Paul, the Biker’s Story
Sunday, February 14th, 2010This story comes from a volunteer spiritual companion in our spiritual partner network. She leads a spirituality group for men in a chemical dependency treatment program. Sally is a unique person and not afraid to be who she is and say what she thinks and feels. First, Sally’s story:
“In he walks, a biker in all of his glory! Sooo much hair, delibertately uncombed. I guess that would be the wind blown effect – lots of facial hair as well. Attitude and rage oozing out. ‘Don’t even think about messin with me.’”
“Having never been in close contact with a bonafide biker, I was thrilled with the challenge. A bad boy blazing downt the highway on a Harley really intrigued me. He willingly walked into our spirituality group, announcing he had never even heard of that word (spirituality), and ‘didn’t know nothin about God.’”
“He had very intense vibrations, yet sat very calmly and listened. He never missed group. Our group allows the men to facilitate. When he was asked if he would take the next week he was stunned yet agreed. He slowly started sharing his story.”
“One day he came in with some scribblings on a piece of paper and handed it to me. After reading it, I asked if I could share it with the group. It was obviously inspired writing. He voiced his confusion and even disbelief, ‘It’s kinda like a voice telling me to write.’ The group agreed that God speaks to all of us but few listen or do as told. I gave him a notebook to record all he was inspired to say. Often, he would share it with us. He slowly became very honest aobut his long rap sheet and seemed truly remorseful.”
“One night he announced that he was through with his old lifestyle. He was a bit confused about what came next, but determined to never go back. In front of everyone I stated that if he was really sincere he might want to consider a make over to change his image. He laughed and said he wasn’t sure about that!!”
“The next Monday was a holiday. I decided to appear anyway as I knew Paul would be nervous about the next day’s court scene.”
“I walk into the building. Two men are sitting by the telephone. One is Bud, who always attends group. The other is a stranger. My first thought is, ‘Oh a new fellow. My he’s nice looking, and seems friendly.’ I ask Bud to announce I’m in house. I have come to support Paul. The stranger just stares at me.”
“I go upstairs. Soon Bud and the stranger come up. Bud introduces the new guy as ‘Joe.’ I put my hand out to shake his. He says, ‘Sally – come on. It’s me Paul.’ I am genuinely astounded! Bud is laughing at the joke he has been able to play because he has seen that I literally have not recognized Paul.”
“The bad boy biker has disappeared! Here stands a beautiful man with short, wavey, well combed locks and no facial hair at all. His presence says, ‘deep quiet strength and a gentle heart. A man ready to find his own truth.’ I am so stunned I don’t think I will ever forget it. What a joy to witness such a remarkable transformation!”
“Group was so great that night. Again, we prayed for a good resolution of Paul’s case. I asked him to contat Bud about the verdict, who would then let me know if Paul had been taken to prison.”
“I was called — it was Paul. It seems the judge was just as stunned by the change in Paul. He had often stood before her. She allowed him to return to finish his treatment. She suggested he gather some references and fax them to her. (This will be one of them.) She set another court date so they could re-negotiate.”
“With the recidivism rate as high as it is, I truly needed this experience. I had been getting weary. The whole group needed it. We can all recognize how God orchestrated it all so beautifully with His incredible sense of humor and His undying love.” Sally
Now, Paul’s thoughts:
“I have learned a great deal from the spirituality group. I’ve become a more balanced person. I’ve been able to share my past and present feelings and thoughts in a comfortable and safe place. I’ve also learned that spirituality plays a very big part in all of my decisions on a daily basis.”
“Most of all, it’s taught me that spirtiuality is a great connection to my heart and my conscience. So I will continue to go with my heart that is strengthened by my spirituality. Because I’ve also learned that if and when God seems far away, to ask myself ‘Who’ moved away. Thank you.” Paul
