Ok, I want to put this out there are see what other people think.
I grew up as a Christian and did all that Christian kids are supposed to do (church, baptism, Sunday school, etc). After college and joining the US Army, my faith went away. I never considered myself an atheist but did an agnostic. Now, I have retired from the military and am in a new life. For years, I have been struggling with the idea of faith and often quoted “Robert Langdon” (fictional character created by author Dan Brown), that “faith is a gift I have yet to receive.”
About three weeks ago, I attended services for a family friend that passed away. No issues with this, as our friend lived a long like (86) and his death was expected. These “viewings” take way too long (4 – 5 hours) and I was just walking around and looking at people. There was a young man (33 years old), who was standing away from most people. I did not know him personally but knew that he was a co-worker to the deceased’s son-in-law.
So, having not much anything to do (wife was busy talking to people and I had already spoken with everyone I knew), I went up to the guy with the intent of striking up a short casual conversation. During the conversation, which did not start off religious, he told me that his grandmother has used the same funeral home a year ago. This led to him sharing his personal history that, like me, he too grew up as a Christian and, in his 20s, had issues with faith. He added that this went on for many years, until he finally re-received this “gift” and is now in a better place. This was a unique conversation, as he never tried to “convert” me, but rather explained his own journey from faith, to not, and back.
After about three hours, it was time to go. At the conclusion, I have made the comment that we had both shared much personal information but did not even know each other’s names. At that point, he commented that his name way Raymond, but people called him “Ray”. As it turns out, my name is Reinaldo but people call me “Ray”. As we parted ways, he smiled and said two things: “Ray, nothing ever happens by accident. Read John and that will help.” He then asked for my phone and set up a Bible App for me. Needless to say, I spent the rest of the night reading the Gospel of John and, by the next day I too decided to received the “gift” of faith (again).
Anyway, this is how I find myself on this discussion board and why I am joining this community. So, my question is, what was that encounter suppose to be? Was it a sign, or am I just overthinking it?
Bless you all, rtm3039 (aka: Ray)
I grew up as a Christian and did all that Christian kids are supposed to do (church, baptism, Sunday school, etc). After college and joining the US Army, my faith went away. I never considered myself an atheist but did an agnostic. Now, I have retired from the military and am in a new life. For years, I have been struggling with the idea of faith and often quoted “Robert Langdon” (fictional character created by author Dan Brown), that “faith is a gift I have yet to receive.”
About three weeks ago, I attended services for a family friend that passed away. No issues with this, as our friend lived a long like (86) and his death was expected. These “viewings” take way too long (4 – 5 hours) and I was just walking around and looking at people. There was a young man (33 years old), who was standing away from most people. I did not know him personally but knew that he was a co-worker to the deceased’s son-in-law.
So, having not much anything to do (wife was busy talking to people and I had already spoken with everyone I knew), I went up to the guy with the intent of striking up a short casual conversation. During the conversation, which did not start off religious, he told me that his grandmother has used the same funeral home a year ago. This led to him sharing his personal history that, like me, he too grew up as a Christian and, in his 20s, had issues with faith. He added that this went on for many years, until he finally re-received this “gift” and is now in a better place. This was a unique conversation, as he never tried to “convert” me, but rather explained his own journey from faith, to not, and back.
After about three hours, it was time to go. At the conclusion, I have made the comment that we had both shared much personal information but did not even know each other’s names. At that point, he commented that his name way Raymond, but people called him “Ray”. As it turns out, my name is Reinaldo but people call me “Ray”. As we parted ways, he smiled and said two things: “Ray, nothing ever happens by accident. Read John and that will help.” He then asked for my phone and set up a Bible App for me. Needless to say, I spent the rest of the night reading the Gospel of John and, by the next day I too decided to received the “gift” of faith (again).
Anyway, this is how I find myself on this discussion board and why I am joining this community. So, my question is, what was that encounter suppose to be? Was it a sign, or am I just overthinking it?
Bless you all, rtm3039 (aka: Ray)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
