Take Heart

Back in the summer, I got an email from the Associate Pastor at my home church, Peachtree Road United Methodist, asking if I would be willing to write an entry for this year's Advent Devotional. 

Willing?! Are you kidding?

No one has ever asked me to write something for a specific purpose. I was thrilled and humbled by this request and immediately knew the story I wanted to share. 

My entry was slotted for today, so here it is. I hope it might warm your heart a bit...

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I'm Naked!

A quick Google search for the most common nightmares reveals that many of us have nightmared (not a word, but "dreamed" seems too pleasant to use here) about being naked or "nekkid" as we say in my native tongue. You know the deal - you're on a stage, in a classroom, or down at (the) Walmart, and then the realization hits you...you ain't wearing a stitch of clothes.

This situation, as it should, ignites an inner monologue of critical analysis:

• Everyone is staring at me! - OR - No one is even looking at me. Which is worse? 
• Did I come here in my birthday suit? 
• Did I just strip down spontaneously in aisle 7? Why? Why did I do this?
• Why is Sponge Bob here? Maybe he will give me his pants. Why does he even wear pants? He's a SPONGE, for crying out loud.