A 4th of July Departure from the Norm
David Wilkerson once visited Basilea Schlink (1904 – 2001) in Darmstadt, Germany. As Wilkerson walked into her office, he was knocked to the floor by the presence of God which surrounded Schlink. While on the floor, Wilkerson realized, “This is a mighty woman of God.”
Throughout Schlink’s life, she stressed the importance of repentance, reconciliation and prayer. She herself normally prayed eight to ten hours per day, and then in her off time, she wrote numerous books and founded a Sisterhood based on prayer.
In one of her books, she wrote how she visited the Louvre in Paris. And as she walked through the museum and looked at timeless works of art, such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and others, Schlink could not enjoy herself. She felt guilty by the time she was wasting.
After all, Schlink was not praying or studying the Bible or writing or advancing the kingdom of God, but instead, she was walking around, looking at works done by men. And the works, for the most part, were not even created for the glory of God.
Not only could Schlink not enjoy herself, but she found herself looking down her nose at other believers who did not feel and act the same way as she did. She cruelly judged them according to her own personal standards.
Then, one day, while Schlink prayed, some Bible verses touched her heart.
But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves; I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. (John 17: 13 – 15)
A powerful revelation dawned upon Basilea Schlink: the Lord wanted her to enjoy life. It was okay to enjoy artistic works and music created by men because, after all, these men were created by the Creator for His good pleasure. And also, it was okay to laugh and have fun in her life because there was great joy in doing so.
Sadly, I, too, have been there, done that and bought the tee-shirt, just like Basilea Schlink. I’ve looked down my religious nose at others who did not act like me. Now, I cry out daily to be set free of these and other judgmental attitudes.
Well, what about God, FaceBook and Me, huh?
I purposely use FaceBook as a meeting place, much like a coffee shop, to talk with family and friends. And believe it or not, when I’m with family and friends, I don’t speak Christianese. I tell jokes and have fun.
So, if you ever add me to your FaceBook friend’s list, don’t expect me to spout many Bible verses or prophecies, okay? That’s what this blog is for.
Or at least, that is my way of thinking.


















