Throwing Ropes, Not Rocks
I came across a humorous story the other day in Paul Powell's book, "Shepherding the Sheep in Small Churches," of an actual encounter between the great British preacher Charles Spurgeon and equally great American evangelist D. L Moody.

"D.L. Moody went to London to meet Spurgeon, whom he had admired from a distance and considered to be his professional mentor. However, when Spurgeon answered the door with a cigar in his mouth, Moody fell down the stairs in shock. "How could you, a man of God, smoke that?" protested the great American evangelist.
Spurgeon took the stogie out of his mouth and walked down the steps to where Moody was still standing in bewilderment. Putting his finger on Moody's rather rotund stomach, he smiled and said, "The same way you, a man of God, could be that fat!"

After sharing this story Powell goes on to remind the reader that "we all have faults and weaknesses...they may be different from our brother, but they are no less real." (pgs. 114-115)

I couldn't help but laugh as I read the story even as I was reminded to "lighten up" sometimes. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did.

Hopefully we can honestly say, "I love you brother/sister!"