What does it mean to follow a different Savior and Lord than the one offered by the Western Church?  This question captured my attention because it so aptly summarizes the journey that I have been on over the past few years. It has been an arduous journey despite my firm belief that a grounded faith cannot exist without questions, doubts and some serious wrestling akin to that of Jacob.  Far too often, I find myself in conversations where the questions, the doubts, the wrestling are viewed with suspicion.  Would I dare even pose such a question of following a different Savior and Lord in those spaces?

But this phrase; “we lament and resist”, offered by Dr. Padilla DeBorst, served to heighten my hope.  These words in tandem, working together, seem to me, an actionable plan for my participation in those spaces and conversations.  I can come to these conversations lamenting that often there is no awareness by others that they may be holding onto a misinterpretation of Jesus.  I can come to these conversations with the hope that humbly resisting the misinterpretation can be useful for God’s ongoing work in their hearts and minds.  I can be hopeful that this journey of learning, insight and understanding that I am on, is also meant to be shared with those God brings across my path!