Yesterday was Club Fest at Iowa State University! We were in the MU, clear in the back, right in the
middle of the long row of tables. About as far back as you could get and still be in the building!
We were in the same “neighborhood” for Welcome Fest. By the time some students got that far back,
their eyes had glazed over. Some had learned the art of looking further down the aisle to see what
clubs were in that direction and then, in a crucial second step, don’t make eye contact with anyone.
It’s a cross between “stranger danger” and “cold calls for extended warranties for your vehicle.”
Pastor AJ and I shared a table, which meant we had a little space to work with. AJ and their sister
had crocheted little hearts and put them in tiny plastic bags with a note about a hug. She brought 300
of them and thought that might be enough for the five-hour event! It was not.
I brought a table full of goodies and a bucket of little Jesus silicone figures. I believe in diversity, so I
have white Jesus, tan Jesus and really tan Jesus. Our students have identified with the various skin
tones and want one that looks a little like them.
There was a group of African American students strolling through when two young women
squealed—kid you not—“They got Black Jesus!” And they kept repeating it! Quite loudly at that!
I grabbed the little plastic basket sitting on the table and said, “Here’s some more!” They squealed
again!
By this time, a really big guy in their group was trailing along and had heard them say, “They got
Black Jesus!” I could hear him saying, “I need to see Black Jesus. I need to see Black Jesus.”
And when he got to me, holding that little basket, he looked at me and said, “Oh my God! You got
Black Jesus! You got Black Jesus!” I loved his laughter! Yes! Yes, I do!
I got me some Black Jesus!
He was so funny and all smiles! He wanted one of each color! He was rooting around in the little
basket, but he couldn’t find a red one. “Hold on,” I said. “I have more!”
I reached under the table for the bigger container.
He squealed and danced!
And then we found a “Black Jesus” with a red sash.
He was so happy. I was so happy.
I believe in diversity, my friend. You sure do!
I could hear him all the way down the aisle: “I got me some Black Jesus!” And he kept repeating that
phrase! It was so much fun to be able to help him find a little Jesus he could identify with. I’ve had
students choose a little Jesus because the skin tone looks like theirs, but he was stoked to discover
a whole bucket full of them!
And here I thought I had accidentally ordered a different skin tone. Turns out, I received exactly the
right thing. Thank you, God, for sending what I needed—and what this group of students needed.
Sometimes welcome looks like a crocheted heart in a little plastic bag.
And sometimes it looks like a tiny Jesus with the right skin tone.
Blessings abound!
Jena
