My Encounter With Jesus! (Op-Ed)

By Susan E. Gingrich [Special to The Tennessee Conservative] –

Early last Saturday morning I had an experience like none other in my life and my desire is to tell the world!

The previous Friday afternoon my husband Jim and I traveled to Dayton in Rhea County Tennessee to see a play about the Scopes Trial called Destiny in Dayton. Before the play, we had dinner at a local restaurant, Carrabelle’s Low Country, with Kris Bancroft and his wife Judy. Kris and I became Facebook friends and allies years earlier when I started Patriots Reborn, my small endeavor to enhance communication between like-minded citizens. The four of us had a great time, and the play was excellent and thought provoking. The historical context of sitting in the courtroom where the trial took place added much, as did additional written content provided to us.

Driving home Jim and I discussed the experience, and the lateness and excitement kept me from going to bed right away.

When I finally went to bed, I couldn’t sleep, but eventually I drifted off, which was exactly when it happened. I saw Jesus! A figure surrounded by the brightest light I’d ever seen, seeing his clothing, but not his face. He was reaching down to me, and I was greatly filled by the Holy Spirit and so very happy and smiling!

Unfortunately, he wasn’t gesturing for me to come with him to Heaven. I expected to start speaking in tongues any minute, something I haven’t done since being saved, but the vision ended too soon. I don’t know if it was real or just in a dream, but I will take Jesus any way I can.     

It wasn’t my first experience with God speaking to me, since that glorious day years ago when I was saved. I talk to him often, and he always listens. I love to write but am not a prolific writer. God often tells me what to write, and sometimes it isn’t what I prefer to write.

When I have a serious problem, for example recently one regarding my health situation, he pointed me in a totally different direction negating the unwelcome surgical solution I thought I was forced to face. Without him having my back and me having his, living in the world today and specifically in the country I love with all my heart would be a very scary place. Just like in Biblical days, tyrants abound and without God truly in charge, we are all doomed! 

About the Author: Susan E Gingrich MHS., a Commonwealth of PA retiree, refers to herself as a recovering bureaucrat and proud former public servant.  She is a freelance writer and Christian, conservative activist currently living in Loudon, TN with her husband James Shurskis and Cassie and Desi, their senior Birman cats.  “If you don’t have a sense of humor and open mind, better to skip my commentary!”.