FAIL!

"I know God has the perfect ____ for you!" I call this statement the "Universal Christian Answer," we can call it "UCA" for short. UCA can be applied as a band aide in any situation. UCA can  be used as a conversation filler when you have nothing else to say. It can also be used to encourage a person going through a crisis. However, UCA is usually the prelude of bad news, which typically is something like: "I'm sorry, but we just prayed and decided that ____  (is/are) not the right fit for you."

My first encounter of UCA was when I was 18. I had just gotten a job at a Christian based art supply store. About 2 weeks later I was laid off, even though the official reason was because they couldn't afford to keep me, I believe that the true reason was because of my tardiness… not going to lie… even though I loved the Job, I was not very good at being on time… this is something I had to learn the hard way. I remember heading to work to open shop to find my employer at the front locked gate with his wife waiting to greet me. They handed me an envelope with my first and only paycheck (added an extra week and a half salary… which I can't complain about) and said "I'm sorry, but we prayed and decided that we are not the right fit for you. I'm sure God has the perfect Job for you, it's just not us." I put on my brave face, shook their hands, and thanked them for their time. I was heart broken. Later, I called my discipler at the time, just to hear "I'm sorry to hear that, Rosie! I know God has the perfect job for you!"  (...seriously, people?)

Ever since then, every time someone uses UCA, I automatically see a bold, neon red sign flashing over the person that says "FAIL". Since, then I have heard UCA for every circumstance I have gone through. All you have to do is fill in the blank with "School", "Job", "home", "Man" or "Woman", ect.  What's your blank spot in the UCA??

To say the least… I'm tired of UCA. For once, I would like someone to be genuine and real. UCA is over used. It has become a lazy way to say we care without actually caring. UCA is part of a culture that Jesus people should have no part in.  How about saying and doing something  like praying over the person while they are there. Or saying something truly meaningful. How about a hug and simply saying, "I'll keep you in my prayers." It doesn't take much to be real and show that you care. I understand that you want to encourage people after you've rejected them, but after hearing UCA so many times… it has lost it's meaningfulness. I'm not saying, don't use it at all because, we all know that it is a true statement; God is faithful, he is Jahova Jira, he will provide. All I'm saying is, use it sparingly. It is possible to declare that God will provide without using UCA. UCA is not meant to be a standardized statement. It is meant to encourage.