The room

ND4SPD · 04-26-2005, 10:57 AM

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something
for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he
later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's
the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.

Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it
while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teary Valley High School.

Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately
wanted every piece of his life near them-notes from classmates and
teachers, his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the
essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing
every moment of the teen's life.

But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore
realized that their son had described his view of heaven.

"It makes such an impact that people want to share it. You feel like you
are there." Mr. Moore said.

Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He
was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off
Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He
emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and
was electrocuted.

The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family
portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I
think we were meant to find it and make something out of it, " Mrs
Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's
vision of life after death.

"I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see
him.

Brian's Essay: The Room...

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in
the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall
covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in
libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order.
But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly
endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near
the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read
"Girls I have liked."
I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it,
shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And
then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog
system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment,
big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder
and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly
opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet
memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look
over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have
betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird.
"Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given,"
"Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their
exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't
laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered
Under My Breath at My Parents.."
I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes
fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I
had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill
each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card
confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each
signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I
realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards
were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the
end of the file.
I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more
by the vast time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file
marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I
pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew
out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.

I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost
animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever
see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy
them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter
now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end
and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card

I became desperate and pulled out a card only to find it as
strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot.
Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying
sigh.

And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel
With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer,
almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than
three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it
contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep.. Sobs so deep that
they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on
my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of
it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes.

No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and
hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No,
please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched
helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I
couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could
bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.

He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read
every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.
He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that
didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and
began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me.

He could have said so many things.

But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at
one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to
sign His name over mine on each card.

"No!" I shouted rushing to Him.

All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him.
His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written
in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine.

It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign
the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so
quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last
file and walk back to my side.

He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up,
and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door.

There were still cards to be written.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Phil. 4:13
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that
whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

sheepofblue · 04-26-2005, 1:56 PM

Serial Thriller · 04-26-2005, 2:54 PM

Tornado bait · 04-26-2005, 3:29 PM

I recieved this in an email a few weeks ago. I usually delete spam/chain email. I sent this one on.

asiliat · 04-26-2005, 4:36 PM

wow. Powerful. A good reminder of who died for our sins and why He's my Lord and savior. Thanks.

asiliat · 04-26-2005, 6:26 PM

This is a part hoax though....

http://www.snopes.com/glurge/room.htm

Red Rider · 04-26-2005, 8:34 PM

Hoax or not...it meant something to me.

ND4SPD · 04-26-2005, 8:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asiliat

This is a part hoax though....

http://www.snopes.com/glurge/room.htm

http://www.joshharris.com/theroom/whowrote.htm

TAZ · 07-21-2005, 3:08 PM

Maybe God took Brian as punishment for his lying about writing "The Room".

"The Room" is a neat story. It's all wishful thinking, in my mind, but I appreciate the writing, and my wife will dig it.

Because I'm what practicing Christians would call "lost" or "confused", let me make sure I understand: regardless of what you do "wrong" in life, it's all okay with God if you just ask forgiveness (of God, not of those you wronged) and "accept Jesus as your personal savior"?

No wonder so many convicts "find God" in prison - they've nothing to do but worry about what'll happen when they leave this life...

Speaking of convicts, my stepdaughter's father (my wife never married him) is in prison - has been for a few years now. He's suddenly become a devout Muslim, and it's pissing me off. I keep rationalizing that it's only a survival tactic (because most in there are Muslim), but to hear the things he's told his daughter makes me mad. (My stepdaughter brushes it off; she thinks he's just confused.) My only hope is that it makes him a better person. Okay, my OTHER hope is that he doesn't try to convince other people that they should be Muslim, too - because that's only one step away from being an extremist and blowing people up.

Now that I think about it, no one has ever tried to convert me to Islam. But every time I join my wife at (her Christian) church, they do their best to guilt me into becoming a Christian.

Apologies for the rant. I do feel better now, though.

sheepofblue · 07-21-2005, 3:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAZ

...
Because I'm what practicing Christians would call "lost" or "confused", let me make sure I understand: regardless of what you do "wrong" in life, it's all okay with God if you just ask forgiveness (of God, not of those you wronged) and "accept Jesus as your personal savior"?

...

No but it is your best hope on be forgiven. Of course it must also be sincere. If you say every Friday you can go on a bender and then go to church Sunday and be forgiven there is a term for you, "hippocrit". However if you sincerely try to reform and pray for forgiveness, yes that is the idea.

asiliat · 07-21-2005, 3:39 PM

it isn't only asking for forgiveness, you must sincerely try to stop the sinning.

Yes, it's a strange concept that being saved is just asking Jesus to do so. But that is the greatness of His plan - anyone asking Him to be their Lord and Savior gets to go.

Of course, because He is our Heavenly Father, we have show our love to Him. By going to Sunday worship to do just that, you are giving your appreciation back to Him. It's like telling our Dad, "Nice going Pops. Thanks for paying for the electric bill!"

And then there's Sunday school. You do that because you want to learn more about why you believe, so that you can effectively answer questions when people ask about your Faith. You can also learn to spread the gospel to your family and friends. Spreading the gospel is the great commandment given by Jesus before He assended into Heaven.

Finally, there's caregroup/fellowship/cell group. We go to those as support for our believes. It is a good time for fellow Christians to congregate and share our lives and experiences with other Christians. It's like building a brother/sister relationship, hence people say "family of God".

But yes, salvation is free. That's why we don't believe that Mormons and 7th Day Adventists are real Christians, because they don't believe that it is a free gift, and they use supplimental material to augment the teachings of the Bible (the book of Mormon).

sheepofblue · 07-21-2005, 3:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asiliat

...That's why we don't believe that Mormons and 7th Day Adventists are real Christians, because they don't believe that it is a free gift, and they use supplimental material to augment the teachings of the Bible (the book of Mormon).

Actually I found all of your wording to be good until this. I do not judge whether someone else is proper, being much to worried about my own sorry deeds.

luvtolean · 07-21-2005, 4:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asiliat

But yes, salvation is free. That's why we don't believe that Mormons and 7th Day Adventists are real Christians, because they don't believe that it is a free gift, and they use supplimental material to augment the teachings of the Bible (the book of Mormon).

Based on your prior comments, and others I've met who say the same thing, I'd say you believe this because someone told you to, and probably gave you literature to the effect.

From Dictionary.com:

Quote:

Chris·tian ( P ) Pronunciation Key (krschn)
adj.
Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.
Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.
Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.
Showing a loving concern for others; humane.

Mormons, read, believe and try to live the King James Bible. All of it. Just like any other religion that uses this same Bible. They do have supplemental works such as the Book of Mormon. However, they do not in any way contradict the Bible.

Mormons absolutely, are 100% Christian. I find it very sad other "Christian" religions feel they need to judge others. This goes against the very book they profess the desire to live by.

Mormons do not believe salvation is free? Interesting comment. In a way, I guess that is correct. But if it is correct for Mormons, it's correct for every other "Christian" religion I know of.

Mormons believe they must follow the teachings of Christ and their (Mormon) Prophets, both living and dead(directly analagous to the Pope for Catholics). If you do know Christ (we'll use that as a catchall term here), and then denounce Him, then you will not be permitted into heaven. According to their teachings, this is the only way to be kept out. Otherwise, you're in. Sounds pretty free to me?

Notice, this does mean that people who've done extremely terrible things, could possibly goto heaven. (or possibly not)

Also notice, contrary to popular belief, Mormons don't think you'll goto hell for smoking a cigarette or drinking a beer.

TAZ · 07-21-2005, 4:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asiliat

That's why we don't believe that Mormons and 7th Day Adventists are real Christians, because they don't believe that it is a free gift, and they use supplimental material to augment the teachings of the Bible (the book of Mormon).

Are you comforted to know that Mormons and Seventh Day Adventists think you're doing it wrong? How about Scientologists or Buddhists? Muslims? If you had been born in the Middle East, you might be a Muslim, you know? If you'd been born in Jerusalem, you might be a Jew... If you were born in ancient Greece, you might have lived your whole life believing that sunny days happened because the Sun God was happy, or that there was a (different) God who made thunder. Point being, your personal religious beliefs - as convinced as you are that they're "right" - are all relative to the circumstances of your life - the time and location in which you live.

From the perspective of an "outsider", I admire the lessons of MOST religions -as far as I can see, they all have good points (Buddhism being one of my favorites). But they're not all "right". And I don't know that modern Christians are any more "right" than those ancient Greeks, so while I try to be a moral person, I simply choose to not to invest much of my life worshipping the God of our time or geographical region. The most important things: be accountable for your own actions; treat others with respect and courtesy; be giving when possible; and love your friends, family and neighbors.

sheepofblue · 07-21-2005, 4:28 PM

So a tribute of RC parts to the sheep is out of the question then TAZ

RRWANTR · 07-21-2005, 4:34 PM

Seen this saying before...

I'd rather live my life believing and living my life as there is a God and find out I'm wrong when I die, then live like there's not and find out I'm wrong when I die.

asiliat · 07-21-2005, 4:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAZ

Are you comforted to know that Mormons and Seventh Day Adventists think you're doing it wrong? <CUT>

I understand what you're saying, and yeah, it's hard to grasp that myself. Do all the Incas and Aztec people go to Hell because they knew nothing about Christianity? I just don't know.... I'm not God.

That is why there's such a push for missionaries to go out into the "wild" and establish a ministry there, to bring the gospel to as many people who've not heard the good news as quickly as possible. If you've heard about Jesus and what he's done for us once, and do not believe, you are condemned in God's eyes. That will be a terrible truth to find out when you die.

Look, as much as I want to believe that I'm the greatest Christian ever, I too struggle to live in THIS world. I still struggle with sin, and I still struggle with the rest of it. The last thing I want is to turn into this huge debate where we're so entrenched on our own sides that we end up being ignorant and hardheaded. There are still many points in the Bible I'm unsure about, so by no mean am I a theologian.

But some part (maybe even a large part) of it is Faith. Faith in believing that the only way to Heaven is through the forgiveness Jesus provided through the shedding of his blood and dying for our sins. Now, that will sound like a cliche answer to anyone who's been to church for a while, but it doesn't make it any less true.

Will a Muslim who was born into the religion and believing in it for his whole life without ever hearing about Jesus as the son of God die when he goes to Heaven? I don't know. Do you? Does anyone know definitively? But I know that God doesn't let you go to Heaven simply because you've been good. Doing good deed does NOT grant you eternal life.

I put it this way: Think of a glass of OJ. Pretend you dont' hate OJ.... If I give it to you, would you drink it? Of course, because it's fresh and refreshing.

However, if I even put 1 drop of poison into the drink, would you drink it? Logical person who has a sense of self-preservation will say No.

See, that's how God sees us, because of the original sin, He sees everyone, no matter how "good", being flawed. He just cannot accept anyone with sin to enter Heaven. You say: But if God loves us THAT much, why can't He just accept us when we die?

Now I bring up this scenario. Imagine you're a judge, and your son was just rightly convicted of murdering someone. Because he's your son, can you just say "Forget about it. I love you, you're my son. No punishment needed. See you at supper."

Is this right? Of course not. It's totally unfair to all the other people who had to pay for their crime. This is the same way God sees us. Because He sees us as having inherent sin when born, He can't just let it slide.

But He loves us, and still wants us to spend an eternity with Him, so He solves this conundrum by saying "Someone has to be punish in your place. If there's punishment, then the sin can be absolved." So He sent the only one who was sinless, that being His son, Jesus. Because Jesus had no sin, He could bear the weight of all our sins on his shoulders - signfied by being crucified on the cross. And God, in His infinite love, allows Jesus' death and resurrection to be THE way we can bridge that gap, as long as believe in Jesus and give our heart to Him.

I hope we can have a civil discussion without too much ridicule and finger pointing. I am not some religious zealot bent on arguing for the sake of proving my point. And I know that you're extremely intelligent and would not be persuaded easily - especially on the anonymous interweb. But if you have questions, and I can provide some answers, I will. They may not be satisfactory to you, but I can only humbly try.

luvtolean · 07-21-2005, 4:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RRWANTR

Seen this saying before...

I'd rather live my life believing and living my life as there is a God and find out I'm wrong when I die, then live like there's not and find out I'm wrong when I die.

Not exactly the same words, but Benjamin Franklin is the first I've seen attributed to this quote.

RRWANTR · 07-21-2005, 5:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Not exactly the same words, but Benjamin Franklin is the first I've seen attributed to this quote.

Yea I know.....I was going off the top of my head here...don't I get a break????