A highly spirited young lady who took her church to court has become a national internet sensation. The young lady sought monetary damages from her church because when the Holy Spirit entered her, she started running around the church and in the process took a serious fall. In her petition to the court she sought $50,000 in damages. She implored the court to award her the money because ushers should’ve broken her fall. Internet users responded with sarcasm and laughter. Church leaders, around the country, however, failed to see the humor in her claim against a house of God, and rightfully so. This case is not without legal precedent. A court has in fact, awarded damages in the past in a similar case.

The most recent legal case reminded me of my experiences as a church usher that I have shared with readers in previous columns.

As I entered high school, I became an usher at my church. I enjoyed being an usher, except at revivals when the Holy Spirits would enter the women. I do not remember the Holy Spirit entering the men during my time as an usher. The ushers were expected to hold onto them at this time to prevent them from hurting themselves. I did not weigh more than 120 pounds. The women who did the shouting in our church weighed more than 300 pounds. I could see my friends laughing at me when these women would sometimes, fling me over several pews during their shouting episodes.

My friends and I would make fun, sometimes, of one particular lady, whom I will call Ms. Lizzie, who would begin shouting, even before the preacher got warmed up. She would let out the loudest shout as if she were being unbearably harmed or hurt.

One evening during a particular revival, God taught me a lesson I will never forget.

Just as my friends and I were counting down when Ms. Lizzie would begin to shout, something actually came over me. My entire body began to shake uncontrollably. My friends started to look at me, thinking I was probably taking things a bit far. I could not stop the shaking so I quickly put my hands over my mouth in case the Holy Spirit had missed Ms. Lizzie and entered me. I did not want to shout. If I did, I knew that my friends would never let me forget it.  I quickly regained my composure and rushed out the door to the bathroom. I prayed. Lord, forgive me. I am not going to make fun of Ms. Lizzie again. It was then, that I realized that there really is something wonderful and great about the Holy Spirit. It is a kindred relationship we have with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Had my parents not encouraged me to attend church and about the importance of putting my trust in God, my life would have probably been dramatically different.

I took their advice and whatever I have achieved in life, has been as a result of the Holy Spirit directing each of my steps along the way.