A story about someone putting weed in the offering bag
On Monday, August 21st, I posted an update on Facebook and Twitter that said, “Here’s a great story from New Life: someone put a bag of weed in the offering bag yesterday after I encouraged generosity!” Quite rapidly, people started commenting on this very interesting event. I found it comical, yet felt that the person who put this in the offering might have been taking a significant step of faith.
When I came into the office today, the person who found the “stash” said that it came with a note attached. As I read the note, my heart went out to this person. I don’t know who it is or how long they’ve been coming to New Life. I don’t know if it’s a man or woman. I don’t know if it’s a teenager or a middle aged person. All I know is that these words communicate a narrative that all too many of us understand. Check out these words. I was really moved by them. My guess is that you will be moved as well.
Lord I’m addicted
Free me I pray
I sacrifice my idols to you
Save me.
I can’t stop, but I’m willing to try,
Please be real in my life again.
Please free me from my depression
Please help me to live
Please free me.
You said that he that the Son sets free is free indeed
Save me
No more nights with the flies
Rid these demons inside of me
Give me the courage, wisdom and strength to do the right thing
Let my life be pleasing to you again
In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
This person closed the note with these words. “Brothers and sisters, please pray for me. The devil has a hold of me.”
***Note from Rich*** If you are the person who wrote this poem, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to walk with you through this. rich@newlifefellowship.org
this is amazing, terrifying, and beautiful. i hope that this person seeks help for their depression as well as seeking refuge in the church. May God point this lovely human being to good friends, trusted clinical personnel, and a new place of comfort in life. been there, LIVED there, done all of that. Calling on everything beautiful, loving, faithful, just, and kind to be with this person as they walk on their journey. I hope they see this post!
That is what I was saying this person who did this is reaching out to the LORD for Help may he be bless Lord almighty God Please look over this person in need. Amen
Brave, humble, courageous, and true — I too stand in spirit and prayer with the person who wrote the above. As I’ve touched the bottom of depression and over the years have been restored, I pray this person would know that same Grace in her or his life as well.
“I can’t stop, but I’m willing to try” – such a powerful and honest confession. Thanks for sharing this, Rich.
They say that to be a christian you need to be brave, I feel this person’s passion to quit something that has a hold on him/she. This person clearly knows the Lord, and his faith has brought him to your church. So I come in agreement with this individual and ask God to restore and give this person the desire of his/her heart..