The Black Jelly Bean

As I was sitting at the hospital today, waiting for the boss to get his shoes shined (on my recommendation.)  We met a man name "Dr. Shoe"  As I sat there and watched the man, I was somehow reminded of the black jelly bean.  Let's be honest, no one likes the black jelly bean, they are different, lack color and taste horrible. The black jelly bean is the outcast of the family.  No one wants to associate with it.  In fact, many people will go through bags just to pick them out to throw them away. 

I'm not for sure, why Dr. Shoe reminded me of this.  Perhaps, because he was a little different, extremely hard to understand and may have once in his lifetime been the outcast.

But the man had a passion for shoes, he had a passion for his job, and he had a passion for people.  

I'm thankful that God creates those who are different, I am thankful that God uses a man who shines shoes to remind me that there are those in my life who are the black jelly bean that I need to love on, extend a hand of encouragement to and to pray for.

If we were honest, we've all been the black jelly bean one time or another in our life.  During those times, we look for love, acceptance, and a good hug.  

Who is the black jelly bean in your life?  Don't know of someone?

Perhaps we never notice them because we look over them. 

Perhaps we never notice because we aren't looking.  

I think there is something when Jesus says love your neighbor as yourself.  It's easy to love those who we have a lot in common with, fit into your crowd, and aren't an embarrassment to be around.

Perhaps, to many times, we are Christ followers have said this to the black jelly beans.

It isn't easy to love the black jelly bean, but Christ does just as much as You and I, and he calls us to do the same!