Soularize Experience 

by John Hamlett

They came by car, bus, train and plane from near and far away.

They came seeking, hungry, hurting, and despairing

Some full of hope some feeling hopeless

They had great expectations, small expectations, and some had no expectations at all

Some came trembling with fear, they could not even begin to hope

Lest they be disappointed again and again. 

Some walked boldly with purpose, others softly and quietly not daring even to stir up a breeze.

With great courage they opened their eyes and ears and arms and hearts

They pounded drums and howled at the moon

They shook hands, gave hugs, shared big smiles and warm greetings to old friends and new faces

Some were wide open, others shut down, some very eager, others very cautious

They paused and listened, thought a while, and processed what they heard

The veil became thin and the icy walls around their hearts melted 

As the white-hot breath of the spirit blew into their minds and bodies 

They shook with excitement and fear, some dazed and confused, others falling yet soaring on the winds 

God spoke truth into their souls and rubbed healing balm on their wounds

Mending broken hearts and lives and relationships

For one moment time stood still, there was no regret about the past, no anxiety about the future

They all were fully Present

The love and grace and mercy of the almighty flooded their entire beings 

God’s voice could be heard by one and all 

“You are my beloved, you are worthy, You are the Gift

“You are my gift to all of creation”

“You are my gift to your family and friends and all those you meet along your journey

Trust my voice and never forget

Wait, what, why, me?

Yes, you my son, you my son, you my son

Their eyes filled with tears as the words they had been waiting to hear 

The words I had been waiting to hear, all of my life, finally 

These precious words penetrated deep into my soul 

A bright light chased away all the darkness and fear and doubt and shame

There was no fog or confusion or distraction, only great clarity of thought and mind

I had heard these words before, quietly, faintly, softly, like a thought or a whisper

But now there was no denying their source or their message

Now these words embraced me and squeezed me and held me tightly and would not let go

Finally, finally, I knew for sure 

That God had chosen me, yes even me

And I could rest, I could rest

Ahh! So sweet! Such peace!

I am blessed!