Somewhere between Munich’s main train station and the famed Marienplatz, the man with an orange tee and ragged jeans set up shop.  A brick planter his pulpit and passers-by his congregation, he peppered the air with passion and plea.  Foreign were his frenzied words but the sacred book he brandished was familiar and I had no problem understanding his message.  I hurried past, noting those within range of his assault:  bemused expressions, some shaking their heads, others laughing…and a few trying to ignore him altogether.  Though they couldn’t help but hear, no one was listening.

I’ve never quite understood street preachers, standing on a corner and shouting at the top of their lungs, hawking the word of God like it was a parcel to be peddled.

Maybe they’re just passionate and even sincere about sharing the Gospel, but that manner of presentation unnerves me.  And though street preachers have never left me wanting more of Jesus, is it possible others have been drawn to Christ because of their zeal.  Do they plant salvation seeds I’m too arrogant to see?

And, amazingly and redemptively, they DO challenge me with a thought:

How am ~I~ sharing my faith?

Some version of the Great Commission is recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John leaving no doubt that my salvation isn’t for me alone.  I struggle with my own timidity when it comes to sharing my testimony with others; it should be simple, right??

So, why is it so hard to tell others how God is challenging me through his word and how my life and perspective have changed as a result of knowing Christ?

Sometimes, no, a lot of the time, I wish I were more like Paul, arguably the boldest, most changed man in scripture–

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel,
because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes….”
Romans 1:16-17

Is it that I’m more concerned about what people might think (that I’m a religious whack job) or feel (judged or condemned by me) when neither is true?

This might be when I’m most grateful for God’s grace and mercy–

• He loves me in spite of myself, regardless of my shortcomings or sin.
• There is nothing I can do to make Him love me more…or less.
• My salvation has nothing to do with me earning it and everything to do with what Jesus has already done (and is still doing…).

In response to this merciful love I’ve been given, I long for my life to reflect God’s glory and grace. Telling others about my faith journey is a natural part of that.

I’ve found one of the simplest, most natural ways to share my faith is to wear my faith.

A beautiful piece of jewelry (like my bracelets at the beginning of this post) or a message on a tee shirt can invite conversation (raise your hand if you LOVE our (in)RL tees!!).  Ages ago, I received this gorgeous Blessings Unlimited padfolio as a gift; every time I take it to a meeting, someone compliments it, again, a wonderful conversation starter (but it’s up to me to continue “that” conversation).

This month’s Inspired Deals feature is yet another way to wear your faith:  Sharing Hope with Summer Totes.   There are so many of them it’s hard to choose a favorite…but here are my first favorites ~

Sling one of these darling bags over your shoulder and and I can imagine friends and even strangers will ask you about it.  It’s a lovely invitation to share the story of Jesus.

Let’s encourage one another: can you identify with me as a sometimes-timid faith sharer who is thankful for a little help from natural conversation starters?  Or do you have suggestions about authentic ways we can share our faith?  How do you share your faith story publicly?  I know your stories will encourage all of us to do more of the same!

By Robin Dance, author of PENSIEVE.me

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