Thursday, November 17, 2016

Our Favorite Clown

"T-Bone"
8" x 10" oil on linen panel
NFS

Well, we did NOT see it coming.  The evening that T-Bone (a.k.a. Terry) revealed his “alter ego”, we were stunned.  (I mean, what kind of person chooses to be a clown?)  But within seconds, we thought, “Well, of COURSE he’s a clown!”  It was so HIM. 

Actually, all of us have another side to us.  There’s the outward appearance that we present to others on a daily basis…..when truth is, there is so much more than meets the eye.  There are hidden secrets, the things we are ashamed of or embarrassed by......and the hidden treasures, the special qualities that are unique to us.

We met Terry one Sunday morning when he came (sans costume) to our table at church in search of joining a small group.  I guess we passed the “test” because he and his wife, Debbie, have been with us for two years, sharing their lives and faith walk with us. 

When you’re in a small group, eventually trust is earned and the truth of who we are emerges.    You see, real intimacy begins when the layers are peeled back and the real “us” is bared – sometimes slowly, sometimes all at once – things we’re proud of, and then the not so much.  But it’s only there, stripped down, that we can actually be real with other each and with God.  No judgement.

And so now I know!  Now I know what kind of person chooses to be a clown.  A quiet, humble, kind, faithful, humorous man that loves to make children smile.   A transparent man who inspires our group nearly each and every meeting.   When it’s time for prayer requests. he sometimes responds, “My prayer is for God to answer your prayers” 

But his classic response is our favorite:   “Just give me more Jesus – I just need more Jesus.”

Yeah ……….he makes adults smile too!