Canton, OH
More from 4/23
My time on the Ridge was an amazing start to what would turn out to be a busy and great day. After my light sight I had breakfast, showered, and drove south to Canton, OH. I was set to meet with Michael, who I had met the day before. I had started reading his book, “The Word of God upon My Lips: A Messenger Speaks.” It was pretty deep stuff. On Earth Day, he read from his book. With an open mind, I heard him explain how he began to get feelings and sensations of something speaking through him.
With some focus and prayer, this voice was a messenger, passing on words of wisdom through Michael. Basically, the messenger’s words through Michael’s voice. The messenger was not God, but it sounded like someone who knew him. Again, I kept an open mind. When Chris set it up for me to come to Canton and pray with Michael and his wife Jennifer, I was intrigued.
I had spent the previous night and morning reading his book and formulating questions. I kind of felt like I was going to see a fortune teller. As I type that, some of you will conjure images of a woman with a bandana on her head and a crystal ball. It turned out not to be like that at all.
Note, he is a professor of English at a university with a wife and two children. Not exactly the prototypical $10 for a reading type of person. Actually, there was not a charge to this at all.
I wasn’t sure what to think. From the book reading I had done, I decided I would be open to the experience. On my question sheet I wrote down surrender and receive. As I pulled in the driveway, I was nervous. From the previous day, I knew Michael and Jennifer were extremely laid back and cool. I hugged them like I did many of the others at Earth Day. But still, what if he said I was going to die or something?
I had lots of questions, but I was mainly focused on what was next for me on the road. Basically, am I doing what I am supposed to be doing?
We went into the prayer room, which was built above their garage. They lit a prayer candle, we discussed what was on my mind, and Jennifer read a random Psalm from the Bible. I sat back, tried to clear my head, and shut my eyes. Michael began to spasm and let out loud “Huh!”’s. They had pre-warned me of what they called his “Spiritual Tourettes.” He was not in pain, just getting overcome with the messenger.
Michael began to speak, but it was not his typical words. The messenger, or as they called it, The Holy was speaking. When it addressed me by name, I was open to it. An incredible sense of calm, peace, and presence overcame me. My eyes filled with tears, not crying, but just very glassy, which made everything foggy. The smile on my face would not go away. It felt amazing.
Just imagine, for all of the cynics, what if this was a presence from God? How awesome it is to be sitting with it! I surrendered and listened and spoke when I felt appropriate. It did not speak in yes’s or no’s but more in stories and parables. I’d rather not go into detail on what was said, but it was positive. It said I was using my talents and that I should stay on the road I was on. It said I was in a season of rest, but that season would be over soon and a season of movement would be upon me.
We prayed for an hour, with The Holy also addressing some of Jennifer’s questions about her journey. Again, think you want, but this was an incredible feeling that I have no motivation to make up or dream up or fake. I know what I felt. And I would love to feel that closeness again.
The day did not end there. After the prayer, we spent the next couple of hours eating and talking about different topics that were not the weather and sports. I then drove back to Angel House for dinner, some reading and a movie.
Carol mentioned earlier that day she had rented Freedom Writers. I love movies about writers and I also don’t mind watching Hillary Swank. She had seen it numerous times. I had heard of it, but didn’t know much about it. I laughed as the movie started and saw it was an MTV production. I think it took place in L.A. in 1992 or 1993. The rap music of my youth played as I sat in a room with Carol and Carolyn, two women around the same age as my mom.
I loved the movie. It was based on a true story and focused on an inner city school with Hillary Swank as the new freshman English teacher. She had the lowest of the low in terms of students and economic class, but molded them into motivated students. This motivation led to new, deep relationships for all of them. It showed me the power of education, but more so, the power of what people can overcome when given the tools and opportunity.
My brain was flying high as the movie ended and the ladies called it a night. Earlier that night I had started reading Mitch Albom’s “For one more day.” I had read Tuesday’s with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven, so I knew I would like this one. I was right. I devoured it in that sitting. It made me wish my mom was there for a hug. It made me thankful for the relationship I have with my parents.
It was a day I think I will remember for a long time. I am not sure, but I think the light and The Holy have left a lasting impact on me. I feel pretty peaceful, that’s for sure.
Peace!