Perhaps you’ve heard the “Jesus with skin on” story. In summary, it’s about a child who is afraid to sleep alone on a dark, stormy night. She calls out to her mom who tells her that Jesus is right beside her. The child replies, “But mom, right now I need Jesus with skin on!”
Quite honestly, I think we all need “Jesus with skin on.”
I consider myself to be a moderately strong Christian. I have the Word of God hidden in my heart. At any given moment, I could probably quote you half a dozen scriptures about God’s love, goodness, and mercy.
In the wake of Emily’s passing from this life to the next, the peace of God has been my keeper. He is my very present help in time of trouble. My heart has rested in Him. My comfort lies in knowing I will see her again.
And yet, what has been especially precious to me are the many texts, messages, comments, emails, cards, smiles, hugs, and gifts given by those around me. Some are close friends, some are acquaintances.
All are Jesus with skin on.
Today I went for an annual checkup, and when I told my doctor about Emily I started crying. Instantly, he softened, said how sorry he was, and then spent a great deal of time talking to me. He told me about his daughter who’s about Emily’s age and also suffers from seizures. He talked a little about the grieving process. He offered to put me in touch with a couple of strong Spirit-filled Christian ladies he knows who have also lost children. And he did something I found surprising, having never really seen this side of him: he waved his hand in front of me almost like the Pope does in pronouncing a blessing, and told me everything would be alright and God would help me through it.
He was Jesus with skin on.
As Christians, we should never underestimate the power of a simple word or deed. Any gesture that lets someone know you care or are thinking about them is especially meaningful in hard times or even on a hard day.
It’s Jesus with skin on.
John 1:14 speaks about Jesus, saying, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” (Message Bible) But when the flesh-and-blood Jesus ascended into Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell every believer, so that together, all believers are the body of Jesus on Earth.
We are Jesus with skin on.
Suzanne Leitz 
Love this!
Thanks, Michele!
Suzanne
Thank you for sharing. This is an important reminder to me that the little things, the small comments and concerns do matter and can sometimes even help. Much love, Laurie
Yes, Laurie!
Some years back we were in a wreck in Alabama. We were on our way home from attending Cara’s college graduation. My son-in-law, Gary, was driving. Passengers were Paul, Alaina, her two children, and I. We were on a good, straight road. An SUV ran a light or a stop sign and hit us on the driver’s side as we drove through an intersection. We all had only minor injuries, which is a good thing because it was a while before the police came and even longer before an ambulance came to take Gary, whose foot was injured, to the hospital several miles away. A witness, stopped and checked on us and the people in the SUV. We later found out he was a minister and a pastor. He stayed with us, went with us to the hospital, went back to our totaled vehicle to get all our belongings, and came to the hospital the next morning to take us as far as Meridian, Mississippi to meet Kenny Carter since there was no rental vehicle available that could hold all of us and after several phone calls we could not figure out any other way to get home. He would not accept any money to buy himself lunch or supper. He finally had to tell us he fasts on Saturdays. He was Jesus with skin on for us that day.
Great story, Theresa!