Nels Ross - Performer, Speaker, Oddball
The word fool can refer to someone who is senseless or unwise. It can also refer to a jester (court fool), an ardent enthusiast (dancing fool), or according to American Heritage Dictionary: "one who subverts convention or orthodoxy or varies from social conformity in order to reveal spiritual or moral truth" (holy fool). Perhaps all of these definitions are illustrated by this story.
It might be considered unorthodox or even unwise to share this story here. The title alone may cause some people to mock NeIs. For that matter, having a "ministry" page may cause others to discriminate against him. Also, this is a very personal account of a spiritual journey. Yet here it is in his own words...
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My mother was a mime and fire eater, among other things. My father was a minister. So it's not surprising that I was introduced to juggling and other variety arts at a performing arts ministry conference when I was just eight years old.
For the next decade I clowned around often, especially with my good friend, Andrew Barden, at summer camp where we enjoyed showing off our skills and silly stunts. Then I went to the University at Buffalo where I intended to get serious and do something productive with my life.
At UB I met Elizabeth. We grew closer and began spending more time together. Then our world was turned upside down in our sophomore year when she became pregnant.
At UB I met Elizabeth. We grew closer and began spending more time together. Then our world was turned upside down in our sophomore year when she became pregnant.
We believed that every person – born or unborn – was precious to God, yet we were anxious and confused about many things. It was good that we found godly counsel through two wonderful people from Son Rays Ministries.
We also had the support of friends from a campus ministry. One friend suggested that Elizabeth and I spend time apart to seek God. So I did what any noble young man would do in this situation...
I ran away with the circus.
Oddly enough, that choice did end up bringing us closer to God and each other.
. . .
During that time we wrote letters to each other and spent a lot of time praying. Other people were praying too. I won't go into the private details here, but many miracles happened. Hearts changed. Relationships restored. Faith renewed.
God used that time to remind us of Christ's love and this promise in Proverbs: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
My focus shifted upward and outward that summer. Where is my trust? What am I living for? Who am I living for? Although this shift did not necessarily mean that Elizabeth and I would get back together, I'm glad to tell you that we did.
The following months brought many changes. Elizabeth and I continued to learn about faith and trust. Our daughter was born. We were married. And though we made mistakes and had struggles, we knew our future was in good hands. As the apostle Paul wrote: "In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Over the next few years I focused most of my energy on family and academics. However, after completing degrees in mathematics and education, I never did get a legitimate job. Instead I decided to pursue performing and presenting as a profession.
It's funny to think that the "silly things" I learned as a youth and with the circus are now supporting my family and bringing joy to many people.
By the way, Elizabeth and I now have five precious children, and our love continues to grow. But the point of this story is not that turning to God instantly solved all our problems.
We still don't have all the answers. We still make mistakes and have struggles. The point is that we have hope, for we know the God of the Bible. The God who gives grace to the humble. The God who loves the world so much that he gave his only Son. If you want more evidence that God is good, here's some news from the Bible to consider:
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"God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us... For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus... Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
I believe Jesus willingly died to pay the price for sin so that we might be reconciled to God. His atoning death demonstrates God's awesome love – the love that brought this fool home. You could certainly call me a "fool for Christ." I enjoy using my talents to bless people and to share the joy that never fades. Eternal joy. Eternal life.
Joyfully His,
P.S. I feel it's important to add that keeping our baby and getting married was not the only option. I see God's love in Jesus who gave his life that we might have hope and a future. I also see God's love in a single mom who cares for her child... in a mother willing to give up her baby for adoption... in those who adopt or care for foster kids... All of these can give children hope and a future, not just in heaven but here and now.