Today’s bartender in the Dverse Lounge is Mish. We are working on a Haibun about faith. Here’s mine:
As I returned to my cell that day, I was quite angry. My arraignment had not gone well at all. I didn’t wear a disguise in any of the armed robberies. I hadn’t used a real gun, or injured anyone. Nonetheless, the prosecutor said that if I didn’t plea bargain for twenty years, he would see that I got four life sentences! It was 1975, I could be locked up till I was forty years old.
I was very angry, cursing God, screaming out loud. I was alone in the cell that day. As I carried on, I said to myself, “I don’t know why i’m cussing him, i don’t even believe he exists.” But then I thought, “I sure wish there was a god; I’m in a world of hurt here.” Suddenly there came a sweet presence falling around me. it was the most loving essence I had ever experienced! I broke down and began sobbing uncontrollably. I knew immediately Who it was. My heart was changed instantly when He touched my heart.
I still had to go to prison for four years; get out, go to work and try to regain the confidence of my family and community. It was a long road to hoe, that was over 40 years ago. But God touched my heart in an instant and changed my life forever.
My heart was changed
When winds of faith fanned mercy
Seasons changed in time
Wow! What an amazing story!
Thanks Revived. He has done so many wonderful acts in my life
Awesome testimony! Atheists don’t bother God. He shines on them and says “I am here”
Amen Mary! God loves them all the same. My unbelief didn’t shake Him one bit
A touching story. I’m glad you found faith and others were able to renew their faith in you too. A beautiful haiku as well.
Thanks Mish. I think it was His faith that led me there
Beautiful haibun!
Thanks Frank.
Incredible, Walter. I never cease to be touched by how God instantly makes believers out of us.
It was darkness to light. And it was no mystery Who was loving me
What a wonderful story! I love how you had an euphony in the middle of all your turmoil!
Dwight
Thanks Dwight. I don’t think I would have even arrived in jail without His mercy.
Interesting!
What a testimony, Walter! Our sins have consequences but his grace forgives and renews us…God is so good!
Yes He does, thank you Lynn
A beautiful haibun and story Walter. The minute you thought ‘“I sure wish there was a god; I’m in a world of hurt here.” you opened your heart and the door to Him and you were ready to see. Thank you for sharing this amazing moment with us xxx
Thanks Xenia. He changed my heart from night to day. My life is still under construction
What an amazing story of faith!
Thanks Jo. I’m still walking it out here
I’m so glad for you that you found faith at that crucial moment… it sounds like it was a lifeline during that time and afterwards…
True ForGiVinG
God LoVES
ALWays
NeVeR
EnDinG
HoPE NoW
No Matter WHaT..:)
For sure, thanks
SMiLes.. welcome..:)
🙂
Yes, God can heal our hearts in a fraction of a second. I remember the moments God heals me from my anxiety. I suffer from anxiety disorder, so know how you feel when you say His sweet presence. 🙂
Thanks Carly, it just takes a moment
Yep!
😁
“My heart was changed
When winds of faith fanned mercy
Seasons changed in time” I can’t think of a more perfect and poetic closure to a great a good read.
Thanks Chrissy, it was a life changing encounter for me