Ezra Lucas

Ezra-6-Lucas

"Why are you doing this?" The police officer wondered.

Stay and tell him the truth.

I glance behind me and the officer is gazing at the wall filled with my graffiti. My lips lift up in a quick smile and I raise up. "Jesus, Sir." I lift my head up towards the sky filled with stars. "He gave me life. The least I can do is tell and show others about Him."

"Is there another way to do that? It is illegal to paint graffiti."

"Sir, millions of Christians are being persecuted. There are about 50 countries that pretty much make Christianity illegal. People are searching for something that they don't know what to search for. If just one person looks at my Jesus graffiti and decides to search for themselves what it's all about, then it is worth it to me to continue doing what I'm doing. No matter what the consequences may be."

"I can't keep letting you make graffiti," the officer states. "So you start thinking of an alternative method for sharing about Jesus and until then you can finish and/or touch up the graffiti you have already made."

I grin and thank him. I sling my backpack over my shoulder and take off towards Gram's house.

"Where are you going?"

"Home! I'm finished for today!"

E×L

"You ready Gram?" I question and bounce on feet.

"Yes. What's got you all energized this morning?"

I shrug. "I guess I'm just excited for church," I explain and grin.

"I'm glad you are excited for church. You should invite people from your school to our church."

"...alternative method...," the officer said.

"I should. Thanks for telling me that Gram. If you have any more good ideas, my ears are open."

Gram pats my back before getting in the car. I gently shut the door for her and get in the driver's seat.

E×L

"All God wants is for us to obey Him. Obedience starts with a yes. Once you start saying no, it becomes a habit. After awhile you won't have any opportunities to say yes or no, people will just assume you will say no. It is an awful place to be." The preacher pauses. "I used to be there a few years ago. I prayed for just one opportunity to say yes. I didn't care what it was; I just wanted to say yes. Eventually, that one yes lead me to this church.

"Jonah took extreme measures to say no. He ran away from God which led him to being in the belly of a big fish for three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17)

"Now is the time to say yes. The alter is open if you want to come pray. This may be your first yes. Come talk to God."

Gram starts to walk to the alter and I quickly follow her. She kneels to the closest empty spot in front of the alter and I kneel beside her.

God, I want to say yes. No matter what the situation may be. You are everything to me. Help me to be confident in You. Help me to keep my faith in You. Be with Madeline Rome. I don't know if she is saved or not. Strengthen Gram. In Jesus' name Amen.

E×L

I find a black marker from the depths of my slightly disorganized mess. I write 'you call it a religion... I call it a relationship' on my left hand.

Hopefully Gram doesn't have a cow if she sees my hand.

"Ezra! I made brownies!"

My weakness...

A sudden burst of adrenalin pumps through me and I sprint to the kitchen. "I want a corner piece!" I tell her as I open the fridge and grab the gallon of milk.

"I'll cut you a corner piece if you pour me a glass of milk."

"Deal!"