Jesus people

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) 

In early August, I participated in a virtual department meeting that changed my mindset in an irrevocable manner – not for what was shared but for an image that was seared into my head during this extraordinary session.   

As a remote employee, I enjoy scrolling through live connections with my fellow team members to see who participates in the Zoom calls and what types of backgrounds they may use. Most people blur their environments, some show their home offices, and still others – like me – use favorite landscape photos as their backdrops. You can tell a lot about a person from what type of background they utilize in such an environment.   

In this particular instance, what started as usual soon altered to become one of the bravest acts of faith I’ve ever seen in the workplace.   

While waiting for the last few stragglers to join our meeting, one of my team members pointedly stated that he had forgotten to add his new background. His screen blipped for a minute while he uploaded the image – and then the world tilted on its access.   

An illustration of a cross stood boldly illuminated behind my team member’s headphoned profile. I was stunned. Without saying a word, this unspoken profession of faith in Jesus Christ spoke volumes in a company where liberal policy abounds and alternate lifestyles are celebrated at every opportunity. I could hardly believe what I was seeing. I took a photo with my phone to remember forever and celebrate this public declaration of faith.   

While the meeting proceeded without missing a beat, the moment that image took shape will forever change how I feel in the workplace.  

I’ve been indoctrinated for many years now – steadily watching the propaganda machine tell me that I should laud ideals in opposition to my faith. While I will never do so, like many other Christians, I have learned to watch what I say and do in the workplace to avoid offending and being sent to HR. I’ve been subjected to training asking me how I would react to men using the women’s bathroom. I’ve been asked to choose the correct multiple-choice answer on how I would treat a male co-worker who has decided to dress in women’s clothing. And I’ve been asked to celebrate images of team members marching in Pride events with their rainbow-clad children. All of this has led to increasing discomfort.  

All of this has led to increasing discomfort. And yet, I know I can never speak out against these offenses and still retain my job. Not in today’s world. Not in a “woke” organization. 

In one moment, all that fell away. Seeing that cross gave me hope that taking a stand for one’s faith might be allowed. With an HR member on the call, I wondered how long this cross-backed image would remain. It stayed up throughout the meeting. A month later, this same team member not only retained his chosen clipart but also used it while speaking and sharing a presentation with our group. I could no longer remain silent.   

At the session’s end, I sent a message to my team member to advise him of how much his background choice meant to me.   

“Please allow me to thank you, personally, for having the great fortitude to use a cross as your virtual backdrop,” I began. “My faith governs everything I do and I’m not ashamed to say so. But using the cross in such a highly visible place really stirred my soul. I want you to know that your imagery has made a difference – not just to me but to who knows how many others. Thank you for your faith. I’m incredibly proud of you.”  

My teammate’s response verified his beliefs. “I’m honored and blessed to meet a fellow believer,” he began. “We need Christ in these desperate times that our world is facing. He is the answer, and it gives me great comfort that nothing takes him by surprise.”   

Not content to put the cross by his head to broadcast to all his co-workers, my Christian brother also provided written testimony in response to me. My follow-up did the same in return.   

“Amen,” I replied. “I couldn’t agree more. We need our Savior more than ever right now. I would be nothing without Him.”   

As a result of this experience, I’ve recommitted to standing for my faith – not just here in this blog and to those I speak to outside my work environment. I now purposely show my dining room wall art while on camera in meetings. My framed message attests to 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18: “Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” That is my new unspoken yet intrepid stance.  

If someone is offended, that’s on them. I won’t be afraid to give a voice to my faith in the workplace any longer. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  

As I affirmed to my team member in our chat, I now proclaim to all of us. “Remember. God put you here for a reason. I’m excited to see what He has in store for you next!”   

We are Jesus people. Stand up. Let it be known!