What’s that face? By Celena Lopes
I have had such fun with flat Jesus. I had mine with me always. He was brought out at restaurants, exhibits, and outdoor gatherings. My favorite times were when we would want the whole family in the picture and ask someone else to take the photo. People were often amused and if asked a second time for help would ask, “Do you want Jesus in this one?” There is one experience, though, that really stands out for me; I smile as I recall the moment.
Charlotte and I thought it would funny to see Jesus with a raptor. The family was enjoying Universal Studios and a raptor which seemed mechanical was roped off and being managed by a park “trainer.” In order to get the picture, I was holding flat Jesus where it could be viewed beside the raptor and Charlotte was taking pictures. It took a few attempts as Jesus was bending in the wind. Our efforts caught the attention of the attendant and she came over to see what we were including in the picture with the dinosaur. We handed flat Jesus over and explained what it was all about. I was so moved by the look on her face.
Her eyes traveled from flat Jesus and back to us a number of times. Her mouth was closed. One side was straight and the other curved up in the slightest smile. I expected the giggles and comments, positive, they’d all been, but I wasn’t seeing that. I was seeing recollection. The look on her face told me she remembered when she participated in her faith with colored cut outs of this same servant. I thought I might have seen a bit of envy for how we were invited to remember who we were even in such a busy amusement park and laughing as we did. That was the face.
When she broke her thoughts and returned flat Jesus to us, she pointed to a line nearby and told us we could get a picture close up if we wanted. I feel a bit guilty for not doing what she said because I saw her face. She knew we had gotten our pictures. I think she wanted us to share with more people. I think she wanted to share what she felt in her flat Jesus moment with the small crowd of onlookers.
I’m grateful for all the fun with flat Jesus. When I think of “that face,” though, I’m grateful that once again I got to really feel like a disciple.