I'm no Apostle Paul. I'm no Peter, Timothy, Barnabas, or John. There will be no miracles performed at my command, even though our triune God performs miracles through the Holy Spirit every day. But, speaking of that Holy Spirit, He is tugging on me like a five lb. Largemouth Bass at the end of my Ugly Stick, and I need to speak my mind through the written word via the marvel of modern technology known as the internet. Maybe you've heard of that internet thingy? Send me one of them new-fangled e-mails and let me know if you have: E-mail Jim.

Now, in all seriousness folks, I'm a people observer. I take in everything and everyone that is going on around me like some variety of humanized sponge. I would have been an excellent police detective or private eye if the Lord had pointed me in that direction, as I don't overlook a detail. I take note of people's expressions and interactions with one another. Through my observations I am affected in a variety of ways. I see actions and interactions that make me happy and inspire me. I also see activity that causes me distress and makes me sad. Unfortunately, I am seeing too much of the latter in recent weeks and months.

So often, I overhear or read conversations and interactions that center around the consumption of alcohol. Getting inebriated seems to be one of America's favorite pastimes. The fact that I don't drink makes me an outcast in many social circles and virtually eliminates my chances of ever getting a date!

Last Friday, I was in line at a local mini-market, waiting to prepay for some gasoline. In line in front of me were two thirty-something women who were medical professionals as they both were dressed in scrubs. They were waiting to make a purchase and while standing in line they were talking about what a rough day they were having and how they couldn't wait to "hit the bar" after work. One woman was a blond and the other a brunette, and the brunette stated that she was glad that she had a babysitter so she could "get tanked." The blond then remarked how she had a great time last weekend at that particular watering hole and that the guy "Gavin" that she met was really "(expletive) hot" and that she was still hoping that he'd call her again. "Ooo yah, wasn't he though" was the brunette's reply to the comment regarding Gavin's level of physical attractiveness. "He'd better call me" was the blonde's reply, and as I surreptitiously observed her I easily noted the sadness and disappointment in her eyes and voice because Gavin hadn't called again. Somehow, I suspected that this Gavin probably wouldn't be calling back the blond medical professional.

The two ladies completed their transaction and walked away from the checkout. As they walked past me, I felt compelled to say to them "be careful out there tonight" which elicited a response from the brunette: "oh, yah, we sure will, hah!" Her response was sarcastic and nasty in tone. I heard the broken-hearted blond ask her friend "who was that guy" as they went through the door to the parking lot. Then it was my turn to pay...

I wasn't hurt by the response of the brunette, as she didn't know me from a bag of apples and I'm probably not "hot" enough to warrant the time of day. I told the two women to be careful out of genuine concern as I had a bad feeling about that night's getting "tanked" -- especially being that one of them (perhaps both) is a mother.

Beneath the giggles, the references to Gavin, and the joyful anticipation of getting intoxicated I strongly sensed loneliness, frustration, and a deep emptiness about those two women. I sensed that getting "tanked" was too popular of a recreational activity with those two -- and a bonding agent as I wrote about last week. The sense was strong that guys like Gavin would be quickly bedded down in the hopes that real love may grow from a one-night stand. Yes, too many nights of heavy drinking were being used to fill holes and drown sorrows albeit being painted as a rip-roaring good time.

I no longer understand the intoxication culture -- and it's a huge part of who we seem to be. I don't see the fun in getting drunk and then taking the wheel of an automobile. I guess I've long forgotten the joy of waking with a pounding hangover, next to some person I may not recall going to bed with. Oh yes, I've heard it so many times: "Oh, come on Jim, loosen up! What's wrong with having a couple of beers?" Let me ask you this: how often does it end up just being a "couple?"

Now, back to that lifting-up thing. Like those women, I too am lonely. But I turn to Jesus and not the business end of a bottle to hydrate me during this dry period. And, I know that the odds of real, true, convicted love growing from a one-off sexual encounter are slim to none. I am no better than those who are turning to Dr. Molson for treatment, but I am better off.

Ladies, I don't know much, but I do know that there are multitudes of men like Gavin out there. They may be handsome and quick with a joke and a light of your smoke. They may have great jobs and the ability to keep you neck-deep in pricey gewgaws, but if they agree to sleep with you upon meeting you -- they are likely wolves in sheep's clothing and they will devour your heart and spit out your bones.

My faith in Christ may keep me lonely for a long time; perhaps the rest of my earthly days. If that is the case, then so be it, as His Holy Spirit will comfort me as it is right now. The Christian women I meet are all married, and the secular women of this day and age don't have much use for a man who follows the Lord. But ladies, faith in Him as your Lord and Savior will comfort and save you as well!

Jesus is the role model that all men should aspire to. If a man truly follows in Christ's footsteps, he will be a faithful and loving partner and treat his woman well.