Your Witness Matters

In March, I was privileged to attend an annual Women’s Expo in my home city. Twenty-plus authors set up booths on “author’s alley” among food vendors, jewelry merchants, cooking demonstrations, and other incredible entrepreneurs.  Book lovers made their way to meet the authors and peruse their choice of genres, such as historical fiction, romance, science fiction, mystery, comic books, and more! As authors gave their best sales pitch, their voices carried from one sales booth to the next, lending to the fun, energetic atmosphere of the expo.

I eagerly anticipated my turn to engage the women. Upon reaching my table, attendees were presented with a laminated placard inviting them to scan the QR code to receive my electronic business card. Once scanned, the card directed them to my website, social media, and newsletter signup form. Next, they saw framed customer reviews for my memoir Broken Clay: Finding Renewal in the Potter’s Hand. Many commented, “Wow, those are great reviews. Is this about your book?”

This question presented the perfect segue for my best sales pitch. I introduced myself: “I am a Christian author. My name is Tika McCoy.” I grabbed a copy of the book and placed it in their hands so they could flip through it while I continued, “This is my Christian memoir on navigating life after divorce, grief, and loss. My life was upended, and when I thought I could not get any lower, God restored and renewed me.”

Some women, moved by my brief testimony, shared their stories, and so began our conversation on hardship, overcoming, and God’s grace. But one woman stood out from all the others. When I mentioned that I was a Christian author, she held up her hand, tilted her head, and commented, “First, I need to know what type of Christian you are.”

I sensed her frustration and invited her to continue. She somberly sighed between exasperated sentences, “I am losing my faith.” “I have not attended church much lately.” “I do not recognize the fruit of people who say they are a Christian.” “I am questioning if I am even a Christian.” “Everything is just so different, and I no longer feel safe in church.” I placed my hand over my heart and nodded as she spoke. Quietly, I responded, “I hear you, and I want you to know that I am a follower of Jesus, and I believe in His teachings above everything else.”

Then, I said, “Jesus did not align himself with the empire.” Excitedly, she pumped her fist and shouted, “Yes!” This was a statement she obviously needed to hear. I correctly ascertained that the world’s current status added to her discontent. This Christian woman had become disillusioned by the proliferation of false prophets who dishonestly claimed Christian values while simultaneously enriching and elevating themselves. Sadly, these deceitful messages have taken over the airways and infiltrated the body of the church.

I did not judge her; I understood her concern as I had also been exposed to false messages. In this techy world of twenty-four news outlets and social media, it is hard to avoid the sins of the world. At this moment, I realized my witness would either give her hope to trust in the one true God or to fall prey to the adversary’s tactics.

I sought to minister to her through the Word of God. I asked if I could share with her John 8:3-11 about the woman caught in adultery. She permitted me to continue, so I summarized the verses. I shared how, among many of Jesus’ teachings, this one is foundational to my beliefs. The world judges and condemns, but Jesus ministers to us and saves us from our sins. This, I shared, allows me to remain humble on my walk.

As Paul reminds us, we are all sinners. Romans 3:10, “There is none righteous, not even one.” True believers understand we are not in any position to punish others for the same sins we struggle to overcome. Instead, we must humble ourselves before our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Then, confess our sins, pray for forgiveness, and repent.

I continued. The world will have us believe that kindness and empathy are a weakness. I confided that a plaque of Galatians 5:22-23 is prominently displayed in my kitchen, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.”

The corners of her mouth turned upward into a smile. She whispered, “Thank you.” She admitted again that it has been challenging lately to keep her faith. I acknowledged her words, “Your admission of your struggles will draw you closer to the cross. The confirmation and relief you seek is in God’s word.”

I provided her with copies of my newsletter, asked her to follow me on social media, and reminded her that the world is the world and God is God. We are Christians living in a sinful, fallen world. We are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

My pastor regularly reminds me and my fellow parishioners of 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”

That Friday morning, I was ready. A woman full of despair needed my witness. After our talk, she patted her purse, where she carefully placed my newsletters, clasped my hand in both of hers, smiled, and repeated, “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

I sold many copies of my memoir over the two days I spent at the expo. But, that brief encounter that allowed me to witness to a sister in Christ will be an experience I will forever remember.

May God keep you and bless you,
Tika