Clear Winter Nights: A Journey into Truth, Doubt, and What Comes After

by Trevin K. Wax

Chris didn’t remember much about Third Baptist as a kid. But in hearing his mom and grandparents reminisce and tell stories, he was impressed by how well the people knew one another. Really knew one another. Struggles were out in the open. Sin was dealt with privately and publicly. These people loved one another, and their love was tough. There were grudges and catfights and all the kinds of things you expect wherever people live. But through all the stories, Chris could sense the genuine love these people had for one another. It was a stark contrast with Chris’s church experience in the city. In the churches Chris had belonged to, “Love one another” meant “Stay on the surface.” Avoid conflict at all cost. So church was full of nice-looking people who smiled at one another, suppressed their disagreements, and for the sake of “unity” made sure that every possible conflict was squashed before it could lead to a difficult situation.