107. One Final Postcard

I’ve received a handful of postcards from my father with Bible verses on them. Some were psalms that were cheery and hopeful. Others made me think. I have the stack of them bound by a rubber band.

The latest one shows a sculpture of a lion in front of the Art Institute of Chicago. I’ve seen the lions before while visiting the museum with a class.

On the back is a simple note.

Chris—I know you told me on the phone that graduation wasn’t important. I still wish I’d been there. Your gift is waiting back home.

I can’t wait to see you both.

Remember Luke 12:8–9. I take this as encouragement to speak up for what I believe. To be a light.

Love you.
Dad

I find my Bible and look up the verses.

I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels.

I read it, then read it again.

Somehow I don’t take it as encouragement.

Somehow it feels more like a warning or a threat.

I guess I think this way because I know myself. Because I don’t know exactly what I’d do if forced to reveal what I believe.

Especially if it would hurt the people I love the most in this world.