Pro Bono

“I’m sorry to bother you but I need some legal advice.”
“You’ve come to the right place,” said the young attorney. “What can I do for you?”

“Well, the thing is, and I want to be honest about it up front, I don’t have any money.”
The lawyer looked surprised. The Man was resplendent in what must surely be pure gold as He shined brightly every time He moved.

“I see. Well, the first visit is free, so come on in.”

He directed the Man into his office. “Please take a seat.”

As the Man sat, the lawyer’s memory pricked. He just knew he had seen the Man somewhere before but couldn’t quite place Him. “Tell me your story.”

“I need someone to represent Me in court.”
“Are You being sued?”

“Sort of. Actually, I’m being told by many of My supporters that I’ve lost my rights. I’d like to have them back, please.” “
"What rights have You lost, Sir?”

“I’ve lost the right to be Me.”

At the puzzled lawyer’s expression, the Man continued.

“A long time ago, I decided what I wanted most out of life was a family. So I created one. My firstborn was Adam. He was lonely and when I introduced him to the lovely Eve they were very happy for a while. She made a mistake. I admit it angered Me at the time but I forgave them. That’s what family does, right? But they were on their own for a little while. Still, when they turned to Me, I was there. Then My family got larger. Generations upon generations of family…you know, young man, you’re part of My family tree also.” “

You’re…God, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I am.”

“I don’t understand, God. You can do anything. Why would You need an attorney?”

“Because of mankind’s free will. No one wants to be loved because he or she has to be. We all want to be accepted for who we are, even Me. But now people are complaining about how I’m sticking my nose into their business. I’m not, you know. I’m just a concerned Father but I don’t make their decisions for them. I just ask that they stop making Mine for Me and for anyone who agrees with me.”

God looked at the young lawyer with tears in His eyes.

“You see, child, I gave my beloved Son to the world so that they would know how much I love them. I’m worshipped in many ways and in many religions. But the religion named after my Son has been denigrated and stripped of their rights to celebrate Me except in the privacy of their homes and their churches, thereby denying Me of My rights as well. Now they’re being told it’s wrong to celebrate my Son’s birthday!”

God took a breath.

“I don’t want to take away the free will of anyone and I won’t. But if I told you how many times those same people call upon Me in the dark of the night…how many times they curse Me yet still turn to Me when in need…you’d be surprised. I’ve been blamed for a great many things in the world, child, the latest of which are tsunamis and attacks on countries. I cry when people ask ‘Where was God?’ because I’ve been here all along waiting to be let in.”

He paused.

The attorney said, “I’ll take your case, God.”

“I have no money.”

“You don’t need it. I’ll do it pro bono. You paid for everything two thousand years ago on the cross. It’s the very least I can do.”

The papers announced it within a week. God was fighting for His rights. Which side are you on? I’m on His. In the long run, God always wins.