The Green Gate

In a culture where nightlife and entertainment often take center stage, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly brings happiness and fulfillment. In this episode of It's My Turn, Don Wildmon invites us on a thoughtful journey as he reflects on the story of the Green Gate, a striptease club in San Antonio that recently closed its doors.

The Green Gate, he explains, wasn’t just another nightclub—it was a small reflection of society’s ongoing search for joy. Many who stepped through its doors were looking for comfort in dim lights, loud music, and fleeting moments of pleasure. Yet, as Bro. Don notes with quiet honesty that the very places built for fun and excitement often hide the deepest unhappiness.

Supporting this point, he shares a Gallup poll revealing that people who frequently visit taverns and clubs tend to be among the least satisfied. It’s a striking paradox that challenges us to think about what really makes us happy. Is joy something we find in momentary thrills, or does it come from something deeper and more lasting?

The episode takes a powerful turn with the story of Guy Linton, the former owner of The Green Gate. After hearing a sermon that deeply moved him, Linton made the courageous decision to shut down his club for good. This wasn’t just the end of a business—it was the beginning of a personal transformation. He discovered that real happiness doesn’t come from chasing pleasure but from pursuing purpose, especially when that purpose serves others.

Now, as the Green Gate prepares to reopen as a religious bookstore, he shares his hope that it will continue to draw some of its former patrons—only this time, offering them something far more meaningful. The transformation of that space stands as a beautiful picture of redemption and renewal, showing how change is always possible when we seek a higher calling.

This episode challenges us to look inward and ask ourselves where we’re searching for happiness. Are we chasing temporary distractions, or are we striving toward a purpose that brings lasting joy? True fulfillment often comes not from indulging ourselves, but from serving something greater.