Haven't we met before?

My wife and have a long-standing joke that she gets asked this question by strangers at least once a month. We're not exactly sure what it is, but she has a face/persona that invites these inquiries. I had the opportunity to make one of those inquiries yesterday. I was having coffee with Joel Balasingham at Cafe Too in Uptown and as soon as I walked in I saw a woman who looked unbelievably familiar. I couldn't stop sneaking glances her way, racking my brain and trying to figure it out. I thought maybe I went to journalism school to her, but I wasn't sure. Of course, what I should have done was go up to her, apologize for interrupting, and just asked, haven't we met before? What's the worst that could have happened? She might have laughed and rolled her eyes and I would have been embarrassed for a few seconds, but at least I would have known. But I convinced myself that I didn't know her so I didn't do anything. Trey will be preaching about Jesus talking to strangers this Sunday and I underestimate just how much courage it takes to go up to people you don't know or don't know well and say hello. It takes a lot of vulnerability and you risk being rejected or embarrassed. I confess I don't take those chances often enough. But when I do, amazing things can happen. Sometimes friendships begin. Other times, I find an issue we have in common and perhaps we can start working on something together. Of course, sometimes nothing happens that I'm aware of, but if I trust that the Holy Spirit is actively working in the world, perhaps something is taking place. Many of us can feel disconnected in this big city, but this week pray for the courage to take a risk, maybe make a bit of a fool of yourself, say hello to a stranger and you might build a friendship in the process.