mad about Albi
I LOVE shopping at Aldi, and with as much money as I've saved, I admittedly get kind of worked up when people "don't want to shop there".
Before I discovered Aldi and how much more I could do for my family- I quickly realized that wherever you buy produce, you have to eat it quickly. Fresh produce isn't designed to just sit on your counter like the fake stuff our parents had for decoration growing up.
One time after I had my second child, I actually got the fliers for 2 other grocers-along with Aldi- to create a spreadsheet to compare costs. (What I wouldn't give to have that kind of time again!!) I knew that the Aldi haters would be like "well that's not an accurate comparison for _____ because the sizes of packages or weights may differ. SO, like anyone who was fired up and on a crusade, I calculated $/oz so the truth could come out- once and for all. *If you're curious about the results, comment and I'll tell you!*
I don't know why I got THAT fired up about it back then. I mean it was 2018, and even though it's been 6 years, times are different. Maybe it was because people were complaining about grocery costs, but then shopping at the more expensive grocers? Or just throwing unnecessary shade at Aldi? I'm a stylist/Salon Owner; I am all for people venting, and I'm a safe place for that. If you start to complain, and aren't willing to hear a solution though, that's when I go a little bonkers.
Where you spend your money- especially on groceries- literally affects me ZERO %. But the stress those choices bring, that carry over into our friendship, conversations, etc., well those do affect me. Even if we aren't close- I don't want to see you struggle!
But what's wild about this post, is that if you think I'm fired up about getting you to shop at Aldi.... you should see how I feel about your salvation!!
I'm not here to judge-unless you have some bad split ends- message me. But in all seriousness, all of the stuff you do, or don't do, is between you and God. I just want to make sure this loud, piercing voice God blessed me with is getting the Good news of the Gospel out to where your ears can hear.
I mean, we're called to share it:
Matthew 28:19 ESV Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Matthew 24:14 ESV And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Mark 16:15 ESV And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
Psalm 96:3 ESV Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
Romans 1:16 ESV For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Most of you reading this are going to get my digital, online voice. If you know me, you may get the social media posts or texts with encouragement. If you see me in the world, I pray that I'm representing Jesus well; as well as a very imperfect human can, at least.
We will all share in the ways unique to us. We're blessed with different gifts, perspective, experiences, so we can- as the body- reach as many It's our responsibility as Believers.
We all have an "Aldi" (this side of Heaven) in our lives. Somewhere, or something we are just super fired up about, and want everyone to like that thing, too. I have a few of those, actually. Depending on my mood or the circumstances, you'll likely be hearing about one-or more- of them.
It's easy to bring up Aldi, my planner, where I'm shopping, or stuff I'm into to absolutely anyone I meet. You might be like that! Maybe you're on the shy side; but if someone compliments your dress with pockets-- the location and purchase price have just exploded out of your mouth before you took another breath.
Conviction time.
Are we sharing Jesus as explosively as we share our favorite grocery store, Dress-with-pockets store, stationary store, etc? Or do we just say "thanks" instead of giving God the glory, or smile sheepishly instead of sharing the Good news that made us smile despite wanting to sob as you're cleaning your kids' coffee milk (chai lattes from startbucks) that spilled all over your cart/stuff at Target? (true story)
I've personally experienced ALL sides of ALL the coins:
- "It's hard to share with strangers, because I don't want to be a creep."
- "It's hard to share with people I know because I see them often, and if they aren't open to it, it'll be weird."
- "It's easy to share with strangers because I won't see them again, and have no ulterior motive. because we mutually don't 'owe' each other anything."
- "it's easy to share with people I know because they're stuck with me"
Bottom line, it's not our place to worry or be concerned with how someone else receives the Gospel we're sharing. We need to keep our eyes fixed on Him, and share HIM with the same passion, tenacity and confidence we share the other things we just like. I do believe we should use wisdom, discernment and prayer to approach sharing. Going in "guns blazin'" doesn't always end well.... But after that, sharing Jesus doesn't always require a megaphone on a crowded corner. It's showing kindness to someone without needing anything in return, and simply showing them Jesus' love. It's being there for someone who's hurting, and giving them a nudge to look to the One who comforts. (Matthew 5:4)
I'd like to personally invite you to the challenge I've place on myself:
The next time I tell someone about whatever thing it is I'm currently loving, I will be more aware of opportunities to share Jesus with that same enthusiasm and lack of fear of what the other person may think. (Remember- it's as simple as going out of your way to help someone, showing grace when it ISN'T easy, saying Scripture to them, praying for/over them, etc.
Are you in? Talk to God about this opportunity for boldness, and allow yourself to hear HIS answer/plans-- especially when they don't match yours.
You are the ONE He left the 99 for. That's a shepherd worth sharing, don't you think?