Dear Susanna 

Dear Susanna,
I keep hearing a lot about The Chosen, the mini-series on TV about Jesus. To be quite honest, I watched the first show, and I just didn't get into it. So many people are raving about it now. What do you think?
Ima Notsure

Dear Notsure,
I hear you. I watched the first show and I thought the lighting made the characters difficult to see, and I couldn't always understand the dialogue, so I didn't watch it for the next year. Then, just like you, I kept hearing people go on and on about it, so I decided to give it another try, and I am so glad that I did. This time I turned on the closed caption so I could read exactly what they said. I watched the first one again, and then the second, and I was hooked. I finished the first two seasons, and am anxiously awaiting the third. The Chosen is the story of Jesus' life on earth, and I enjoyed seeing him interact with the disciples and the people of the time. The characters are believable. James, John, Andrew, & Peter are common ordinary fishermen. Matthew is pretty quirky, but he sure grows on you. You see Mary as the mother of the adult Jesus. It is pretty cool. The two greatest benefits I see to this series is that it draws people back to their Bible to see what is 100% accurate and it is a wonderful way to hear the gospel for those who have never paid attention before. The Chosen is a crowd funded series that you can actually watch for free when you download the app or you can catch them on YouTube also. I encourage you to give it another try.
Love & Prayers,
Susanna

Dear Susanna,
So do you take confessions? I really blew it the other day. I was leaving Riverside Cafe when a young man approached me, and asked for 75 cents. I quickly replied, "I don't have any change. Sorry." I am afraid that is my typical response to people begging for money.

Well, the Holy Spirit immediately went to work on me. I have felt such guilt and remorse from being so thoughtless. I had just eaten a delicious breakfast, and when someone asked me for a few coins, I can't believe I said no. I am so ashamed. I thought of Pastor Kate's story about the annoying people who left their church bulletin with a note to join them for worship, yet left no tip and had been rude and obnoxious to her. Was this the kind of Christian I had turned into? Am I too preset on that it is wrong to beg, that I forget there may be more to a situation. It must be difficult to ask a stranger or a friend for assistance. I do have a plan for the next time, but I still feel like such a failure.
Greedy Gertie

Dear Greedy,
Don't be so hard on yourself. It sounds like you learned a valuable lesson from your experience. We can't help everyone who asks, but before jumping to "No" ask the Holy Spirit for some guidance. An offer of a cup of coffee or a meal for someone might be a good way to go when you are not sure about what to do.
Love & Prayers,
Susanna

"Dear Susanna" is a feature of the YUMC monthly newsletter. Susanna Wesley never preached a sermon, published a book, or founded a church, yet Susanna Wesley is known as the Mother of Methodism. The example of faith and religious reverence she set for her children John and Charles inspired them to become powerful spiritual leaders, and to launch the Methodist movement.