Witness to withness

In The Beginning

“Witness to Withness”
         In the summer of 1977 I had been promised release by my attending psychiatrist, Dr Fleming to return back to college. In two weeks my classes were to begin when something went horribly wrong. I was going through a bout of anxiety as time to attend college grew closer and my Dad was put in a position by my then pregnant mother to "do something with him, he's driving me crazy". The mental health Center could find no respite for me, we were a family of limited resources and thus I ended up in a State hospital. Over time I found myself losing all hope of ever being connected to or even wanting to be WITH other person who I thought I could trust.

         During the early part of 1978, while seeking release from despair my dormant creative energies were about to be activated. I entered into a room that had once been used as an art room. There was no lock on the door and therefore I felt invited to see what I might find in the emptiness. There were some crayons, markers and pencils. I wondered at the beauty that had been hidden within myself. It was as if someone uncorked paradise. The title of a book became a lure to hang in there until I found release in the spring of 1978. The main message I offer is that connection can be found in even the most chaotic places within and without.


         One of my main prayers as I continued to study as a minister after I was released was, "Be with me Lord”. There have been countless adventures with that four word prayer as a moniker. I pray that all who read this can get a glimpse at how eternity worked its magic in one soul. I hope it can be an encouragement to others. When life feels like a trial and the train seems to be at the end of the track hope is right around the bend.