OH-IO

No matter where you go in the U.S. if I ever need to feel at home, I can just yell out violently... "O-H".... and somewhere in the distance someone will yell out "I-O"... if they have ever lived in Ohio that is...

I think that's what heavens like... so, if we really dwell in heaven... what sound, noise, spirit, smell, fruit... do we let off that let's other Christians identify with us.  How do we know that we're part of the same family... that we dwell in the same house?

It always helps to identify other folks from OHIO when there is a small group together. For some reason, it puts a sense of vigor or pride... excitement to yell out O-H randomly when others are in your group that identify.... and it definitely makes it easier to respond when a small group hears O-H and they know what that means and what the appropriate response should be. There is a never spoken of brother/sister-hood that occurs by completing OH-IO. At the same time, people who don't have the connection with OHIO don't get embittered or repulsed by it... most people give a little snicker or a chuckle. And even then, they are invited to join in whenever they hear the infamous... OH-

Sometimes, when we've followed Jesus for a long time... we get busy with habits. Habits that may not exclude others from joining the fold... but also doesn't invite them. What can we do to invite and help people to understand and feel welcome without omitting the truth, vigor and excitement of why we do, say, live...in Jesus?

Just food for thought.