I sit in the hospital room alone on a Friday night. Mom went home like she does every Friday to sleep in a "real bed" as she put it.

  To be honest, I can't wait to walk out them doors and smoke the blunt the homie dropped off to me the other day. I'm supposed to rest at home for a couple of weeks until my ribs and arm fully recover, but I have other plans.

  I feel a silly grin on my face as I think about these plans as I start to nod off to sleep.

  Between almost closed lids I glimpse

  Mr. Unknown slide into view inches from my face. My eyes fly open as I peep this bro's mug. Every bone in his face juts through stretched, almost translucent skin. A wide smile pulls his skin even thinner around his bones.

  "Sweet dreams."

  He moves away just as fast as he appeared.

  My eyes drift closed without my permission. I'm back in the dream. This nightmare is different from the others. I'm standing on a road instead of laying down in my bed. The air usually gets colder, but this time the temperature around me is the same.

  "Time was given back to you, but I sense that your time will be wasted and you will be a part of my lost soul collection shortly."

  I hear a raspy voice speak slowly above me. I look up and take a few steps back. A dark figure floats above me. This time I can see its face through the purple mist and I kid you not, the dude's head is a skeleton! It's nothing but bone draped in black, shadowed flames that resemble cloth. As I stare up at him holding a scythe, I realize this thing is death! At this point, it's more of a confirmation than a realization. I mean, I knew it. I just didn't want to believe it.

  "W-why," I swallow and try again, "Why do you want me so bad?" I'm asking, but I'm not sure I want the answer.

  Before I know it, I no longer feel the ground beneath my feet. Cold hands wrap around my neck, and I'm looking into lifeless sockets. I can't breathe from both fear and the bones digging into my skin.

  Death looks at me through empty sockets. "I don't want you," he roars, "I want your soul!" He throws me like a softball.

  I hit the ground landing on my back.

  "Wake up, Jamal!" I whisper frantically. I slap myself, I pinch myself. "Wake up, dude! Wake up!" All I can think about is waking up before Freddie Kruger pops out.

  I try to get back up, but before I can, Death is hovering over me like a street light.

  "Feels familiar?" He asks.

  My eyes are wide open, and I know what

  comes next.

  "This can't be happening again," I scooch back on my butt, "I shouldn't be able to see you, even in my dreams. This is white people stuff bro, or some voodoo type stuff. I ain't white or into voodoo." I'm losing it. I have to be.

  He advances on me with a sick grin, but then he stops. His grin fades. ""Quiet! I won't be claiming your soul on this night."

  It's like he knows something. But I don't care, I don't believe him. I never felt so helpless. This whole thing isn't looking good for me. I close my eyes and say a quick prayer asking God to come and save me. My heart is screaming for help.

  Death raises his head to the sky as if searching for something...or someone. "I guess He's coming for you."

  A couple of seconds later I start to hear a horse galloping. The sky grows brighter as the galloping gets louder.

  "It would appear I might not have the pleasure of taking your soul after all. But that's all depending on you and if you're willing to accept life for what it really is." Death gives me one more lifeless look before vanishing.

  There is a man...at least I think he is a man. The dude is so bright I can't really see him well. I can see that he is dressed in all white. As he comes closer I notice that it is battle gear, like some type of medieval armor. He's riding a horse. Its wings are pure white and they shine brilliantly like diamonds. It begins to descend gracefully in front of me.

  In awe, I stumble to my feet. But as the horse lands my legs give out and I fall on my knees, head bent. From my kneeled position I watch the man's glowing feet touch the ground.

  "Rise my son." His peaceful voice is like a melody floating into my ears as he touches my shoulder. His presence feels like the polar opposite of Death's. I rise to my feet and look up. To my surprise, a beam of light in the shape of a man stands in front of me.

  "Who are you?"

  "You know who I am, Jamal."

  "God!" I immediately bow.

  "Yes, He is me as I am Him."

  "So you're Jesus?"

  "Rise, Jamal." Jesus touches my shoulder once more. The light surrounding Him dims, but is still so bright it's impossible to determine His race.

  I stand.

  "The race or color of my skin is not important. Never was or ever will be."

  I look up in surprise when he answers the question I never asked. I have a lot more questions. They fly through my head, and I want to ask him all of them.

  "I know you have a lot of questions that come to mind. I am not here to answer them," He says, interrupting my thoughts. "I will tell you this, you are asleep, but I am really here with you like I always have been.

  Even when you rejected me. Would you mind if we take a walk?"

  "No. Not at all."

  As we walk, I notice a hole in His right hand. "Why haven't you healed your hand?" I ask.

  "What would be the point?" He asks

  back.

  "If I had holes in my hands and have the

  power to heal them I would have."

  "I haven't healed them because it is a reminder of the gift that was given to the world."

  "A gift? I thought it was a sacrifice. You lost your life for the sake of the world. I think that's what my mom always told me. Man, if I was you I wouldn't have done it. I mean people are always spitting on your name, saying that there is no God. Church folk, man they all fake. They be yelling and screaming how good you are but turn around and be doing the same stuff I do. Yet they quick to call other people sinners. The people you died for either hate you or are hypocrites." Jesus pauses for a moment. Then he smiles.

  "I laid my life down so that people from all nations can come to the Father and get to know Him. People hate me because they do not know and understand me. Mankind will not accept what they cannot explain or see. Those who play the role of Christians but are in love with their sin are not of the Kingdom. People who are of the church do have wicked ways and do fall short of the Father's glory. Because of this, the people of the church come to me for wisdom and for-giveness. They're full of sin and they know this, and that is why they cling to me until the time comes for my return, and the Father makes all things new."

  "I still don't get it," I admit. "I feel like I act better than most Christians. I may not pray a lot or go to church. But I read my bible here and there. I don't kill or rob people. I should be able to get into heaven. All these things are true, I may not be Christian but at least I don't hurt people, because I'm a good person."

  "Based on whose standards are you judging yourself? Who can enter heaven without knowing me? My very word says in John chapter fourteen, verse six that no one comes to the Father except through me. How do you plan on reaching heaven's gates if you haven't established a relationship with me?" He levels me with a stern gaze after asking the last question.

  "I never thought about that, Jesus. But, still I’ve done a lot of good things in my life. I remember when I helped this bum out who was cold. I gave him my favorite Chicago Bulls jacket, the last of its kind, so you know it was worth money. I even offered strangers rides when I saw them walking. I'm a good person, so even if I didn't have a relationship with you I should still be able to get into heaven." I know that no matter what I say it wouldn't matter. I mean it's God in the flesh talking to me. This is proof that He lives and the gospel is real. But for some reason, I want to stay blind to it all.

  "Jamal, I'll ask you again. By whose standards are you judging your good deeds? It is written in Isaiah chapter sixty-four, verse six, you are all impure with sin. All good deeds are likened unto filthy rags." His response is calm but holds authority.

  "Ok but it's not like I worship Satan or anything like that. I'm not down with him and his followers. I do my own thing and stay away from him and his witchcraft. There-fore, I should automatically be with you, right?"

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  "There are only two teams to be on. If you do not pursue a relationship with me and my Father then you are on Satan's team. Matthew twelve and thirty says whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. By you doing your own thing Jamal, trusting yourself and not me, you are showing me that you're against me. Satan's whole being is against me and the Father. If you trust in anything other than my Father, then you are trusting Satan. If you worship yourself or anything other than my Father, you are worshiping Satan. It doesn't matter if you put a different name to the item or person, if it's not the Father it is Satan."

  "So I've been living a lie? How can this be? I mean, I seen people look left and right for you and couldn't find you. Where are you when people cry out for you to stop the pain and the killing that's happening around the world? You're telling me that I'm against you and working with Satan but, the people who work for you seem to have lives worse than mine. I see them ask for help time and time again. They say you're an on time God but it seems you don't come in the times you are needed most!" My emotions get the best of me for a moment, but then I catch myself.

  "I'm sorry. Please forgive my anger."

  "Jamal, some people do look for me but, they do not believe I am the Son of man. They do not open their hearts to me, therefore they do not see me. Others come to me asking to stop the killing and heal the wounded and the sick. So I send out my people, but when people see them they close their doors. Killing and pain will stop on the day I return and make the world new. Those people who are in my protection and are having rough times still, know I will take care of them. One thing you should keep in mind is that I do not work in your time zone. Time does not exist because of man but because the Father exists. My timing is perfect."

  I stand and process everything Jesus is saying. My mind is blown! Just a few minutes ago I was sure if I leave this earth with my good deeds there would be a place for me in heaven. Now, I'm finding out there is only one way to heaven and that is a relationship with Christ. I'm starting to see hell in my future.

  "If I have a relationship with you then that means I can wake up and no longer be a sinner? I'll be a completely different person?"

  "If you seek a relationship with me, I will give you life. Sin will always be inside you but, you will no longer be a slave to it. You will hate your sin because the spirit inside you will hate it. You will have a battle with yourself and the ways of the world."

  "I'll have to fight? Like in a war?"

  I'm sure Jesus sees the worry in my eyes.

  He puts his arm around my shoulders. "Let's resume our walk." He holds his other hand out like a tour guide.

  That's when I notice we haven't moved an inch since I declared I wouldn't have died on the cross for nobody.

  "There is no war, Jamal. I died so you don't have to fight in a war. I defeated Death and put Satan in his place. You do not have to fight alone, you have family in Christ who will help you. I will be beside you always. The battles you will be involved in will be hard to overcome. Some will feel almost impossible to face. Just remember there isn't anything on earth that can overcome the Father. If you choose to join my army, you will come out victorious. There are battles you may lose but don't be discouraged, I will be here to pick you up when you fall."

  Jesus explains all of this to me as we walk. I look up and notice the path ahead is narrow. It doesn't look like we both will be able to walk on it together. Looks like one of us will have to walk on the grass...even though there isn't any grass. I notice this, but I really don't pay attention to it. I'm more worried about all the things Jesus said.

  "I would like to be a part of your family. How do I become a part of this? Do I have to wait until Sunday to get my blessing? Because I don't think church is open, right now. Maybe my mom's pastor will come in the morning and pray for me." I start rambling, unsure what to do next.

  With a small chuckle, Jesus studies my face.

  "Well, my friend I can see in your heart you desire a relationship with me. Look," He points to the narrow path, "the path you're embarking on is showing that you are already making a decision. You don't need a church or your mom's pastor. All you need to do is ask for forgiveness and believe I am who I say I am. Follow my example and my commandments, and the rest will come as you grow."

  My knees buckle. "God please forgive me. I am a sinner in need of your forgiveness. I need help to overcome the ways of this world. I want you to be a part of my life."

  "Rise, my son, you have been forgiven."

  He places his hand on my back.

  I look up at him in astonishment as I stand. My chest tightens at his words as joy and peace flood me all at once. The tears suddenly sliding down my cheeks shock me, but they flow freely. Man, I just stand there and ball my eyes out. Snot runs from my nose and everything. Years of built up tears flow from my eyes, tears I buried years ago along with my grandma and the best friend I lost at fifteen.

  I cry for a good three minutes before I stand to my feet. I know if I look in a mirror right now I would look ridiculous. But shoot, I don't care. I wouldn't care even if I were in front of the homies. I can feel joy and peace pulsating through me and filling me from my head to my toes. Not even my Mary Jane could get me this high.

  "You have been given a new life," Jesus declares with a smile. His horse appears out of thin air. "Take this life and give life to others. You have many battles ahead of you. Battles against yourself and battles against the enemy. Use the sixty-six books I left for you to get to know me and my Father. I must be leaving now." He smiles at me as he mounts the horse.

  When his face turns up to the heavens, the sky immediately splits in two. A light brighter than the sun spills out and rests on my Savior. Light shining on light.

  This is amazing I think to myself as I shield my eyes.

  Jesus positions the horse to leave, and looks back at me. "Before I go, I am giving you a gift that you will need to survive this world and its temptations."

  A blue ball of light floats down from the sky towards me. "Holy Spirit comes bearing the gift of wisdom. With Her, you will be able to withstand the world and stay connected to the Father, and the Son. Do not shut Her out, for She will help guide you. She has always been inside of you. It was because of Her, you cried out for me when Death was here."

  Holy Spirit circles around me a couple times and then disappears into my chest. I feel Holy Spirit move into my heart, and the shift in my perception is immediate. (Huh this must have been what "Amazing Grace" song was talking about.) My eyes are open, and I can see how the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are all one. Then she flutters to my mind.

  Jesus gives me a nod and the horse bounds off into the light. I watch until the sky closes in on it.

  Hello there. I hear a voice inside my heart. I mean, feel it more than I hear it.

  "Umm Hi. Holy Spirit is this you?"

  “Yes, it is me. However, you can call me Wisdom if you like. Because this is the gift I give you,” she answers and then pauses for a quick moment as if she is thinking of something. “Jamal, do you notice that it's getting kind of dark?”

  "Yes, also the air is becoming thin and cold," I reply, knowing exactly what it means.

  Death appears in front of me like he never left. I take a couple of steps back and look him in his face.

  He doesn't look too thrilled to see me.

  Granted, he never looks happy. But at the moment, he looks even more depressed. Seeing him again sends a chill down my spine.

  Panic rises to my chest. I know this dude is coming for my life. I look the other way, trying to find a safe place to hide. But there is nothing but the small road I am standing on. So I decide to make a run for it.

  "Don't run," Holy Spirit commands. "Stand your ground and don't panic. Christ defeated Death when He rose. You have nothing to fear here."

  "I see you chose to follow Christ," Death roars, "Do not worry, boy. I will just have to rip out your soul along with the Holy Spirit. I wasn't going to take your soul today, but it seems I've had a change of heart."

  "Do you even have a heart?" I ask while eyeing his chest and trying to peep a heart-beat.

  In response, Death raises his scythe high above his head and the black ribbon covered spine whips through the air in a circle looking like a ceiling fan. In a flash, he brings it down with unnatural speed. Hollow screams burst from the ground at impact.

  I jump out of the way, so the scythe doesn't make contact with me. The power from the impact still manages to lift me off the ground. For a few seconds I can fly. Iland on my back at least twelve feet from where I started.

  "Wisdom I don't see how I'm not supposed to panic!" I squeak. "I barely dodged that scythe, and did you see how powerful he is? I mean how can a sack of bones be able to do that?"

  "Don't be afraid Christ is stronger," she replies confidently.

  "I know you're scared out of your mind, boy. I can smell your fear. Another black man who's going to be dead. At least you didn't die by getting shot." Bones howls.

  He slowly advances toward me. I'm thinking bro's slow creep is to spook me. ‘Cause I know he can jump right to where I am in a blink of an eye. I need help!

  "Jamal, listen!" Wisdom begins sternly.

  "Get on your feet and hold out your hands."

  I quickly get to my feet as instructed.

  My legs are shaking like a baby's rattle.

  Sweat drips down my face as I close my eyes and put out my hand.

  "Now call on your sword."

  Again I do as I am told. "Come to me, sword." Immediately my hand feels heavier, kinda like someone dropped a three- pound ball in my palm.

  My eyes slowly open. There is literally a double edged sword in my hand! The only word I can use to describe this is magnifi-cent. The sword's golden handle is shaped like a cross. A closed bible circled by a thorn crown sits where the two lines of the cross meet. The silver blades of the sword are engraved with the books of the bible.

  "Wisdom," I finally say, "I got the sword, but truth be told I don't know how to use one."

  "You just leave that to me. However, 1 cannot fight Death with your flesh weighing me down. Jamal, I will need you to stab yourself in the stomach with the sword. Your flesh has to die"

  "You want me to do what?! I don't want to die. I thought you wanted to save me not kill me."

  "I'm not trying to kill you. If you do not kill your flesh, then Death will kill you," Wisdom explains patiently. "Jamal, do you trust me?"

  "Yes, I do but..."

  "There are no buts. You do or you don't. Death has only been approaching slow because I have kept him at bay but I will not do it forever...so, do you trust me, Jamal?"

  "Yes, I do!" I cry out.

  Looking to the sky, I hesitate for a quick moment. Then I turn the tip of the blade towards my stomach. This is crazy! But, man, I don't care. It's either Death or death. With a roar, I plunge the blade into my belly. I'm ready to feel pain that will have me on the ground, instead I feel nothing. I look down to see if it really went through.

  The handle legit sticks out of my stomach. I watch as the engravings on the blade glow bright blue. It's the same type of light I saw Holy Spirit emit. Just as I think about Holy Spirit, I feel her become stronger within me. My heart is on fire with Holy Spirit power. In fact, she is in full control.

  I still look down at the sword just hanging out in my abdomen when I notice my body is also glowing blue, and I'm floating like a balloon! So here I am with a double edge sword sticking out of me, and riding the wind. Just when I think things ain't about to get any weirder, an intensity builds inside of me. It grows until light burst through my eyes, and forces my mouth open to pour from there, too. And then... my flesh starts to melt.

  Even though blue light is pouring through my eyes, I can still see Death running up on me. I'm not scared. Holy Spirit's power in me is greater than this weakling. I can feel it. I also feel the world fading away.

  Death recognizes what is happening and increases his speed in rage, flapping like a lunatic in the air with one hand on the scythe behind him. I can tell this thing thinks he's about to attack me with no mercy. I guess he don't know about this Spirit. Blue light from my body rushes to meet him. His body is thrown to the ground with one hit.

  Hmmm...I'm pretty sure he knows now.

  When I return to the ground, I am sporting full armor from head to toe. My sword disappears from my stomach and reappears in my hand. I notice something has changed about it. The handle is still golden but the cross is now a crucifix. Christ hangs on the cross, and the closed bible is now opened on His chest. The crown of thorns rests on His head. The blade is changed too. It's still made of silver, but the books of the bible are now verses which change constantly.

  "You are wearing the full armor of Christ and this bible is your sword," Wisdom tells me softly. "I will be your guide. Now let's fight a good fight."