Calling All Pows: Wake Up! the Kingdom of God Is at Hand!

By Robert A. Young

According to an ancient prophesy contained in the Book of Revelation, chapter 12, there is a cosmic war underway. The forces of evil are on the attack. We humans on earth are the spoils of this deadly conflict between "The Woman Clothed with the Sun" and Satan, "the Red Dragon."

What is our role in this battle? How do we engage in warfare with the Red Dragon? What are his tactics? What are our weapons?

Adam, the hero of our contemporary parable, must answer these questions to achieve freedom. Adam is an ordinary family man living an ordinary life in the last decade of the Twentieth Century. He is a successful businessman. He is a devoted son, husband, and father. He is a good provider for his family. He is a leader, a lover, a friend. As the story begins, Adam is completely unaware that he is a prisoner of the Red Dragon. The readers will join him on his exciting journey as he encounters Truth and consciously engages in the deadly, supernatural fray.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Dec 11, 2000
• ISBN: 9781469788975

Robert A. Young

Robert A. Young, also known as Grandpa Bob Young, currently lives in Connecticut with Mary, his wife of fifty years. They have nine children (eight of whom are married) and twenty-nine grandchildren (so far). Bob and Mary are avid Christians. Their spiritual views are consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Their goal is to practice their faith to the best of their ability and listen to the voice of God and obey. But of course they acknowledge their sinfulness and understand the nature of temptation. They appreciate the on-going need for forgiveness and reconciliation. More information about the Young family can be found on their website at www.calltobefree.com

Book preview

Contents

Epigraph

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Epilogue

Conclusions

A Final Message to the Readers from the Author:

About the Author

This book is dedicated to:

my mother, Theresa, who gave me the gift of faith;

my wife, Mary, who gave me the gift of love;

and my spiritual mother, The Woman of Revelation 12,

who gave me the gift of hope.

Epigraph

The divine promise of healing:

Jesus: "Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken him." (John 11:11)

Acknowledgements

Thanks to my wife, Mary, and the other members of my family who joined me during labor as we birthed this creation.

Thanks in particular to my daughter, Angela, for her extensive proofreading efforts and substantive recommendations, and to my daughter, Heidi, for providing the artistic cover symbolic of the Divine message of hope.

Thanks to my brother, John, for his encouragement and wisdom.

Thanks to Tom Case for his honest critique and expert advice.

Thanks to Monsignor Francis McAree for his informal review of a preliminary draft of the manuscript.

Thanks to my friends at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for blessing me and this work.

And finally, thanks to the Holy Spirit for revealing the Truths that allow us to choose freedom.

Introduction

A Message to the Readers from the Author:

According to an ancient prophesy contained in Holy Scripture, there is a cosmic war underway. The forces of evil are on the attack. You and I are the spoils of this deadly conflict. We humans on earth constitute the territory that is being contested. This prophesy is found in the Book of Revelation, chapter 12:

A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth.

Then another sign appeared in the sky; it was a huge red dragon…the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour her child when she gave birth.

She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and his throne. The woman herself fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God…

Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.

The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it….

When the dragon saw that it had been thrown down to the earth, it pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child….

…the dragon became angry with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring, those who keep God’s commandments and bear witness to Jesus.

Like many people, I am convinced that we are the spiritual offspring of the woman and that the war is being waged against us now! We are in the midst of the final battle, and our eternal life depends on the outcome!

What is our role in this battle? How do we engage in warfare with the Red Dragon? What are his tactics? What are our weapons? Is there a training course?

This novel attempts to answer these questions as they relate to Adam, the hero of our contemporary parable. Adam is an ordinary family man living an ordinary life in the last decade of the Twentieth Century. He is a successful businessman. He is a devoted son, husband, and father. He is a good provider for his family. He is a leader, a lover, a friend. As the story begins, Adam is completely unaware that he is a prisoner of the Red Dragon. You and I will join him on his exciting journey as he encounters Truth and consciously engages in the deadly fray.

Read and reflect. Discover and enjoy. Laugh and cry. If reading this book serves to draw you further into the Kingdom of Freedom, then perhaps it could have the same effect on others. Be an apostle; buy a copy of this book for a friend.

With respect, your servant, Bob Young

Chapter 1

A new day was beginning. The reddish glow of dawn trumpeted the inevitable victory of light over the retreating darkness. Gusts of wind purified the early morning air.

The residents of Rockford were asleep. Adam Thomas Byrne was no exception. His alarm clock marked time in silence alongside his unconscious body. He did not hear the wind; nor did he see the light.

Suddenly, Adam’s alarm began to beep; the programmed moment had arrived. He reached over and pressed the snooze button. He needed more time. He wanted to get all the major systems of his forty-one-year-old self under central control before he entered the daily battle. He turned his head and focused on his sleeping wife, breathing deeply beside him. What a wonderful, loving person, he thought. Everyone knew Ruth Byrne as a well-respected member of the community, a loving mother, a devoted wife, a competent nurse. If people knew her as a depressed psychotic, the model of a successful, happy family would be shattered. He thought about his phone call two weeks earlier from Bill Johnson. The brief conversation with his trusted friend and family doctor was still vivid in his memory.

Adam, Bill had said, something serious happened at the hospital today. I caught Ruth walking out the back door with a new-born baby. Luckily, we were able to return the baby to the nursery before anyone noticed.

Adam had groaned, "Bill, what the hell is going on? I

thought the pills you gave her were supposed to bring her out of

her depression. She’s getting worse!"

I know…It’s time for a specialist.

Who?

"Doctor Mary Savant. She’s a clinical psychologist in

Glenville."

Glenville? Doesn’t Rockford have someone?

"Sure—but no one like Mary. Her healing approach is based

on Christian principles. Ruth will relate to that. Also, she’s my

good friend…and very discreet."

Adam hesitated for a moment, and then said decisively,

Okay. Let’s do it!

Bill confirmed. "I’ll arrange it. See you at the club on

Saturday."

Adam’s thoughts returned to the present. He leaned over, and kissed Ruth on her cheek. She made a moaning sound, and whispered, Morning already?

Yup, time to join the living! Adam said as he bounded out of bed and headed toward the bathroom.

Adam shaved, showered, put on a robe and slippers, and shuffled down the long hallway of the ranch-style home into the spacious kitchen. Ruth was busy tidying up the countertop. Adam’s breakfast and newspaper were arranged neatly on the table. He glanced at the poached egg resting on the English muffin and said, Thanks, honey, you’re a saint, as he sat down and took a big swallow from his large glass of cold orange juice.

Ruth turned and smiled. I’d do anything for my hard-working husband. She poured herself a cup of decaffeinated coffee and joined him at the table.

Adam proceeded with his morning ritual. He scanned the front page of the paper, then the business section, and finally became absorbed in the sports pages. The Giants look like they’ll take it again this year if they can just keep the backfield free from major injuries. With frustration on his face, he continued, Too bad they lost Roosevelt to AIDS. I can’t imagine a guy like that being gay. It makes me sick.

Ruth nodded in agreement.

Adam peered out the kitchen window. The September sky looked like a light blue canvas painted with delicate streaks of white. Returning his focus to Ruth, he asked, How was your first session with the psychologist?

Excellent, she said. A spark flashed in her blue-green eyes. With her right hand she brushed her lustrous reddish-brown hair away from her face. Her name is Mary Savant. I understand that her patients refer to her as Wise Woman.

Wise Woman?…That’s interesting.

I don’t know why they call her that…but she does have a way about her. I’ve never met anyone like her. She made me feel like her favorite daughter. She doesn’t want to be called ‘doctor’. She said it embarrasses her. She asked me to call her Mary.

When do you see her again?

She wants to see me weekly. Ruth hesitated. She wants to meet with you, too.

"Me? Why?"

She thinks you’ll be able to help if you understand the forces at work.

Forces at work? Adam gazed out the window at his manicured yard, and pondered, Interesting phrase. Returning his attention to Ruth,he asked, "Does that mean she’ll be charging me also? I’m not sure the insurance will cover both of us."

Ruth smiled."She doesn’t bill her patients. She only takes contributions."

Are you serious? What’s her racket? Adam continued. "She probably figured out that she can net more that way. Sounds like a creative way of not paying income tax."

Mary also said I should take a year’s leave-of-absence from nursing.

Adam flinched. He stared into his plate for several moments. Finally he lifted his head and said, "I’m not sure how we’ll pay the bills without your income. We’ll need to think about how we’ll manage, if that’s the path we take. I guess I’ll need to talk to this shrink myself and assess her recommendation. It’s a bit drastic.Adam stared at Ruth. We have to be realistic."

Ruth rose quickly and walked to the sink. She began to busy herself cleaning the cooking utensils. Adam was unable to see the tears that filled her eyes, and overflowed onto her pale cheeks.

* * * Morning, Mom! Morning, Dad! The enthusiastic greeting swallowed the tenseness in the air as the vibrant young woman burst into the room. Adam looked up and smiled broadly. Morning, Susan. You’re full of pep for such an early hour. How’s it going? "Great! as always, Dad. You know me—a chip off the old block! Adam grinned with pleasure as he surveyed the sixteen-year-old female version of himself. Susan was a natural athlete: tall, slender, and muscular. The curly waves of her short, black hair covered her head like a soft crown, and framed her sun-tanned face. Her long, black eyelashes complemented her oversized, dark black eyes and her full, make-up free lips. Everyone said that she and Adam looked exactly alike. So, you won your match yesterday? I crushed her! said a grinning Susan as she poured herself a glass of orange juice. Her backhand was weak…and you taught me how to take advantage of that!"

Adam opened his mouth, and laughed from the gut. "Well, I guess a teacher should take some credit when his student succeeds."

Susan giggled and took a big gulp of orange juice. Daddy, I saw the cutest red sweater and matching skirt in the mall yesterday. They were fifty percent off. She paused. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she continued. "I know I shouldn’t buy more clothes now, but I know how you worry about me wearing rags to school and tarnishing the family image!"

Adam was unable to repress a smile. He was a salesman by profession and loved a good sales pitch. Susan had a natural talent. I guess I have no option, he chuckled. Use the credit card.

Susan leaned over and kissed her doting father on the cheek. You’re a great dad. Thanks. She turned to her mother and gave her a quick hug. Have a nice day, Mom. Don’t wait up for me. I’ll be home late.

Ruth smiled at her oldest daughter. Then, as Susan bounded out of the room, she shouted after her, Have a good day! Drive carefully! I’ll say a Hail Mary for you!

Adam glanced at the kitchen clock, and jumped to his feet. I’d better get moving. Did Rick call last night?

No. But since when do college kids call if they don’t need money?

Right, said Adam with a tone of disappointment in his voice. I thought he might call and give us an update on his first football game as a freshmen. It’s great that he made the team. I hope he keeps up his grades.

I’m sure he’ll do what you want, dear. He’s an obedient kid.

Is Tony up yet?

I don’t know. He hasn’t been feeling well. Maybe he’s sleeping in.

"Dammit! How’s he ever going to fend for himself.? When he leaves home and tries to survive in the jungle out there, he’s going to be eaten alive."

Don’t get upset, dear. He has a creative bent. He’s unique.

Well, I don’t think he’s going to support a family as a singer!

Ruth said nothing. Adam headed toward the rear of the house, grumbling, I’d better wake him up, or he’ll sleep his life away.

Adam stopped in front of Tony’s door, momentarily distracted by the metal KEEP OUT sign. He rapped his knuckles against the hostile message. Without waiting for a reply, he entered the room and encountered disarray. Clothes and shoes were scattered about. The remnant of a pepperoni pizza adorned the dresser; the spicy odor hung in the air. An opened box of chocolate donuts was peeking out from under the bed. Empty Coke cans were piled in the corner. A lanky body was sprawled diagonally on the bed.

Adam strode across the lair, negotiating a path through the reeking obstacles. He put his right hand on an exposed shoulder, and said, Better get up, son. Time’s awast’n.

A grunt emerged from the pile of blankets and humanity. What times-zit?

It’s time to go to school. You can’t afford to be late again.

There was a long pause, and then the voice of the thirteen-year-old slurred, Okay, Dad. I’m on my way.

"Tony, you know it’s important to keep up your grades. If you don’t get them under control, I’ll have to ground you from your guitar again."

Suddenly the mass of flesh and bones seemed to collect itself, rising from the bed like a newborn giraffe. Two black eyes filled with resentment stared at Adam. Okay, Dad. I got the message loud and clear. You know how to hit me where it hurts.

Son, I’m just trying to do what’s best for you, said Adam evenly, glancing at the bird-like acned face. It’s my job to teach you self-discipline. You’re smart, and you’re a good athlete. I’ve failed if I allow you to waste your talents. With that, Adam turned and left the room, wondering to himself what it would take to get Tony motivated.

Adam quietly entered the next bedroom. He tiptoed across the hardwood floor and leaned over, drinking in the beautiful scene. The early morning light came through the window and framed the object of his attention. The golden-red locks of his sleeping ten-year-old daughter glowed as if they were on fire. Innocence and purity were reflected in the relaxed face of the unconscious child.

Oh, Bonnie Byrne, Adam whispered. Impulsively he continued, chanted under his breath, Bonnie, Bonnie, Bonnie.

He leaned over carefully, barely touching her forehead with his lips. What a delight, he thought silently as he gently tucked her blanket around her, turned, and tiptoed out of the room.

Adam returned to his bedroom. He glanced at the clock. Good! He was a minute ahead of schedule. He walked into his closet and surveyed the row of wool suits. He selected one that was navy blue.

Adam watched the news highlights on his bedroom TV as he quickly dressed. The war in Bosnia was escalating…the Pope was going to permit girls to be altar boys…the market had gone down twenty points…Reverend Harper was leading a march against racism. A feeling of anger and disgust filled Adam as he listened to the cleric attack what he called the ‘white elitists’. Obviously Harper had never read Dale Carnegie’s book How to Win Friends and Influence People.

This portion of the news always ended with an Honest Freddie commercial. As Adam reached to turn off the TV, the sleazy huckster shouted, Come to Honest Freddie’s for the best car deal in town! Satisfaction guaranteed, or your money back! No questions asked!

Adam left his bedroom and walked swiftly down the hallway toward his den, the room that served as his office away from the office. As he took each step, his black wing-tips sank into the carpeting and made a pleasant swishing sound. He stopped in front of the full-length hallway mirror and looked critically at himself in his battle uniform. Not bad, he thought, the perfect image of a future vice president; a rising young star; a warrior on the battlefield of business. Adam knew who he was and where he was going. He was in control.

Adam entered his den, and grabbed his briefcase. He stopped, and looked with pride at the array of awards that adorned the walls. The largest one, a wood plaque with a gold-colored metal plate, hung directly over his desk. The inscription read:

Adam Thomas Byrne

Worldwide Business Machines

Manager of the Year

1992

He pulled out his white, folded handkerchief from his right back pocket and wiped off the thin layer of dust. Another important battle won, he thought. A giant step forward on the precarious route to the executive floor and a corner office. But 1992 was last year. It was now 1993. A new year. It was critical to maintain visible forward momentum.

Adam quickly walked back into the kitchen, kissed his waiting wife lightly on the lips, and passed into the three-car garage, saying as he went, Have a nice day, honey. I’ll have my secretary set me up with Doctor Savant. I’ll talk to her about your treatment. Don’t forget to take your pills.

The door was closing behind Adam as Ruth called out, Yes, Adam. I’ll take my pills. With an urgent expression on her face, she hurried toward the basement door, her worn Rosary gripped tightly in her hand. She went into the basement and entered a small room that resembled a grotto. A large statue of the Virgin Mary was resting on a small table against the wall. Ruth knelt down and began to pray fervently.

Adam pulled out of the driveway in his black BMW and headed to work. He looked at the western horizon and took note of the blue-black clouds. As his hands gripped the leather-covered steering wheel of his precision driving machine, he commented absently, There’s a storm on the way.

Chapter 2

Adam’s subconscious took over the task of driving to work as he focused on his schedule for the day. The bulk of his time was going to be spent in a staff meeting with his peers, and his manager, Joe Stevens. Joe was the Vice President of U.S. Customer Marketing. The suspense of the day was the personal meeting Joe had requested.

Adam recalled the brief conversation of the previous night. Joe had called him at home and said, An opportunity has come up. Let’s discuss it first thing in the morning. Wear your best suit. You’ll be talking to Muzzio later.

Adam had questions, but he held them. He knew that Joe had told him everything he needed to know. Tom Muzzio was Joe’s boss, and Senior Vice President of Worldwide Customer Marketing. Almost everyone in WBM was on a first name basis. Tom Muzzio was an exception; everyone called him Muzzio, or to his face, Mister Muzzio. The only other person in WBM that commanded the same level of respect, and fear, was the president of WBM: John Peck.

Adam knew about the recent opening in Brand Marketing, another major organizational leg run by Bernie Goldman, a peer of Muzzio’s. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that Adam was a candidate for the job. Adam was filled with anticipation.

Adam used his carphone to call the WBM computerized voicemail system. He bypassed the recording, and began to dictate a message to his secretary. "Edna, before I forget, I’d like you to set up an appointment with a Doctor Savant, in Glenville. She’s Ruth’s doctor. She needs to meet with me. Try to set something up for Friday—as late as possible. I’ll stop and visit my mother afterwards. Thanks. Oh,…and Edna,…did you hear what one shrink said to another when they met?…He said, ‘You’re fine. How am I?’" Adam was laughing as he hung up the phone.

The twenty-story WBM building came into view. The intimidating glass-encased concrete structure dwarfed the business district. The building looked so solid, so strong, so impassive, so impervious. It rose above the town of Rockford like a medieval fortress. Adam always felt a sense of comfort when he looked at the temple of his maternal employer.

Adam arrived at the entrance to the underground parking garage. He lowered his electric window, inserted his magnetic-striped identification badge into the reader, waited as the gate lifted, guided his car into the dark womb, and parked. He badged himself into the elevator, and began his ascension to the nineteenth floor. Someday, Adam thought to himself, I’ll be on the twentieth floor—the ultimate! That’s when I’ll have it made. I’ll be able to live like a king. I’ll have everything I ever wanted. Mother will be proud of me. He felt a sense of euphoria as the elevator sped upward.

Edna was seated behind her desk in the secretarial bay next to Adam’s office. She was dressed in the WBM secretarial ‘uniform’: a light gray, non-descript pants suit with a plain white blouse. Her brown hair was tied in a bun at the back of her head. When she saw Adam approaching, she smiled, looked at her watch, and said, Seven-twenty-nine. You’re a minute early today. You must have hit all the green lights!

Adam laughed as he gazed upon the make-up-free face of his loyal secretary. You know me. Lady Luck always takes care of me. What time did you get out of here last night?

I quit at nine-fifteen. I left some stuff for today.

Well, I don’t like it when you leave after dark. I’ll try to generate less work today.

Sure you will, laughed Edna. I’ll believe that when I see it.

Adam smiled knowingly, and walked into his office. Edna followed. The office was sparsely furnished. There were no plants or paintings to disrupt the stark functionality. The twelve-foot-square space was enclosed by three white interior walls and one glass exterior wall. A large Mahogany desk was positioned in the center of the room, facing an interior wall. A computer workstation and a phone were on the desktop. There were three chairs in the room: a plain leather chair behind the desk; and two metal and cloth chairs facing the front of the desk. There was a wooden credenza against the wall behind the desk; and an open bookcase against the wall in front of the desk. The floor was covered with a thin gray commercial carpet.

Adam removed his suit coat and gave it to Edna. She hung it behind the door, on a wooden hanger. Adam sank into his chair, behind his desk, like a pilot getting into his cockpit. Edna placed his calendar in front of him.

You’re on with Joe at eight-thirty, in his office, Edna intoned professionally. "Then you go right into his nine o’clock staff meeting until two. He’s put you on Mister Muzzio’s calendar for three. You’ll have half an hour with him. I assume you won’t need