This post is my entry in the Open Letter Challenge writing contest organized by Josh Irby. The following letter is my response to An Open Letter to You from the Rest of the World.

Dear Rest of the World,

Greetings!

I was so touched by your recent letter to me.  I didn’t even think that you knew I existed, to tell you the truth.  Your thoughtful and well-crafted communication to me is something that I will always cherish and revisit often, especially when I hear the whisperings of nay-sayers.

Yours by contrast, is a voice of reason, and in it is the cry of humanity.  So to you I will respond with the same sincerity of heart and with a personally newfound enthusiasm.

Since you have pleaded with me (quite politely, I may add)  to write a better story with my life, I’ve been honestly assessing my MO.  In doing so, I have come to some conclusions… and even more expectations.  I’d like to share them with you here:

First, I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that what I fear most is criticism.  This, I’m sure, stems from my own critical spirit, of which I am not at all proud.  You see, I’m trying very hard to die to perfectionism, but it is a very slow and painful death.  I’m a persnickety one, and don’t give myself enough room for error.  I really do care about you and want to serve you with excellence, so please forgive me when I don’t live up to your expectations.  Remember, I’m still learning to forgive myself when I don’t live up to my own.

Now before you go on framing the poor picture I paint of myself and hanging it up to throw darts at, allow me to shine a light on the good qualities of my character.  To begin, please know that my intent is indeed to live a life marked by love of God and of humanity.  That said, you must also understand that my victory is not dependent on things that are seen.  I care much more about relationships than possessions.  It’s more important to me that I see you become holy, rather than wealthy.

Let me affirm you, World.  You have value.  You have significance.  There is this one other thing I’ve noticed, though.  Brace yourself.  This may hurt.

You are broken.  Now that’s not just me being critical, that’s a very real observation, and a very big problem.  I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, for you’ve alluded to this in your correspondence with me.

My promise to you is to do my best to emulate Jesus, the One who can bring us all together.  I long for nothing more than to make His words known and to spread His gospel among you.  You need me, World.  I need you.  Most of all, we need Him.

So be sure of this: because of love, I will diligently make the most of every encounter and conversation.  I will move my eyes beyond my own concerns and intentionally engage with you, because you are worth it.  I expect this way of life to be emotionally filling, and often times, emotionally draining.  I will persist.  Even in uncomfortable situations, in true heroic fashion, I will force my body to cooperate.

Dearest World, don’t fear the future.  Doors are beginning to open.  Help is on its way.

With Joyful Anticipation,

Chris