In 1985 my life was in shambles. I was making about $4,000 a week, had a bevy of lady friends, the use of two nice apartments, and a nice automobile. Not too shabby! However I was not at all happy. I could not hold down a good steady relationship, was possessed with quite a violent temper, and would fight anyone who looked at me the wrong way.
The only good qualities I had was a total lack of racial prejudice, extreme generosity and deep respect for women. At the time I was dating “Anna.” She was from Lebanon. I really liked her a lot.
She was very attractive and possessed a real sweet disposition. She could walk into a bar or club and heads would turn her way. She loved the night life. We would often go out to dance in one of the many nightclubs near my home. We dined often at great restaurants; but she also loved to sit home, romance, and enjoy a good movie.
My relationship with her ended quite abruptly. I had never said, even a bad word to her. However, she witnessed a nasty fight between me and my brother-in law. The fight was over money procured from the sale of, let me say a “questionable substance.” I had my brother in-law down on the ground and could have killed him.
When Anna saw my anger I think that was it for her. I was alone again. However; soon that was all to change. My life was to be filled with wonderful people and change in a way I never could have imagined.
Shortly after being dumped by Anna, I met a wonderful Christian lady from Texas. This was strictly a friendship. She was married with a real nice family. My friend’s name was Pat. She was a real sweet person and really loved God. I was very impressed with her kindness and piety.
Pat seemed to really care about people. She asked me to attend a Christian revival given in Dallas, Texas. The revival would be sixty-four days and would be twenty-four hours a day of; bible teaching, prayer for the sick, worship, and singing.
She explained; that excellent bible teachers from all over the world would attend and there would be great music. Many had planned on viewing this event via closed circuit TV. This was in 1985, before cable television.
I decided to attend the revival, more to make Pat happy, than for my own spiritual benefit. I arrived at the revival during the second or third week. There were over 6,000 people in the church and many who stood outside, unable to get in.
I was told that over a million people from all over the world watched the revival on close circuit TV. Most of these people were able to view the event at their local churches.
This was a non-denominational event. There were speakers form all mainstream denominations; including some excellent Catholic teachers and priests. There were also many great women speakers.
Although there were various teachers, perhaps the main speaker was Rev. T.L. Osborn, in my opinion one of the greatest men of God alive today. He has taught the bible and proclaimed Christ in over seventy nations, for the last fifty years. In one of his crusades in Jamaica (with doctors present) one after another totally blind people received their sight, some instantly and some gradually.
T.L. has seen incredible signs and wonders and led millions all over the world to a deeper knowledge of scripture. The truths of scripture, not told since the days of the First Century Christians.
Rev. Osborn explained to us that Jesus came, not just to pardon us, but to actually live his life in us. He pointed out scripture after scripture, showing how Jesus promised we could share in his Spirit and be a part of astounding miracles. I could barely believe what I was hearing. These were the words of Christ. They must be true! Why would Jesus lie to us? He cannot lie. His words are either true or they are not true. “I choose to believe this man.”
Brother Osborn asked all who wanted to accept Christ into their lives, to pray with him. He explained that we could turn from our old way of life. “God would make things new for us, as they were in the beginning. We would be his adopted sons and daughters.”
Hundreds of us bowed our heads and prayed with this wonderful man of God. What happened next I will never forget. I could live for 1,000 years and never forget what happened. During the prayer of this humble, gentle man, a tangible energy seemed to come all over me. It was kind of like electricity, but very soft and very sweet.
Suddenly I went to my knees. My hands and feet felt as if I was re-living the passion of Christ. It was very strong and quite painful. I began to cry as others came around me, asking what was happening. I did not know at the time about the Catholic stigmata. Actually, I knew very little about Jesus. Except that he was kind, holy, performed miracles and loved people. In one instant, one moment of time, he had become one with me and I with him.
Everyday I feel his passion in my hands and feet. Since that amazing day March 26th, 1985 the stigmata has been with me. Sometimes it is very strong, especially during prayer or discussions about God. However I could be writing a letter or drinking a glass of water, it matters not. It is always with me everyday. However, this was only the beginning.
The prayer of that Man of God thrust me into a new world. A supernatural world that I never knew existed. A world that was quite common in the early church during the first and second centuries. It was a world were the laws of nature did not even matter. A world of love, kindness, excitement, and miracles.
In this unseen world, reside the forces of Good and the Forces of evil; both forces battling over our happiness, freedom, and safety. There is a vicious, unseen battle going on. I did not choose to join. I was conscripted. One of those chosen to fight on the side of good. I must use God’s graces to encourage and help others.
I hope that this series will encourage and help all who read it and choose to believe.