From Baptist to Lutheran

I wasn’t always deeply religious, per se, but I had a profound dream that persuaded me to go to Lutheran.

In my darkest hour, my guardian angel came to me out of the blue. Not in person per se, but in a dream. My nine year relationship was near its end, and I was caught at a crossroads in my life.

My ex had his obligations and I was being pushed in the background further and further.

“Its just stress,” He tried to tell me because he had so many demands to take care of after I had mentioned to him that I had quit eating the last two days.

My ex was seldom home anymore. He had to take care of his elderly parents, a task that I tried my best to understand. Therefore, I tried not to bother him when he was home.

I was young, wanted to return home, yet felt like I couldn’t tell my folks, so I said nothing and waited. Every day I withdrew further into myself. I had no life and not much to look forward to with the situation I had found myself in.

My appetite diminished and I waited– maybe even prayed for some kind of miracle. Even my very soul was crying out in pain. Pain that– I thought nobody could understand. Pain that was quickly devouring me spiritually and I knew it wouldn’t be too much longer. I was so exhausted physically as well. I could feel that negative presence surrounding me like the unnaturally large black crows that hung around the property on a daily basis. Their presence was ominous to say the least.

I don’t recall when I finally did sleep since I had been up at least twenty four hours without sleep if not more worried sick over how to get myself out of my situation that wasn’t good in the least.

My guardian angel, bless him wherever he may be in heaven. He heard my soul’s inner torment and came to my rescue when I least expected it. The Lord also heard my plea– and perhaps he had sent my guardian angel to help me out.

He gave me hope when I had none, offered me a shoulder to cry on when everything seemed like a huge burden that I could no longer carry, and most of all, he listened. He not only gave me the strength to carry on, but also renewed my spirit that was in all sense of the word, “holy”. I had never had an experience quite as profound, either and after I awoke, I got the arrangements made to return home and in no time I was out of there.

It took me ten months to get my life back on track, and one evening out of the blue, I heard church bells not to far from where I lived. (Actually, I had heard these church bells often, but never could pin point their exact source).

I got a ride downtown and let the Lord be my guide. I found myself on the block of an Immanuel Lutheran church.

Lutheran… I thought. The name was synonymous of a good memory from long ago when I had attended a St. Paul’s Lutheran school while in grade school. When I stepped through the door, I liked the atmosphere this church had. I especially liked the surroundings that seemed familiar to me as well.

I decided to return for a few more services, even going to the evening services and finding out I was the only one in attendance beside the pastor, who I liked instantly.

Bright and early every Sunday morning I’d trek fifteen minutes to get to my destination on time, always remembering to put some money in the collection plate. I was nervous about taking my first Holy communion, but was invited to participate and did so. In doing so, it banished a long erroneous thought I had that my childhood friend once told me about that, “You can’t take communion unless you are a member of a church or have been saved.”

I was relieved to find out she was totally wrong about that. I returned for a few more services, liked the congregation, and became involved at Immanuel Lutheran.

On Sept. 4, I was officially baptized in a wonderful setting with my former grade school teacher from St. Paul’s as my sponsor. There was no greater feeling in the world than to have him accept and be able to attend. And there was no greater feeling than to celebrate that special day with my parents, who were also in attendance as well. I know that my guardian angel was there in spirit too for I could sense his warm presence close by.


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