Awaken

A Short Conversation About God

A few minutes later... 

"Thank you," Pops said to the lady as she smiled and said a few words before leaving. 

"Dang, I didn't know you still had it in you, Pops," I chuckled before quickly shouting up with embarrassment as everyone just looked at me, as if I was sick in the head, "Sorry about that I allowed one of my intrusive thoughts to escape." 

"Sigh, just what goes on in that noggin of yours," He asked as he tried not to laugh even though a smile could be seen on his face. 

However, before I could reply a Sista began to sing, "Firm Foundation" by Maverick City followed by "New Every Morning" by Ryan Ofei, leading the choir behind her and the musicians on the sides to join in. Which led to everyone singing in unison as if an imaginary conductor were stringing everything together. 

Creating this beautiful and harmonious environment as we forgot about the outside world and focused on what was going on now, which was weird to say but I liked it. Yet just like everything in life eventually the song ended, and so began the sermon that changed my life. 

... 

A few hours later... 

"Now, I know it is late and most of us would like to return home to eat dinner or just go take a fat nap," Pastor North chuckled as the church smiled, "However before we all head out, do give a round of applause to Pastor Voddie Baucham for this beautiful and much-needed sermon about brokenness and its effects on us." 

Clap! Clap! Clap! 

"Thank you, Pastor North, however, I'm just doing what God has called me to do and that's to preach the word and provide awareness to my fellow brothers and sisters." Pastor Voddie Baucham said with a light smile as he walked down the podium and sat with the congregation. 

"So, before we leave family, bow your head and enter prayer with me," Pastor North said before closing his eyes and beginning to pray, "Father God as we come before you, cover us as we depart from your house and go our merry ways. May no weapon formed against us prosper as we return home and may you bless those in sin, who feel a tug on their heart to repent, Oh Lord. For we are nothing without you, so please have mercy on us and make the crooked path straight for those unaware they are walking down a road to death rather than life. And with that, I say, Amen!" 

"Amen!" Everyone said simultaneously, before getting up, and promptly making their way to the exit. 

"So, do you think going to church is necessary, or something that can be overlooked with a shrug?" Pops asked as he laid his hand on my shoulder as I tried to stand up and follow the crowd. 

"To be honest, I can't answer that question, Pops. But from the looks of things no, actually... but still why?" I asked curiously as I sat back down and faced Pops. 

"Because we need God, Christian, and while you and the world may think otherwise, the sad reality is that we were not meant to be separated from God. Meaning Hell was not created for us but for Satan; I know this may be a lot to take in but trust me, who would rather be with than against God." 

"Sigh... but Pops do you think sinners like us even have a chance at redemption from such a powerful being, who loves us and continues to chase after us, even though we constantly turn the other way and ignore him?" 

"Of course," Pops smiled before continuing, "I don't know if you heard this scripture before, but whenever you get a chance read the Gospel of John because within it says, 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.' So, if you feel that tug like Pastor North said when we get back home go to your room and cry out to God for forgiveness, for it is never too late to change and start anew, my son." 

"Sniff, thanks Pops, I needed that," I replied, "Now come on let's go home and get something to eat because I'm famished." 

Christian said as he got up and made his way toward the exit, while Pops glanced at the ceiling briefly with a smile, before following shortly afterward. 

'Thank you,' Pops thought as he left. 

And so began a new chapter in my life and the start of a story, that will change the world.