The Real Thing

As I pass young people on the streets of LA, I rarely encounter a smiling face. Eye contact is accidental. I can openly study these faces because they've been trained to fear strangers, pull in and become as invisible as possible. That's survival in LA.

I see stress, loneliness, boredom and fear. Emptiness. Is it any wonder our children turn to drugs? A false high is better than no high at all. Momentary escape from the web of painful reality. Drugs and booze hides the fear, fills the vacuum. Of course it's a counterfeit of the Real Thing.

What is the Real Thing? A true encounter with the Holy Spirit, the messenger of Christ. The first time it happened to me I realized being touched with the Holy Spirit is like that first glass of wine. A pleasant glow, a sense of well-being. But, with wine the glow turns drunk and the well-being becomes depression. It's a counterfeit.

In contrast the Holy Spirit flows a bottomless glass, a true high of joy and clear thinking. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the Real Thing.

Oh Lord, pour your Spirit on the youth of LA. Let them feel the reality of your presence. Where there is fear, instill joy. Where there is emptiness, the fullness of Love.

So be it,

Mother T
mother_t@yahoo.com