![]() I remember sitting at a coffee shop one time after church service with a group of young adults (mixed company) talking about a variety of topics from church, movies, sports, etc. And as usual, the conversation turned to dating and marriage. As the conversation progressed, one of the ladies at the table (one that I really, really liked) blurted out the question that quite honestly, I have heard too many times in my presence since then; “Where are all the good Christian men in the church to date?” Although I admittedly understood her cry, I could not help but to be somewhat offended. I naturally looked at her and spoke back on behalf of the several Christian single guys sitting at the table and said “Ummmm… what’s wrong with dating any of us? Are we not good Christian guys?” She responded, “Well, of course you guys are great. But none of you have stepped up and asked me out yet.” There was a pause at the table. I felt like an opportunity was just offered to me but I was scared to death to act on it. However, after a moment of awkwardness, I gathered some courage and I decided to take the initiative and cease the moment by saying, “Hey Church Girl, it would be a great honor if I could take you out on a date this week and get to know you better. Just pick a place and time and I will make it happen. What do you say?” Although it was my desire to ask this girl out, I can’t believe I just did that in front of like 9 other people. After all, I have never asked a girl out before in my life and I did not know the protocol or what to expect. But I am pretty sure I probably turned cherry red in the process. Once again, there was an awkward silence as all eyes were on her and myself. I felt as if for the first time ever, the entire Starbucks went silent (this never happens on a weekend in Seoul). As the moment continued to feel like eternity, I was gaining confidence that she would say yes. However. THE SILENCE WAS KILLING ME! She eventually spoke up (albeit, after like 3 seconds), and used two phrases that would be repeated in many different forms from then on until the present day. She said “Luke, that is very sweet of you. But you are more like a friend and we should keep it that way. Not to mention, I am dating Jesus these days. Sorry.” Wow! So, I was friend zoned and rejected in Jesus’ name all within a moment! So, my first ever rejection was in the presence of a group. I felt pretty embarrassed and a bit hurt. I was not sure what to do with that. But seriously, “DATING JESUS?” Really? WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN? Regardless of what it meant, she totally went there. A simple NO would have sufficed, but it is always good to reject someone and blame it on Jesus. It will supposedly lessen the pain, right? And just for the record, she started dating a guy in our group 4 days later! I mean, if she doesn't want "my type," then I will move on. I do not have much more to add to this post. So, I will let this sink in!
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LUKE R ELIE Archives
February 2021
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