We sometimes cross a barrier in our lives and came out feeling much better. We once called the time when we did that a “Come To Jesus” Moment. The Urban Dictionary explains this moment as: moment of realization. an aha moment. moment of decision. moment of truth. critical moment. moment of reassessment of priorities. turning point. life-changing moment.
I am blessed to have discovered The Life Enrichment Center in Flint, MI. Here I have met Reverend Stephanie Sorensen. She is now my Spiritual Advisor. When I was new to AA and Spiritual practices, I was introduced to the teachings of Emmet Fox. This was the beginning of a series of aha moments for me. Fox had been the spiritual advisor for the early people in the AA program. These included Bill W. Through his books and written chronicles on spirituality, Mr. Fox fascinated me. Also introduced me to a whole new way of life. The God that I know now is not judgmental. My God is not punishing. He is loving. My God is forgiving. He created me in His perfect image. My problems arise when my free will enters the equation. Aha!
I always have wanted to help people be a little safer, a little happier. Maybe that is why I loved being a copper for so long. In 1966, I was with the Detroit PD. I learned that an officer from Grand Rapids PD that I had worked with in the early 1960s was shot and killed. This was the first of my comrades that I knew who had been killed on duty. In Detroit, this continued with many meeting the same fate. Officers that I had worked with were killed. I attended many funerals. One thing in common at these funerals was the haunting sounds of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. Since then, every time that I heard or thought of this haunting melody, the sounds of the pipes were there. Whether actually in the recording or in my mind.
When I made Sergeant, I would regularly be concerned for the safety of “my coppers.” Partners were lost. Friends and comrades gone to the violence of the streets. I carried this protective mode over to my tour of duty as Police Chief with the Green Oak PD. I would regularly remind those around me that the most important part of their job was to make it safely home. Alive and well when off duty. All these thoughts would flood through me. Especially whenever I would hear Amazing Grace or even just bagpipes.
A recent service at the Flint Life Enrichment Center had the title of Amazing Grace. Reverend Stephanie’s talk was Amazing Grace. The recorded song version of Amazing Grace that was played was by Jesse Campbell. He was at an Agape Church in California. At first I thought “Here we go again!” I quickly discovered that I seemed to be finally getting some closure. This is the most amazing version of this song that I have ever heard. Now that I have had some time to think about it, it fits in so many other ways. Thank you, Reverend Stephanie, for choosing this particular topic and song for that day.
My God spoke to me through Reverend Stephanie’s talk. Also through Jesse Campbell’s beautiful voice. A true aha experience! I truly believe that I had finally gotten some closure. I did not even know that it was missing. This was after well over 50 years. Jesse Campbell, thank you. Thanks for sharing your remarkable voice and thoughts with me. Have a blessed day!
If interested, his version is on YouTube.
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