Ready or Not

One of my favorite things to do when I was in college, was to work award shows such as the Soap Opera Awards (now known as the Daytime Emmy Award Show,) The American Music Awards and the Grammy's. I was able to meet all kinds of famous people and go to their "after" parties. The comical thing was watching people try to get into the award ceremony or after party with no pass. It was hilarious and sad all at the same time.

1988, Los Angeles, California at the Shrine Auditorium; thousands are lined up to get into the American Music Awards. I am in a special line that takes performers, actresses, etc. back stage. After I walk in behind Rod Stewart, I hear a commotion behind me at the gate. There is a woman arguing with the guard that she is supposed to be on the list to get in. The guard at the gate apologized saying, "You are not on the list. There is no pass for you."

Woooo! She was hot mad. They continued to go back and forth until she took her high heel shoe off and started to hit the guard. This woman was about 5'5. The guard was around 6'3. He snatches the shoe out of her hand, she swats at him; then he puts her hand on her head and holds her at bay. And, oops. He accidentally pulls the wig off of her head. She then turns and runs screaming down the street leaving her hairdo in the guard's hand. He then looks at the line and announces, "Hey! If you do not have a pass in your hand or your name is not on the list, you cannot get in."

I wonder if this is how it's going to be at the Gates of Heaven. How many people will not have their name on the list? In the Bible, Jesus gives us the parable of the ten virgins. Five are ready and enter and the other five are not ready and locked out. Church, we need to be ready. These types of reflections inspired this poem.

Ready or Not

Ready or not

Here I come,

With more fire

Than the blazing sun.

Majestic Power,

Splendor and Might;

For my children

A glorious flight.

Ready or not

Here I come,

As Angels proclaim,

"The risen son!"

By Hosts of Heaven

The trumpets sound,

"The KING of kings!

Everyone bow!"

Ready or not

Here I come,

Looking for those

Washed in my blood,

Dead to themselves,

Filled with Me,

Living sacrifices,

Embracing eternity.

Ready or not

Here I come,

With more fire

Than the blazing sun.

Knocking on hearts

Already bought.

Asking the question,

"Are you ready, or not?"