The Best Drug

If you were to walk in on this gray, gloomy night you’ll probably carry yourself in with an expectancy.

Rows of better-than-you’s, noses turned up from the hymnal. Perfect lives and families. Made obvious by their four kids dressed in their best without squabbles that test the patience of their parents.

You hesitate between the doors. You’ve seen it before. Pretending to care, or maybe silently judging you in the back pew.

Too often, unfortunately, it’s true. We pretend, somehow, we’re better than the rest. Granted, our salvation comes from God of his love, not because we’re good enough.

But it’s okay, you can breathe. Come on in. Take a seat.

As you glance around you see people, wild and Free. Lining up for the best drug deal and all of history.

“Some say he’s our crutch, I say he better be our all!” Grins the pastor laying hands on the next young man.

Maybe you’re a bit confounded, seeing all the hoodies, sweats, and T’s.

You’re still questioning whether you should flee. You take one last moment to soak and see a thousand Angels fluttering gracefully healing that single Mom’s broken heart. Dancing with the man, who you probably assumed, never would dare to dance in public.

Then you see the fires that frame their faces. Some bigger, well others fight it. It ministers to them, almost lifting their feet off the ground.

One step, two steps, oh, you can’t. The atmosphere is warm and sweet. “But it wasn’t meant for you.” rings through your mind. So you turn to run.

But something holds you there, a tap on your shoulder. “Brother, me too!” His hoodie is torn and arms plastered in tattoos, but his smile is big and eyes bright with hope.

He gives you a bear hug, smiles and shrugs. “I hope to see you next week!” He calls.

And somehow today got a little less gray. Maybe the world’s a little brighter.

You found your home it isn’t easy but it’s where you belong.

Maybe you’ve been hurt in the past a little burned by the church. But we’re not all the same.

The true love of God is richer than anything in the whole world.