"We went to that Pentecostal church up the street, and they were just a bunch of Holy Rollers."
That’s what my brother may have said to my Mother one morning upon our return home from the small storefront church located just a few houses up the street on Roseland Avenue in Caldwell, New Jersey.
A Holy Roller generally refers to someone who attends a charismatic church service. During their worship services, great importance is placed on the role and power of the Holy Spirit.
Some worshipers of the Assemblies of God and Pentecostal church who “got the spirit” are moved to the point of shouting, while others have been known to suddenly drop to the floor in a shaking, trance-like state, having become possessed by the Holy Ghost. People may also stand up in the pews and wave their hands over their heads, while others will suddenly begin clapping their hands in time with the music. Others who are “in the Spirit” may act crazy, dance, and fall out and roll around on the floor during the church service.
Hence the term was coined, Holy Roller when making reference to these varied responses. However, for some people ‘Holy Roller’ is considered a derogatory term.
In truth, all I can tell you is this, if and when the “Spirit” begins to move within you; go right ahead and allow yourself to simply flow with it!
When I was just a child, I believe that I allowed fear to stand in the way of my direct pathway to the gift of the “Spirit” (Book of Acts 2:38; 10:45; 11:17).
Now that I have a new spirit in me, you may actually catch me dancing, shouting, falling down, or “simply letting go” of my pent up river of tears out of a complete sense of overwhelming gratitude, honor, joy, and emotional release and high praise for the regenerative power of the "Holy Spirit".
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