Answers for Stacey

I thought I would reply to commenter Stacey's questions in the comments section, but I noticed my answer began to run long. So, a new post is born.

Her Comment: Wow! What a powerful dream. Seems as though your eyes opened and your friend D...well I think she understood and decided that she was not ready. Its much easier to act as if you dont know and its also easier to do the wrong thing.

I have a question did you have this dream after you started really reading the word on a regular basis? Did you and D stop talking all together after this and if so why do you think that is?

Thanks again for sharing your life with me. And thanks for those encouraging words. I look forward to talking with you about yours and my journey.

Talk to you soon.

Stace

My answer (writ long):

Again, thank you for the comment Stacey. As for your questions:

Yes, this particular dream came well after I began completely immersing myself in God's word. I was pretty disciplined at the time keeping not only my morning devotional and prayer time, but also listening to an audio Bible playing almost constantly while I was working (plus online sermons - OnePlace.org is a great place to spend an hour or three). And this was not the only dream I had during this time, nor was it even the most vivid; I'll start introducing those as I'm directed over the next few weeks.

As for talking to D__, there were a few conversations afterward, but they were strained; not so much conversations as they were chats about the weather. I think she had 'mentored' me as far as she knew how, and now I was entering into new territory for her. Plus I think my descent into joblessness and homelessness (with a wife & two kids, no less) confirmed her dream for her; as far as she was concerned, I think her assessment of my situation showed I was "outside God's will and plan for my life" and so I was being justly punished by my deteriorating financial status. The church we attended together sure equated riches with righteousness. So, if I was on my way down Skid Row, guess what that made me in the eyes of the Church...?