Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/489073
"Señorita! Señorita!" they called to me from behind the roped- off sun bathing area. Every three minutes, the vendors on the beach would clamor for my attention, craving the possibility of a sale. About 10 minutes into my vacation in Mexico, the vendors' eager attitudes were already becoming annoying as they worked to make a day's wages. I grew even more frustrated with their behavior when they offered me bracelets and luchador masks as I emerged from a swim in the ocean. What did they expect from me? In my swimsuit, I had no way to purchase something even if I wanted to. I felt violated. Then I realized something that filled me with grace and understanding for those exasperating vendors: this was their life. Selling trinkets on the beach wasn't their passion; they were probably doing it to feed their families. They had to cause frustration and indignation to make ends meet. Beyond that, their culture dictated the way that they disseminated their information. If they didn't pester me into buying something, their competition would. I began to wonder how it would look if we were that passionate and insistent with our own goals, jobs, lives, and faith. I'm not saying we should turn into beach vendors and pester everyone we meet, but I think there is room for some beach vendor passion in my life. With proper timing and a conscious commitment to communicate our passions, I believe we can freely share our beliefs without fear. You probably have a service, specialty, or opinion that needs to be communicated. If you're hiding it, what's the point of having it in the first place? In the same way that I know where to go for a Broncos-themed luchador mask, people won't know that you have something they need unless you share your knowledge with zeal. Our culture can often be so aloof that we are hesitant to share an opinion or an idea. We are afraid to offend. This is precisely why now is the time to share the sweetness of Scripture with those who need to hear it. On my short trip to Mexico, I learned that it might be time to make room for some vendor culture in my life and attitude. There is power in being enthusiastic about our beliefs. Amy Shenk STUDENT Amy is a student at Denver Seminary, seeking a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling. She is passionate about reading, writing, coffee, and the mountains. She writes at least once a week for her blog at amy-shenk. squarespace.com. ENGAGE 21 Beach Vendors Announcing our faith with zeal. CULTURE porpeller/iStock