An Overpowering Light
Stories
Shining Moments
Visions Of The Holy In Ordinary Lives
Karen Steineke
It seems like a lifetime ago, because it nearly is. When I was 21, my husband and I chose to become members of the Wauwatosa Avenue Methodist Church. Neither of us had been members of a church growing up, only going occasionally with friends. For me that was extremely rare. I only went a few times. Our minister, Reverend Kerns, suggested that I be baptized, since I had no memory or record of having been baptized as a baby.
We set a date, and I remember being quite nervous, having no idea what it would be like in spite of the pastor's description of the ceremony. At that time, the chapel was a recent addition to the main building, along with Sunday school rooms. It was so like a dream, remembering it now, but one I recall totally.
As the pastor was performing the rite, I began to feel a warmth around me, all encompassing, with everything around me suffused and without form. I looked up to see the form of Jesus with an overpowering light surrounding him. For what seemed like minutes, I was suspended in time and space. I felt such love and awe. I remember my tears and, as we left the chapel, I tried to hide that from my husband because I was so overcome with a feeling one cannot describe.
Until years later, I never did tell anyone, but it has always been such a comfort to me, knowing that the Lord is with me. I know that many others have had similar experiences, but I feel so honored that it happened in my own life. I have shared it with close friends and family, but only those with a relationship with Jesus are receptive and seem to believe. Perhaps, the others are just unable to respond to such an amazing experience.
It seems like a lifetime ago, because it nearly is. When I was 21, my husband and I chose to become members of the Wauwatosa Avenue Methodist Church. Neither of us had been members of a church growing up, only going occasionally with friends. For me that was extremely rare. I only went a few times. Our minister, Reverend Kerns, suggested that I be baptized, since I had no memory or record of having been baptized as a baby.
We set a date, and I remember being quite nervous, having no idea what it would be like in spite of the pastor's description of the ceremony. At that time, the chapel was a recent addition to the main building, along with Sunday school rooms. It was so like a dream, remembering it now, but one I recall totally.
As the pastor was performing the rite, I began to feel a warmth around me, all encompassing, with everything around me suffused and without form. I looked up to see the form of Jesus with an overpowering light surrounding him. For what seemed like minutes, I was suspended in time and space. I felt such love and awe. I remember my tears and, as we left the chapel, I tried to hide that from my husband because I was so overcome with a feeling one cannot describe.
Until years later, I never did tell anyone, but it has always been such a comfort to me, knowing that the Lord is with me. I know that many others have had similar experiences, but I feel so honored that it happened in my own life. I have shared it with close friends and family, but only those with a relationship with Jesus are receptive and seem to believe. Perhaps, the others are just unable to respond to such an amazing experience.
