Devotion: Doubts
Take a moment to read this weekend’s scripture: John 20:24-29
This past week was Mother’s Day and Pastor Greg masterfully connected Doubting Thomas to mothers. I immediately had my own doubts of writing this devotion. Brainstorming began. I started thinking about my mom, which led me to my childhood, which led me to Sesame Street.
As a toddler, Sesame Street was appointment television for me. That and Mr. Rogers–but that’s for another time. Sesame Street is where I learned my first phrases of Spanish, how to count, get my letters straight and met the beloved Muppet characters.
As an adult, I’d like to think the Sesame Street creators were intentional in designing a neighborhood where kids could see themselves in one or more of the Muppets. I wondered which one I identified with the most.
I landed on Grover.
I remember Grover as lovable and enthusiastic, but also a bit unsure of himself. He makes a lot of mistakes. And when he does, he drops one of his catchphrases, “Ohhh, I am so embarrassed!”
But he also has an alter ego, Super Grover, that makes him adventurous and confident. According to this site, my memory serves me well. It’s that mix of doubt and confidence that makes Grover relatable to me. Even now, I own a pair of Grover socks that I wear on days where I need a little more confidence.
As Pastor Greg explained, the story of Doubting Thomas may need a rebrand. Jesus didn’t show up to point a finger at Thomas. He showed up with his unwavering grace to help give him confidence in his faith despite his doubts.
Sometimes we show up to life feeling like Grover, uncertain and full of doubt. But our belief gives us Super Grover capabilities to power through those doubts. We’re not required to have it all together. Our faith invites us to keep showing up, cape or no cape. Or Grover socks.
Dear God,
Thank you for meeting me in my doubts with grace and not judgment. Remind me that your love doesn’t require perfect faith, only a willingness to show up. Give me the courage to wear your cape and keep stepping forward in faith.
Amen.
Written by Randy Hawthorne
Having a rivaled human network, Randy makes it his personal mission to connect those humans to their next big thing. Randy has decades of experience in the nonprofit industry, having served as a professional and volunteer in a variety of organizations.
He enjoys mentoring students and entrepreneurs, occasionally makes his way to a theater stage, geeks out on local history and goes on dining adventures.