Looking a fool for Jesus: using my inherent traits for His glory

So, I’m on the World Race and I travel around to 11 different countries in 11 months. In these countries, we often travel to remote villages and get a real feel of how the locals actually live.  And the Lord has given me and my squadmates a unique platform since we are Americans. Mainly our platform comes from us having white or lighter skin but it also stems from us being from America, the land of plenty and freedom. We represent Westerners and people identify us as rich Americans who can help their businesses and we are an anomaly and just plain entertaining. That being said, oftentimes we stick out like sore thumbs because there aren’t white people in these locations and some people have never seen a white person before or at least not on a consistent basis. So, we are basically celebrities and we have paparazzi and people flock to us. Locals demand selfies with us and touch our skin and stare at us. We joke about it and compare ourselves to zoo animals because we legit are herded around like cattle from site to site. And people stare at us, poke at us, and laugh at us. Sometimes they even feed us, literally stuffing food in our mouths (shoutout to my girl Heather!) We don’t blend in very well, or at all really. We look different, dress different, and speak differently.

And this month, especially, we are confined to the upper church room during the day and instructed not to go outside since we attract too much attention and may endanger their ministry since India is a closed country and Christians have to be very careful. Housing foreign missionaries is not allowed by the government so we are told to lay low. Of course, the neighbors all know we are in town and come over to us, to inspect the newcomers and see what we’re about. But we try to keep a low profile, kinda. So, all that to say, it’s interesting being a white (or half white in my case) American in foreign countries. You get used to being laughed at in front of and behind your back and generally looking a fool in most situations. It’s humbling and builds character, honestly. By month 7, you really don’t get phased by much or care what anyone thinks. And you’re willing to be laughed at or made fun of if it’ll make at least one kid or person smile. In fact, typically we’re laughing along with them at the ridiculousness and awkwardness of it all. Embracing the awkwardness so that it doesn’t even feel awkward anymore, just normal.

So, what I’m trying to say here is that we, as predominantly light-skinned Americans, have a unique God-given platform and we are learning to look past the annoyances that accompany it (that paparazzi though) and use it for good and to spread the gospel. People are intrigued by us and willing to listen to what we have to say because we’re different and if being seen as free entertainment is what gets them closer to Jesus, then I’m okay with that. We attract a crowd quicker than you can snap your fingers. So, maybe they don’t come for the right reasons (to hear the good news) but the Lord can use any motivation for good and for His glory. And oftentimes they don’t even know about the gospel so by how we interact with them and love them, we are Jesus to them, maybe the only Jesus they will ever meet. I’m learning that sharing the gospel isn’t just telling the gospel story but it’s also living it. Actions speak louder than words, am I right?? So, by loving people, strangers, we can be the light and introduce them to the One who loves them fully and unconditionally.

Knowing English opens a lot of doors. Since English is the universal language, we can communicate with people in each country and sometimes we don’t even need a translator and we can get by with broken English conversations, which are quickly becoming one of my favorite things. Also, we are getting really good at charades and most of the time 75% is lost in translation but it’s hilarious for both parties and bonds you faster than regular conversation. Lots of confused glances amongst teammates and laughter and just great experiences, some of my favorite on the Race. So, I’ve been able to have some deep conversations with hosts and locals as well when they speak really good English and that is such a blessing. To go to a country where I don’t know a bit of their language and be able to connect via common knowledge of English is amazing. All because we’re blessed to have English as our primary language.

For me, being Indian American, I have a unique perspective. I am lighter skinned and still get lumped in with everyone else, especially in Africa, since I am an American. But people tend to feel more at ease with me initially since I am close to their skin color. They point to my skin and say, “Dark like mine.” In Nepal and India, this is especially true since I am half Indian and they can tell. It makes it tricky since I don’t know Hindi and I’m not Hindu and I’m not versed in their culture or practices. So, oftentimes, they are confused and try to speak to me in their native tongue (Nepali, Hindi, Telegru, etc) but I just smile back and give a confused look and eventually they realize.

“American,” I say. “My Father didn’t teach me the language and is no longer alive,” I explain. They don’t really get it but they nod and give me grace, which is all I ask for. But, it’s sweet being welcomed in like family since they naturally feel more comfortable with me. It’s like coming home to the Indian family I never knew. So, I’ll use my skin color and Indian features to my advantage and invest in these people and love on them. These people that work so hard to provide for us and make us feel at home with the warmest hospitality and the best they have to offer.

The Lord commanded us as Christians to go into all the nations and tell the good news. He gave me this specific platform of a female English-speaking Indian American with an affinity for Spanish (to be fleshed out in Central America; stay tuned) and, by golly, I’m gonna use it! I was created and given my talents and abilities for such a time as this and I want to use every advantage provided me for His glory and to bring Kingdom to a lost world. So, if that means curious children are peeking into our living domains at all hours, then so be it. If one person feels the love of Jesus more abundantly by our time in these countries, then every awkward encounter and mocking laugh will be worth it, soo worth it.

“There’s no shame in looking like a fool

When I give you what I can’t keep and take ahold of you”

“Head to the Heart” by United Pursuit 

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
??Romans? ?8:18? ?