As many of you know, I used to work for Starbucks back in Cincinnati (Northern Kentucky to be exact). My store had many regular visitors, so we got to know about 30% of the people on a first name basis. The community was great.
One of the frequenters was named Joe. He was a very timid guy who always just got a cup of coffee. After several visits and conversations, I discovered the reason he only drank coffee was because he didn’t know what everything else was. And like myself, he did not want to spend $4 on something he may not enjoy.
So one night I gave him an americano for free just to see if he liked it. Being such a big coffee drinker, the americano suited him just right, and this became his drink of choice from then on.
Because of these events we actually talked more. One night he came up to me and thanked me for my kindness and wanted to return the favor sometime. He said that he offers entertainment for parties, and if I ever needed anything to just call the number on his card. As he slid his business card to me, the first thing I saw was, “Girls! Girls! Girls!” That’s right. He owned a stripper business.
I found the situation to be quite hilarious. There I was, a recent Bible College graduate getting handed a business card from a manager of a stripping company. Looking back, however, I wish I had more of these encounters. As awkward as the situation was, that is exactly what Jesus would have done.
- “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” -Luke 15:2
I want to meet more people like Joe. We all should. But how will you go about building a relationship with such people? I’ve been wrestling with the idea of playing music at local bars. Maybe that will be my avenue.
