Wan-a-bee Alter Egos

Who’s your desired, wan-a-bee alter ego?

Until the John 14:3 “…I will come back and take you to be with me…” promise is fulfilled, and my last fleeting day becomes my first eternal one, I will ever aspire to, but never come remotely close to the perfectly sinless, flawless example Jesus set. He will forever remain my quintessential alter ego.

Back down here on terra-firma, there are several humanly flawed, imperfect wan-a-bee alter egos I’m grateful for. None are well known by the world’s standards . . . celebrities; politically powerful; super wealthy; thousands of Facebook and Instagram followers, etc., etc., etc.  However, each one has been divinely placed, at just the right time and place, along the winding path of my life’s journey, rife with treacherous rabbit trails I’ve wandered off on, to lead me back on course.

This morning, the soothing patter of raindrops on the metal roof, I sat in peaceful contemplation thanking my Abba for the alter egos He has strategically placed in my life, and a thought came to mind . . . blessings compound when shared.

Sooooooo . . . from time-to-time I’ve felt led to anonymously share, as gracious tributes, short synopsis’s of some of my wan-a-bee alter egos who have graciously blessed my life. May they remind you as they have me, that we’re never alone. May they encourage you as they have me, to keep-on-keeping on.

Their names have been changed to respect their privacy. Here’s the first of what hopefully will be a series of inspiring wannabe alter ego stories of special people who have ‘coincidentally’ showed up in my life just when I need someone most.

Peter

Peter was one of the most humble, caring, dedicated individuals I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. He truly walked it like he talked it, and yet was the first to transparently admit he was a Needs Improvement Christian. I’m convinced the genuine loving fellowship family characterizing the small country church Peter shepherded was enhanced by the long hours his wife privately shared with mine he spent on his knees.

Being a pastor is a 24/7/365 calling. Peter faithfully made it 25/8/366 calling. He demonstrated and encouraged bold, hands-on evangelism. I fondly remember evenings traveling rural roads with him, knocking on unknown doors. As a curious resident cracked their door, wearing a friendly smile Peter would greet them,

“Hi. I’m Peter, the pastor of DBC. This is Fred, and we’re just out meeting people asking if there’s anything we can pray with them about.”

I’m still amazed how most individuals would invite their unexpected visitors into their home, and the confidential conversations that sometimes followed so blessed me.

Understandably, our sadly divisive world today is much more tenuously suspicious to welcoming strangers . . . but does that justify not attempting to tenderly engage a stranger when we may feel prompted to do so?

I could fill a book with stories of how Peter positively impacted my life, but I will never forget one time . . . with tears in eyes, he prayed at my beside following a self-inflicted, near-death experience. It was one of those precious moments I sensed the incomprehensible love of God in the heart and prayer of another. Thank you, Peter.

Don’t know who the next Wan-a-bee Alter Ego will be to share with y’all, but He does, and I promise to do so when prompted . . . stay tuned 😊 For now, remember no matter how difficult your journey may be at times, you’re never alone . . . and . . .

“…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother…”

Proverbs 18:24

I M Blessed . . . May U B 2!