Holy Ghost is a treat for our soul
"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever."
- John 14:16
As Oct. 31 approaches it brings memories of Halloween activities. I enjoyed the brighter side of the celebration with school parties, trick-or-treating and creative costumes.
Most of the costumes when I was growing up were handmade. Some were colorful, such as clown ensembles with painted faces and bright smiles. Others wore tattered and torn clothing and smeared charcoal on their faces to resemble hobos, riding the rails. Some of the girls dressed up like brides ready to walk down the aisle.
My favorite was the beautiful hand-sewn ballerina tutu my mother made for me. As I wore the blue veillike material with shiny rhinestones, it made me dance on the tips of my toes with delight. The wonder of dressing in a costume was that you could live out your dreams to become whatever you wanted to be.
In contrast, others chose to portray ugly monsters and scary ghosts.
One year, while browsing in a store aisle, I spotted a plastic ghost that lit up when plugged in. It was unlike me, but I placed it in my cart and proceeded to check out.
Arriving home, I felt a bit uneasy as I placed this little ghost on my front porch. While setting it in place, I was inspired with an idea. I grabbed my black marking pen and wrote "Holy Ghost" on the belly.
I was hoping to use it as an opportunity to inspire others to inquire about the most important Ghost.
Many churchgoers have often heard the names Father, Son and Holy Ghost mentioned at the closing of a prayer. The Bible oftentimes refers to God as the Father and Creator of all things; Jesus Christ the Son who came to earth and died for our sins; and the Holy Ghost, who is the amazing agent that helps to accomplish what needs to be changed and healed in our lives.
Together they are known as the Trinity, and are three distinct beings in one God. It can be perplexing at times, how three beings can function in unison as one. It's what is known as the mystery of the ages.
Some use the example of water to compare how the Trinity functions. Water can be a liquid, as in a glass of water. It can also be a solid, as in ice, or transformed into a vapor, as in steam. But it is still water.
It's important for us to understand the ministry of the Holy Ghost (Spirit). He is the voice of God in our hearts. When we need God to strengthen or comfort us to get through hard times, he can use the Holy Spirit to accomplish what needs to be perfected in us. He can show us a new approach to an old problem, if we allow. He can give us courage to tell others about Jesus Christ.
Halloween activities can have a contrasting, fearful side, and I know some who don't participate for those reasons. But we live in a world of both good and evil. So, I like to use it as an opportunity to inspire others with some fascinating spiritual insights that are without tricks and a sweet treat available to our souls.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.