No apology Apologetics

It is one thing to be well-read and edified by the apologia of a great Christian thinker-writer-theologian like C.S. Lewis, it is quite another to learn the skill for oneself.
Those who know me well, know that I am seldom without adequate words to express myself and convey my thoughts. I don't like the term "opinionated" but fear that it does describe me none-the-less. A favourite play on words for me is: You are certainly entitled to my opinion!
You would be surprised however (as I often am myself when push comes to shove) and a spontaneous opportunity befalls me, how hard I have to work to make a defense of my strongly held beliefs in a manner that is articulate, methodical and convincing.
I marvel at the concise and engaging manner of apologists like Lewis, Lee Strobel, Ravi Zacharias and so many others. Part of that is divine gifted-ness I know, but ultimately, every believer is mandated to be prepared to give a verbal defense of their faith.
Me? I'd rather cook you a meal.
But God has a sense of humour.
He has a not so subtle way of prodding one off the laurels.
My newest nephew by marriage describes himself as an atheist/agnostic. And he'll tackle anyone who wants to challenge that position.
The time to hone that skill has come upon us. For the love of God and for the love of my new nephew.