Suzanne Graham

I had an unsettling experience at school a few days ago. I've been mulling it over in my mind, and have decided to share it. An employee at the school came into my room and told me that he had been diagnosed with high blood pressure. He knew that he needed to make some changes to his diet, but he didn't know where to start. He asked for my advice.

Six months ago I would have engaged him in conversation. I would have asked his blood type. He recently had surgery, so if he didn't know, he could have easily found out. I would have given a basic stereotype for each of the four blood types. I would have talked about my family and how we eat.

That afternoon I froze. Worse, I punted. I talked in generalities. I didn't know whether to talk blood type of genotype. Even if I had wanted to talk about genotype, there is no way I was going to measure a man and a fellow employee.

He has serious medical issues, and I lacked the confidence to give him advice. What if I chose the wrong diet? What if I the measurements were too close to call? What if I steered him in the wrong direction?

I don't know why he came to me. Maybe it's because I am thin and fit in a society that is neither. Maybe someone told him I knew a little about nutrition and diets. I sensed that he was disappointed at my response, but my tongue was tied in knots.

I've gone over the conversation again and again in my mind. I feel bad about it, but not bad enough to seek him out and re-engage the topic.

I think about Peter when the little servant girl asked him if he knew Jesus, and he said - Who me? Never heard of the man.

I ask - would I falter like this if someone said to me, "Suzanne you are so happy and cheerful, what's your secret?" Or would I say "It's because I have Jesus in my life. I know that my sins are forgiven and that I am loved beyond measure by the God who created me."

I perceive a significant difference. God never changes. Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. Because I know that, I can answer with assurance.

I really must get a handle on the changes in my diet! I want to again have the assurance that what I say is true and helpful.