It was sometime around 1993/1994. I was learning a new life where practicing spiritual things was not virtuous – it was necessary to keeping my new life.

One key to this was being a student of Jim and Elaine Chambers’ teachings about prayer and meditation, and being introduced to THE Holy Spirit in a whole new and more personal way than I had known as a child. I would visit them once or twice a week. Their love and encouragement lead me to the most consistent spiritual practice, and not unrelated, one of the most precious and personal times with God that I have ever known.

It was a beautiful time in my life.

I was single. Reading my Bible. Praying and meditating with ease and joy in both Christian faith and Zen traditions.

One week in our discussions, they suggested that I had been a soldier in a previous life – a life a long, long time ago. I listened, politely, left, and went to work the next day.

On my way home from work, I stopped at the Dress Barn in what was Windsor Plaza. As the salesperson was ringing up my purchases, I looked down on the counter and saw this quote. As it is here. Perfectly cut-out. No additional notations or explanations. I asked her, “Do you know where this came from?” She said no. I stuffed it into my pocket, shaking, and thanking THE Holy Spirit.

I have no idea what that, or this, is all about. But, on that day I believed in the creative power of our Holy Spirit to reach us – and me. Today, as I hear of Colin Powell’s passing, I can’t help but risk sharing this little story in his honor.