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I had several strange experiences overnight. Together–they brought one powerful message…
Killing a rat
The first was capturing and killing a rat that had gotten into our house. For a period of nights, it had been crawling into the bathroom from underneath, seeking food. We finally put a trap out to catch it, and were awakened early in the morning by the sound of the rat attempting to free itself from the trap, which was sticky.
Once attached to the sticky stuff, it would have been hard for us to extricate it, and I didn’t want to just throw it out and let it die slowly, so the next best option was to kill it.
I really don’t like killing anything, but if I do, I want to take care of it as quickly as possible to minimize the pain–yeah, I guess I’ve got some bleeding heart, animal rights thing in me. 🙂
In this case, the deed took a bit longer than I’d wished.
Afterwards, I went back to bed, but discovered I’d pinched a nerve in my neck while taking out the rat.
I don’t know if it was God’s punishment for letting the rat suffer before dying, but it did occur to me that there is a price for everything. Being involved in an action that causes “death” in any form can result in blowback on us.
The fake wig
Once I fell asleep, I had a strange dream. In it, I saw my old friend whose dark deeds and corrupt teachings I have been writing about. We were at some type of gathering, and he’d come outside to greet perhaps some congregants, friends, and my family.
He was wearing a fake wig–it had a Jheri curl, and made him look kind of like Samuel L. Jackson in the movie Pulp Fiction.
When I saw him, I was determined to call him out for his continued fakery, yet I was aware I had already called him out. As I approached him, I was struck blind and rendered unable to see until–in a panic–I beseeched God to let me see again. Finally, He relented and gave me back my sight.
I was grateful, and went on my way.
The accusers
I have been an accuser, and believe to this day I have made the correct decision. Others have come forward too. This is–necessarily–a type of an “attack”–on evil–for the purpose of exposing it to all who may benefit.
But for me, my story has been told, and I do not see the need to continue telling it or explaining it. It will continue to be spread to those who need to see it. I firmly believe that if I focus on what was done wrong to me and others too much–that I will lose my spiritual sight.
Ultimately, what is needed is the continuing edification of those who seek a better relationship with God. My old friend’s message was sound overall (with some serious errors). People have come to his “services”–and still do–because they are seeking something that not many Christian ministries are providing, in a forum that is fairly unique.
There needs to be more forums like his–with the difference being that pure truth–unadulterated–is shared.
If we are perceived to be ONLY accusers–and do not provide AN ALTERNATIVE to my old friend’s corrupt preaching–then in my opinion, we are not providing enough EXAMPLE to inspire others.
I’m not saying everybody needs to form a church–but I AM saying that we ourselves do need to BE a church, at the least.
That doesn’t mean that legitimate accusers should not come forward–they SHOULD.
And it doesn’t mean that those who have already told their story should stop their quest to bring the minister’s dark deeds and corrupt message to light. They need to do what THEY see to do.
But we should always be mindful of OUR role in the sin, and to provide that alternative, positive voice for the lost. When we are tempted to focus too much on what the other has done wrong, it also tempts judgment and anger to rise up in us and in others–and that does not help others find freedom.
BE the change
A third “sign” I saw overnight is a short comment my friend Rose answered to one of my Facebook posts. It said, “BE the change.”
This is one of my favorite quotes–from Gandhi–and it was being said back to me. It was a reminder.
I had already been inspired a week ago to start a new series of Old School Podcasts which show how God is working in people’s lives for the good. The idea hit me after hearing from many people after posting my expose of my old friend’s dark deeds/corrupt teachings.
I was hearing so much wisdom, and realized I wanted OTHERS to hear what I was hearing. And so I’ve begun recording a new series of Podcasts I’m calling “GOD-Casts.”
My first guest was my good friend–writer, artist, and “handyman” Robert Campbell. I will air “GOD-Cast” #1 tomorrow morning, Saturday 1/15/22 at 8 AM Eastern Time/5 AM Pacific Time on this website. It will be available AFTER that time too for you late risers!
This is my small way of “being the change.”
I hope that you will join me on this journey.
The age of being taught by man is (or should be) over. And I truly hope that the age of being taught only by our Father has begun!
Patrick Rooney is the Founder of OldSchoolUs.com. He communicates clearly and fearlessly during perilous times about natural health, success, and freedom. To reach Patrick, email him at [email protected].
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Patrick, You have compassion so of course killing anything is going to be more difficult
for you than for a less soulful person! Your neck reaction was probably the ‘natural’ stress of the situation.
I remember years ago Roy had said “if you cannot relate to your dog properly chop it up
and use it for dog food”! But in later years he changed his view and said “there is something special about dogs” and I am sure that would include rats and other small creatures. It was the only time I had ever diagreed with what he said so I was happy to know he had softened his view over the years and was as always, willing to admit it. I think the closer we get to God the more we see him in everything including vermin! To save yourself the trauma of having to kill one again, perhaps catching them in a trap then releasing them in the countryside would be less problematic. In any case you are blessed to feel compassion for tiny creatures. I am donating to your cause (sorry it did not have my name but one of my many ‘alternates’) because I can see you are the real deal. Keep up the good work Patrick! (Roy used to always say that to me when I wrote a weekly newspaper column about his teachings.) I used the name ‘Kim Masters’ that time lol! I know what it takes to do what you are doing!
Thank you, Sid, for your “vote of confidence,” and good advice too. I’ll try to use a trap next time! Better not to have to kill even a rat! And thanks so much for believing in what I’m doing enough to send a contribution–I really appreciate that! God bless you–Patrick
I believe Roy was making a seemingly extreme statement to express how important it is not to be attached to anything here on earth, except the holy spirit.
Patrick, You have compassion so of course killing anything is going to be more difficult
for you than for a less soulful person! Your neck reaction was probably the natural stress of the situation.
I remember years ago Roy had said “if you cannot relate to your dog properly chop it up
and use it for dog food” LOL! But in later years he changed his view and said ‘there is something special about dogs and I am sure that would include rats and other small creatures. It was the only time I had ever diagreed with what he said so I was happy to know he had softened his view over the years and was as always, willing to admit it. I think the closer we get to God the more we see him in everything including vermin! To save yourself the trauma of having to kill one again, perhaps catching them in a trap then releasing them in the countryside would be less problematic. In any case you are blessed to feel compassion for tiny creatures. I am donating to your cause (sorry it did not have my name but one of my many ‘alternates’) because I can see you are the real deal. Keep up the good work Patrick! (Roy used to always say that to me when I wrote a weekly newspaper column about his teachings.) I used the name ‘Kim Masters’ that time lol! I know what it takes to do what you are doing!
Amen to that!
Thank you. It is amazing how dreams often are movie production from God just for us to see something. He doesn’t need all the cables, cameras and manpower though!