Chap3- The Rebirth

The Rebirth

Then after what seemed like an eternity I was able to reflect upon my childhood belief in Jesus Christ. I recalled believing in Jesus and being taught that if you die and call in faith upon His name He will save you. I did believe in Jesus and I believed I was dead and in hell. So I cried out with a loud voice for Jesus Christ to come and save me. The voices of hell mocked me saying "there is no such person. This only increased my belief that I was in hell and I cried out all the louder "Jesus save me!" The demons

cried back "even if there is such a person He can't hear you down here!" I refused to listen and cried out with all my faith even louder "Jesus save me!"

Then there was a hush. A light descended upon me and the voice of the Lord spoke to my heart and mind. "What is it ? Why do you call ?" I answered, "I am dead and dying." The Lord said, "If you are dead and dying how is it you can reason and speak with me." I was amazed with wonder and didn't know what to say. The Lord spoke again, "Your spirit is eternal and can never die. All these experiences are for your growth and learning. Give not into doubt nor fear. Believe in me and all things will work together for your good. Life is full of bitter and sweet experiences. Like salt and sugar each has its place. Learn to find the good in all things."

The Lord then withdrew His presence and I was left alone again to face the horrors of hell, but hell had lost its power. I looked at that death chamber in new light knowing it had no more power over me. For I took to heart the counsel of the Lord to neither doubt nor fear. I began to rejoice in a knowledge of the truth. The power that had held me bound now wanted nothing to do with me. I was turning it's terrors into knowledge and experience. It quickly cast me out of it's prison before I could enlighten any of the other inhabitants.

Then I found myself once again conscious in the middle of Woodstock. It was about 10 pm and the clouds had just parted above our heads and some starlight was shining down upon us. I spent the next 15 minutes, trying to convince my friends that I was ok and back in control of my body and mind. I thanked my God for delivering me from that awful pit and giving me back my life. I kissed the earth and made a solemn promise and vow to Jesus Christ that I would go where He wanted me to go and do what He wanted me to do. We returned to our little camp and I prayed the Lord to grant me a peaceful sleep as I never wanted to lose control of my body, mind and soul again.

Sunday morning we awoke early and decided we had enough. It was overcast and looked as if it was going to rain. We were tired, dirty and hungry. It was time to go home and we were ready. We stopped for breakfast at a rest area about 30 miles down the highway. We were anxious to get back to civilization and recoup from this strange trip. To our surprise we, were greeted like celebrities at this roadside cafe. The eyes of all were upon us as we sat down to order our food. Then the questions started. "Were you there ? What was it like ? Who did you see ? What does it mean ? etc." They informed us of the effect it was having on the nation and the world. That we were part of history and that the news media was giving the event daily worldwide coverage. This new found fame meant little to me, for I was still reflecting on my near death experience and trying to recall all that had happened. I was humble and just happy to be back alive. I even looked forward to seeing my parents. My heart had been broken and a change came upon my thinking. I had been born-again in Christ at Woodstock.

We continued on our journey home and encountered heavy traffic on the Cross Bronx Expressway. Again, the people around us stared and asked if we had been there. It almost seemed they were in awe of us because we had been to Woodstock. How ironic! Before we left for Woodstock, we were freaks, rejects and dirty hippies. Now we had become the world's newest folk heroes. Flower power, long hair, peace and love took on a different meaning after Woodstock. Hell had invaded our dream and destroyed our innocence. The truth was out and big business was on its way in. We had something the world wanted but the true spirit of Woodstock was slipping away into the future. Big business saw a way to make a quick buck by playing upon the emotions of this movement. They helped make it a fad which watered down its true meaning. Woodstock was both a beginning and an end. Those real flower children who were there to help change the world into a better place soon found the movement turned over to the plastic, commercial, materialistic, self-serving types. Those with real heart and soul who were true seekers of life moved on that day in new disguise to find new horizons and worlds unknown. There are many who have never given up on the dream of making this earth a Garden of Eden again.

Today, many of us are in our forties or older, full of life's rich experiences. We have given up the many vices of our youth and are ready to come again on the stage and lead this world to the great promise day. A day in which we may greet each other in the true sister and brotherhood of peace. Leaders have been raised up by the Great God of Abraham to unite both young and old with this vision of tomorrow. The ground work is laid and our dream is real. Soon the true vehicle to get there will be revealed.

We finally got back home but things had changed. Now even my freaky friends found me strange. I had come seeking truth and found the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. He was the answer to all my dreams, and is the true disseminator of love, peace, truth, freedom and life. From that day to this, I've done my best to stand up for Jesus at all times and in all places. Like you, I haven't been perfect and at times I've failed in my callings. However, I know the Lord has led me to where I am this day. He loves us all and is mighty to save those who will have faith and call upon His name. Forgiveness and mercy are in His hands for all those who will repent and heed His commands. My many personal supernal experiences with Jesus Christ bears witness that He truly lives and has the power to save the souls of this lost and fallen generation if they will repent.