Barbara Gurien was working as an ultrasound technologist when she went on a date with a Jewish man who believed in Y'shua as the Messiah. Barbara was shocked. She had never met a Jewish person who believed that way. Growing up in Brooklyn everyone she knew was Jewish, including the public school teachers and the mailman. Although she never dated him again, what he said bothered her deeply. She knew that, if what he said was true about the Messiah, it would greatly impact her life. What would her grandfather, the rabbi, think if he was still alive?
One day at work an associate gave her a Bible as a gift. She began to read the accounts of Moses and her ancestors wandering in the wilderness and the times that they did not manifest perfect faith and follow God's teachings. Barbara began to ask God if she was doing the same. Was she not living up to all that He wanted for her? Was she resisting His love?
About this time she received an invitation in the mail to come to some Bible meetings being held at a place called Miami Temple where they taught Y'shua was the Messiah. She had never been to a place like this in her life. She was not sure if she would be allowed in. She slipped into the back and tried to hide. Someone sat next to her. Initially she tried not to look at him, but it turned out it was someone she knew from work. He quickly introduced her to two Jewish friends of his who also attended that congregation. She never promised to attend another meeting, but each night she felt drawn to attend. She was overwhelmed with the loving God she was learning about and the amazing prophecies that God had fulfilled. She cried for joy when she decided to accept Y'shua as her Messiah – but what about her parents? What would they say? Was she betraying her people? Would she ever be able to meet and marry a nice Jewish boy?
She put off telling her parents for as long as she could, but when she could hold it in no longer she told them what she now believed and how much happier she was for accepting Y'shua's love. They, however, were not happy at all. Her father threatened never to speak to her again nor attend her wedding if she ever got married. Barbara was heartbroken and cried for days, but her love for Y'shua comforted her through this difficult period.
Over the course of many months her family noticed how much more at peace Barbara was since she accepted Y'shua. She was much more secure and content. She had more joy and love in her heart than she ever had before. Finally, after many months, her father agreed to speak with her again.
And ten years later, when Elohim brought a nice Jewish man who believed in Y'shua into Barbara's life, her father, Irving, walked her down the aisle and danced the hora at her wedding.
Originally from: Jewish Discoveries by Jeff Zaremsky, pages 71-72, which contains a total of 22 fascinating chapters of biblical history and lessons plus 25 rich Jewish tradition sections, and 27 powerful testimonies, with over 40 beautifully rendered professional works of art all on over 300 jam packed pages. You can own this treasure by visiting Jewish Discoveries.
