The following four-page story was hand-written by JD Flowers of Sweet Water, Alabama on lined looseleaf paper with a 5-punched left margin. It is unknown whether he wrote it himself or copied it from a book or other media (there is no indication). Whatever the case, it was important enough to JD to handwrite a 4-paged copy on lined notebook paper which is now aged a nice yellow-brown color. Date unknown. The four pages are transcribed below. If anyone knows of a published source for this, please let me know.
"The Path to Power
One of the greatest drives in the heart of man is the desire for power. Used for good, this desire can bring happiness; or when used for selfish purposes, it can ruin a life. I have a story to tell of a young man who traveled on the path to power. He wasn't especially rich or intelligent. He had no special talent, or so he thought.
The boy was drifting on the highway when he came to a side road. At this point a sign had been erected upon a gate, saying, "To Power - Knock and enter." This was queer. Wasn't he on the wide, paved road that so many people before him had taken to success? The city of Pleasure and Good Times was ahead. Here was a narrow way promising power to its followers. He could not see beyond the promise unless he ventured through the gate. He could not follow this new road because of an immobilizing fear of the unknown, neither could he bring himself to drift farther.
It was a hard decision to make, this choice between two roads. Then quietly a voice from old Sunday School days seemed to whisper, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." But I just want power. Do I have to do the rest? I want to be the strongest person in town - or do I? Do I really know the meaning of power?
Each day he searched out truth on what constituted genuine power. More and more he came to depend on the Bible as a guide in his studies. Gradually his desire for power grew into a passion to know the truth. "If I will ever be rid of this doubt, I must know the truth." "Are there really two kinds of power? In Psalms 62:11 I find 'Power belongs until God.' Lasting power is from above. The victories I win in life will depend upon how faithful I am to my God."
"Lord, I have been on the wrong way." He knocked upon the gate, which opened to the path to power.
Along this path he learned humility. "I will run," he thought, but the road was built of rough stones. He walked. When he would have sat on the grass to rest there were thorns. He could not do as he wished along this trail and get anywhere. Instead, he meekly accepted the existing circumstances and forged ahead.
Prayer and perseverance became the backbone of his journey. He first leane3d to pray when he was in trouble. Soon prayers of thankfulness were coming from his heart. Prayer provided strength for him to climb the many hills. Slowly fears began to disappear. He was not without temptations, but through ceaseless prayer many were overcome.
The path was not so isolated from the rest of the world that he lost contact with other people. Some were on the path; some were on the highway. Since his heart had been enclosed with a spirit of meekness, the man could see that his brother's eccentricities were no worse than his own. A love for and better understanding of his neighbor resulted. A desire to rid his life of those evil influences which would be a hinderance to observers was created. His new Christian love was really beginning to grow.
One night he had a dream. He had reached the center of a rocky peak overlooking green meadows and was in a deep study. He had come this far without learning for what purpose power is granted.
He cast his eyes across the fields and saw a flock of sheep, wandering aimlessly. No shepherd could be found. "I cannot leave their sheep alone and exposed to the perils of the night. I must care for them until the owner comes," and he arose to do his work.
This man has gained a new happiness in life, for he has received power from the Holy Spirit - power to serve."
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