There's something deeply personal about this journey of mine, and I think you might appreciate where it’s led me. I’ve been working on a trilogy of books—Allison Jolley or The Tears of God—that stem from a spiritual journey I took, one that started with what felt like a prophetic vision. I remember it vividly. I was working on a painting of Christ, and as I painted, I saw tears. It shook me. I thought it was a sign, a direct message from God, and it sent me on a pilgrimage of sorts.
This pilgrimage wasn’t the kind you imagine from history books, but it was a journey just the same. I threw myself into church, reading the Bible, praying like my life depended on it, which in some ways, it did. And of course, there was the girl—Allison (not her real name)—who I believed was a part of this divine path. Everything felt so intense, so real. But eventually, it all unraveled. My relationship with Allison, my belief in the people at the church—it all fell apart.
Looking back, I realize that I was placing my faith in men of the church more than I was putting it in God. I got caught up in the importance of being part of a congregation, of being seen as someone devoted, rather than truly being obedient to Christ. And then the realization hit me—it was likely just a hallucination, a product of my mental illness, not some grand vision. It was a humbling epiphany.
But that’s when I found my true revelation: I didn’t need a miracle. No trumpets, no angels descending, no divine signs in the sky. Becoming a Christian doesn’t require a spectacle. It just requires doing the simple things—going to church, reading the Bible, praying. The same things every believer does. That was the moment of clarity for me, Pastor. I can’t wait to share the entire trilogy with you once all the paintings are done. I have a feeling Allison Jolley might even end up on Pastor Jerry’s best-seller list. 😉
Your brother in God,
DAN
by Dan and Bonkers
SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS NOW!!!
