One breakthrough that I have come to love in discipling kids is that of trust; trust that lets me into a kid’s home and into their family. I’ve come to learn that’s a high level breakthrough, trust isn’t plentiful in a wounded heart. I have been discipling one young lady for two and a half years or so, and this breakthrough has come only in the last 7 months or so. I was allowed to meet family members more than a year ago, but wasn’t allowed in their home until this fall. We went even further last month; I was invited to a family function. That might seem anti-climatic, but trust me, it took two and half years of hard work, lots of ups and downs, to get that invitation. And it sure was a party! It was the most fun Saturday night I’ve had in a long time.
Picture this: a group of 30: 20 loud adults, 10 young kids (most crying), in Old Country Buffet (worse than Hometown Buffet) to celebrate Granny’s birthday, and then there’s me, one of three Caucasian women. It was a sight to see my friends! I had the privilege of sitting next to Granny for most of the dinner, and chatting with her about her family. I learned even more about this culture I’m serving, unspoken rules that aren’t to be broken. Of course I broke them, but my friend was quick to shush me, and promise to explain it all later. That’s a good disciple right there! So I got to meet sister-in-law’s siblings, half brothers, brother-in-law’s aunties, and even Granny’s boyfriend, all over plates of chicken, green beans, macaroni and cheese, nachos, corn, French fries, popcorn shrimp, mashed potatoes and gravy, ice cream, cheesecake, and of course the highlight of Old Country: Slurpees! (Yes, I had a tummy ache after dinner.) One thing to note (remember this for when you receive your invitation) is that every time you get up get a new plate, the babies all get passed around and everyone sits down in a different seat.
One of my favorite moments happened while I was sitting next to brother-in-law, who was sitting where I had been sitting, and where I had left my purse. Keep in mind that sister, wife of said brother-in-law, and I have had a run in or two over the years, and most of my nerves concerning the night were over having to interact with sister. Brother-in-Law, saw my purse under the table, and politely asked if it belonged to me. In typical Robyn fashion (a little too quick to speak and make a bad joke), replied, “Yeah, so don’t be trying to steal my money.” Immediately, I thought to myself, Why did I just say that?!?, but put on an extra big smile, that said, I wasn’t accusing you, promise. His eyes got big, he got serious, and the apparently deep respect he feels for me came pouring out. “I don’t want to even think about what Jesus would do to me, if I stole your money.” And just like that, all the downs of the ups and downs of ministry are worth it.
Another of my favorite moments was the phone call I got later that night. Granny herself, called me. She thanked me for my card, told me she was so blessed by having me there, and my investment in her grand daughter. Ready for the icing on the cake? Granny told me I fit in with the family so well, just like one of her own kids. And she thinks of me as she does her own daughters.
Amen! I’m totally in! I thought about changing my name, but quickly threw that thought away so I could celebrate what Jesus was doing. I wonder how far he will take this family? And I wonder how He’ll use me to do it. Fun thoughts! The night was a picture of success: invitation to a family birthday bash, where almost everyone initiated conversation with me, where my bad jokes were forgiven, and I was considered one of the family. Now, I just need a nickname. Oh yeah, they already gave me one: Lil’ Rob Rob from The Hood.
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