“Peace that passes all understanding” That’s what it was. That’s what it felt like.

“I was at my aunt’s church. At 92 yrs. old she was being honored for her 40 plus years of membership. I was there with other family members to celebrate with her. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known this church existed in the heart of Baltimore City. Between the time I shook the greeter’s hand to the time I walked out of the church; I knew I was different. It had been subtle, without me even realizing it. There was no one moment, no lightning bolt moment. Rather a gradual awareness that I was at peace. I’d never been there before even though I’ve loved Jesus most of my life. As soon as I walked into the sanctuary, the congregation and choir were already singing and rejoicing in the Spirit of the Lord. No dramatics but rather a joy that was contagious. I was glad to be there. Because the music was so loud, my sister needed to get away, so we retreated to the lobby. There was a man standing there. I don’t know why I felt led to share with him, but I started to cry as I told him about the unexpected death of my husband a few months earlier. This man I had never met before prayed for me. I don’t remember what he prayed but I felt compassion and grace. My sister and I returned to the sanctuary in time to hear the message on Romans 8. The luncheon afterwards, enjoyable. I felt cleansed, loved, accepted, unburdened. When and how it happened, I have no idea, but I am not the same. Holy Spirit visited me there and followed me home. There is a joy and contentment I don’t remember ever having before. And now I know what it means to have a peace that passes all understanding.”