Don’t be Shy Now
Well, now, puddin’, hush my mouth, call me blessed, and hand me a plate of some o’ that there crispy, fried okra. Now, let’s get real comfy at this here kitchen table ‘cause this here’s a message that’ll put some o’ that there holy fire in your britches. Jesus didn’t sugarcoat a thing in Mark 8:38 when He said if we’re ashamed of Him now, He’ll be ashamed of us later. Whew! That’ll tighten your wig faster than a Texas windstorm.
Truth is, sometimes we git more nervous about ‘a-sharin’ Jesus than a possum ’a-crossin’ a four‑lane highway. But the Apostle Paul? Why, that there man stood tall like a rooster who knows the sun ain’t ‘a-risin’ till he crows. He declared in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation.” That wasn’t just a slogan. Nope, that was how he walked, talked, and lived every cotton‑pickin’ day.
And let’s be honest, sugarplum; sometimes we git to tiptoein’ around the gospel like we’re ‘a-tryin’ not to wake up a sleepin’ baby. We worry, “What will they think?” But love whispers, “What if they never hear?” The gospel ain’t just good advice. Nope, it’s God’s rescue rope thrown down into a world stuck in a spiritual mud puddle deeper than a hog wallow.
Even back in Paul’s day, folks was ‘a-thinkin’ that the message of the cross was nuttier than a squirrel’s pantry. He said in 1 Corinthians 1:23–24 that the Jews were offended and the Greeks thought it was nonsense. But to those who believe? It’s the very power and wisdom of God.
And today, plenty of Christians still squirm over Jesus’ words in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Some folks try to make every path lead to God, but Jesus didn’t leave that door open, bless our hearts.
So, what do we do? We are called to be ‘a-plantin’ our feet, ‘a-straightenin’ our shoulders, and ‘a-livin’ out Psalm 37:7: “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” Not still as in silent , but still as in settled. Confident. Unashamed. Ready to speak truth with love, even if the world looks at us like a goat ‘a-tryin’ to climb a flagpole.
Father, thank You for ‘a-savin’ me and ‘a-callin’ me Your own. Give me courage to speak Your truth with love. Sweep away every fear of rejection and fill me with Holy Ghost boldness. Let my life shine so bright that folks can’t help but see You. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Well, I reckon that’s enough stirrin’ o’ the spiritual stew for one day. Now go on, tater tot, and stand tall for Jesus like a scarecrow ‘a-guardin’ a cornfield in a windstorm. The world’s full of critters ‘a-wanderin’ around in the dark, and your needed lil’ ol’ light might just be the only lantern they can see.
With joy,
Gwen
