By Harold Keller

There is an old saying that we should not judge a book by its cover.  Most people, including myself, don’t have a problem with that.  However, that statement also carries over to judging people.  Being judgmental, I often judge people by their outward appearance.  

I know that God is doing a work in me and the evidence was last Saturday in Shriver, Louisiana.  The Assisi Bridge House, a halfway house for men recovering from drugs, held its annual spring fling and the public was invited.  I have the privilege of speaking there two or three times a year and, as a result, knew some of the clients.  

Danny Louque and I attended and enjoyed the day’s festivities and fellowshipped with some of the people we knew.  

While mixing with the crowd, I noticed a young girl with dyed rusty red hair, dressed in black, with tattoos on each arm.  I, immediately, knew I had to meet this young person.  I walked over and introduced myself and met Courtney.  “You can call me “Co-Co,” she said with a smile.  “You have a nice smile and are really pretty,” I said.    “Thanks,” she replied.  “But I don’t like your hair!” I continued.  “In fact, it looks awful.”  I then shared that I dislike when my wife puts color in her hair, because I like the natural look.  She smiled and said, “After today, I bet you’ll never criticize her again.”

We spoke for a while and I found out that she was 28 and had a two-year-old son.  She was also on a leave from a 28-day drug program.  She said that Friday night at a women’s support group at the treatment center, some girls said that they didn’t want to quit drugs, because they would not have any more fun.  I told them, (and this shocked me), “God has something better prepared for our lives. The men we’ve gone out with are nothing compared to who God wants to bless us with.  The places we’ve lived are nothing compared to the mansions the Lord has reserved for us.”  

When she finished, I said, “You’re a Christian.”  “Yes,” she replied.  “I got saved four months ago in Tennessee and was baptized in a swimming pool.”

As we parted, I asked if I could pray with her.  I thanked God for allowing me to meet her and asked Him to protect her little boy and to give her wisdom in the future.

The function at the Assisi Bridge House was exciting, but meeting Co-Co topped it off.

God blessed me by allowing me to cross paths with her.  I’m grateful that I didn’t judge that young lady by her cover (outward appearance), because God revealed to me a beautiful person.          

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.