Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Thursday, April 6, 2017
House of Spirits Part VII ( A Horrific Revelation.)
I
pulled my eyes from the warrior and looked into the mirror to behold the most
horrifying revelation of the evening! One that left me paralyzed by fear —totally
immobilized— and hyperventilating. I did not want to look on the reflection,
but stared in disbelief as sickness invaded the pit of my stomach!
Then a warm sensation flooded my lap as I lost control of all bodily function. Then I doubled over and vomited. It was more than I could bear. I sat up and wiped my mouth with a shirt sleeve then looked once more to the mirror to see a reflection of two dark serpent like spirits wrapped around my body. Together they resembled a two headed beast that slithered, hissed and sighed. I heard their voices: “He’s ours! He belongs to us! You can’t have him! He opened the door! We have legal right to this property!”
I looked upon their demonic presence trembling and I began to wail, “Get them off! Get them off me! Please get them off me!” Methuselah placed one hand on each shoulder and raised his voice, “Peter, that’s why we’re here! We’ve come to help!”
Then the Warrior, unsheathed his fiery claymore and lifted it high above his right shoulder. Looking at the serpents he demanded, “Tell me your names!” The dark spirits, recoiled and sighed, “You already know who we are.” Undeterred, the Warrior demanded, “Tell me you names. Who are you?”
The serpents continued recoiling from the angelic presence. I knew a battle was coming and I would be the spoil. I began to hyperventilate and struggle for every breath when Methuselah leaned in close and said, “It’s okay! Michael has this!
One of the spirits raised itself high above the warrior and opened its mouth revealing dark, viper like fangs, and declared, “My name is Anger!” Then lunged forward striking at the Warrior.
Though it happened much too fast for the natural eye to follow, Methuselah’s touch enabled me to see supernaturally as The Arch Angel, swung his fiery Claymore like a Louisville Slugger—severing the serpents head before it exploded into tiny dust particles and evaporated into the air.
The remaining Spirit began to wither and squeal. “No! No! You cannot have this property!” The warrior demanded, “Spirit! Tell me your name,” then lifted his Claymore for another swing. I hoped his aim was steady, because I knew if he missed, it would be my own head that rolled.
But that fear was quickly dispelled when the serpent responded “You ask my name? Talk with Peter! He knows me well. He is a bitter soul.” Then it looked to the Warrior, and back into my own eyes as it smiled a haunting, chilling, demonic smile, and wailed, “That’s right! My name is Bitterness!” Then it vanished.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror and was relieved to find there were no clinging spirits then collapsed across the bar. Fear had done a number on me. I was an absolute mess. Methuselah, however, sat down next to me, leaned into the bar and casually said, “We’ve had bigger fights and I’ve seen nastier characters.”
I lifted my head off the bar and wiped an unhealthy blend of sweat and snot from my face then asked, “Where did those things go and how did they become attached to me?” My heart sank when he responded, “They’re not things. They are spiritual beings and make no mistake, they will be back. As to how they became attached, well you opened that door.
My head was spinning from the revelation of my own oppression and coupled with the conflict I had just witnessed, along with every other crazy thing that had happened since walking into the place left me totally exhausted and crippled every ability to reason. So I drew a deep breath and with a weak, helpless voice, asked, “What are you saying?” He looked me in the eye and in a tone that was no longer casual answered, “We won the battle, but the war is not over.”
His words hung in the air like a dense fog. I felt myself coming unhinged allover again and said, “I saw Michael vaporize one and the other fled.” What do you mean the war’s not over?” Am I doomed to a life of torment?”
Methuselah placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “No, you do not have to live in that hell, but we have work to do.” Then he looked to the Warrior and said, “We’re going to need the TV remote.”
Michael morphed back into mortal form then reached for the remote and laid it on the bar. The sound was down, but ESPN was running reruns of the late night lineup. I assumed he was going to turn the set off, but instead looked to me and asked, “Do you mind if I change the channel?”
Then a warm sensation flooded my lap as I lost control of all bodily function. Then I doubled over and vomited. It was more than I could bear. I sat up and wiped my mouth with a shirt sleeve then looked once more to the mirror to see a reflection of two dark serpent like spirits wrapped around my body. Together they resembled a two headed beast that slithered, hissed and sighed. I heard their voices: “He’s ours! He belongs to us! You can’t have him! He opened the door! We have legal right to this property!”
I looked upon their demonic presence trembling and I began to wail, “Get them off! Get them off me! Please get them off me!” Methuselah placed one hand on each shoulder and raised his voice, “Peter, that’s why we’re here! We’ve come to help!”
Then the Warrior, unsheathed his fiery claymore and lifted it high above his right shoulder. Looking at the serpents he demanded, “Tell me your names!” The dark spirits, recoiled and sighed, “You already know who we are.” Undeterred, the Warrior demanded, “Tell me you names. Who are you?”
The serpents continued recoiling from the angelic presence. I knew a battle was coming and I would be the spoil. I began to hyperventilate and struggle for every breath when Methuselah leaned in close and said, “It’s okay! Michael has this!
One of the spirits raised itself high above the warrior and opened its mouth revealing dark, viper like fangs, and declared, “My name is Anger!” Then lunged forward striking at the Warrior.
Though it happened much too fast for the natural eye to follow, Methuselah’s touch enabled me to see supernaturally as The Arch Angel, swung his fiery Claymore like a Louisville Slugger—severing the serpents head before it exploded into tiny dust particles and evaporated into the air.
The remaining Spirit began to wither and squeal. “No! No! You cannot have this property!” The warrior demanded, “Spirit! Tell me your name,” then lifted his Claymore for another swing. I hoped his aim was steady, because I knew if he missed, it would be my own head that rolled.
But that fear was quickly dispelled when the serpent responded “You ask my name? Talk with Peter! He knows me well. He is a bitter soul.” Then it looked to the Warrior, and back into my own eyes as it smiled a haunting, chilling, demonic smile, and wailed, “That’s right! My name is Bitterness!” Then it vanished.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror and was relieved to find there were no clinging spirits then collapsed across the bar. Fear had done a number on me. I was an absolute mess. Methuselah, however, sat down next to me, leaned into the bar and casually said, “We’ve had bigger fights and I’ve seen nastier characters.”
I lifted my head off the bar and wiped an unhealthy blend of sweat and snot from my face then asked, “Where did those things go and how did they become attached to me?” My heart sank when he responded, “They’re not things. They are spiritual beings and make no mistake, they will be back. As to how they became attached, well you opened that door.
My head was spinning from the revelation of my own oppression and coupled with the conflict I had just witnessed, along with every other crazy thing that had happened since walking into the place left me totally exhausted and crippled every ability to reason. So I drew a deep breath and with a weak, helpless voice, asked, “What are you saying?” He looked me in the eye and in a tone that was no longer casual answered, “We won the battle, but the war is not over.”
His words hung in the air like a dense fog. I felt myself coming unhinged allover again and said, “I saw Michael vaporize one and the other fled.” What do you mean the war’s not over?” Am I doomed to a life of torment?”
Methuselah placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “No, you do not have to live in that hell, but we have work to do.” Then he looked to the Warrior and said, “We’re going to need the TV remote.”
Michael morphed back into mortal form then reached for the remote and laid it on the bar. The sound was down, but ESPN was running reruns of the late night lineup. I assumed he was going to turn the set off, but instead looked to me and asked, “Do you mind if I change the channel?”
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
House of Spirits Part VI (The WARRIOR)
The
Warrior
He did not answer, but looked to Methuselah and asked, “Shall we?”
Methuselah responded, “Peter, sit down we need to show you something.”
I replied, “Not sure I want to go there again.”
“Work with us Pete, we’re trying to help.”
I had already witnessed enough to guarantee a life time of insomnia, but figured I may as well go all in. I must admit, it was frightening and I was feeling it in my stomach, but swallowed hard and sat back down. Methuselah leaned over my left shoulder and whispered, “Just watch.” And as on cue, the bartender took a step back and said, “My name is Michael.” Then began to morph into another creature.
It started in his eyes with his pupils taking on an appearance of fire. Then suddenly a great light pierced the ceiling and enveloped the man with a brightness unlike anything I had ever seen. So bright I was forced to turn my head and raise a forearm to shield my own vision.
I felt the warmth from his presence as he lit the entire room with a heavenly radiance. Then I felt Methuselah’s hand fall on my right shoulder and remembered how his touch enabled me to see into the spiritual realm earlier. So, I dropped my forearm and looked upon the immortal’s presence.
He stood before me like something out of a graphic novel, having a bright, white like appearance. His eyes glowed and his body appeared chiseled. On his side hung a large sword that nearly reached the floor. It looked like a claymore, but like his eyes, held a fiery appearance. He represented power and authority. It was a terrifying sight to behold. I sit before him speechless and recalled that in the Scriptures most humans were afraid when encountering the angelic and were often told, “Fear not!" Now I understand why.
Methuselah asked, “Peter, are you okay?”
I trembled and shuddered, “I… I… I think so.”
“Peter, he’s a warrior.”
“Is this Michael, the Arch Angel I’ve read about in the Old Testament?”
“Yes, and we've both come to help you.”
“Help me with what,” I responded?
“Deliverance.”
I could not take my eyes off the warrior, but responded, “Deliverance from what? I don’t understand.”
“That’s what I’ve come to show you.”
His hand was still resting on my shoulder and I felt a gentle squeeze as he said, “Look into the mirror.”
He did not answer, but looked to Methuselah and asked, “Shall we?”
Methuselah responded, “Peter, sit down we need to show you something.”
I replied, “Not sure I want to go there again.”
“Work with us Pete, we’re trying to help.”
I had already witnessed enough to guarantee a life time of insomnia, but figured I may as well go all in. I must admit, it was frightening and I was feeling it in my stomach, but swallowed hard and sat back down. Methuselah leaned over my left shoulder and whispered, “Just watch.” And as on cue, the bartender took a step back and said, “My name is Michael.” Then began to morph into another creature.
It started in his eyes with his pupils taking on an appearance of fire. Then suddenly a great light pierced the ceiling and enveloped the man with a brightness unlike anything I had ever seen. So bright I was forced to turn my head and raise a forearm to shield my own vision.
I felt the warmth from his presence as he lit the entire room with a heavenly radiance. Then I felt Methuselah’s hand fall on my right shoulder and remembered how his touch enabled me to see into the spiritual realm earlier. So, I dropped my forearm and looked upon the immortal’s presence.
He stood before me like something out of a graphic novel, having a bright, white like appearance. His eyes glowed and his body appeared chiseled. On his side hung a large sword that nearly reached the floor. It looked like a claymore, but like his eyes, held a fiery appearance. He represented power and authority. It was a terrifying sight to behold. I sit before him speechless and recalled that in the Scriptures most humans were afraid when encountering the angelic and were often told, “Fear not!" Now I understand why.
Methuselah asked, “Peter, are you okay?”
I trembled and shuddered, “I… I… I think so.”
“Peter, he’s a warrior.”
“Is this Michael, the Arch Angel I’ve read about in the Old Testament?”
“Yes, and we've both come to help you.”
“Help me with what,” I responded?
“Deliverance.”
I could not take my eyes off the warrior, but responded, “Deliverance from what? I don’t understand.”
“That’s what I’ve come to show you.”
His hand was still resting on my shoulder and I felt a gentle squeeze as he said, “Look into the mirror.”
Monday, April 3, 2017
House of Spirits (Part V / These Chains)
These
Chains
I wondered what could be more unsettling than looking upon the demonic, but then watched eight spirits circle the room and come to rest on the backs of the eight remaining patrons[CD1] . Each wrapping dark arms around the person to which it had laid claim, then looking at Methuselah and declaring, in deep guttural voice, “Mine.”
Cold chills ran down both arms and I felt the hair lifting on the back of my neck.
“What are they doing,” I asked.
“The same thing they’ve always done.”
“Which is?”
“Holding people in bondage.”
Then I asked, “When these people leave, are the spirits riding out on their backs?”
“Of course, they rode in on their backs.”
“Are these people possessed?”
“No, but they are oppressed.”
I responded, “The difference being?”
“When a person is oppressed the demons are tempting, tormenting and harassing. But, to say one is possessed indicates the spirit has taken complete control of all behavior.”
“What brings it on?”
“Different things.”
“Such as?”
“Well for instance, the man sitting at the bar looking all business—his name is Thomas. He never received his father’s blessing and has spent the greater part of his adult life discontent and chasing something he cannot identify. Now he’s is an over achiever, plagued by a spirit of Inferiority.”
I responded,” And the lady at the end of the bar?”
“She got pregnant at sixteen and an abortion because she was ashamed and afraid. Then her self-righteous parents kicked her out of the house when they learned of the choices she made. Having no place to go, the kid turned to prostitution, then fell into addiction. Now Amanda spends most of her time wrestling with guilt and dealing with a spirit of Self-Hatred.”
“And the couple sitting at the table?”
“He was staying overnight at a friend’s house where he was introduced to internet porn. He was only thirteen years old and instantly hooked. Now Brock is chained to a spirit of lust and struggles with a sex addiction that’s cost him his marriage and job.
“The young lady sitting at his table?”
Her name is Beth and she lost her parents in a car accident when she was Twelve. There was no other family, so she landed in foster care where she was passed from home to home and as a result struggles with a fear of abandonment.”
“And the others?”
“They’re all broken and they all have a few bad chapters.”
“So, are you suggesting every bad story is a product of demonic influence?”
“No, of course not. As I said earlier; some people are living with the choices they’ve made, and many are living with choices others have made, and if that’s not enough, life is just difficult.”
“Pete, you already know the answer to most of these questions. I mean, it’s not been that long since you walked away.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I think you know.”
I dropped my head and responded, “I can’t deal with this right now. Please, let’s not talk about the decisions I’ve made.”
“You have to deal with it sometime.”
I pulled my hand from his grasp and said, “Not now!” Methuselah looked away as I stood up and walked over to the bar. It was too much to take in. Too much to process. There were too many memories and too much hurt to revisit. I asked the bar Tender for another shot of Seagram, thinking it may settle my nerves.
When he sit the glass in front of me I told him to make it a double and as he poured the drink I looked around the room and watched as the others were leaving. I shook my head in disbelief as I considered they were all bound to dark spirits, but the image was burned into my head and I knew it was real.
I turned up the drink—feeling the burn of whisky passing over taste buds and when it hit my stomach, I caught the second burn and took a deep breath.
“Feel better?”
It was Methuselah standing behind me. I responded, “Not yet, but one more may help.”
I pushed my glass toward the Bartender, but was surprised when he shook his head no.
I responded, “I’m not finished.”
“Maybe not, but its five past two and the state of North Carolina says we’re done.”
Looking past the bartender I read the words, House of Spirits. They were etched in blue cursive across a large mirror behind the liquor counter. Then I remembered the blue neon sign hanging in the front window. I initially thought the name of the bar was a reference to bottled spirits, but after the things I had witnessed believed it was more of a subliminal message, speaking to the dark spirits that also dwelled in and around the area.
I had walked in after work with intentions of having a couple of drinks and returning home for an early evening, but in the process met a celestial being who had a pretty good grasp on my former life and was aware of the decisions I’d made. If that were not enough to shake things up, he had also unveiled a demonic presence.
“Talk to me Peter.”
I looked up and into the mirror to see a reflection of my confused self and Methuselah standing behind me. All the others were gone—only the angel, the bartender and I remained.
“There’s nothing to say.”
“I’ve haven’t shown you anything that you did not already know—at least in theory. I mean all those years of Bible and Theology informed you of the demonic. You’ve also dealt with the spirit realm in your previous ministry.”
“Yes, but this is different. To actually look into that dimension, to see the spirits! To hear them hiss and sigh! I could smell the sulfur! Their right out of the pit of hell. And to see them riding on the backs of those people. Those folks are living in bondage and don’t know it. I wanted to help, but couldn’t”
“Peter, it’s not always been that way with you.”
“No. There was a time when I would have taken authority…” I didn’t finish my sentence, but dropped my head and left those words hanging in the air.
“But what?” Methuselah asked.
I did not want to go any further with the conversation. I had seen and heard enough. I needed an escape hatch, so I got up from the barstool, then reached into my pocket to pay for my drink and as I done so, the bartender said, “Keep your money. You can pay me by answering his question.”
“Excuse me?”
He repeated, “You can pay me by answering his question.”
I looked over my shoulder to see Methuselah gesture approval by raising his eyebrows.
Then I looked back at the bartender and said, “So, the two of you are tag teaming me.”
To which he replied, “We’re only here to help.”
I considered the bartender’s response and connected a couple more of the dots.
“So, let me guess, you’re really not a bartender.”
“I am tonight.”
“So, Bartender, what’s your name?”
I wondered what could be more unsettling than looking upon the demonic, but then watched eight spirits circle the room and come to rest on the backs of the eight remaining patrons[CD1] . Each wrapping dark arms around the person to which it had laid claim, then looking at Methuselah and declaring, in deep guttural voice, “Mine.”
Cold chills ran down both arms and I felt the hair lifting on the back of my neck.
“What are they doing,” I asked.
“The same thing they’ve always done.”
“Which is?”
“Holding people in bondage.”
Then I asked, “When these people leave, are the spirits riding out on their backs?”
“Of course, they rode in on their backs.”
“Are these people possessed?”
“No, but they are oppressed.”
I responded, “The difference being?”
“When a person is oppressed the demons are tempting, tormenting and harassing. But, to say one is possessed indicates the spirit has taken complete control of all behavior.”
“What brings it on?”
“Different things.”
“Such as?”
“Well for instance, the man sitting at the bar looking all business—his name is Thomas. He never received his father’s blessing and has spent the greater part of his adult life discontent and chasing something he cannot identify. Now he’s is an over achiever, plagued by a spirit of Inferiority.”
I responded,” And the lady at the end of the bar?”
“She got pregnant at sixteen and an abortion because she was ashamed and afraid. Then her self-righteous parents kicked her out of the house when they learned of the choices she made. Having no place to go, the kid turned to prostitution, then fell into addiction. Now Amanda spends most of her time wrestling with guilt and dealing with a spirit of Self-Hatred.”
“And the couple sitting at the table?”
“He was staying overnight at a friend’s house where he was introduced to internet porn. He was only thirteen years old and instantly hooked. Now Brock is chained to a spirit of lust and struggles with a sex addiction that’s cost him his marriage and job.
“The young lady sitting at his table?”
Her name is Beth and she lost her parents in a car accident when she was Twelve. There was no other family, so she landed in foster care where she was passed from home to home and as a result struggles with a fear of abandonment.”
“And the others?”
“They’re all broken and they all have a few bad chapters.”
“So, are you suggesting every bad story is a product of demonic influence?”
“No, of course not. As I said earlier; some people are living with the choices they’ve made, and many are living with choices others have made, and if that’s not enough, life is just difficult.”
“Pete, you already know the answer to most of these questions. I mean, it’s not been that long since you walked away.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I think you know.”
I dropped my head and responded, “I can’t deal with this right now. Please, let’s not talk about the decisions I’ve made.”
“You have to deal with it sometime.”
I pulled my hand from his grasp and said, “Not now!” Methuselah looked away as I stood up and walked over to the bar. It was too much to take in. Too much to process. There were too many memories and too much hurt to revisit. I asked the bar Tender for another shot of Seagram, thinking it may settle my nerves.
When he sit the glass in front of me I told him to make it a double and as he poured the drink I looked around the room and watched as the others were leaving. I shook my head in disbelief as I considered they were all bound to dark spirits, but the image was burned into my head and I knew it was real.
I turned up the drink—feeling the burn of whisky passing over taste buds and when it hit my stomach, I caught the second burn and took a deep breath.
“Feel better?”
It was Methuselah standing behind me. I responded, “Not yet, but one more may help.”
I pushed my glass toward the Bartender, but was surprised when he shook his head no.
I responded, “I’m not finished.”
“Maybe not, but its five past two and the state of North Carolina says we’re done.”
Looking past the bartender I read the words, House of Spirits. They were etched in blue cursive across a large mirror behind the liquor counter. Then I remembered the blue neon sign hanging in the front window. I initially thought the name of the bar was a reference to bottled spirits, but after the things I had witnessed believed it was more of a subliminal message, speaking to the dark spirits that also dwelled in and around the area.
I had walked in after work with intentions of having a couple of drinks and returning home for an early evening, but in the process met a celestial being who had a pretty good grasp on my former life and was aware of the decisions I’d made. If that were not enough to shake things up, he had also unveiled a demonic presence.
“Talk to me Peter.”
I looked up and into the mirror to see a reflection of my confused self and Methuselah standing behind me. All the others were gone—only the angel, the bartender and I remained.
“There’s nothing to say.”
“I’ve haven’t shown you anything that you did not already know—at least in theory. I mean all those years of Bible and Theology informed you of the demonic. You’ve also dealt with the spirit realm in your previous ministry.”
“Yes, but this is different. To actually look into that dimension, to see the spirits! To hear them hiss and sigh! I could smell the sulfur! Their right out of the pit of hell. And to see them riding on the backs of those people. Those folks are living in bondage and don’t know it. I wanted to help, but couldn’t”
“Peter, it’s not always been that way with you.”
“No. There was a time when I would have taken authority…” I didn’t finish my sentence, but dropped my head and left those words hanging in the air.
“But what?” Methuselah asked.
I did not want to go any further with the conversation. I had seen and heard enough. I needed an escape hatch, so I got up from the barstool, then reached into my pocket to pay for my drink and as I done so, the bartender said, “Keep your money. You can pay me by answering his question.”
“Excuse me?”
He repeated, “You can pay me by answering his question.”
I looked over my shoulder to see Methuselah gesture approval by raising his eyebrows.
Then I looked back at the bartender and said, “So, the two of you are tag teaming me.”
To which he replied, “We’re only here to help.”
I considered the bartender’s response and connected a couple more of the dots.
“So, let me guess, you’re really not a bartender.”
“I am tonight.”
“So, Bartender, what’s your name?”
Friday, March 31, 2017
House of Spirits (Part IV) Heart of the Matter & What the eyes can't See.
The
Heart of the Matter
“Peter, you can’t spend the
rest of your life being angry with God and venting on society. You have a
calling that’s never been revoked, and you still have a chance to fulfill your
purpose.” I felt the rage coming on and raised my voice, “I don’t believe you!” Then slapped the table and exploded, “You’re just another drunk working an angle! But, if you were legit, and if I did believe you, I would say, “Forget the calling! Look where it got me!”
I looked around the room and saw people were staring, even the bartender looked on while holding a drying cloth and shaking his head. I quickly considered my options, of which there were only two. Either I could walk away from the delusional misfit, or sit back down and continue the game of cat and mouse.
I figured the night was shot, and there was nowhere I had to be, nor anyone to go home to, so I decided to continue with the cat and mouse and see how far he was willing to take it. I mean, how often you meet someone that was present at creation.
What the eyes can’t see.
I sat back down and asked, “Are the drinks still on you?” To which he responded, “Bartender!” When the drinks were poured he continued, “Peter, this is a world where evil is present and active. It’s a place where bad things happen to good people and God gets blamed.”
My mind begin to drift and I remembered in the book of Job, Gods integrity was called into question, and thought it quite a contrast that while Job defended himself, this man was sitting in a bar making a case for God. It was disarming and though I did not believe he was a celestial being, I no longer thought he was out to get anything from me.
I suddenly had a hunch that he may have been hooked up in a group that done bar room ministry, so I asked, “Methuselah, where do you attend church?”
He didn’t miss a beat when he responded, “It depends on where I’m at the time. Last week I was with those who gather in China’s underground network. Before that I was in Iraq, hanging out in a house church. I go where I’m sent and pour myself out to the one in need, then move on to the next assignment. That’s why I’m called a ministering spirit. And, since you inquired, tonight I’m ministering to The Body of Christ, as we speak.”
He raised one eyebrow, then leaned his chair back on two legs and crossed his arms. It felt as if we were sitting in a court room and I had just been called on to testify against myself. Though he did not say a word, there was some innate impression that told me what he was thinking.
So, I dropped my head and said, “I’ve not been in a while. A very long while. In fact, I even wonder if God….well, I just wonder.”
“I know—that’s why I’ve come.”
And just like that, he penetrated my exterior and broke through a defense mechanism that had been holding people at bay for years.
“I still don’t believe you’re and angel, but I’m sure your intentions are good.”
“Peter, you know what they say about the road to hell?”
“Yes. I’ve heard it’s paved with good intentions.”
“So, you think I’ve come to take you to hell?”
“No, I just think you are a well-intentioned self-proclaimed street minister. I’m sure you have helped lots of people, but my story reads a little different. It’s not your typical church narrative.”
“It may be more typical than you think. Just look around the room.”
“What?”
“ Look around the room and tell me what you see.”
“Is this some kind of exercise?”
“Trust me. Look around the room and tell me what you see.”
I thought he was taking the cat and mouse thing a little far and wondered if it was time to bid my new acquaintance good night, but to appease him, I looked up and around the room.
“Peter, you’re looking, but not seeing. Give it another shot, only this time, take it a little slower and pay attention to the details.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ever heard of Bob Timberlake?”
“The artist?”
“That’s right. And how about Norman Rockwell?”
“What is this? What are you getting at?”
“Details, Peter. Artist give attention to detail. Go ahead, try it. Look around again, see if
you notice any of the details.”
I was growing frustrated with the back and forth, but conceded and reluctantly lifted my head and looked around the room.
There was a man at the bar looking all business—dressed nice, sporting a button down collar and wearing a neck tie. He was sitting alone drinking from a long neck and watching a football game.
There was a lady at the end of the bar smoking a cigarette and sipping whatever was in her glass, while looking into a smartphone.
On the dance floor two couples were swaying to the music as The Juke box belted out the old Temptations classic, I Wish It Would Rain.
Then I noticed a man and woman sitting at a table. They were obviously into each other’s company. He was leading the conversation while she laughed and occasionally leaned into him, running her hand up and down his arm.
It was getting late, which explains why most of the regulars had already left. Those who remained were content until the place closed for the night. After which, some would move on to the Waffle House, or some other eating joint, while the rest retreated to the lonely corridors of an isolated existence.
After giving the patrons a second once over, I looked to Methuselah and asked, “Okay, was that good enough for you?”
“It was better. Now let me show you what I see.”
“What do you mean?”
“Take my hand and let me show you.”
“Huh?”
“Come on, reach under the table and take my hand.”
“Uh, no. Don’t think so. I’m good and I think I’ve already seen plenty.”
I placed my hands on the table to slide my chair back and excuse myself when Methuselah placed his left hand over my right said, “Please Peter, let me show you something.”
I looked into the old man’s eyes and saw a look that could only be described as genuine concern. I felt the warmth of his touch and instinctively withdrew my hand.
“Come on, let me show you a few more details.”
On any other occasion, I would never have engaged in such a conversation. Especially for the length of time I had already invested in a man I did not know, not to mention coming back, after having walked out once, but Methuselah had magnetism.
“Give me a chance, and if you’re not convinced, then you can leave. If you chose to do so, we’ll probably never see each other again, and you can move on with your life.”
I could not believe what I was doing as I placed my right hand back on the table. The old man smiled and placed his hand over mine and said, take a deep breath and hold it, then close your eyes. I inhaled deeply as I closed both eyes. Then, Methuselah leaned forward and whispered, “Now exhale and open your eyes, but do not pull your hand away from mine and please don’t be afraid.”
And with that, I exhaled then opened my eyes and was not prepared for the things I saw. When I gasped, and recoiled he responded with a firm grip and soft voice, “It’s okay, don’t be afraid. Nothing here is going to hurt you.”
I saw shadow like figures—dark spiritual beings—levitating and drifting around the room. It was like something out of a horror movie, or John Hartness Novella, but only worse, because it was real. When the spirits realized I was aware of their presence, they began to snarl, sigh and hiss.
Methuselah leaned toward me and asked, “Are you okay?”
I trembled, and grew sick to my stomach, then tried to withdraw my hand, but he held a firm grasp. I began to stutter, “Wha, wha, what is this? What am I seeing?
“You’re looking into the spiritual realm. It’s another dimension.”
“I thought you were going to say that.”
“Peter, these are only a very few of those who rebelled and were cast out of Heaven.”
“Were you there, did you see the rebellion?”
“Yes, I watched as Lucifer deceived and manipulated a third of The Angelic Host.”
Looking around the room it felt like something out of the Twilight Zone. I was seeing, but not wanting to believe; hearing, but finding it hard to understand. And, unlike the Hartness novella’s I knew there would be no Bubba to save the day. The bartender shouted, “Last call for alcohol!” That meant it was 1:30 am and the bar would close in half an hour.
Methuselah said, “Brace yourself, what you’re about to see may be a bit unsettling.”
Thursday, March 30, 2017
(House of Spirits Part III)
Second Chances
It was only a short walk back and as I approached the Bar I heard the jukebox and recognized an old Bob Segar tune—Against the Wind. I closed my eyes and listened to the opening lines, “Seems like yesterday, but it was long ago……..” The song tells a story and that night it was speaking to my own narrative. Because it seemed like only yesterday, when I was happy and fulfilled; living with a sense of purpose. But, as the lyrics read, “It was long ago.” I felt the emotion welling up from somewhere deep and opened my eyes. Tears ran down both cheeks.
Time had not healed the wound. The pain was just as real, and just as present, as it was on the day we laid them in the ground. The same day I retreated into a cave of disconnection, questioning everything I once believed and thought was true. Simply put, I was disappointed with God and no longer wanted to be around his people.
Standing in front of the bar, on the corner of Elm and Main, I looked to a blue neon sign that read, House of Spirits, and walked through the door. A quick survey of the room revealed a few people had left, while others had come in. Two couples were on the dance floor swaying to the music, and Methuselah was still sitting at the same table in the corner; as if, he knew I would return.
When he looked my direction, a smile broke across face as he gestured an invitation with another wave of his hand. I hesitated for a moment, still unsure of what I was getting into, but fully aware this night, and our meeting had nothing to do with coincidence.
Walking toward his table I noticed he had traded whiskey for what appeared to be water, which explained the second thing—he did not seem as boisterous. As I pulled out a chair and sat down he said, “I’m glad you came back Peter. Sometimes I get a little belligerent. If I offended you, I apologize.”
I responded, “It’s okay, but I’m a little surprised you’re still here.”
“The place doesn’t close until two. I was prepared to stay until then, but tell me, what brought you back?”
“Something you said.”
“Which was?”
“That thing about story. You said everybody has one.”
“That’s right, everyone does, and before you can know, or even attempt understand someone, you’ve got to read a few chapters from their life. There’s a reason people are the way they are. Some of it has to do with environmental grooming and some of it has to do with the hard wiring of DNA. Then, there’s individual choice that affects the quality of one’s life, and at times, the choices others make.”
His response left me a little confused and wondering how the drunk had suddenly become an intellectual. Then I came a thought that triggered a question.
“So, you said you’ve been around for a long time. I’m curious, how do the early chapters of your own story read?” You seem to have read a few chapters from my life, let’s hear a little of yours.”
Like two poker players siting at a table, we held our cards close and looked into each other’s eyes. The momentary silence led me to believe I had called his bluff. I thought I had him on the ropes as he reached for his glass and turned it up. But then he sat it back on the table, nodded his head and said, “Fair enough.”
“I have already told you, I’m not a stalker, or a scam. I did not come seeking you out in hopes of getting anything. I have come to help you find something.”
I responded “Uh, it’s your life we’re talking about now.”
“ I get it, but to prep you for what’s coming you need to understand that I’m here for your benefit, not mine, and what I am about to share is going to rock your world.”
“Try me.”
“Peter, I have no earthly father, or mother.”
“So, you’re a figment of my imagination?”
“No.”
“You were artificially inseminated?”
“No.”
“You’ve escaped from Area 13 and the government is secretly looking for you?
“No, I’m not a weird alien on the run.”
I was growing frustrated because I thought he had something to share, but it seemed like, the more he talked the less he had to say. I was disappointed and starting to believe he was either half cracked, or else on something—beginning to wonder from which institution he had escaped.
“I’m neither crazy, nor missing in action from any institution.”
And just like that I was the one on the ropes. It was like he was reading my mind.
“How did you do that?”
“If you would let me finish….”
I had heard enough and was ready to leave again, but before I could push my chair back from the table he dropped the bomb, “Peter, I was present at the dawning of creation.”
“What?”
“Yes, and I listened as He spoke the words, ‘Let there be light’, and watched the stars explode into existence. I saw Him set the furnace of the Sun on fire, and place the moon in orbit. I was there when He scooped out the valleys and pulled up the mountains; and on the sixth day, when Elohim said, “Let us make man in Our Image,” I looked on as He reached into the dust of the earth and fashioned man in the likeness of Himself, then watched Him breath into that man the breath of life, and saw Adam become a living soul.”
I looked into his eyes and he reciprocated with a piercing focus that penetrated the very core of my being and brought an awareness unlike anything I had ever experienced. Discernment informed me he was not inebriated, nor was he making vain gestures.
It was a diatribe that paralyzed my thought process. I sat there speechless, as he leaned a little closer and whispered, “I told you I’ve been around for a while. Do you get what I’m saying, or do I need to spell it out a little more?”
“Uh, uh…well, uh, wha, wha, what are you saying?”
“I’m not of this world.”
“Then you’re—?”
“What does theology suggest?”
“Forget theology. Psychology says you’re delusional.”
“But, what is your heart telling you?”
“Are you trying to tell me you’re an angel?”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I telling you and as you know, we’re also called ministering spirits.”
I wanted to believe he was just another drunk drinking his blues away, or some schizophrenic off his meds. However, the feeling in my gut, and the cold chills running down my arms informed me he was neither, so I leaned forward and whispered, “Suppose, just for a minute, that I believed you.”
“Yes?”
“I would have to ask a question.”
He responded, “Sure. Ask me anything.”
“Where have you been and what has taken Him so long!”
“Peter, the timing was not up to me. But, that’s not the only question you have.”
I felt the anger begin to rise because he was right. I did have another question. In fact, I had been haunted by a question ever since I awoke in a hospital room to learn my wife and child were both dead. I had begged God for an answer, but one never came.
Methuselah looked me in the eye and said, “You want to know why.”
“Yes! I want to know why God forsook me and my family! I want to know why I was left and they were taken! We had given all we had and in the end, it meant nothing!”
Second Chances
It was only a short walk back and as I approached the Bar I heard the jukebox and recognized an old Bob Segar tune—Against the Wind. I closed my eyes and listened to the opening lines, “Seems like yesterday, but it was long ago……..” The song tells a story and that night it was speaking to my own narrative. Because it seemed like only yesterday, when I was happy and fulfilled; living with a sense of purpose. But, as the lyrics read, “It was long ago.” I felt the emotion welling up from somewhere deep and opened my eyes. Tears ran down both cheeks.
Time had not healed the wound. The pain was just as real, and just as present, as it was on the day we laid them in the ground. The same day I retreated into a cave of disconnection, questioning everything I once believed and thought was true. Simply put, I was disappointed with God and no longer wanted to be around his people.
Standing in front of the bar, on the corner of Elm and Main, I looked to a blue neon sign that read, House of Spirits, and walked through the door. A quick survey of the room revealed a few people had left, while others had come in. Two couples were on the dance floor swaying to the music, and Methuselah was still sitting at the same table in the corner; as if, he knew I would return.
When he looked my direction, a smile broke across face as he gestured an invitation with another wave of his hand. I hesitated for a moment, still unsure of what I was getting into, but fully aware this night, and our meeting had nothing to do with coincidence.
Walking toward his table I noticed he had traded whiskey for what appeared to be water, which explained the second thing—he did not seem as boisterous. As I pulled out a chair and sat down he said, “I’m glad you came back Peter. Sometimes I get a little belligerent. If I offended you, I apologize.”
I responded, “It’s okay, but I’m a little surprised you’re still here.”
“The place doesn’t close until two. I was prepared to stay until then, but tell me, what brought you back?”
“Something you said.”
“Which was?”
“That thing about story. You said everybody has one.”
“That’s right, everyone does, and before you can know, or even attempt understand someone, you’ve got to read a few chapters from their life. There’s a reason people are the way they are. Some of it has to do with environmental grooming and some of it has to do with the hard wiring of DNA. Then, there’s individual choice that affects the quality of one’s life, and at times, the choices others make.”
His response left me a little confused and wondering how the drunk had suddenly become an intellectual. Then I came a thought that triggered a question.
“So, you said you’ve been around for a long time. I’m curious, how do the early chapters of your own story read?” You seem to have read a few chapters from my life, let’s hear a little of yours.”
Like two poker players siting at a table, we held our cards close and looked into each other’s eyes. The momentary silence led me to believe I had called his bluff. I thought I had him on the ropes as he reached for his glass and turned it up. But then he sat it back on the table, nodded his head and said, “Fair enough.”
“I have already told you, I’m not a stalker, or a scam. I did not come seeking you out in hopes of getting anything. I have come to help you find something.”
I responded “Uh, it’s your life we’re talking about now.”
“ I get it, but to prep you for what’s coming you need to understand that I’m here for your benefit, not mine, and what I am about to share is going to rock your world.”
“Try me.”
“Peter, I have no earthly father, or mother.”
“So, you’re a figment of my imagination?”
“No.”
“You were artificially inseminated?”
“No.”
“You’ve escaped from Area 13 and the government is secretly looking for you?
“No, I’m not a weird alien on the run.”
I was growing frustrated because I thought he had something to share, but it seemed like, the more he talked the less he had to say. I was disappointed and starting to believe he was either half cracked, or else on something—beginning to wonder from which institution he had escaped.
“I’m neither crazy, nor missing in action from any institution.”
And just like that I was the one on the ropes. It was like he was reading my mind.
“How did you do that?”
“If you would let me finish….”
I had heard enough and was ready to leave again, but before I could push my chair back from the table he dropped the bomb, “Peter, I was present at the dawning of creation.”
“What?”
“Yes, and I listened as He spoke the words, ‘Let there be light’, and watched the stars explode into existence. I saw Him set the furnace of the Sun on fire, and place the moon in orbit. I was there when He scooped out the valleys and pulled up the mountains; and on the sixth day, when Elohim said, “Let us make man in Our Image,” I looked on as He reached into the dust of the earth and fashioned man in the likeness of Himself, then watched Him breath into that man the breath of life, and saw Adam become a living soul.”
I looked into his eyes and he reciprocated with a piercing focus that penetrated the very core of my being and brought an awareness unlike anything I had ever experienced. Discernment informed me he was not inebriated, nor was he making vain gestures.
It was a diatribe that paralyzed my thought process. I sat there speechless, as he leaned a little closer and whispered, “I told you I’ve been around for a while. Do you get what I’m saying, or do I need to spell it out a little more?”
“Uh, uh…well, uh, wha, wha, what are you saying?”
“I’m not of this world.”
“Then you’re—?”
“What does theology suggest?”
“Forget theology. Psychology says you’re delusional.”
“But, what is your heart telling you?”
“Are you trying to tell me you’re an angel?”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I telling you and as you know, we’re also called ministering spirits.”
I wanted to believe he was just another drunk drinking his blues away, or some schizophrenic off his meds. However, the feeling in my gut, and the cold chills running down my arms informed me he was neither, so I leaned forward and whispered, “Suppose, just for a minute, that I believed you.”
“Yes?”
“I would have to ask a question.”
He responded, “Sure. Ask me anything.”
“Where have you been and what has taken Him so long!”
“Peter, the timing was not up to me. But, that’s not the only question you have.”
I felt the anger begin to rise because he was right. I did have another question. In fact, I had been haunted by a question ever since I awoke in a hospital room to learn my wife and child were both dead. I had begged God for an answer, but one never came.
Methuselah looked me in the eye and said, “You want to know why.”
“Yes! I want to know why God forsook me and my family! I want to know why I was left and they were taken! We had given all we had and in the end, it meant nothing!”
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
(House of Spirits Part II)
Faded
Memories
Walking out of the bar, his words, "Everyone has a story..." echoed in my head and resonated with my heart and as much as I wanted to write
the old guy off, had to agree, the last few chapters of my life had been a
complete disaster. It was too painful to think about, much less discuss with a
Barfly. I had left my car in a small parking lot a couple blocks off Elm Street, by the trainstation, near an old Barber Shop my father and I frequented when I was a still in single digits. The walk was giving me a chance to unwind from the previous scene, and time to process things. When I approached the Barber Shop I stopped and took a moment.
I had not been there in years, so I stepped up to the window, pressed both hands against the glass, and leaned forward to look inside. The shop was lit by a small light mounted over a mirror that hung behind two Barber Chairs. When I looked through the window, a flood gate opened as I remembered walking into that same shop every other Saturday with my dad.
I recalled climbing up into the chair and the sound of the Barber’s cutting cape popping in the air. I was always intrigued with how in one fluid motion, he could wrap it around my upper body as it fell across my lap and remembered the tickling sensation on the back of my neck when he clipped it together.
I saw the chairs that lined the wall and from my mind’s eye could see my father sitting and reading from the latest issue of sports illustrated. I could smell the fragrance of different hair tonics from the Barber’s stash. I heard the chatter of men talking about the weather and other things that didn’t matter, such as politics and small town gossip. My father was the local minister of a small country church, so the conversation was G rated, for the most part. Life was simple then and the memories left me longing for the innocence of youth again.
But, the nostalgia quickly faded, with a haunting reality of yesterday being gone while the complications of my life were grew more difficult. And with that realization I heard the echo of Methuselah’s words, “Everyone has a story,” and understood the Barber Shop represented something more significant than a haircut. It was a rite of passage—written into the early chapters of my life. It was my dad’s way of bringing me into the fellowship of men.
After the haircuts were finished and the gossip had run its course, my father and I would leave the shop and stop by Guilford Dairy for a Banana Split. He called it a “Sneaky,” and informed me I was to never tell my mother. It was his way of taking the ordinary and making it special. Creating memories that have lasted a life time.
I had looked forward to a time when I would return the favor by doing the same kind of things with my own son, but that was no longer a possibility. And with that understanding I stepped back from the window, and looked to the parking lot where I had left my car, then tuned my head toward bar, where I had left Methuselah and knew I had to go back and hoped he was still there.
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