There is a lot to love about Pittsburgh, but one of the things most endearing to me is Pittsburghese, Pittsburgh’s own unique language. Until we lived here, I didn’t know Pittsburghese even existed. And so, the language has been quite an unexpected gift. When the gift is occasionally opened, it’s as if a fun and treasured inside secret has been shared. Just like that - voila! 

By merely hearing it, you are part of Pittsburgh’s family of shared secrets, united similarly to how joyous laughter creates a bond. Even when there is a hint of it, whether it’s your buggy in a grocery store or a discussion about the Pittsburgh Stillers, the fun twist of the local language brings a bond of joy within the community. It’s always a surprise my ears love to hear. 

My favorite personal encounter by far was at a women’s conference of four hundred women here at Orchard Hill Church in March this past year. The conference was appropriately themed “Purposed” highlighting Esther’s heroic role of courageously rescuing her people from death. Aware of being in the right place at the right time in history, Esther used her purposeful placement to save many. 

To coincide with the theme, all of us were surprised with sweet and beautiful “Purposed” gifts throughout the day. It was clear many had worked with purpose to make the event a purposeful time of growth, refreshment and to experience God’s presence more deeply - all carried through with a bond of unity. 

I was excited to be there to spend more time with my ton-of-fun women’s JOY small group and to hear what new things God wanted me to know. After several break-out periods on a variety of purposed-filled topics, my JOY group came together to find a place to sit for the last session in the worship center. One had a favorite area she loved to sit in so we all agreed we would follow her. And so, we headed in, found the spot, and sat. 

It was then that another gift revealed itself as soon as we stood up to sing. Directly in front of me filling the back of a woman’s t-shirt was “JESUS LOVES YINZ” (YOU) in the biggest boldest all-capital font. Immediately, a joy-like euphoria rushed over me, spilling over into a giggle of gratitude for where I was and who I was with. 

Only in Pittsburgh could I be whispered to in this way at this time. BUT He was not just whispering to me, but to YOU and YOU and YOU - not just a few. God loves ALL the people in the world, even the lost, broken, messed up ones like me. 

It says in John 3:16 that, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” 

Even though I’d absorbed these three words countless times before, I marveled at them being said again most perfectly in a fun new Pittsburghese way, in such a joy filled place surrounded by JOY friends. It couldn’t have been at a better place at a better time to give this Joy a reason to share hers. Yep, unexpectedly purposed. Where Pittsburghese was at its finest.