Devil's Night

Have you ever heard of this?

Growing up in Detroit, it was a night I looked forward to. October 30th, the night before Halloween. It was one night a year when we as kids could be mischievous. We would go out at night and commit acts of mischief. I don't think it was allowed, but it seemed to be a tradition of sorts. People kept their porch lights on and tried to keep an eye on their car, home, property. That is, if they were home. Mischievous acts consisted of writing something on a car or store window with a piece of soap, knocking over a garbage can and tossing some toilet paper up in a tree or decorating some bushes with it.

As I got into the teen years, the acts of mischief became more destructive. Writing on windows with a piece of wax, or throwing an egg at someone’s car knowing it could damage the paint job. The last year I went out on Devil's night it was with a large group. I don't know how many of us there were and it varied that night. We took up a collection and bought a couple dozen eggs, we had candle pieces and no doubt other weapons of destruction. We hit the alleys and streets and had some fun. It started out fun; I'd be lying if I said different. But as the night wore on, things took a turn. At one point we were chased by a gang. We thought it might have been the Bagley Boys. The notorious feared gang of our neighborhood. We ran, ducked, dived and hid, waiting until we knew they were gone and it was safe to come out from our hiding places. I remember thinking "I hope someone suggests we call it a night." No such luck. The fears were soothed, and the hype of the night was back on.

As we were walking down one alley, talking about a game plan, the sound of breaking glass stopped us in our tracks. Someone had thrown a rock and broke a window on a house. Too far in my opinion, it was something I didn't back, way too destructive. Who did it? What’s wrong with you? Within seconds the sound of the breaking glass was followed by laughter. Then came the sound of a homeowner throwing open his door and yelling. We took off running and heard a gunshot. I will never forget the fear of that moment. He shot at us! Was anyone hit? RUNNNNNN. For blocks we ran and in all different directions. Some of us hooked up soon afterward. I really cannot recall what was said exactly. I may have lied and said I sprained my foot and was heading home. You know, to save face, so my friends wouldn't call me a chicken. The dreaded insult of my youth. No, I don't remember what was said by who but I do know I went home and that was the last year I went out on Devil's night.

A couple of years later, Detroit made national news on Halloween.
Devil's night became a night to burn abandoned houses, apartment buildings and warehouses. It was horrible to see on the news. The following year, the city tried to be prepared and fire trucks were brought in from other areas. One of my friends lived next door to the fire department on Junction and it broke my heart to see three additional trucks parked in the driveway. Ready and waiting for the fires to start burning on Devil's night.

I learned an important life lesson that night. What starts out as a relatively innocent act of mischief can explode into very dangerous circumstances. Death could have very easily been the end result that night.

It’s that way with sin and God’s laws. I can lose my temper and swear up a storm. Walk right on by a person in need. Take a pen home from work and not even think twice about it. The flash of a lustful thought about a perfect stranger. All of these little things that I say and do can build and grow into worse and more frequent sinful deeds.

I have found that if I do not go to the Lord every night with my sins and honestly confess each and every one, I hurt. And the next day, it’s easier to sin, doesn’t cause me much grief at all. It gets worse, because it gets so much easier. Next thing I know, things have escalated out of control and I’m scrambling to get back to where I need to be. Trying to be Christ like, with a kind and caring heart, having only good intentions and lending a helping hand when ever I can.

Does Our Heavenly Father hurt? Does He feel pain and sorrow from watching His children sin? I truly believe He does. That it saddens Him deeply to watch some of the atrocities that happen every moment in the world we live in today.

I want to do my part. I strive to live a good clean life. It’s not easy for me. But I’m finding the harder I try the easier it gets. I just need to stay on the path I’m on. Stay in the word every day. Stay connected with brothers and sisters who have faith. And Pray. Keep a dialogue going with Jesus Christ my savior throughout my day. He knows what I’m going through. He knows what struggles I face. He has been here.

I am so grateful for the life I have today. My gratitude list is long and grows each day. I’m thankful for the challenges and struggles I face. I know I learn from them and can share my knowledge with others. Every trial I endure is for my own good and I pray I can glorify God when I get through it.

I do not want much from this life. I live to serve and pray I please Him in some small way each and every day. That’s all I want and that’s all I need … I’m satisfied.

Are you? Are you happy with the life you live? Or are you still trying to fill a space in your heart? A home full of possessions, the latest fashions, technology and all the other stuff we as humans chase … can not fill that emptiness within. Drugs, alcohol and a man or woman to curl up with at night can not fill that need we all have.

Is there something lacking in your life? Do you want to know what true happiness really feels like? Here is a recipe for a happy life, one worth living. Find a Christian church that teaches from the Bible. Read the Bible, it really is the greatest book ever written. Get connected with others. When you are ready, accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. You will be amazed at the positive changes which will take place in your life. Believe, Trust, Love and Follow Him. You will never regret turning your life over to Our Lord. Honest. I have no reason to lie to you. I am no one special, just a humble, grateful servant.

May God Our Heavenly Father Bless You and Yours.