To follow Jesus; you will loose things that are dear (for NIKO)

Saying goodbye is never easy. Especially when it is to someone you thought was not only a friend, but also a part of your family. As Christians or Believers, we often look at each other as family. Some of us are the goofy cousin; others the well educated, over informed annoying brother, and yet others are the over protective parenting types. But we are family none the less. So when we say goodbye to those we love, and care for, it leaves a hole in our hearts.

Recently, just under a month ago, I lost my dearest friend. We have known each other since 1998/1999. He's Finnish, who wants to be Israeli. I am American with Irish ancestry and a family history that goes back to the tribe of Judah. We had previously parted ways due to an argument about religion.  We had been parted for about 3-4 years. I had grown over those years; my grandfather passed on, my dog had died and I had some life struggles.

When we decided to talk, it was like nothing had changed between us. It was easy to speak to this friend again. So this time when we parted ways, it was much more difficult. I knew that he had been rejected by his former Rabbi and I had been accepted by my local Jewish congregation as a "true friend of the Jews." Yet, our friendship wasn't meant to last.

It wasn't until today, that I realized fully why our friendship ended. You see for years I had been a fan of Jesus, but I hadn't really been a follower of Jesus. You see Jesus wants all of our lives; not just those things which we want to give him. Instead He wants all of it; and for Him to have all aspects of our lives we loose something. For me, it was my best friend and former brother in faith.

So to Niko:  I say that I love you, I still pray for you. However, I am not sorry that I have given my life to Jesus, and that I am called a Christian. I hope that someday, you realize that Jesus loves you and you'll fully turn your life over to Him.