“I have big news for you,” Abigail told her friend, Haweni.
Abigail, an Orthodox Christian, wanted to make an announcement in-person. She had undergone a major transformation. She journeyed from Orthodoxy to the Pentecostal tradition, all because her evangelical friend, Haweni, had made such an amazing impression on her.
Haweni worked full-time as a consultant. She was a thought leader in urban planning. She was conscientious. Her indomitable spirit led her down a path of faith and works. She was very much alive in Christ. She was a gift-giver. She last saw Abby months ago when she dropped off a present, a vivid painting of an icon. So, when it was time for these two friends to meet again, it was a welcome reunion. They met for brunch over coffee.
“You’ll never believe this,” Abigail started the conversation. “I gave my life to Christ at a Benny Hinn conference and caught the Holy Spirit.”
“What? But you’re Orthodox,” Haweni objected.
“But you inspired me. You’re so upbeat and generous. I’d love to be more like that,” Abby said as she sipped her latte.
“But I have news for you. I visited a monastery and a monk gave me a cross. I’m becoming Orthodox because of you. You’re so patient and kind,” Hawi said between bites of her scone.
“I guess it’s holy envy,” Abby diagnosed the situation.
The waitress came to their table and asked, “What would you like?”
The two friends placed their order in unison, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
They copied each other incessantly. It was a beautiful dilemma. They each had a heart of gold. They thought the grass was greener on the other side, but a few months later their attitudes changed. They had a conversation over the phone.
“Hawi, I don’t know what I’m doing at church. Do I raise my hands or applaud during the service?” Abby asked confused.
“Let the spirit lead you,” Hawi responded open-endedly. “By the way, I attended an Orthodox service. I didn’t understand a word of the chanting. Liturgy starts so early in the morning and doesn’t end until mid-day. I can’t keep up.”
“Don’t worry; most people don’t understand the language of the service. Not everyone is familiar with Ge’ez, the parent language of Amharic. It’s like Latin,” Abby confided in her friend to comfort her.
“I guess this was a mixup. Maybe I should stay evangelical and you should remain Orthodox. Otherwise, it’s like putting the wrong gas in your tank,” Hawi said.
“I guess you’re right. Makes sense,” Abby found peace within and shared that peace with her friend. The pressure to become a different version of herself subsided and the power to be authentic consoled her. A friend is not a mirror image, no matter how flattering the reflection. A friend is a source of wisdom and guidance, but can never take the place of God, the Creator, Who did not make a mistake when He designed us. He fashioned us with purpose. Our lives have purpose. Envy takes us away from our unique, individual purpose, no matter how innocent our intentions. Better to register the truth. You are you! Be the true YOU!
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