Are You A Cracker Barrel Christian?

For over 25 years, our family has traveled up and down I-75.
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In the early 1990's our family took excursions to the North Georgia mountains from Florida almost yearly.  Our children wanted to see snow,  swim in streams without fear of alligators,  and see Fall in all its glory.  We were quite familiar with this frequent road trip and as years past, our favorite food stop became  Cracker Barrel. 

The trip we took last week on the same route, became one we will always remember.  It was one we had not planned, but it was one made out of necessity.  On Tuesday, September 5th, 2017, my husband and I once again headed north on I-75 to escape the threat of hurricane Irma. We thought we would avoid the mass exodus from Florida, but what usually is a six hour trip to Valdosta, now took eleven. 

Thankfully I had called ahead to reserve a hotel room, for at the check-in desk, everyone was being turned away.  As we left the hotel in the early morning light, we were saddened to see so many cars lining the roadside and the rest area was overflowing with people seeking shelter.   

It really was heartbreaking to see so many seeking shelter and the only shelter they had was their vehicle.​ It brought to my mind the condition of the human nature. 

We all seek shelter from the storms of life. Yet most head aimlessly on a path that will not fill their void; for we all have this "void" inside that needs to be filled.   Only through Christ and His cleansing of sin can we fill this void and not worry about our eternal destination. 

Sadly, so many will be turned away from a heavenly home one day. 

So many people seek comfort in social media, trying to fill their void at happy hour, in shallow friendships, or through perfecting their physical appearance.  Sadly, they do not see that none of these will really fill their void and give them eternal shelter.  

As I mentioned earlier, our favorite restaurant along I-75 has been Cracker Barrel.  Over the years, we have had more encounters with like-minded Christian there than any other place along the highway.

With the open eating atmosphere, it is easy to take notice of a family or couple bowing their head in prayer before eating. 

It never fails that when someone spots us praying or we see them praying, a conversation strikes up. Seconds before we were strangers, but before our meal is ended we are talking as if we knew one another for years.   Why?   Because like-minded Christians are bonded through the cleansing blood of Christ.  We are family. 

Our hearts are in tune to Jesus.  After all, it matters not where our road takes us, we will all be together one day for eternity.  I simply love meeting people like this.  

As we headed to St. Louis last week,  running from a massive storm, I mentioned to our Cracker Barrel waitress how the Lord was in control. By mentioning His name, she responded with a smile and her eyes lit up.  She too was a Christian...and another like-minded conversation began at Cracker Barrel. 

My dear friend, no matter what your favorite restaurant is, you can be a Cracker Barrel Christian, a Pizza Hut or Panera Bread Christian.  
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People are watching.  People are listening.   Pray in public, do not be ashamed to be His child.   Mention His name in casual conversation. 

You will be blessed by connecting with other genuine Christians along the road and leaving seeds of faith in the minds of many. 

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