Apt 409

GLome - More people should read this simple but moving piece. Deceptively simple because to write so well is not easy

Thank you so much Jo. I'm still not over that incident. Apt 409 is in my mind a lot.
You encourage me because I wanted to get across the awe of what happened. But have to remember these are poetry groups; not . . . ??? I don't know :) I just don't want to cross a barrier. I just wrote it in this last hour and am very glad to finally have it down on paper.

"Does that scare you a little
Nope, If he doesn't want me like I am
I don't want anything to do with him"

I like Victor.

This is sad on many levels

Hi Kris. Thanks for coming by. Actually, I like Victor :) He was great.
Believe me, I thought a lot before I posted this.
But, if what the Bible says is true, then the truth needs to be declared.
All of us, like Victor, get to make our own decisions on whether or not to believe.

Glome ~ This was a very unexpected and heavy literary work from you with a message for ALL READERS.

You've done a job on this Glome! This is FEATURED NOW in Artistic Therapy . . . and will be FEATURED this week in Artistic Minds

It is unique and different to say the least. But, the MESSAGE seeps into one's soul. AMEN.

Blessings ~
Rene

Rene ... you make me cry. I'm not sure why; think it is left overs from writing this poem this evening. There was so much I couldn't put it the poem that was important.
Mom and I moved downstairs to a 2 bedroom apt last wk in Jan. Prior to that I lived in apt 410; Victor 409; Mom 408. It was very sweet to share the concern for Victor with my Mom. And the loss.
Hey, wait ... I'm crying because I'm happy you like the poem. (I get carried away) Thank you so much for featuring this.

Marianne ... after I talked to you by email I forgot to come back and say thank you for coming by and for so much encouragment. And for bringing the fragrance of flowers into the room :)

This is a powerful and moving chronicle of events, Glome.

I would say to anyone at all: It does not matter in reality whether or not you believe in a Loving Father. What matters is that He believes in you - unconditionally, always.

Glome, you did your part and unfortunately Victor made his decision. All are invited but all do not attend. Perhaps in is last moments........very heartfelt poem. Good job.

Like magi, I, in the end, believe the Lord accepts all at his Table....I can just see the surprise on Victor's face as he sits down to partake in a Feast he knew not existed.

So sad for any one to die and not know the Lord. Well written piece.

Glome -
I love the form - three short lines each stanza - very small words - huge meanings. i could feel the atmosphere of despair and your hoping to make it better by offering the one thing that you could to make it right.
If i could rate higher than a ten I would for the form - and I give you a strong cyber hug for the effort you put into making right by Victor - you are a phenominal person ~j

Glome, Thank you for sharing. I am so sorry for what you have gone through my friend.

A simple story told in a very thought provoking way. My answer is yes I know my lord. I will not fear that darkness in the room for my God is the light.

Beautifully and creatively written, Glome.

Thanks for coming my and comenting Magi. With all the mail we get flooded with now it is difficult to visit.

I think I'm backing out of that group ... I'll keep track through the friends listings.

Thanks Andi. I think it was last year that I read the world statistics. There are 109 people die every minute. The survivors have hardly felt the sting before the next 109 are dead. Our choice; it makes such a difference.

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for coming by and commenting. I have a friend that believes that too. That 'God is love' means that in the end no one is accountable. I have actually searched the Bible with the hope that this is true.

But end the end ... accountability for our choice is very clear. He wants people that choose to be part of His family.

I really appreciate the sweet spirit people here have had in expressing their differences. And your expressions allow others to hear your views. Thanks to both you and Magi.

Thank you LaRue. I know how you feel. I really am surprised this morning how relieved I am that I finally put that occurance down in a poem. I didn't know it had been so heavy on me. It seemed so important that there shoudl be a record of it somewhere. Now there is.

Oh my gosh jean .. it makes me cry. I guess this was still very heavy for me. But every Christian here would have wanted to share Christ with him if they had walked through this part of his life. I know you all would. Even those that disagree in some peripheral areas would have wanted to share the gospel with him.

PS jean
Thanks so much for your encouragement. (I just used spell check and noticed I've been spelling encouragement wrong all this time :)

Thank you jessica. The story was so big it was overwhelming. I decided the only way I could get it in a readable poem was to write like I was doing short hand on only the most important facts. That's why it is written in such a brief format. Thanks for noticing.

Thanks Debbie. Actually, we (my Mom lived on the other side of him; prayed also) didn't know him well. Our ache was for him. For his loss. Our own lives didn't actually suffer any except for our awareness of the awsome thing that was happening for him.

Oh my Carol. You are socompassionate. Your compassion squeezed into formation by a very hot furnace. Thank you so much.

Yaaaaa Donna! What a thrill ... thanks for sharing that.
And thanks for coming by to share your thoughts.

How kind and compassionate you are.

I how you have the scriptures at the end of the poem. My poems about Derek the Red is based on one passage. I will post it when Dereks journey in Tulip Town is over.

You may not have "saved" Victor, but then he may not have needed saving. God knows what's in his heart.

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Thanks for sharing this.....very touching and heartfelt.

Rhetta, that very kind of you. But almost everyone that believes that the Bible is the Word of God would have been rivited to the man during those weeks. Those that have actually felt God come into them ... that stepped out in fearful, weak faith & found the Living God revealing himself to them ... would have been awe struck to watch this living man in the process of rejecting God.
Actually, this is the 3rd time this has happened to me. One was a young man in his 30's; the other was Peggy. The sweetest old woman you could ever know.
The 30 yr old man was in bed. We were making progress; talking friendly; but something wasn't right; it's like I was waiting for something. When I finally asked him if he himself had every received the Lord, He lifted himself upon his elbows and with cold hard eyes said "Lady, I didn't need hm for living and I sure don't need him for dying. Now I had alwas heard the term 'the hair stood up on the back of my neck' ... well that isn't an empty saying. The hair actually moved ... it stood up on the back of my neck and head. But that's a whole nother story.
Thanks for coming by.

Terry, will you ping me if you think about it. I signed out of that email group as I couldn't keep up with it. Thanks.

That is really true Allison. & an important reminder to us.
Something that boggles my mind though ... when God said wide is the road to destruction and many there be that take it. Narrow is the way to righteousness, and few there be that choose it. Absolutely unbelievable ... except God said it.

Thank you Marsha. I'm pulling for you for next year; a bigger and better vegetable garden :) Thank you for commenting and being such an encouragment .

Thank you cassnda. Encouraging words. And I do believe they are true.

oh wow... such a powerful story... i'm sure Victor has found his new home with God... Amen...

Wow! How sad.

I had to read the lines,

"Nope, If he doesn't want me like I am

I don't want anything to do with him"

a couple of times to figure out the meaning. Surely, God wants us regardless of our condition. But, then I discovered that 'Victor' seems to be proclaiming that if God doesn't want him without accepting Jesus Christ as his personal savior, that he doesn't want anything to do with God.
That's an interesting concept. God doesn't necessarily reject someone just because he or she doesn't recognize Jesus Christ as the Savior, even though John 3:18 could be interpreted that way. Yet, Victor seems to have rejected God anyway and was using that as an excuse. Sad, indeed.

Sometimes I feel that it's best to back off and let the message mull over in someone's mind for a while. Certainly, the person in the missionary position has very good intentions, yet they come across to many as fanatic and overbearing - the person's 'self defense' mechanism kicks in and creates impedance. Some 'self defense' that is, resulting in eternal condemnation.


Okay, I'm getting a little nit-picky here. The door should open into the apartment unit, not into the hall - that would actually be a safety issue.


Btw, the King James Version reads a little different:

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

necee, I don't know why that made me laugh ... it's like we were talking right past each other :):) I tend to do that some times.
You are fun. Thank you so much for coming by and reading the poem. And for your comment.

Thanks for your sentiments Sarah. I felt the same way. But there is an interesting verse that popped into my mind that night.
2 Cor 2:14-16
14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.
15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;
16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? NASU

God used all of His children to reveal Himself to those they come into contact with. Some we are an aroma of God unto life; and to some we are an aroma of God unto death. Those that reject Him need to be told that He is there for him. Once they have some knowledge & choose to reject Him ... the aroma of truth was to him death.
His destiny belongs to God. God brought him here. Whatever Victor did is between him and God.
I'm glad you all seem to sense the drama of the situation. And of course, it is a drama played out every minute of every day of every year. This one, we got to watch.

Edward, I agree with everything you said. I would go days never discussing anything ... just questioning him about his interests and acommoplishments. On the other hand, I felt I was here for a purpose. Often I would start by saying 'I used to believe blah, blah, blah, ... but then I found out that was just man made ritual. It's so wrong for men to try to control people by false religion' 1. It was a true statement. 2. I knew he would see me as criticizing the church which is what he liked o do.
So he would go on for 1/2 an hour & I could agree with much he said. Finally I would make JUST ONE STATEMENT :) Something like ' Victor, I'd like to say just one thing' Sometimes I have to say it 3 times in a row until he was embarrassed & would say to go on. 'I noticed you said "quote, quote, quote," but actually ... that is a man made statement. That's something you are making up just like those pastors did. That's only what you think. You need to know that God said "quote, quote" But you can choose to to reject what Christ says. That is their choice, and it is your choice." Then he would take the floor for an hour :)
All I'm saying is I left it up to God to open doors. I had to listen to 3 hours or talk to get in two sentences. Many of my sentences were, "Victor, would you actually like to know what God said about that" "No." :)

One time I did say, 'Victor, you never let me say anything. I would like you to let me talk for a few minutes." He said for me to go on. I told him why I had talked bad about the church earlier. I had belonged to a church that made up lots of their own rules but I didn't know The Lord Jesus. I only knew 'about' him. In two sentences I told him about the night Jesus came into me. That I had gone to find a church that studied the Bible. Found one. And found out that there are thousands of wonderful churches."

I know what you mean about pushing it down their throwt. The reason I asked him if he would be able t bow to God is that he said he is a self made man and no one pulled any favors for him. (speaking about God)..All of a sudden it was obvious what his problem was ... so I asked. :)

Loved your post. All my memorizing is in King James so I have to look up King James, then I usually quote a Bible f more current language. But I loved seeing the King James you quoted. Thanks for the attention you paid and your comments.

The sadness of this piece awakens many,,, very well done dear Glome,,, sorry about your friend,,, Bless you,,,

PS Edward ... haha ... If the doors opeing tht wrong way, that is my fault. I never noticed you could tell which way a door opened just by looking at it :):) Tell me what changes to make on it and I will.

Hey C ... The Bible is very clear on some things. Not on others. He tells us there is a hell. We know it is not a fun place to be due to several verses. He plainly states many will go there.
Purgatory isn't taught in the Bible so I consider that man's idea.

Something I've changed about in the last couple of years is the duration of Hell. I've poured over the verses in scripture that discuss the subject. The translators definetly say that hell will last forever. BUT ... then I thought 'maybe so ... but that doesn't mean the people would have to be there forever.' Well, then I found a verse that said they would be there forever and ever.
Now, here's the interesting part that lends doubt as to the time. The word that is used in Greek is 'eon'. The english language uses that word today to mean 'a very long undesignated time.' Many translators say that the Greek mean the same time. That there is no word that means 'forever'. That an eon may just mean 'till the end of the age.' There are several 'ages' talked about in scripture.
People want to indicate that a God of love wouldn't put people in Hell. Well, they are denying God's word which is very clear. But I don't think how long they stay there is that clear. Neither do I think exactly what goes on is that clear. It IS clear that no one should want to go there.

Everything God does, He does for our good. Surly, what ever Hell is ... it will be working for their good ... which means there would be hope of something . . . I feel like I'm bordering on stretching things. So just let me say it will be eons ... whatever He means by that.

One other pondering ... just as we that have accepted Christ become more and more like him because of the work of the Holy Spirit in us ... maybe those that reject him become more and more diminished until there is almost nothing left of them. Pure fiction ... just musing.

Marie, I knew you would be here. I hope your words are true. We'll make them a prayer. It would be an easy thing for God to carry out ... and certainly it is His will. He said "He is not willing that any should perish.)
Thanks Marie.

Glome! ~ I just saw your comment . . . I've been so swamped . . .

Don't cry ~ You know I love you so much! You make me really pause when I read a lot of your literary works. You have so much depth, and I love your honesty. It is so rare to meet a beautiful soul like yours. . . .

You make me think, you make me laugh, you make me remember divinity. And, most of all, you are such a GOOD FRIEND.

I like all of your writings. It is so hard to choose because they are ALL GOOD!

May God continue to strengthen you and bless you abundantly Glome. For all you do ~ HUGE HUGS!

Your Friend,
René

Thanks rene. You are very nice. I've been reading in Artistic therapy last night. It is always so interesting. Will try to spend more of this afternoon thre since I'm taking off i a few minutes for run around :) Thank you so much for showcasing this poem. I praye for God to put His words in my mind when I decided to put it to paper. I believe he did; now it is His to give sight and hearing to those that He desires to hear.

I've certainaly read much here in Gather

Very powerful and very moving piece. It is definitely one to make people think. It is very well written. Thanks for sharing.

Wow, Glome! I have to echo some of the comments above....this is indeed moving. I think the timelines you have in here adds a great deal to this piece. I'm glad you got this down on paper and did not let it fall by the wayside.

Beautifully written.

Glome this powerfully beautifully written. It speaks of faith and love of kindness and caring. This is a wonderful read.

Thank you Renda. That's encouraging. Time is so mysterious. Time and Truth ... two things seem to go together. Two things that will never be fully understood here on earth. Thank you commenting.

Sandra, thank you for coming by.

Kevin ... thank you for all the encouragement. It is very encouraging when people really see the story that played itself out.

Well, Glome, you are certainly making a great impact for the Lord here on Gather and I love how you are doing it. The most important thing to get across to the world is that there is only one way to heaven and that is through and accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. I know some will want to contest that but I didn't say it, it's in the Holy Bible.

Great job Glome. Sorry I have been so quiet. I've been in the hospital for the last three days. Just got discharged late last evening. I'll be trying to catch up.

Well-written and touching, Glome! Thank you very much!

I love your openness in your love of the Lord. I know what you say is true on both counts. Our opinions don't count. It is what God says. Cut and dried.

But I love some of the people in Gather so much that disagree. I know to them such an adamant statement seems actually immoral on our part. But one thing I would say to any one that has doubts; Just tell the Lord to show you truth if you are willing to accept what He shows you.

You can't believe how much He loves you. Hooked on porn? Doesn't matter. Unfaithful in your marriage? Doesn't matter. Alcoholic or drug addict? Doesn't matter. Sexually molested a child? Doesn't matter. Habitual liar, gossip, greedy? He wants you just like you are to come to Him.

Go back up and read the verses at the end of the poem. Right there, sitting at your computer, tell the Lord that you will trust Him with your life. Ask Him to make you His child. He WILL come inside you ... and you will know that every sin you've ever committed in your life was wiped out because Jesus already paid the price for your guilt. Do it now.

Christ Himself can set you free from the sin that you have no control over. The new life He puts into you when He comes has power that do not have. You can change directions and leave that behind you once you are born into His family and are one of His children.

Then, or if you have any questions, send me an email ... or send Harrel, two comments up, an email with questions ... or just to share that you've accepted Christ.

Hi Curt. Thanks you. I haven't seen you for a while ... guess I will pop over to your place & see what you have on the burner :)

WOW! Short and to the point! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Mariah ... I think of a little jumping bean when I see you.

A powerful story of someone, in poetry. It captures all of the
emotions of life, death, family, faith etc., Wonderfully written,
and it makes me think: "where would I be without my faith?"

Thanks robert. You're right ... biggest question in life. Thanks for coming by and reading my looooong poem :)

Excellent story with a powerful message. I don't know how anyone gets through the hard times and grief without faith in God.
I interviewed a cancer patient once who said she had no religious affiliation or faith. She did not know the Lord and never had. It was all I could do to keep from asking "Don't you think it's about time??"

No one knows who knows the Lord because that's very personal to some - if he was a good and loving person and did unto others then he was loved by the Lord - Unconditionally - I'm sure he is in a good place.
Wonderful writing Glome. Salud.

I feel like Mariana. I know I'm bending scripture to suit my own mind, but I can't imagine anyone who was a good person going to and eternity of horror. God loves us.

"It was all I could do to keep from asking "Don't you think it's about time??"

Jan ... You know God always has a plan. Maybe He had me post this poem so that you wouldcome and make that comment. Then I would say ... Next time Jan, SAY IT!" :):)
Now, keep your eyes open ... You know Him, He probably already has your next encounter lined up. He may be like Victor ... but he/she may be just longing for someone to tell them the simple gospel. Keep us posted :)

Thank you for your compliment and comment.

It is pretty late in the party for this article ... but if anyone else comes in, she has a really inspireing article and 2nd article. See http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977374078&nav=To The Nicest People I've Never Met At the end of the article, she has the URL for another article regarding her Dad that is very touching. I really don't know whether they look alike, except in coloring ... but you will know why she has such a sweet smile; I'm sure she got it from him.

Hey ms mariana ... have you been camping in your Airstream yet? Thanks so much for your compliment.
I know how you feel about God 'giving in' in the long run :):) Until I understood from Him that He had a reason for creating men, and what that reason was, I couldn't understand either why He would do something that seemed so harsh. I understand much better now. And also know that we don't really know what hell is. Just that it is somewhere we don't want to go. There have been many reports by many people of situations like Victor :(
Any way, I hope you are letting that little person with red horns beneath you influence you. :)

"I feel like Mariana"
Hmmmm ... I'm not sure who is influencing who here. Oh wait! I remember, the Bible said "Beware for Satan comes disqused as an angel of light!!!!"

I got it now ... Which of these two is disquised as an angel of light? Keep an eye on mariana. & Does that mean ms vicky is an angel of light disquised as Satan? Maybe; on the other hand, shse does agree with mariane. I think those little red horns are there for some reason :)
Thanks for coming by Vicky. There is a lot more to the story that we'll learn after we die. But while we are here, we are only responsible for what information He has actually given us now.
I'll bet you were the baby of the family, right? You just have that certain gleam in your eye. :)

Wow, what a terrifically sad story, but well written, Glome, and makes one ponder the love of our Father.

Hi Rosa, yes, terrifically sad. Thanks for the compliments though.

You're exactly right on having to ponder the love of God.

Let's ponder love. What if your husband ran around with other women. He said you don't understand ... I love you but I just really enjoy them too. Would you, in true love, say don't worry about it honey. I don't like it but I know you're good at heart so just come on home to me when you're through. Because you are a woman of love????

What if, after working your fingers to the bones to buy your child a new car, he used it to run around at parties to drink. He boozed it up , lost his job, slept late, and finally ran the car through the garage door. If you were a woman of true love, would you just say honey, you are the cutest thing and I really love you and making you happy is all that matters. Don't worry My love is so strong, and you are such a pretty nice guy, I'll just act like it didn't happen?

He all but begs us ... Paul said I BESEACH you in His place ... come to Jesus and put your faith in Him and He will come into you and give you a new life. God Himself will then begin to change you into what you were born to be.
(You can't change yourself, none of us can)

Truth is ... He made us ... we belong to Him ... He decided to give us a choice. He doesn't want puppets. He wants people to choose to be born into his family. He plainly tells us that those that choose not to do it His way will be left on the outside when the wedding begins and the door will closed.

True love paid for all our sins and offers to GIVE us eternal life. True love allows people to say no. And shuts the door. And then the story for those on the inside begins ... He says beyond anything that we could imagine.

So I say with Him .... He has true love for you ... come into Him all you that are weary and filled with heavingess and He Himself will give you peace and rest.

In love He created the very best plan for us it is possible to create and invited us to come in and join him. In love, He allows us to say no, I'll do it my own way.

Thank you Cassandra.

Yes I did note Harrel's comment. in fact, a couple of posts under that I spoke of accepting the Lord and suggested if someone had question the could email me or to email Harrel. His post gave me great confindence in him.

Glome, it is powerful poetic verses like this one that reminds me that I'm so glad that I have a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Beautifully written!

Marlive ... It's great to see your little icon over here & to hear such a strong response.
My Mom, who lived on the other side f Victor and prayed with me over the months have thought about that night over and over. To know Christ is so wonderful ... why would he make that choice? Only God knows.
Thank you so much for coming over and commenting.

One word says it all.....
WOW

Thanks Beverly ... so you're a late owl too huh? It's my favorite time to read and play.

Bless your heart. Thanks for witnessing and for being obedient.

Thank you ms Marilyn :) I heard your video and enjoyed it very much. I hadn't heard any musical video's on Gather. I just remember I did hear a young man trying to act very wise and intelligent on a video as he pondered some of the truths of life :)

I went to a 2nd video of yours and ended up it was someone else's. I still tend to get a little lost sometimes in here.

Thanks for coming by. I will be back to your site to read your articles.

Wow. That is so touching that you showed him the path. A wonderful tribute to your neighbor. Have a nice night. Great verse too.

Thanks Ashley, for coming by and for commenting.

sigh....

Thanks again Lisa. It is pretty sad.

So wonderfully done, Glome!

Moving, honest and I hope people will use your wisdom to go to Him before it's too late.

That was wonderful Glome.

Thanks Curt. I haven't been getting around much lately. I will be over and see what you're up to :)

Thank you Sharon. Sounds like you know Him.
Thanks for coming by and for commenting.
That is such a cute icon. Did you draw it yourself?

Glome, I feel your pain in this...just wondering...

Since you were brave enough to even raise the questions you did, why didn't you try something simple...when he said

"Nope, If he doesn't want me like I am

I don't want anything to do with him"

(I didn't read all comments so others may also have asked)

like

"That's just it...He does want and love you the way you are. In fact he died for you."

I'm not trying to second guess you...sometimes we just don't have the answer(s)...

But you obviously want to share about Christ...so just remember KISS "Keep it simple stupid)...we are all stupid when we get tongue-died and don't know how to say what we really want to say...So, Glome, just let God's love for you and the person shine through you and let Him speak through you...and just keep it simple and about His Love... Christ will give you the words if you will begin to allow Him to...

Z'

Thank you Sue. Actually, I am fine. Corinthians says we have to be the fragrance of Christ to those who want Him and to those who don't. Everyone will stand before Him without excuse I guess.
Thank you for coming by and commenting.

Hi Zara, thanks for coming by.

I know it sounded bad in the poem, but you have to realize I only gave 4 or 5 sentences out of 9 months of short discussions.

Preceding the question, "Are you too proud to bow down to God" was his tirade that he was a self made man and (kind of... in a nut shell) God didn't have anything to do with it. Listening to him, I realized he couldn't bow to anyone. I was speaking that truth out loud hoping that clarifying what he was saying might give him insight.

"His response that God would have to take him as he is" was to being told that he could receive new life from Christ right now because He had already paid the price for all his sins. That God loved him and wanted him to come to Him just as he is."

I have no doubt that he heard the simplicity of the gospel and that God loved him. But you notice the brevity of the poem ...
The truth is, so much was said over the months that I felt it impossible to write a poem about. Then I decided to only draw a skeleton. Leave everything out but the barest essential parts.

It worked somewhat ... but it did leave people thinking what was recorded was all I said :)
Thanks for your concern though. To stand outside that door with his daughter in law and hear what was going on is indescribable. Yet there are 109 or 119 people dying every minute. It isn't a rare occurrence ... but it was a once in a lifetime experience for Victor and I was awe struck.

Chilling, Glome.

So chilling that I literally had to shake off the cold; it was a reflex that I couldn't stop.

Were I to tell you of all the experiences I have had! But here is one . . .

Two of my friends -- David and Jerome -- accompanied me to see my mother. EVERYBODY loved my mommie (unlike me), and so they were always ready to accompany me to visit her.

Amongst many other things, my mother was a pastor. When we got into town we located her at the hospital, ministering to one of her flock, a lady whose ex-husband was dying in the hospital; there was no chance of survival, which was why the hospital has called her (and a person of the cloth) to be there.

This man had no religious ties, and never did, so the only person known would have been his ex-wife's pastor (my mom). After she finished whatever she was doing, she left the hospital, and we talked alone in Mommie's car. David and Jerome were in our vehicle.

Mommie said to me,

"The doctors say of a certainty he won't survive the night. But if he dies, he's going to Hell. I can't see that man go to Hell."

I said, "Okay Mommie, then we'll pray him to LIFE. Let's do it now!"
I prayed, and Mommie agreed in prayer.

To make a long story short, the man recovered fully, came out of the coma, and when he did the first person he asked to see was Mommie. Strange, since he did not know Mommie. The doctors called his recovery a miracle, and the nurses wanted nothing to do with him; they called him, "The living dead."

The reason the man wanted to talk to my mother was because of the experience he had while in coma. He said he had gone to Hell. He saw some of his friends there. He was told that the reason he was there was because he had been deceived and listened to the wrong things, and not accepted the TRUTH that would have saved him. He was mocked and tormented. But then he heard my mother praying and then he saw Angels coming down into these horrible pits of Hell with swords and fighting away the demons who were tormenting him.

My mother asked him about the swords, and to describe them. She was curious about the swords, how they could fight off demons (she already knew, but wondered HOW he could know). He became annoyed with her and said,

"The swords were the Word of God, didn't you KNOW that? That is what the Angels were using to get those demons off me!"

He said the Lord had given him a mission and he was going to fulfill it. According to his ex-wife, the man who awoke from this coma was NOT the same man she had ever known. The very wicked, abusive man she once knew, who ONLY wanted to speak of God now? How COULD this be?

She and he were re-married by Mommie, and he did exactly as he said he was instructed. He went to all of his friends who were still out there leading wild and wicked lives and told them about his experience in Hell. He asked them, invited them to change their lives before it was too late. He even told them about the friends he saw -- many of them were friends they had in common -- in Hell who would never have another chance.

He completed his mission, and he never strayed again. He is departed now, but lived a new life, and was happy (by his own account), unlike he had been previously. My mother got her wish, to not see him be lost.

Thanks for sharing that Lady. It is very extreme ... but God does extreme things. People don't make things like that up. Particularly because you saw him change.

My experience was very slight compared to that man ... even so, standing out side apt 409 that night I was awe struck at what was going on behind that door. I also knew my part was over. GREAT that you all didn't give up. But then I know God put that in your hearts. And called your Mamma back. What an honor for her to be used by God in such a way.

Glome,

Okay, here it is: you'll know that this is true. Of course, inside of you, you already KNOW that this is true. Your efforts with respect to Apt. 409 were not in vain, didn't you know? Are you to say what happened in the very last seconds of that man's life?

Here is a jewel that I use constantly, and when I first saw this I read it, and then I read it again, and again, and again and again and again. I put THE BOOK down, and come back, and read it again. I talked to family members, and asked, "WE can do THIS????????"

"Then said Jesus to then again,

Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

And when he had said this, he BREATHED on them, and saith unto them,

RECEIVE YE THE HOLY GHOST."

__________________________________________

Are you with me so far Glome, because it is going to GOOOOOOOD!

Because here are Jesus' very next words:

"WHOSE SOEVER SINS YE REMIT, THEY ARE REMITTED UNTO THEM, AND WHOSE SOEVER SINS YE RETAIN, THEY . . . ARE . . . RETAINED.

For a very long time I thought this authority was only for Priests. Where in the text does Jesus say that this commission was given only to Priests? The qualification is:

"Receive ye the Holy Ghost." Do you have the infilling of the Holy Ghost?

Then as -- what the name of that R&B group? Can't think of them! But as they sing it,

I've got the power!

So do you! The point being: you did what you were called to do. Be at peace with the part you were supposed to do, and be confident that the Holy Spirit did what you did not see was done.

Corr on the very first line:

"Then Jesus said to them again"

taken from John chapter 20

In closing: peace be with you, for 409 is at rest. The battle was won. You -- in your own spirit -- remitted that man's sins. The spirit often does what the outward man does not. The outward man groaneth, yes? You took care of business, even when you were outwardly unaware.

"NO! NO! NO!" He cries! He did not want to know the Lord, but a sinless man whose sins are forgiven (which YOU did for him) what is left when there IS no sin? Do you see it? God is merciful like that. That is why it is so important to use John Chapter 20, and why it is so important that Priest apply the Last Rites.

Someday, the man shall thank you.