We were asked once by a modern day poet to imagine a world with no war, heaven, hell or even a religion. It is true that today some people's ideas of these concepts are destructive and divisive, not universally unifying. There are those who will fight and kill their brother who believes differently or lives under a different flag.
But there is an alternate reality, one that most don't recognize when they see it. So, I have no need to imagine the world most long for because I've seen it, touched it, walked among it's citizens. We've broken bread together, hugged, kissed and cried together.
It's real.
I have just returned from an International Convention in Berlin, Germany where close to 50,000 people of all races, colors, cultures and language groups met peacefully for 4 days. We sat and listened to the elevated way of living found in God's Word. This way of life transcends all national borders, ethnic differences and has no political agenda other than to support God's Kingdom and it's King, Jesus Christ.
We sang songs and shared meals with one another. In many cases, we didn't even speak the same native tongue, other than the "pure language" of truth the Bible speaks about. (Zephaniah 3:9)
As required by true religion, this "nation" must be obedient model citizens of the country or nation in which they live. However, in obedience to a higher authority, (Acts 5:29) they refuse to take up arms and add to the misery of war, killing their fellowman. This group pledges no allegiance to any government except for God's Kingdom and thus have widowed no women or orphaned any children in the name of war.
However, they are actively involved in making their communities better places to live by taking the life-saving and life-changing message of Jesus Christ to their neighbors. The fact that most they speak with are either too busy or not interested does not deter them because lives are at stake.
Sitting shoulder to shoulder in the Olympic Stadium among thousands of my brothers and sisters where a world leader also stood who vowed to "exterminate this brood" was a glimpse into a better world. You don't have to "imagine" as the song said, you can see the reality for yourself.
This spiritual paradise exists the world over, and you can be a part of it.
Try this: Put aside your notions of what religion has become: thinly veiled big businesses, recruiting stations for war, or political platforms. Think of the unadulterated, pure religion that Jesus left for his disciples to follow. Look for the sign he said would mark his true followers, (John 13:35), and decide for yourself. And when you find them, ask them a question that only a follower of the true religion could answer. It may be;
"Why do we all grow old and die?"
"Why is there so much suffering in the world?"
"If God loves us, why doesn't he do something?"
"Will I ever see my dead loved ones again?"
"What does my future hold?"
"Does God really care about me, can I get to know him?"
The answers to those questions isn't;
"It's all part of God's Plan."
"Our loved ones die because God's needs more angels."
"God does everything for a reason, you shouldn't question."
"Just have more faith..."
Search your heart, pray for help, research with an open mind, and you'll find that "he is not far off from each one of us." (Acts 17:27)
Your Brother,
Tristan
PS: The picture sums up the feeling that filled the entire stadium. A little boy from Germany and a little girl from Ghana (names withheld) played together during a break using nothing more than a stadium pole. Just as hatred, bigotry, and prejudice are taught and passed from one generation to another, so is the true religion, the pure language and genuine brotherly love. Referring to the meek, obedient, trusting nature of children, Jesus said, "the kingdom of the heavens belongs to such-like ones." (Matthew 19:14)
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Someone You Love
Living with someone you love who has a chronic terminal disease is very much like having the disease yourself...but not quite. Because they are the one who has the pain and the depression that goes with it, not you.
But, in some ways it can be just as difficult or worse for you. Because if there was any way you could take the pain upon yourself you would, but you can't. And so it hurts worse for the helplessness that multiplies it.
And so you watch your loved one, your husband, your wife, mother, father, son or daughter live in pain, dying a little each day. That can take a toll on you. This effect on you becomes a disease in itself, one with no name, no medicine and no cure.
In the end, there's only love. And until the day when no resident will say I am sick, love will have to be enough.
I wrote this story for everyone who's living with a sick loved one or has already lost someone they love to old age, sickness or disease. Click on the link below or the second picture to download the story. Any proceeds will go to care for my wife who has Multiple Sclerosis. The story itself deals with a disease with symptoms that could fit many to help make the story your own. It's a science-fiction-time-travel tale with the heart of a love story. I hope you enjoy it.
I pray you are able to cope with the illness of your loved one or endure until you may be with them again.
But, in some ways it can be just as difficult or worse for you. Because if there was any way you could take the pain upon yourself you would, but you can't. And so it hurts worse for the helplessness that multiplies it.
And so you watch your loved one, your husband, your wife, mother, father, son or daughter live in pain, dying a little each day. That can take a toll on you. This effect on you becomes a disease in itself, one with no name, no medicine and no cure.
In the end, there's only love. And until the day when no resident will say I am sick, love will have to be enough.
I wrote this story for everyone who's living with a sick loved one or has already lost someone they love to old age, sickness or disease. Click on the link below or the second picture to download the story. Any proceeds will go to care for my wife who has Multiple Sclerosis. The story itself deals with a disease with symptoms that could fit many to help make the story your own. It's a science-fiction-time-travel tale with the heart of a love story. I hope you enjoy it.
I pray you are able to cope with the illness of your loved one or endure until you may be with them again.
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/desire-dementia-and-disturbingly-vivid-dreams/2500550
In faith, hope and love, I remain
Tristan
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Last Supper
I’m going to have a steak this thick and a baked potato as big as your head. The steak will be perfect, a little charred and tangy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. The baked potato will have all the fixins', cheese, sour cream, chives, bacon bits, all the way. I’m gonna cut a nice big piece of steak, pick it up with my fork and bury it deep in the potato, pull it out and stick all of it right in my mouth...just like a shepherd’s pie.
It’s a dark day here on the Skull, death row. Even for Texas, three cashing in on the same day is alot. And yours truly goes first. All my life and this is what I’m finally first at.
“Hey, shut your trap over there! And don’t forget to order it just the way I said.”
Mr. Tough Guy is inmate #301466 two cells down. He goes today, too. He told me what to order for supper. I get whatever I want for my last meal. The rules around The Skull are the dead order a meal and give it to the men who are waiting for their turn.
There are three kinds of Dead here:
There are the “Dead” like me, him and the quiet one between us, men who are condemned to die and already have a date set.
The “Undead” are those on death row awaiting The Day, but keep appealing. They’re dead, but just won’t accept it.
The rest are lifers, long-timers, three-time losers. They’re the Living Dead, the worst.
Me? I’m already dead, signed, sealed and about to be delivered. I sealed my own fate the day I decided to become a thief, me and my partner over there, #301466. He had it all figured out, except the part where somebody got killed.
“Ain't that right, Mr. Perfect Plan?”
“Why don’t you ask your buddy next door, Mr. Friends in High Places?"
You’d never know it to look at him, but right now “my buddy next door” is a very dangerous man. And in here, he’s the most hated. It’s the quiet ones you always gotta watch. If only half the things they say about him are true, he’s not somebody you want to mess with. I know I wouldn’t. Right now, he’s America's most wanted, Public Enemy Number One, charged with treason, espionage, spying, fraud…even terrorism.
“Why don’t you lay off him? What did he ever do to you or to anybody for that matter? We deserve to be here. He’s innocent, and you know it!”
“Listen pal, everybody in here’s innocent. He’s just better at lying than me and you. But, he’s getting’ the needle just the same...”
“How can you say that? Aren’t you scared, even a little, I mean, to meet your Maker? What if…? Pssssst, hey Mister, I believe you’re who you say you are, you know, Him. I don’t believe what everybody says about you being a criminal. I know I don’t deserve to go to heaven because I’ve done bad things. But could you, maybe, save a place for me…somewhere...outside maybe? I just want to be there when you show everyone what's what. Then you can show me out the gates.”
“…the gates.”
Just then the bars of my cell opened and the entire place went dark. In walked Death itself with a plate of food and a change of clothes. I had forgotten about the food coming. I was so looking forward to that one bite, now it seems pointless. My last supper, and food is the farthest thing from my mind.
I removed all earthly goods from my body, my watch, my ring, my glasses. I changed clothes and carried the plate of food out of my cell. I kneeled and laid it on the floor just outside my silent neighbor’s cell.
“Here you go, I want you to have this. Promise me you won’t forget about me.”
As I stood to turn and walk away, a hand reached out of the darkness through the bars. He squeezed my hand, firm and sure, and said, “You will be with me in Paradise. I promise.”
To all of God's people around the world, have a wonderful Memorial celebration in honor of Jesus Christ and his heavenly Father.
It’s a dark day here on the Skull, death row. Even for Texas, three cashing in on the same day is alot. And yours truly goes first. All my life and this is what I’m finally first at.
“Hey, shut your trap over there! And don’t forget to order it just the way I said.”
Mr. Tough Guy is inmate #301466 two cells down. He goes today, too. He told me what to order for supper. I get whatever I want for my last meal. The rules around The Skull are the dead order a meal and give it to the men who are waiting for their turn.
There are three kinds of Dead here:
There are the “Dead” like me, him and the quiet one between us, men who are condemned to die and already have a date set.
The “Undead” are those on death row awaiting The Day, but keep appealing. They’re dead, but just won’t accept it.
The rest are lifers, long-timers, three-time losers. They’re the Living Dead, the worst.
Me? I’m already dead, signed, sealed and about to be delivered. I sealed my own fate the day I decided to become a thief, me and my partner over there, #301466. He had it all figured out, except the part where somebody got killed.
“Ain't that right, Mr. Perfect Plan?”
“Why don’t you ask your buddy next door, Mr. Friends in High Places?"
You’d never know it to look at him, but right now “my buddy next door” is a very dangerous man. And in here, he’s the most hated. It’s the quiet ones you always gotta watch. If only half the things they say about him are true, he’s not somebody you want to mess with. I know I wouldn’t. Right now, he’s America's most wanted, Public Enemy Number One, charged with treason, espionage, spying, fraud…even terrorism.
“Why don’t you lay off him? What did he ever do to you or to anybody for that matter? We deserve to be here. He’s innocent, and you know it!”
“Listen pal, everybody in here’s innocent. He’s just better at lying than me and you. But, he’s getting’ the needle just the same...”
“How can you say that? Aren’t you scared, even a little, I mean, to meet your Maker? What if…? Pssssst, hey Mister, I believe you’re who you say you are, you know, Him. I don’t believe what everybody says about you being a criminal. I know I don’t deserve to go to heaven because I’ve done bad things. But could you, maybe, save a place for me…somewhere...outside maybe? I just want to be there when you show everyone what's what. Then you can show me out the gates.”
“…the gates.”
Just then the bars of my cell opened and the entire place went dark. In walked Death itself with a plate of food and a change of clothes. I had forgotten about the food coming. I was so looking forward to that one bite, now it seems pointless. My last supper, and food is the farthest thing from my mind.
I removed all earthly goods from my body, my watch, my ring, my glasses. I changed clothes and carried the plate of food out of my cell. I kneeled and laid it on the floor just outside my silent neighbor’s cell.
“Here you go, I want you to have this. Promise me you won’t forget about me.”
As I stood to turn and walk away, a hand reached out of the darkness through the bars. He squeezed my hand, firm and sure, and said, “You will be with me in Paradise. I promise.”
To all of God's people around the world, have a wonderful Memorial celebration in honor of Jesus Christ and his heavenly Father.
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Only Real Hope for True Change
He is a ruler who cannot be assassinated, succeeded, bribed, or overthrown. He does not favor one skin color over another, because he reads hearts, thoughts and intentions. He will not force anyone to accept his rulership, but extends a refreshing invitation to all.
He has a Health Care Plan superior to any other. He will forever restore youth, cure the sick, heal the lame, and restore sight to the blind, putting an end to medical bills, doctor bills, hospitals, and old age homes.
His Housing Initiative promises the end of homelessness with self-sustaining, energy-efficient homes for everyone. Abundant nutritious food will be available to all. His will truly be a "green" administration, because those ruining the earth will themselves be brought to ruin. The planet itself will be healed. Oceans, rivers and streams will be crystal clear, and so will the air.
No more war, murder, domestic violence or abuse of any kind will even be remembered. Guns, handcuffs, police sirens, prisons...all gone.
And animals! Every species of flying, crawling, running and swimming thing to delight and cause wonder will be there. All of them led by a little boy.
And, how could I forget? Our dead loved ones will be there, resurrected, reunited, restored.
This King of Kings has already taken office and is ruling. He is even now making preparations to bring about his campaign promises. Interested in learning more?
Like any real government, there are rules, laws, regulations. They are found in God's Word, the Holy Bible. This government also has real representatives and subjects who will be glad to help you. But, that is where the similarities to other governments end.
This Heavenly Government will rule over a truly united family, a worldwide brotherhood. All divisive boundaries, borders, and barriers will be done away with.
Now is the time to take a stand for this everlasting government, the only hope for mankind! Look for it's campaign workers canvassing your neighborhood announcing God's Messianic Kingdom. This is the only government worth celebrating.
Looking to man to fix mankind's problems through human government is like trying to paint a burning house. If you truly long for change, then you must change where you place your hope. Real change doesn't mean choosing one man over another. But, the change must be from man's way of doing things to God's way of doing of things.
Kingdom supporters on earth right now view all as their brother, and thus do not go to war to kill their fellowman. They exclusively support God's Kingdom, and so do not pledge allegiance to any man, country or flag. However, they do not rebel against the human government under which they live. But, by their model citizenship, they attract others to God's Kingdom. So, whose rulership will you loyally support, Man's or God's?
The choice is up to you.
He has a Health Care Plan superior to any other. He will forever restore youth, cure the sick, heal the lame, and restore sight to the blind, putting an end to medical bills, doctor bills, hospitals, and old age homes.
His Housing Initiative promises the end of homelessness with self-sustaining, energy-efficient homes for everyone. Abundant nutritious food will be available to all. His will truly be a "green" administration, because those ruining the earth will themselves be brought to ruin. The planet itself will be healed. Oceans, rivers and streams will be crystal clear, and so will the air.
No more war, murder, domestic violence or abuse of any kind will even be remembered. Guns, handcuffs, police sirens, prisons...all gone.
And animals! Every species of flying, crawling, running and swimming thing to delight and cause wonder will be there. All of them led by a little boy.
And, how could I forget? Our dead loved ones will be there, resurrected, reunited, restored.
This King of Kings has already taken office and is ruling. He is even now making preparations to bring about his campaign promises. Interested in learning more?
Like any real government, there are rules, laws, regulations. They are found in God's Word, the Holy Bible. This government also has real representatives and subjects who will be glad to help you. But, that is where the similarities to other governments end.
This Heavenly Government will rule over a truly united family, a worldwide brotherhood. All divisive boundaries, borders, and barriers will be done away with.
Now is the time to take a stand for this everlasting government, the only hope for mankind! Look for it's campaign workers canvassing your neighborhood announcing God's Messianic Kingdom. This is the only government worth celebrating.
Looking to man to fix mankind's problems through human government is like trying to paint a burning house. If you truly long for change, then you must change where you place your hope. Real change doesn't mean choosing one man over another. But, the change must be from man's way of doing things to God's way of doing of things.
Kingdom supporters on earth right now view all as their brother, and thus do not go to war to kill their fellowman. They exclusively support God's Kingdom, and so do not pledge allegiance to any man, country or flag. However, they do not rebel against the human government under which they live. But, by their model citizenship, they attract others to God's Kingdom. So, whose rulership will you loyally support, Man's or God's?
The choice is up to you.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
food, clothing and shelter...
that's what becomes important during a natural distaster. It is these basic necessities of life, otherwise taken for granted, that suddenly become prized commodities.
We will stand in line for something we threw away just a day before. We will pay double, even triple for what we previously had in surplus. Isn't the same true spiritually during a disaster, emergency, tragedy?
If everyday physical necessities are so vital in a crisis situation, imagine the importance of their spiritual counterparts. Yes, even more than physical sustenance and covering, we desparately need Spiritual Food, Clothing and Shelter.
Food
We need nourishing spiritual food untainted by toxic human philosophy, false religious poison, or unhealthy traditions. During a distaster, MRE's (meals ready to eat) are distributed door-to-door in affected areas. These meals may make the difference between life and death.
The same thing is being done right now spiritually in a worldwide door-to-door feeding program.
Clothing
Our garments are another thing we take for granted every day. During good times, they are merely fashion statements, separating the have and have nots. During a disaster, the lack thereof becomes life threatening. Imagine a heavy storm without a raincoat, a freezing night without a hat, scarf or gloves. Once again, the difference can be life or death.
The Bible offers the best wardobe, one that never goes out of style, and everyone can afford. It encourages us to "clothe ourselves with Love."
Shelter
We all need shelter. For many, it is common to search for suitable shelter every day. And who is not aware of the worldwide problem of homelessness? Even if we do have a home, we worry as it's value decreases and decreases.
Today, the true Christian congregation offers the best shelter available. It is a haven of peace and a secure place of spiritual protection.
Do you currently enjoy this kind of Food, Clothing and Shelter? We are surely living in critical times, and a relief effort is going on right now worldwide. Look for these spiritual relief workers with their bright yellow messages, like myriads of golden butterflies, as they go from door to door in a special campaign asking, ...
"Would You Like to Know the Truth?"
We will stand in line for something we threw away just a day before. We will pay double, even triple for what we previously had in surplus. Isn't the same true spiritually during a disaster, emergency, tragedy?
If everyday physical necessities are so vital in a crisis situation, imagine the importance of their spiritual counterparts. Yes, even more than physical sustenance and covering, we desparately need Spiritual Food, Clothing and Shelter.
Food
We need nourishing spiritual food untainted by toxic human philosophy, false religious poison, or unhealthy traditions. During a distaster, MRE's (meals ready to eat) are distributed door-to-door in affected areas. These meals may make the difference between life and death.
The same thing is being done right now spiritually in a worldwide door-to-door feeding program.
Clothing
Our garments are another thing we take for granted every day. During good times, they are merely fashion statements, separating the have and have nots. During a disaster, the lack thereof becomes life threatening. Imagine a heavy storm without a raincoat, a freezing night without a hat, scarf or gloves. Once again, the difference can be life or death.
The Bible offers the best wardobe, one that never goes out of style, and everyone can afford. It encourages us to "clothe ourselves with Love."
Shelter
We all need shelter. For many, it is common to search for suitable shelter every day. And who is not aware of the worldwide problem of homelessness? Even if we do have a home, we worry as it's value decreases and decreases.
Today, the true Christian congregation offers the best shelter available. It is a haven of peace and a secure place of spiritual protection.
Do you currently enjoy this kind of Food, Clothing and Shelter? We are surely living in critical times, and a relief effort is going on right now worldwide. Look for these spiritual relief workers with their bright yellow messages, like myriads of golden butterflies, as they go from door to door in a special campaign asking, ...
"Would You Like to Know the Truth?"
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Birds and the Bees
Before I Can Fly, but Only at Night was published, I let a few close friends read it first. One of them said, "Oh, it's like The Secret Life of Bees."
I said, "It's like what?"
Since I had never read or even heard of the book before, my friend gave me a copy as a gift. I eagerly read it, but with one eye open, wincing as I turned each page. I was afraid the story that was so dear to me and took me years to write could be anything like something already published.
It wasn't. Whew! That was a close one. I told my friend who said, "I know, but it reminds me of your story. I meant it as a compliment."
Bees is a very good story. I could see it as a movie as I was reading the story. Now, it is a movie. The previews look true to the book. It has a very authentic, literary feel to it, like To Kill a Mockingbird. Which is odd, because another friend told me that's what my book reminded him of.
Now, I know he was just being kind. I love that book and the movie even more. Maybe I was unconsciously paying homage. Birds? Bees?
Click on the birdhouse and see what it reminds you of. I'd love to hear.
Tristan
I said, "It's like what?"
Since I had never read or even heard of the book before, my friend gave me a copy as a gift. I eagerly read it, but with one eye open, wincing as I turned each page. I was afraid the story that was so dear to me and took me years to write could be anything like something already published.
It wasn't. Whew! That was a close one. I told my friend who said, "I know, but it reminds me of your story. I meant it as a compliment."
Bees is a very good story. I could see it as a movie as I was reading the story. Now, it is a movie. The previews look true to the book. It has a very authentic, literary feel to it, like To Kill a Mockingbird. Which is odd, because another friend told me that's what my book reminded him of.
Now, I know he was just being kind. I love that book and the movie even more. Maybe I was unconsciously paying homage. Birds? Bees?
Click on the birdhouse and see what it reminds you of. I'd love to hear.
Tristan
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Una Palabra
I’ve got to get going. The world outside is waiting for me. I grab my jacket, my wallet and my watch, walk to the door, putting all three in their proper place about myself. The last thing I need are my keys. They’re by the door, in the bowl, on the table. I extend my hand, reaching toward them, as I stride for the door, eager to get outside and try out my word, The Word. What fantastic voyage will I embark upon? What kind of mischief will I get into? What sort of interesting characters will I encounter?
I throw a “Be back” over my shoulder to Hannah, who grabs me around the neck, kisses me on the cheek and says, “Have fun!”
One hand is in the bowl grabbing for the keys, the other is reaching for the doorknob...
Earlier this morning, Hannah and I played a strange sort of Russian Roulette. I was blindfolded and holding, not a gun, but my dictionary. I decided to say only one word, Una Palabra, all day long, to everyone I meet. The word would be randomly chosen. Hannah helped me, making sure I didn’t peek or cheat.
It’s not a police knock; bam, bam, bam!, but a friendly tap-tap-tap. Still, it startles me. How often is there a knock at the door, with your hand actually on the doorknob? I mean, a second later, they would have knocked on my forehead.
I shall dispense with this ill-timed, uninvited, albeit friendly visitor and get on with the unscripted drama that awaits me outside.
Who are they? What do they want? Why are they here? I’ll just have to open the door, and tell them to get lost. Then, I remember I can do nothing of the sort because of…
The Word. The word my finger landed on was "Yes."
“Jesse! Aren’t you going to answer the door?” Hannah sang out.
“Yes!” I yelled back, not realizing I have already started playing the game.
Great! Now I can’t hide, pretend I’m not at home and just wait for the uninvited guest to go away. They surely heard me shouting out to Hannah. But, I was proud of myself for using the word. This was going to be a great day. “Yes” is such a positive word. How could anything possibly go wrong?
The second knock would tell the tale. I swung open the door hoping to startle the visitor.
“Yes?” I said as a greeting and a question, both at the same time. As it came out of my mouth, I realized I could say it different ways. I could say “yes” as in “may I help you?”
Or I could say “YES?!” very curtly to say, “Yeah, whadya want? Get to the point.”
Just across my threshold, was a nicely dressed couple with warm, friendly faces who seemed to be in their late thirties or early forties. How did they even find us back here? The woman had a satchel of some sort, and the man had a briefcase, leather bag type thing. They looked heavy by the way they were carrying them. I would swear they smelled like coffee. But, I digress. I had to get going. I had things to do, places to go, people to meet. There was adventure to be had, fortunes to be made, and worlds to be conquered.
“We realize you weren’t expecting company, so we’ll be brief,” said the man.
“Yes!” I said sarcastically to both statements, while looking at the keys in my hand.
Yes, I was not expecting company. And, Yes, be brief!
I was getting pretty good at this, saying a lot with just one word. It just depended on how I said it. Facial expression, tone and inflection could convey a lot more than just the word by itself. I no longer viewed these people as a nuisance. I was glad they came. It gave me a chance to practice using the word before I hit the streets. I hadn’t even gotten out of the garage apartment and I was already using it.
“My name is Isaiah Smith and this is my wife Patsy. Are you Jesse?”
“Y-yes.” I said stunned.
“Well, Jesse, we’re talking to our neighbors as part of a voluntary education work being done around the world.”
“Yes?” is what I said on the outside. But, what I said on the inside was “How do you know my name?”
Then, Mr. Smith looked at his wife and smiled, cueing her to speak, which she did.
“Do you long to know why there’s so much suffering in the world?”
“Yes.” Everyone wonders that. Besides, what else could I say?
Isaiah said to call him Ike. “The answers to these questions can only be found in the Bible. We’re offering free home Bible studies. No matter what our background, race, education, or social status, we all wonder about the same things. “How did we get here? Why are we here? Where are we headed? Would you like to learn the answers to these questions from your very own Bible?”
“Yes!” I said, sincerely without hesitation.
I wasn't playing the game anymore, this was real. Besides, it was the only answer that fit, the only one that made sense. I was speaking from my heart now.
“Good.” said Patsy.
“Is this same time next week good for you?” Ike asked, looking at his watch.
“Y-yes….” I paused to look at my own watch, and at Hannah. She had worked her way behind the open door, smiling suspiciously.
“Good, we’ll see you next week at this same time.” Ike promised with a hand shake. Both smiled, turning to leave down the stairs.
“Yes.” I said, confirming the appointment. I nodded my head, smiling a polite, closed lip smile. I breathed a sigh, closed the door and leaned back against the door, sliding all the way to the floor. I was excited, and quite frankly, in shock. Hannah sat down right beside me. I never even made it out the door and my prayer was answered.
I looked over at Hannah, and smiled. I must admit it was a tearful smile, and I’m not really sure why. Hannah smiled her own tearful confession.
“I sort of asked them to come by. I’ve known them since...forever. I thought we could use a little help, you know, guidance, especially with little Alex on the way. Are you glad they came?”
“Yes.” I whispered, putting my hand on her stomach, on little Alex.
“Yes.”
That moment was one of complete contentment wrapped in a dream. I had found my childhood sweetheart, my one true love who still felt the same after all these years. We’re married and expecting our first child. The icing on this happy cake is now I honestly believe I'll get the answers I’ve been searching my whole life for.
I was searching for the truth, only to have it find me. And I had it all along in Pop's Bible.
"Jesse"
The Forever Gene
I throw a “Be back” over my shoulder to Hannah, who grabs me around the neck, kisses me on the cheek and says, “Have fun!”
One hand is in the bowl grabbing for the keys, the other is reaching for the doorknob...
Earlier this morning, Hannah and I played a strange sort of Russian Roulette. I was blindfolded and holding, not a gun, but my dictionary. I decided to say only one word, Una Palabra, all day long, to everyone I meet. The word would be randomly chosen. Hannah helped me, making sure I didn’t peek or cheat.
It’s not a police knock; bam, bam, bam!, but a friendly tap-tap-tap. Still, it startles me. How often is there a knock at the door, with your hand actually on the doorknob? I mean, a second later, they would have knocked on my forehead.
I shall dispense with this ill-timed, uninvited, albeit friendly visitor and get on with the unscripted drama that awaits me outside.
Who are they? What do they want? Why are they here? I’ll just have to open the door, and tell them to get lost. Then, I remember I can do nothing of the sort because of…
The Word. The word my finger landed on was "Yes."
“Jesse! Aren’t you going to answer the door?” Hannah sang out.
“Yes!” I yelled back, not realizing I have already started playing the game.
Great! Now I can’t hide, pretend I’m not at home and just wait for the uninvited guest to go away. They surely heard me shouting out to Hannah. But, I was proud of myself for using the word. This was going to be a great day. “Yes” is such a positive word. How could anything possibly go wrong?
The second knock would tell the tale. I swung open the door hoping to startle the visitor.
“Yes?” I said as a greeting and a question, both at the same time. As it came out of my mouth, I realized I could say it different ways. I could say “yes” as in “may I help you?”
Or I could say “YES?!” very curtly to say, “Yeah, whadya want? Get to the point.”
Just across my threshold, was a nicely dressed couple with warm, friendly faces who seemed to be in their late thirties or early forties. How did they even find us back here? The woman had a satchel of some sort, and the man had a briefcase, leather bag type thing. They looked heavy by the way they were carrying them. I would swear they smelled like coffee. But, I digress. I had to get going. I had things to do, places to go, people to meet. There was adventure to be had, fortunes to be made, and worlds to be conquered.
“We realize you weren’t expecting company, so we’ll be brief,” said the man.
“Yes!” I said sarcastically to both statements, while looking at the keys in my hand.
Yes, I was not expecting company. And, Yes, be brief!
I was getting pretty good at this, saying a lot with just one word. It just depended on how I said it. Facial expression, tone and inflection could convey a lot more than just the word by itself. I no longer viewed these people as a nuisance. I was glad they came. It gave me a chance to practice using the word before I hit the streets. I hadn’t even gotten out of the garage apartment and I was already using it.
“My name is Isaiah Smith and this is my wife Patsy. Are you Jesse?”
“Y-yes.” I said stunned.
“Well, Jesse, we’re talking to our neighbors as part of a voluntary education work being done around the world.”
“Yes?” is what I said on the outside. But, what I said on the inside was “How do you know my name?”
Then, Mr. Smith looked at his wife and smiled, cueing her to speak, which she did.
“Do you long to know why there’s so much suffering in the world?”
“Yes.” Everyone wonders that. Besides, what else could I say?
Isaiah said to call him Ike. “The answers to these questions can only be found in the Bible. We’re offering free home Bible studies. No matter what our background, race, education, or social status, we all wonder about the same things. “How did we get here? Why are we here? Where are we headed? Would you like to learn the answers to these questions from your very own Bible?”
“Yes!” I said, sincerely without hesitation.
I wasn't playing the game anymore, this was real. Besides, it was the only answer that fit, the only one that made sense. I was speaking from my heart now.
“Good.” said Patsy.
“Is this same time next week good for you?” Ike asked, looking at his watch.
“Y-yes….” I paused to look at my own watch, and at Hannah. She had worked her way behind the open door, smiling suspiciously.
“Good, we’ll see you next week at this same time.” Ike promised with a hand shake. Both smiled, turning to leave down the stairs.
“Yes.” I said, confirming the appointment. I nodded my head, smiling a polite, closed lip smile. I breathed a sigh, closed the door and leaned back against the door, sliding all the way to the floor. I was excited, and quite frankly, in shock. Hannah sat down right beside me. I never even made it out the door and my prayer was answered.
I looked over at Hannah, and smiled. I must admit it was a tearful smile, and I’m not really sure why. Hannah smiled her own tearful confession.
“I sort of asked them to come by. I’ve known them since...forever. I thought we could use a little help, you know, guidance, especially with little Alex on the way. Are you glad they came?”
“Yes.” I whispered, putting my hand on her stomach, on little Alex.
“Yes.”
That moment was one of complete contentment wrapped in a dream. I had found my childhood sweetheart, my one true love who still felt the same after all these years. We’re married and expecting our first child. The icing on this happy cake is now I honestly believe I'll get the answers I’ve been searching my whole life for.
I was searching for the truth, only to have it find me. And I had it all along in Pop's Bible.
"Jesse"
The Forever Gene
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