Lessons From The Crypt
ComfortLate one night, I came back to my “home” office. As I was struggling to juggle bags and purse while opening the door, I notice a piece of paper tucked into the door. Entering the office, I set my stuff down before opening the note. I read the contents, throwing the note from me as if it was on fire. It was a sexually threatening note. I ran into the “kitchen” and stood in the dark sobbing uncontrollably. This was too much. This was just too much. I cried out to God.
Suddenly, I felt a tender hand on my shoulder and turned around to look.
The room was empty. No audible words were spoken, but a peace descended on the room as I stood there in the dark, crying. In my spirit, encouragement was infused within me: to not give up because things were going to be okay. I had just experienced a Holy Encounter, a ministering angel sent by God to encourage me.
A month later, I was out of the “Crypt”.
I took a shaky, smoldering reed step of faith and moved into a rented house—above ground, with big windows, a huge tub/shower, washer/dryer, yard, garage, bed, stove, and very few spiders. I had lived in the “Crypt” for over a year and a half.
What have I learned?
Lessons from “The Crypt”:
1. When they turn your heat off in the middle of winter, no amount of blankets will keep you warm.
2. You have to watch the cat you love die when it gets sick because vets won’t let you make payments.
3. People give throwaway food (dented cans prone to food poisoning and outdated food) to food pantries, then pat themselves on the back for “giving.” Jesus is not pleased.
4. You can use baking soda when you run out of toothpaste.
5. Samples at the grocery store can stave off hunger.
6. When down to only a can of pumpkin in the pantry, make soup.
7. You can take a shower using the kitchen hand sprayer and standing in a small tub.
8. Low light plants survive in the “Crypt.”
9. There’s a difference between a need and a want.
Things I Have a New Appreciation For:
1. I am thankful for toilet paper, tampons, and food.
2. I am thankful for windows filled with sky.
3. I am thankful for a stove and oven.
4. I am thankful for a washer and dryer in my house.
5. I am thankful for a yard with grass that I can squish between my toes.
6. I am thankful for my shower!
7. I am thankful for my nice big bathtub…and bubble bath.
8. I am thankful for food and shelter.
9. I am thankful for warmth in my home.
10. I am thankful for those who understood and refused to be a “Job’s Friend”.
Spiritual Lessons from “The Crypt”:
1. God is God and I’m not. He can do what He wants and in what way He wants.
2. He loves me, even when it appears that He doesn’t.
3. Sometimes God allows a trial in someone’s life to test those around the person.
4. Sometimes God allows a trial in someone’s life to show the glory of God.
5. We have a spiritual enemy who works against us.
6. Suffering doesn’t necessarily equal “You’ve sinned.”
7. I don’t always understand and that’s okay because He knows what He’s doing.
8. People don’t always understand what I’m going through, just as I don’t always understand what they’re going through. I must forgive.
9. Get beyond a Keyhole Perspective. Just because a person’s poor, doesn’t mean they’re lazy or uneducated.
10. Success in God’s Economy is different than the World’s View.
Chris Jackman, writer, “createer”, and founder of Hemline Creative Group (a creative house).
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