It was chapel worship and we were talking about the creation stories in Genesis.  I was telling my ladies that a Bible scholar once told me that a proper translation of a familiar scripture is “The beginning of faith is awe” - not fear. To him, it is the awesome unconditional love of God that is foundational for the faith.

The scholar said the Bible clearly tells us we have been created good, in God’s image. He thought that the words in contemporary language might be written, “God looked at the two new humans and said, “Wow – you’re awesome!”

Into the silence that followed these ‘profound words of wisdom’ came the beginning of giggles. One lady started speaking through her laughter, “I know that story! I’ve always thought God said ‘Wow-man!’ and that ever since, we have been known as ‘woman’.” The whole chapel was filled with gales of laughter, thumbs up and vigorous nods of approval.

God works in mysterious ways and perhaps most effectively when laughter highlights the truth of God’s amazing love.

Sometimes my ladies tell me stories I find hard to believe.  Here is one of the weirdest.  This was the gal who told me she had been part of the slave trade, worked her way up in the business until she was her own boss. However, sometimes keeping folks from stealing your drugs and finding safe places to sleep were problems that needed creative solutions.  She found a new ‘friend’ - a guy - and off they went together.  They found a level place that appeared to be safe, settled in and fell asleep (passed out?).  She awakened just in time to see him disappear over the edge of their ‘bed’ – which turned out to be a railroad trestle.  She watched as he landed on the road below.