| So, I'll often say, "Love and Light" when I end or open a conversation ... so that God is remembered even if only by me. I didn't know what happened to me out there that night until almost a year later, but I was very aware that I no longer smoked pot, partied stupidly, or went sleeping around anymore. That was an immediate touch. My mind was different and I heard little whispers from heaven often times. I didn't even have the desire to do certain things that beforehand ruled my life. One thing I knew for certain is what I heard that night, and the comfort that came ... And to this day...has not left me since. Even when I let Him down...He is still there whispering. I just had my own little life with Christ until I met some Christians here in North Carolina at Beulah Retreat and then I went to bible school and out on the mission field. I began to read the bible and was pretty much against church because everybody thinks they're right and the rest of the world is wrong. Now, I preach in churches (poetic justice again) and work with Young Life, and Youth Crusades. My son, Seth, is on a Traveling Drama Team called, "R.E.A.C.H." (Radically Experiencing All Christ Has). My entire life changed and it wasn't until 1985/6 that I actually �changed� my name. I like the name my Mamma gave me, Sherry, but the change that happened was too drastic to deny. I go by Mary now and the only ones that call me Sherry still-- are friends of the "past" and sometimes my family ... but all those who walk in Light ... Christ ... call me Mary. Not named after some grand holy virgin but rather because of the Magdalene story - of the one who was forgiven. I understand differently today and at the risk of losing all my family and many of my "friends", I still will share when asked to, (which they all did turn against me when I told them what happened to me) They thought I was going through some new phase until 10 years later when I was still going through the "phase." Yet now, another 7 years later ... after my own calamity of divorce and sin stains of tragedy that was waiting in my future, even still am walking in the light of that night's spiritual encounter -- Even from that very night -- terrible decisions that I was to make down the road ... He saw into my future and forgives even those... I still am standing where I belong. A mother, training my son to be the man God intended for him to be, and serving with my life as an example before him. And my family, have come to know the Light of Christ and realize that the days we live in are numbered. And in fact, we are all growing in love more now, then all our previous years. And somehow I think that I may have answered your question in there somewhere. And then some. I am very tired. Making time to write you was worth it. I obeyed another whisper this night...and kept myself up to answer you. Not even knowing what you would think and somehow, I feel that it really only matters that I shared from the heart. Love and Light I remain Mary Mieres |
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