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D-7835
In response to Bud’s sarcastic apology, Jesus helps Fran to respond. “Actually, Bud, you didn’t hurt my feelings, you hurt my heart,” Fran answers.
Suddenly the whole room gets quiet and everyone is watching Bud and Fran. Nobody is really fond of Bud’s vile language, but since he’s been in the company for years, no one confronts him—not even upper management.
Bud gives a nervous laugh. “Hurt your heart? What do you mean, Fran?”
“Well, when you use the name of Jesus like that, it really hurts me because he’s the most important person in my life. He’s my best friend. How would you like it if I used the name of your best friend—or someone close to you—in a derogatory way? I think it would hurt your heart, Bud, just like you hurt mine,” Fran says. She thinks, Lord, were those words from you? I never planned to say that!
“Oh, Fran, you take things too personally. That’s just the way people talk,” Bud replies, obviously unnerved by Fran’s response. You can feel the electricity in the air.
Jesus nudges Fran, It’s time to get this conversation out of this public arena. Invite him to lunch.
Invite him to lunch, Lord? Bud? I don’t want to have lunch with him! Besides, he would never accept, Fran replies. But Jesus is insistent: Invite him to lunch, Fran.
When Jesus tugs at her like that, she knows she has to obey, so Fran turns to Bud. “You know, Bud, this would make for an interesting conversation over lunch today. How about it—my treat?”
“You’re inviting me to lunch? You think you can endure me that long, Fran?” Bud asks with a big laugh.
“I’m sure of it—if you think you can put up with me for that long,” Fran answers with a laugh.
“Okay, you’ve got a deal. I never turn down a free lunch,” Bud replies.
All through the meeting, Fran communicates to Jesus about this upcoming lunch with Bud. Lord, what am I’m going to say to Bud?
You’re going to become friends with Bud, Fran, and let him see what I’m like, living in you. How can you ever do that if you never get to know him? Jesus explains to Fran.
Well, okay, but it’s probably wasted effort. Bud’s a hopeless case, Fran thinks.
Oh, Fran, many times the people who look the least likely to want to know me are the ones most hungry. You may be surprised, Jesus informs her.
Fran is learning that witnessing begins with loving people, spending time with them, and getting to know them—even the people who seem to be the least likely candidates.