A Intoxicated Michigan Mother Begins her “Journey Home”
I met a lady named Amanda sitting on a bench in downtown Grand Rapids with a bottle of wine in her hand. I'd approached her to give her the book "The Journey Home," by Radhanath Swami. I gave a regular introduction about the book. Upon enquiry, I clarified that it's not about any specific religion. It's about spiritual realization.
She was wearing a cross, but she truthfully opened her heart, saying, "I have tried so many religions, but not a single one works for me. All these religions are useless to me."
I explained the nature of this world: how everyone is imprisoned in these bodies and suffers without exception, knowingly or unknowingly.
Tears started gushing from her eyes, and she said, "My husband beats me every day."
She gestured with her a bottle of wine and roared, "This is my life. Prior to this I was on cocaine for six months and on other drugs for six months. I am a mother of four small boys, and they all are lost because I am lost. I have been praying to God every day to show me the way. Someone please show me the right way please."
Then she looked up to the sky and shouted, "Can someone tell me who is God, please?"
I became a little emotional and said, "You know God now. Nothing happens by chance. Please trust me."
She immediately stopped me and said, "Do you know who God is?"
I showed her a picture of Krishna playing a flute in His beautiful three-fold bended form. She smiled.
I said "Not many people in America know that he is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. His abode is transcendental. He has a personal form just like us."
I was shocked when she said, "I dont care about Americans or Indians. There is only one God, and Americans don't know about it. If you know he is God, then why don't you tell everyone? Everyone is suffering."
A little confused about what to say, I just closed my eyes and said, "There is a guarantee that if you sincerely follow Him, your life would be changed. Your family situation will improve because everyone will be benefited by your devotional service. Your kids will perfect their life. All you will feel in your life will be happiness. You can go back to God in this lifetime. I am telling you this with all honesty. Even though you don't know me please trust me."
She again started crying and hugged me, saying, "Please save me. I want to go back to Godhead in this lifetime."
There was perfect silence for a minute.
I said, "Do you want to see God? If yes, then come with me this Saturday for a grand festival called Rathyatra."
She immediately took my number and asked me twice if I am not lying and that I will take her.
Before parting she said, "I am ready to give my hundred percent. I will finish this book tonight. Thank you."
By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada we are able to know our constitutional position and our purpose in life. He has given us everything. By reading his books, anyone can perfect one's life.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Your Servant,
Bhakta Sunny
