The CALL

Chapter 6 - The Young Apostle

I climbed down and began to walk through the yard. As I passed by the prisoners, they seemed almost completely disinterested in me or all of the commotion on the wall. I then remembered that they could not see that far.

A young black man stepped into my path and looked at me with bright, inquisitive eyes.

Who are you?

We both said at the same time. As we stood looking at each other, he finally said, My name is Stephen.

I can see. What else do you want to know about me that you do not already know?

How could I know anything else about you?

I inquired. The one who helped me to see said that one day, others would come who were not prisoners. They would also be able to see, and they would tell us who we are and how we can escape from this prison. I started to protest that I did not know who he was when I remembered what Wisdom had told me about those whom I would meet when I passed through the next door.

I do know you, and I know some things about you, I acknowledged, But I confess that this is the weirdest prison I have ever seen.

But this is the only prison! he protested. How do you know that if you have been here all of your life? I asked.

The one who helped me to see told me that it was the only one. He said that every soul who had ever been imprisoned was held captive here.

He always told me the truth, so I believe this.

Who is the one who helped you to see? I asked, not only wanting to know who had helped him to see, but also interested in how this was the prison that held every soul captive.

He never told me his real name, but just called Himself Wisdom.

Wisdom! What did He look like? I questioned.

He was a young, black athlete. He could see better than anyone and seemed to know everyone here.

It is strange, though. I have met others here who said that they have also met Wisdom, but they all described Him differently. Some said that He was white and others said that He was a woman. Unless there are many Wisdoms, He is a master of disguise.

Can you take me to Him? I asked.

I would, but I have not seen Him for a long time now. I am afraid that He has left or maybe even died. I have been very discouraged since He departed. My Vision even started getting worse until I saw you. As soon as I saw you, I knew that everything He told me was true. He said that you knew Him, too, so why are you asking me so much about Him?

I do know Him! And be encouraged, your Friend is not dead. I will tell you His real name, too, but first I must ask you a few questions.

I know that you can be trusted, and I know that you and others like you who are coming will want to meet everyone who can see. I can take you to some of them. I also know that you and the others are coming to help a lot of these other prisoners to see. I am surprised by one thing though.

What is that?

You are white. I never thought that the ones who came to help us see and be set free would be white.

I am sure that there are many others coming who are not white, I responded. I can tell that you already have considerable vision, so I know you can understand what I am about to say.

The Value of Vision

As I looked at Stephen to be sure he was listening, I was moved by how open and teachable he was, in striking contrast to the teacher who had been about his same age. This man will be a true teacher, I thought as I continued. When we get to the place of ultimate vision, we will not judge people by the color of their skin, gender or age . We will not judge others by appearances, but after the spirit.