Bill

In 1996, we got our first computer. It was something that we had needed for a while and I wanted to put our business on it. BUT the reason we got it was because the kids were just beginning to need it for typing research papers.

I guess I am just curious. The computer came with a free download of AOL. This was long before I had heard too much about the internet. I do believe that it was in the beginning stages and there was a little more freedom. I quickly found chat rooms. I love people and the idea of being able to chat with people in other areas of the country and the world was fascinating to me.

One of the first people I met was a boy named, Bill, who was going to the University of Michigan in Kalamazoo. He evidently had quite a bit of time on his hands. We got acquainted and quickly the question about his faith was asked. He sent me a poem that he had written about his despair in his search for something true. This is my answer to him, written July 16, 1996:

A deep pit, full of sorrow and sin,
And you are right,
We just can't win,
Not alone, that is.

Someone is waiting with outstretched arms,
Someone who's known all along,
Someone who loves you in spite of the sin,
He knows all about it and hears above the din,
Of voices clamouring loud and long,
Chiding you with all that is wrong.
He whispers in a still, small voice,
"Bill, I love you and have all along."

You are right, there is a light at the end,
God, you say, yes God, the Son.
God, the one Eternal One.
God, the one who came to give,
His life for us that we might live.

he lived the only perfect life,
Free from sin and sorrow and strife,
Then gave it there upon the cross,
In sacrifice for all who were lost.

Oh, many died on a wooden cross,
Paying for sins and reputations lost.
But this one was different---
How? You ask!

Look at the tomb in which He laid!
It's empty, Praise God!!
Resurrection Day!
Where did He go, How did He do it?
POWER--His own!
Do you believe it?

Now in heaven He intercedes,
For those who trust Him and truly believe.
He prays and He prompts with His still, small voice.
Are you listening?
It's clearly your choice.

Don't feel alone in the sea of despair.
"All" He said, "have once been there,
Thrashing and scrambling for all that is real,
And yet this old world has a blinding appeal."

Make a choice,
Choose the right,
Jesus is there to help with the fight.
It doesn't make the world be nice.
It doesn't make everything be right.
But it sure does help when the going gets rough,
To know you've a Helper and He's REALLY tough!!!

Romans 10:9-10