From today’s reading...
Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.’” John 1:45
Hélio Gracie begot Royler.
Royler grew Gracie Humaita and begot a legion of black belts and brought Ricardo into the fold.
Ricardo nurtured Ray, and five years ago, Ray nagged me for six months, promising me, “I have found the sport talked about on ESPN, in the papers, and in secret underground lairs.”
And that is how I became addicted to the sport—lifestyle—that is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Now I’m at an 8-day training camp 3,152 miles from home because the sport/lifestyle has become that deeply ingrained in my being.
In the opening of John, Jesus goes on a recruiting binge after being baptized by John.
Andrew recruited his brother, Simon, whom Jesus immediately renamed Cephas, the significance of which I discussed several times before, but suffice it to say, being renamed in the Bible is a big deal. Being renamed “Rock” by the Cornerstone is a really really big deal.
Jesus then went on to directly call Philip, who immediately answered the call and recruited Nathaniel, who seems to have come from the same doubting lineage as Thomas, because he doubted the message Philip brought him.
Still, I don’t think he took six months to see what’s up like I did with Ray, but I digress.
The point is, people are unchanged for thousands of years.
We tell our friends and family when we find good berries, scary tigers, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and God.
So keep your eyes, your ears, your heart, and your mind opening to the call, the invitation to the family, which is the only way to...
Stay the course.
Keep the faith.
Endure.
Now go sell something.
