speaking the same language
I recently saw the Broadway show Come From Away. Come From Away is an amazing uplifting production. The phrase “Come From Away” is what Newfoundlanders call people who aren’t from Newfoundland. In case you don’t know Newfoundland is an island and is part of Canada. On September 11, 2001 when American airspace was closed 38 planes landed in Gander, Newfoundland. Come from Away is a musical that tells the true stories of the “plane people” and the Newfies. Okay that sounds bizarre on so many levels but it works. Anyway there is a brief scene that I want to share with you. A scene that I am so pleased is in a Broadway show night after night. A God nod. A scene that challenged me.
There were people from many nations on those planes. People who didn’t speak English. Needless to say security was very tight when the passengers were finally allowed to disembark. They didn’t know where they were, why American airspace was closed or where they were going. The passengers were placed on school buses and driven to different local facilities – schools, Elks Clubs, Salvation Army Camp. One of the bus drivers realized that his passengers had to be frightened and he noticed that there was a woman holding a Bible. He knew she didn’t speak English but he also realized that her Bible would be set up the same way as his Bible so he found Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” and pointed to it. The woman smiled and he said “and that is how we started speaking the same language.”
That line truly challenged me. So the question I asked myself (and you) is how far will I go to start speaking the same language. How far will I go to tell others of God’s love and grace. I think many times to speak the same language we won’t actually have to learn another language or maybe we will but we will need to listen, look and do what the Lord is prompting us to do. We will need to be present in the moment and in tune with our Heavenly Father.
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15
Ann, I have stopped worrying if people will think I have gone too far in sharing the good news( gospel!). God went as far as giving everything He loved to gain my love. The cost to Him was enormous! How can I not shout His praise. We speak the language of grace into lives we meet, praying that would will lead to the Word. Bless you for your sensitivity to the need and opportunities.
Sounds like a great musical. I think that even smiling at a stranger can give some comfort to them.
dear Friend,
just touching base with you to encourage you in your Devotionals.
Thank you so much, I have been enjoying reading them and always
feel Encouraged.
I especially like “Speaking the same language.” I am from a little town in Newfoundland, and am so happy. God has given our Province an amazing gift of Folks who have hearts full of Love and Compassion. This truly was showered upon the folk who had been stranded in Gander NL.
I trust we will never lose our gift of Compassion and will always lend a helping hand to the needs around us.
Blessings again, on your writings.