By HAROLD KELLER

Last week, my talk to a group of young men battling drug problems was focused on them building a positive self-image. I told them that in order to do this, most of them would need an attitude transplant. I stressed that they would have to completely change their negative way of thinking and living.

We talked about learning how to love themselves and others. I suggested they start feeling good about who they were, because a good self-worth influences every area of their lives.

I told them that faith in God will make them appreciate their attitude toward their fellow men, and that hope was something else they needed. A positive outlook toward the future is also necessary and last, and most important, is to look back and forgive anyone who has wronged them in the past. I stressed that forgiveness is a selfish act, because we forgive in order to be free from the bondage of unforgiveness.

As I concluded, I asked if anyone was holding onto a resentment of which they would like to be freed. One young man raised his hand and shared that he had a resentment toward his father and mother. He then added that it was mostly toward his mother.

I went into what I thought would be a good solution to healing his hurt. I suggested that he write his mother a letter and tell her that he was sorry for not being the son that God created him to be. Also, to tell her that he was sorry and ask for her forgiveness. I then told him to tell her that he loves her. I thought that sounded like pretty good advice.

“Can you handle that?” I asked. “I don’t know where she is,” he answered. “She deserted me when I was 9 months old.” Everyone in the room could feel his hurt as he was about to cry. “I’m sorry,” I said, not knowing what to do, asked him to go and hug my wife. “I believe God wants her to stand in proxy for your mother who loves you as much as she can, wherever she is,” I added.

He got up and hugged my wife. As he did, all the men in the room clapped. He then left the room, crying uncontrollably. Two men walked out to console him. When they returned, I said, “Gentlemen, you’ve just experienced a miracle – a healing miracle.”

It was a precious moment that only the Holy Spirit could have orchestrated.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477.