February 2021 Newsletter
Valentine’s Day
One of my favorite memories of Valentine’s Day happened in Nicaragua. I felt a little guilty not being home on this special day. While attending church one Sunday morning, our translator introduced my team. He explained we were missing a holiday in the United States and had sacrificed time with our spouses to be with them. My friend then said something that made our team break out into laughter. “Our brothers and sisters in Christ have left their loved one at home but they will find new lovers in Nicaragua.” Sometimes we miss the message in translation. The deep blush on our translator’s face told me his faux pas was accidental.
We often laugh at mistranslation. I once reassured the wife and daughters of my friend Juan that we would take care of him when he visited my home in Mississippi. Juan loves to fish so I told them we would “go fishing.” Unfortunately, the word for fish and sin are similar. The laughter and explanation told me I’d promised to “take her husband sinning.” These stories are humorous because the person hearing knew the heart of the speaker. Sometimes we need to pause and consider what someone is “really saying.” A short answer spoken tersely may mean the speaker is having an awful time at home or work. The rebellion of a child can be a cry for help that is only met by prayer.
Jesus has a way of seeing through our spoken word and knowing what is on our heart. He understands what we really mean. Cry out to our Lord and be patient and merciful with one another.
Your Brother in Christ,
Brother David