The Name Jude Means Praised

Standing outside the library today, I did become a little concerned when Jude had yet to show after our arrival time! He is never late, but instead typically early! Casually waiting, my eyes lit up the second I saw him a few feet away from me. Unfortunately, meeting up with Jude today, I could get the vibe that he was a little off. Yes, he still had the heart-warming smile and contagious laugh, but there was a definite lack of energy! As we began catching up, I realized that exhaustion and stress were to blame. He was running off of a few hours of sleep and still had assignments to wrestle with tonight and tomorrow night. He seemed so concerned with the task of writing a compare and contrast essay tomorrow evening. It always takes him a while to learn information, develop a strategy and thoughts, and then translate them over to English. The tasks that are considered “easy” in one's native language becomes more than difficult when asked to be completed in a foreign language. He also needed to read two chapters of a simple chapter book tonight; this task demands rigorous attention and contemplation, something he was definitely lacking the energy for. I advised him on how important sleep was, especially by the recently experienced quote, “It is hard to be Godly when you’re tired.”

From this we ventured into venting about how our busy lives accidentally prevent us from seeking The Lord. Our tasks seem more important than having God time or reading the bible. Although this was the case, I was very pleased to find out how The Lord was still working in his life this week. Jude has made fond relationships with two IEP students who practice the Muslim faith.  He asked the male student if he could experience a service with him, solely to learn what it is like. They began a deep conversation about their beliefs, and Jude could tell his story and the Lord’s work on his life. The other student stated his conclusion that his practice is solely because of the desires of his parents; it is a part of his culture and upbringing. The student said he just wanted to know the truth, and Jude confronted me feeling his knowledge is of the truth. I was able to relate to the Muslim student, as it is easy for me to be bogged down by other religions. I sometimes wonder if my passion for Christ is because of the ease of being a Christian in the United States, in comparison to other parts of the world. This week he also spread his insight of Christianity on a female student. She felt very passionately against her home culture because of their actions of degrading women in society. Jude was able to make a path to his religion through this showing her other ways of living!

I am so fortunate to have Jude in my life as a friend and mentor. Although we are close in age, his experiences shine so much light on me, as I hope some of mine do to him. I can only hope to live by faith just as he does, especially in his life struggles. Today I was also reminded that his mother left last Wednesday to go back to Haiti. Her visa would soon expire, and she did not want to live here illegally. I asked him how this was affecting him and his family, obviously being another reason for his sluggish behavior. Jude responded with answers, like “it is what it is”. His perseverance through the most difficult life events absolutely amazes me. He shares with me that it is the knowledge of the Lord that helps him through.

It is definitely our passion and love for the Lord that causes our relationship to grow exponentially and build so strong. I know that the knowledge of his character and his presence in my life will help me through any hard times that I may have in the future. I am beyond blessed to be randomly paired with such a remarkable man and am looking forward to our friendship for the rest of my life.