Dear Jesus,

Last night’s dream stuck to my mind just as a magnet sticks to iron.

I remember that during my quest for you, Holy Spirit, I read in the book of prophet Joel the promise you made that in the last days when you are outpoured upon all flesh, the young men and handmaidens will see visions and dream dreams.

Back in my old life, I recall having terrifying nightmares.

I don’t really remember what they were about but I usually awoke with tremors and sweat.

At times, I’d cry out in fear when the dreams would seem so real and even the dark shadows would seem as if ready to pounce on me. Dad and mom would most times come to cuddle me and pray with me and sing me lullabies to sleep.

Last night was… how should I put it? Pleasantly different.

I found myself in a passage in which I walked alone. I wasn't afraid cos the passage was brightly lit and very beautiful. I was actually fascinated by the whole scene that I walked slowly staring at the intricate design on the walls and ceiling.

I came upon a large, wooden door that looked so uninviting in contrast to the passage hall. Somehow, I knew I had to go through it.
I fumbled in my bosom for a key but found none.

Compelled to look up, I did and saw an engraving which I didn't notice before.

It read 'Knock and it shall be opened!'

I knocked once, feeling rather uncertain cos I didn't know what was on the other side.

The door opened gracefully without the tiniest creaking noise.

The light that greeted me was so blinding that I had to, rather unsuccessfully, shield my eyes with my hands. My pupils constricted to adjust to the glare as I stepped forward as if being pulled by a magnetic force of attraction.

"Daughter, come." A voice that rippled with power like the waves of an ocean spoke to me from the heart of the light.

Then I saw you.
Clearly.
You stepped out of the light in your human form.

Words cannot describe what you look like. The sight was so fearful and soothing at the same time. Your glory made me feel so awed and acutely aware of my unworthiness. I looked down at myself on the verge of tears.

You drew near and touched both my shoulders ever so softly. A sensation that felt like icy, fiery piercing began to tingle on them. I gasped and looked at my right shoulder. Your hand, still on my shoulder glowed a bright red Cross sign where I think the imprint of your crucifixion nail should have been.

"Set me as a seal upon your arm and heart. I have poured my Spirit upon you because you'll need Him to weather the storms that will soon arise."

Your voice was so sweet that I felt my heart about to melt.
You continued as you fixed your gaze on me.

Your eyes were intense and soft; I could get lost in them forever.

"You must stay closer to me and obey my Spirit. Don't fall when temptations come. Beware of the wolves and foxes that'll try to spoil you. Hearken to my voice not your flesh. I AM with you till the end of time."

You hugged me. The sweet fragrance of you was like the peculiar smell of fresh blood mixed with frankincense, myrrh and aloes. I don't really fathom how I knew that fact cos I've never smelt this scent before in real life. I inhaled deeply and sighed in content as I closed my eyes and hugged you back.

I opened my eyes and found myself in my bed hugging my pillow.

As I sat up on my bed, every tiny detail of the dream replayed in my mind.

A glance at my alarm clock showed 4:12am. I took my Bible from where I'd left it the night before on my bedside locker.

The Holy Spirit impressed the Songs of Songs in my heart and I went ahead to read it after a brief prayer of thanks over my dream. The sixth verse of the last chapter re-echoed your words to me in the dream.

I went out to the balcony and worshipped you, my love, in Spirit and Truth. It was as if I could sense angels around me as I dived deeper into heartfelt worship to you. I didn't want it to stop.

When I eventually stood from my kneeling and lifted-hands position, I felt my cramped leg waking up as electric impulse moved up and down my legs.

I felt a queer sting on my shoulder. Thinking that maybe a bug bit me there, I checked it. What I saw shocked me as it was a confirmation of the reality of my encounter with you.

On my arm, where you'd placed your hand, was a 'tattoo' of the cross. In excitement, I checked my other upper shoulder and an identical cross was etched there as well.

Ok well, I must admit, I was terrified at first. So, it was real. My mind almost reeled at the fact. I then realized this means a big deal.

I skipped and squealed out multiple thank you's to you all the way to the bathroom.

Today's exam, Biology practical, was a breeze, because you were there and Biology is my fav subject.

After finishing the paper around 2:00pm, me and my Jesus gang went to the library to do some joint studying in preparation for our upcoming papers.

Kathy and Pris (That's what I'm calling them now. I figured the nicknames suit them better and would befit our lovely trio: Kathy, Pris and Ray), were so curious as to why I looked so alive and at the same time more pensive than they've ever seen me to be.

I scanned the library area to see if anyone was around. I was not disappointed to find the place tranquil with only two students checking out the shelves on the other extreme of the library from where we sat.

This is one of the reasons we love this secret Haven; I mean students of Charios High rarely come here. Only the geeks and outcasts can be found here.

Me and my gals have even become one of the librarian's favorite students. Her name is Mrs Mandrake.
I must admit she's queer with the name, round spectacles and freckles all over her face. But she's quite motherly and accommodating so long as you are as quiet as a mouse and make no mess in the library area.

Actually, I found it hard to concentrate on the book I was reading. I was communicating with the Holy Spirit in my spirit, asking for your consent to tell my two besties about my encounter with you.

When I felt your go-ahead signal, I sighed in relief and turned to my two friends who were sitting with me on a round reading table.
They looked up at me, startled by my sighing.

"Ok, I want to tell you girls something. Don't freak out when you hear it. Things have happened to me between yesterday and today that I myself find hard to believe." I watched as they exchanged confused glances among themselves.

I started from the beginning by asking Kathy to forgive me for getting jealous about her beauty.

She was shocked (of course she'd be. She had absolutely no idea that I was envious of her) but smiled and easily forgave me. She's a sweetheart. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful friend, Lord.

I hurriedly narrated my Holy Ghost baptism experience to them and my dream encounter too, in hushed tones.
To cap it all, I showed them the 'tattoos' you put on me. They were awed and so excited at my tale.

"So that's why you've had the unusual glow around you today. I was wondering..." Pris said.

"The Spirit of the Lord in the heart of man is something more than gold. I also remember when I got the Holy Spirit, few months after my conversion. I was radically changed from the introverted shy girl I was into a fire brand bold witness of Christ," Kathy testified.

"Wow! I want Him too. Do you think the Holy Spirit is also for someone like me?" Pris chipped, her voice laced with deep hunger.

"The gift is available for every believer who thirsts and hungers for Him," I reassured her as I placed my hand on her shoulder and looked into her dark hazel eyes that was glistening with unshed tears.

"I'm feeling the prodding of the Spirit for us to pray. Let's go somewhere else to pray." I said.

We filed out to the tree behind the library, after greeting Mrs Mandrake politely and entrusting our stuff into her care.

There was a bench underneath it that was already covered in moss which was a sign of underuse. We didn't sit; we linked hands and began to pray in union, particularly for Priscilla's Holy Ghost baptism.

After a moment you came. I knew cos I felt that same stinging sensation in my arm and warmth in my heart that I felt in my dream.

Like a wind, we all switched and started praying in new tongues, including Pris. It glowed like a current as we held hands together and prayed. Even later, Kathy began to interprete the heavenly tongues.

We were released an hour later even though we were reluctant to leave. Worship poured forth from our mouths.

"That was epic, gallactic, spectacular, heavenly..." Pris chimed in a daze as she tried to catch her breath.

"... fantastic, amazing, mysterious and absolutely glorious." Kathy helped her to complete her list and we all laughed together in joy as we all walked back to the library to retrieve our things and head home.

We walked together for awhile after getting off the bus, reliving our experience and teasing one another.

Pris was still finding it unbelievable that she's now baptized in the Holy Spirit. You better believe it, girlie.

We said our goodbyes while I went to meet dad in church, praying I meet him else I'd have to trek alone to the house for another one hour.

Mrs Carey was still around. Quite unlike her. She closes by 6:00pm and my watch was telling me it's already 6:15pm.

She said she was just finishing off typing the Sunday School brochure and booking appointments. She said she's rather glad to have waited as she could see that I was in high spirits though I was physically weary to my bones.

"You look full of fire, dear. I saw what happened yesterday during the meeting and I was bubbling over with joy to see you and many others filled with the Lord's Spirit. Keep this in mind, Radiance: with great power comes great responsibility. I think that's a quote from Spiderman's uncle."

When she saw my surprised look, she defended herself. "Hey! Don't look at me as if I told you I still wear bikini. My husband was a big fan of superhero movies. How I miss him!"

I laughed, then in silence began to soak in her words. I kept replaying what you said to me in the dream.

"Darlin', you're here," dad said as he came out of his office, startling me from my meditation. "I thought you'd be home by now. I hope Julia (i.e mom) isn't worried sick about both of us. What took you so long?"

"Evening dad," I said as I stood up and hugged him.

"Sorry I came a little late. I was studying with my friends. We were praying and then Priscilla got baptized in fire. We're going home now, right?"

"Yep."
Addressing Mrs Carey, he said, "Sorry you had to work overtime today ma'am. Please I'd like to get going now. See you tomorrow." She simply smiled and nodded her consent.

During our drive home, I gisted dad about how well my exam went and the dream and the prayer with my friends under the tree. He listened and looked pleased.

Mom almost spanked both of us for coming home late. We apologized, joked together and settled for a dinner of spaghetti, cream salad (yuck! I ditched that part of the meal. It's too sour for my liking) and fish sauce.

I'm on my bed now, tired yet refreshed in my spirit. I can't help but smile as I replay the events of today in my mind.

I also can't believe I'm the same girl who was whining to you about my girly issues. All that pales in comparison to your perfect bliss, precious Holy Spirit.

**********
Yawn 🥱, I feel so sleepy.
Thankfully, I was able to come up with this by the help of Holy Spirit.🕊️
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Love y'all... 😘😘😘