by William Scott Smith

Created on: September 12, 2007   Last Updated: March 05, 2008

You may be surprised in the power of an ear!

Look around you. The people you walk among are so valuable to God that he sent his one and only son to this earth to be tortured, humiliated and killed. For our sake! Just because the person next to you has a smile doesn't mean everything is alright. Take a few moments to lend an ear or sometimes give a testimony. It just may be the difference between life and death.

As brothers and sisters in Christ; why don't we share one another's burdens more often? Luke 24:13-15. We are all so quick to share the new car, invite for the house warming or the baby shower. What about when we lose our jobs or our dog dies or when someone calls you that awful name at school?

This may seem strange but I have a very fond memory of a time of pain and suffering. Back when I was around 19 I got into some trouble and everything that I had around me was melting before my eyes. I thought to my self that no one could possibly suffer the way I did. I even had thoughts of suicide. I was forced to go to a similar meeting to AA but it is called EA (emotions anonymous). After being there a month or so, a man around 30 years old came up to me and asked if I was ok? I replied "Do I look like I am ok?" He said; "I know where you are coming from." I replied "You have no idea where I am coming from! Who do you think you are?" Well after a few more colorful words the man told me that he knows that I am not willing to discus my burden. He asked me would I mind if he shared his. Well after all that tongue lashing I gave him that was the least I could do. So here is what he said:

"I am a selfish man.
My whole life has been based on me. I had a wife and three kids. I got addicted to cocaine. One day after doing coke I had to pick my family up from the mall. My wife, daughter and two sons got in the car. After the usual fighting we left the parking lot and headed home. I could hardly see the yellow line much less the truck coming at me as I veered off into his lane. The last thing I remember is my wife screaming no... I can hear it now echoing in my head. After I woke up in the hospital the first thing I worried about was getting in trouble for being under the influence and driving. I remember thinking "I hope the cops didn't look in the glove box!" After my first concern "ME" I asked where my family was and were they ok? I will never forget the response: No, Mr. * your family is not alright. You killed them all! Shortly after, I was charged with manslaughter

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