There are very few things which made my dad angry, but someone flipping him the middle finger got his blood boiling. I vividly remember two separate times in high school when an ignorant driver flipped him off. Usually those who “shot the bird” were young whippersnappers who thought they owned the road and were too cool for their own selves. Little did they know that sticking up your middle finger at my dad awoke giants in him that you prayed would stay asleep. After the exposing of the infamous middle finger, my dad would begin closely following the finger-happy driver which sent great fear into the acne-faced high schooler behind the wheel. I was always relieved that the drivers would eventually lose my dad through mad driving skills or we would finally talk some sense into him.

Recently, we had to sit down with our own kids and explain to them why sticking up your middle finger is rude and unacceptable. Apparently one of Ty’s friends at school had discussed flipping the bird, but Tyler had no clue what he was talking about so he came home and asked us. I appreciated his willingness to talk to us about his questions. Usually a discussion of this nature will cause our younger daughter to come up with a creative question of her own. Yesterday (several weeks had passed since our last middle finger conversation) Lexi asked, “Is sticking up your middle toe the same thing as sticking up your middle finger?” She was not trying to be funny…she just had a legitimate question.

At this point in their lives, my kids still ask Leah and I about things of which they are unsure. I am truly grateful that they trust us enough to bring their uncertainties in life. I believe we all need people like this. In my opinion, the church (and its leaders) should be a welcoming place where people are permitted to bring their questions and uncertainties without fear of judgment or rebuke. When these questions are asked, it gives the church (and its leaders) the opportunity to expose people to the magnificent character of God and His perfect word.