Days of memory. It's a chilly Austin eve. Sun is still out as the temperatures drop. I've been resting but I'm pretty tired from these past few days. Was a fine week of hard work, love and grace. I've come a long way from hell.
Why am I thinking about the story of the man who fell in the hole and not a soul who passed by offered to help? Not even a priest who said a prayer and was on his way. It looked dire, yes, seemingly all hope was lost. Then his friend came by and jumped in. The man screamed, "Hey, why did you jump in? Now we can't get out." The friend said, "It's ok, I've been here before and I know the way out."
I've always loved that tale. It says alot about people helping others during their time of need. But it also speaks to a deeper issue. That friend who jumped in. Why would he jump back into the hellish depths that once confined and enslaved him? I have often thought about this when when my days of memory reminded me of a time I was sent to hell, a time when not a soul stopped to help me out.
Never forget the time you hit rock bottom, The time you were either strung out, alienated your family and friends and were literally homeless. How did it feel? Emotions and language, stripped naked from you. Helpless and tired. At the mercy of the Lord and his children. I've been there. The problem is I tent to forget and I don't care to remember how low I once was. I worked hard from the hell I was cast into. I got what I got by God's grace and my sheer will power.. I deserve a good, hassle free life don't I? No Paul, you really don't And if you think you do then back to the hell hole for you.
A friend of mine recently fell on hard times and decided crystal meth was a solution. Without out getting into more details, his struggle jump started my memories of when I was destitute. I lied to you for I had not one, two or three but many friends who jumped into hell to save me. Good God, it shakes me right now as I write these words. Days of memories. So I forgot where I came from but no more. This friend has a great circle that took care of him during these last few days. He has such a long hard road ahead of him. I was happy I could help, even if it was a small gesture.He needed a favor, I obliged and was able to give him a hug. My fear was that I would jump in and forget how to get out, But it's an honest fear I was able reach out my hand to let him know he was not alone. Never forget how low you once were so you can help and even perhaps jump into hell to help your brother out. See you on down the road.