t want him to feel pressured by going alone. He told me that he would let me know, which is good because I didn’t want an answer right aways.

I know that the program would be good for him, and good for our friendship. I really feel that the time is right and that the Joker and I are moving into a stronger relationship. I even told him, “I’m just trying to be a good friend.” That was the first time I’ve called him a friend to his face since we’ve known each other (almost fourteen months). I don’t think the Joker will turn down a challenge, but this is a Mount Everest sized one. He does love to argue, especially with me, so hopefully he will come with me and explore the meaning of life.

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