POTATOES * POTATOES * POTATOES

POTATOES – POTATOES – POTATOES

Today I experienced a major breakthrough in my journey from sorrow to joy.

When Paul went home to be with our Lord almost eleven months ago, I was totally devastated. I truly believed that my life was over. Depression and grief were my constant companions for over eight months. Absolutely every thought of Paul caused my heart to break with sadness. I saw no joy in my life or in my future.

It was after much prayer that I made the decision in March, to move in with Paul’s sister Peggy so that we could help each other through this time of grief and sorrow. That decision was met with much opposition by some of my friends. It was stated by several people that I was turning my back on God and backsliding my way to hell at full speed. Well, everyone can relax and be at peace with the knowledge that I have not turned my back on God; in fact, I am closer to Him today than ever.

Today Peggy and I were talking about when Paul first came to the Lord and his hunger for more information. Suddenly, Peggy started laughing hysterically and yelling:
“POTATOES – POTATOES – POTATOES.” Immediately, a memory flashed before me, and I too began to laugh. This was something I was not used to; a memory that brought joy and laughter and not tears. It’s a memory that I would like to share with you. Let me tell you about Spiritual Starch.

When Paul first came to the Lord he was totally unfamiliar with the concept of the Holy Spirit. What little contact he had with organized religion had been in a very conservative congregation. The gifts of the Spirit were not spoken of or taught. And heaven forbid you should even mention “Speaking in Tongues.” .

One night after service, Paul went to Pastor George for prayer for healing of the cancer that had recently been diagnosed. After we got home that evening it was obvious that something was really bothering Paul. He sat on the porch for quite awhile, deep in thought, when he suddenly asked, “What the heck is all this Potato – Potato – Potato stuff?” Peggy and I looked at each other completely confused and answered almost in unison, “What??????” To which Paul answered, “When Pastor George was praying for me, he touched my head and started mumbling something about Potatoes - Potatoes - Potatoes. How come?” When Peggy and I finally regained our composure after the fit of hysterical laughter, we tried to explain to him that Pastor George was praying in tongues and not speaking of starchy vegetables. Apparently, some of Pastor George’s prayer language sounded like he was saying potatoes.

Offended by our laughter, Paul wasn’t the least bit receptive to our explanation of tongues, so as a last resort we called the Pastor at home and made him come over and explain it all to Paul. Paul was so intrigued with Pastor George’s explanation of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that he enthusiastically began seeking that “next step” in his relationship with God. “I want what you’ve got George. What ever it is, I want it.” Paul was heard to say. Peggy and I just looked at each other and said,
“POTATOES – POTATOES – POTATOES.”