Resurrection Sunday

A NOVELLA

Daniel Whyte III

with Meriqua Whyte

Resurrection Sunday, by Daniel Whyte III

Copyright 2014. Torch Legacy Publications. All Rights Reserved.

First Printing, 2014

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner, except for brief quotations included in a review of the book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Contents

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

Acknowledgments

I want to thank God for giving me the joy and privilege to serve Him, over these past thirty years. It has been an exciting ride that I cannot even begin to express in words.

I also want to thank my wife, Meriqua Whyte, for assisting me in this field of writing fiction—a field that I have grown to find very effective in getting the Gospel and biblical truth to people who will not hear it any other way, except in a story.

Thanks also goes to all of my children: Danni, Daniel IV, Danita, Danae, Daniqua, Danyel Ezekiel, and Danyelle Elizabeth, for assisting me in every aspect of my ministry and in all of my writing endeavours.

Also, I say thank you to all of those who have bought, borrowed, shared, and given copies of my books as gifts to others. Your kind words and support mean the world.

Daniel Whyte III

Chapter 1

John Dyer glanced at his watch as he placed the key in the car's ignition. "Only two p.m.," he sighed. He looked into the rear-view mirror and watched the other employees going to their vehicles. Never in my twenty years at Carrier Air Conditioning Systems have I thought I would be laid off—just like that—without any prior notice whatsoever, he thought.

John Dyer and five of his co-workers had been summoned by Mr. Davies, their manager, to meet with him in his office. John thought it was going to be another meeting to discuss a problem or a new opportunity, but what he heard hit him like a ton of bricks.

"Gentlemen, I have some unfortunate news for you," Mr. Davies said. "The company has downsized to keep costs under control, and we've decided to let you go two weeks from now. I'm sorry." Davies paused and looked down at his clasped hands. "I hate that we've had to do this… but if I can help you in any way—"

"Yeah, you can give me my job back," one employee said.

"Mr. Davies, I invested fifteen years of my life here at Carrier. You can't just drop me like that," another employee said.

"How am I supposed to take care of my wife and children?" a third employee asked. "Two weeks is not enough time to find a job with comparable pay. Do you know what the job market is like out there?"

"Men, I understand what you are going to go through. I was without a job for a few months before I secured one here," Mr. Davies said. "All I do is deliver the mail. I wish I didn't have to. Any complaints you have, you'll have to take it up with higher management. I tried to put in a good word for each of you, but that didn't help."

"Do you know of any job leads, Mr. Davies?" John Dyer asked.

"John, I wish I knew of some right now, but I'll keep my eyes and ears open. Feel free to use me as a reference. I'll definitely put in a good word for you, and good luck."

John shook hands with Mr. Davies before following his co-workers out the door. "Thank you for all you have done for us. It's been great working here."

Mr. Davies was touched by his kind words considering the bad news he had just delivered. John had always been a good worker. "I'm sorry, John. I wish I could have stopped it."

"What are you going to do?" Marvin asked John as they walked down the hallway back to their work room.

"Beats me," John replied with a shrug of the shoulders. "Try to get another job somewhere, I guess."

"Yeah, if you can find one."

John finished his day. Sitting in his car, he watched as other employees strolled to their vehicles. He opened up the newspaper he had purchased earlier that morning and immediately flipped to the Jobs section. I never thought I would have to turn here again for the rest of my life, he sighed, shaking his head. Fifty-three years old and looking in the Jobs section of the newspaper.

He placed a phone call to the four job listings in the engineering field: one position had already been filled; two required him to come down and fill out an application; and he had to leave a message with the fourth.

"Well, so much for that," John said as he turned the key in the ignition. He arrived home an hour earlier than normal to find his wife, Jessica, reclining on the couch.

"You're home early," she greeted. "How was your day?" She puckered up to receive her husband's kiss.

"Pretty good," he answered, deciding to hold off on telling her that he was being laid off. "How was your day?"

"I can't complain," Jessica answered. "I hope your schedule's clear for tomorrow. I have a fun day planned for us, but don't try to get any more information out of me. Debbie is coming as well as Stanley and Roxanne."

Chapter 2

Twenty-three year old Debbie-Allen Dyer pulled up into her parking spot at her two bedroom Peachtree penthouse. She pulled her cell phone out and called her best friend, Abby Winston, as she made her way to the elevator.

Debbie worked for the bank at the Atlanta Financial Center. From her tenth floor corner office she could see the city for miles. Debbie had the privilege of seeing the sun rise, and if she hung around late in the evenings, she was blessed to see its final rays shoot forth before withdrawing for the night. Whenever she looked out her office windows, Debbie felt as though she was on top of the world. She felt invincible.

"I can't wait to try this new dress on," she said to Abby as she pressed the ‘up' elevator button for the seventh floor. "It's a red sheer chiffon dress, low cut in the back almost down to my waist, with a snug fitting bodice that flows along following the contours of my body; it moves when I move. If the light hits it at the right angle, it shimmers. Guess how much it cost?"

"Let me see," Abby said. "You have expensive taste, so it probably cost about $300.00 or more."

"Close. It cost $299.00 and not a penny more." They both burst out laughing.

Debbie-Allen Dyer was the oldest daughter and second child of John and Jessica Dyer. Not only did she work at the bank, but she also worked part-time as a beauty consultant for Avon.

"Where do you plan on wearing your $300 dress?" Abby asked.

"I'm going to see how it feels tomorrow at Dad's surprise birthday party. Then I'll wear it to the next company dinner, and then for my next Avon home party."

"How have those been going?" Abby asked.

"Not as well as I was hoping. I thought I could focus on those home parties and quit my job at the bank, but it's been a year and the income is not as much as I had hoped it would be."

"Oh, I'm sure it will pick up soon," Abby said. "How's your mother doing?"

"The last time I spoke with them she was not doing well at all. She's still having severe chest pains every now and then. The doctors have no idea what's causing all that pain. It seems like it randomly comes and goes."

"How's she taking it?"

"In stride. Mom never complains. Why don't you come with me to Dad's party on tomorrow? They have not seen you in a while."

"Thanks for the invitation, but I couldn't impose on your family like that."

Chapter 3

The weather forecast promised a beautiful weekend. John Dyer awakened to the tweeting of the birds coming from the birch tree just outside his bedroom window. The sun was beginning to cast its rays between the branches of the trees. John could smell the scent coming from the flowers in his wife's garden along the side of the house just under the open window. Despite the bad news from the previous day, he felt blessed to see his fifty-fourth birthday. Whispering a prayer, he leaned over to kiss his wife before quietly climbing out of bed. For the most part, she was an early riser also; but she'd had a rough night and was still asleep. John slipped into his jogging suit and as he descended the spiral staircase he thanked God for his wife. I can't ask You for a better wife. She's been experiencing a lot of pain lately, and I ask that You deliver her from it real soon.

John knocked on his youngest daughter's bedroom door to let her know he would be at the high school jogging around the track in case they needed him. He received a sleepy grunt in return.

John's wife, Jessica, worked as a clothing manager at Marianne's Department Store in the mall. She had held that position for four years. Before that, she had stayed at home with their children until they started attending high school. Jessica used to go jogging with her husband up until the past year when she started experiencing strange pains first in her chest, and now in both her thighs making walking almost impossible at times.

It was nearly ten o'clock when Jessica awakened. She was in pain, but able to move around. She doubled up on the prescription pain medication and hoped it would last until she finished the shopping she had to do for her husband's fifty-fourth birthday get-together. She wanted to show her appreciation for all he had done for the family.

"Mom, are you sure you don't want me to go and pick up the few items you have left?" Colleen, her eighteen year old daughter, asked. "You really ought to rest as much as you can. I can get Debbie to come and help me. I believe this is her weekend off."

"I know, Colleen, and I appreciate your help, but this is something I really want to do. I have a little energy, enough to allow me to finish the shopping. Just try to be patient with me as I might move a little slower this morning."

Jessica and her daughter visited a few stores over the next two hours. They stopped at Chick-fil-A to grab a sandwich and drink.

As they walked toward their car after visiting the last store, Jessica said, "Colleen, you may have to drive home. The pain has gotten worse. Call Debbie and ask her to come early as we will need her help to finish getting everything ready."

Colleen unlocked the car door. As she turned around to help her mother into the car, the cart slipped away from Jessica's grasp and she collapsed to the ground before Colleen could catch her.

"Mom! Mom!" Colleen shouted as she knelt down beside her mother. "Mom!" Colleen shook her mother's shoulders. Jessica only moaned in response. A couple who had been waiting to pull into the parking space jumped out of their car to offer help.

"Honey, call 911," the middle aged lady ordered her husband.

"Thanks," Colleen told them as she called her father. "Dad, it's Mom. She collapsed in the parking lot at the mall. We are right across from entrance four. The ambulance is already on its way… Okay, I'll wait here for you."

Within a matter of minutes, John pulled into the parking lot in time to see the EMTs sliding the stretcher carrying his wife inside the back of an ambulance.

"We have to get her to the emergency room," one of the EMTs told him. "Her blood pressure's extremely high. She seems to be in severe pain. Your daughter told us all she knows about her condition. You can meet us there. We have to go now as we don't know exactly what is going on."

John and Colleen followed the ambulance. They made a call to Jessica's personal doctor, Ricky Boone. He said he would make his way to the hospital as quickly as he could. Colleen tried to get her sister on the phone but was unsuccessful. Next, she called her brother, Stanley, who lived in nearby Decatur.

"We'll be on our way," Stanley told her. "We'll probably wait for Dad at the house and then return to the hospital with him."

Jessica was taken straight to the second floor and into the operating room. Dr. Boone emerged from the operating room within forty minutes and met with John and Colleen in the waiting room.

"Her blood pressure has decreased considerably, however, it's still not where it should be. She will have to stay in at least for the weekend so we can monitor her closely," Dr. Boone said. "Mr. Dyer, I'm a doctor and I know you expect me to have the answers to these kinds of issues, but I have to be frank with you, I do not know exactly what is going on with your wife. I have run every test I can think of. I've shared her condition with my colleagues and they are just as puzzled as I am. I cannot come up with an explanation for this pain that radiates into both her legs and is now causing swelling. Her muscles are intact. There's no cancerous growth or other tumors. A friend of mine, Dr. Karim Rajum, will be flying in from India on next week. I've talked with him about your wife's condition and he's very interested in examining her himself."

"That will be fine with me," John said. "Anything to get to the bottom of this."

"I should have insisted on her staying home," Colleen sighed.

John hugged his daughter. "You know she wouldn't have listened anyway," he replied. "You stay here with her while I go home to meet up with Stanley and Roxanne. Try to get Debbie. She's probably on her way to the house by now. We'll be back here shortly. I'll try to get in touch with Tyler. It's hard keeping up with him."

Chapter 4

Being the Dyers' oldest son, Stanley was married for six years to Roxanne. They had a seven-year-old daughter named Rachel. Stanley was a physical trainer, while Roxanne worked as a nurse's aide at the local hospice. Her duties often required her to visit elderly patients in their homes. Their relationship had been rocky from the jump, since they had both rushed into the marriage to cover the fact that Rachel had been conceived outside of wedlock.

"Dad, Roxanne's pregnant," Stanley told his father after Roxanne broke the news to him of her pregnancy. "Please don't ask me how it happened; but it happened."

"What are your plans now?" John asked his son.

"To tell you the truth, I have not thought that far. This is something I was not expecting."

"Well, it's happened and you have to accept it and realize now you have an extra responsibility. You don't have to let that stand in your way," John told his son.

"How does Roxanne feel about it?" Jessica asked.

"She's just as shocked as I am, but she's going to keep the baby. Apart from that, she's neutral about everything else. She says she's not going to force me to do my part as the father if I do not want to."

"For the baby's sake, I think you should go ahead and marry her," Jessica said.

"That's my dilemma, Mom. I just don't know if rushing into a marriage will help any. It seems more like a cover-up to me."

"Do you mean to tell me you had sex with her knowing you were not going to marry her?"

"It happened, and I--"

"And I think you should marry her. That is the responsible and right thing to do. You don't want the baby to grow up without the benefit of having both of you around," Jessica said. "That's the mature thing to do."

"But, Mom, I don't think I love her enough to marry her."

"You loved her enough to have sex with her," Jessica said. "Love is a choice. You will grow to love each other as you both make that choice. I really don't think love is what holds most marriages together. I believe obedience to the Word of God will. God tells the husband to love his wife and to be the head of the home. In other words, to lead his household in a godly direction; and He tells the wife to obey her husband. If you both do that, then it will all work out. It has nothing to do with love. The love will come with obedience. I think you and Roxanne need to sit down and seriously talk with each other about this."

"Pray about it and think about it," John told his son. "Do what you know God is leading you to do."

Taking his parents advice, Stanley talked things over with Roxanne over dinner.

"Roxanne, I feel for the baby's sake we ought to do the right thing and go ahead and get married."

Roxanne smiled but said nothing.

"What do you think? And be honest with me. At least we'll know where we both stand," Stanley said.

"For the baby's sake, I am willing to make that sacrifice and go ahead and get married. I think we should do this soon before I change my mind," Roxanne said.

"Why would you change your mind?" Stanley asked.

Roxanne hesitated. "To be honest with you, the more that I think about it, I don't...think I love you enough to want to marry you."

"Is that all?" Stanley said.

Roxanne nodded.

"Well, to tell you the truth, I feel the same way. I spoke with my parents about the whole thing, and they told me that love is a choice. My mother told me that if we do it God's way and that is: I lead the household with love and you be obedient to me, then we'll make it. She says the love will come naturally."

"I don't know about that," Roxanne said. "On top of everything else, I do not feel I am ready to be a mother let alone a wife. I really do not know. Things are going so fast right now, I'll need some time to sort things out."

"How much time are you talking about? Because if we are going to get married, we have to do it soon," Stanley said. "Is there anything else you want to share with me?"

Roxanne shrugged her shoulders.

Stanley shook his head slowly. There was one other thing that was making him hesitant to go through with the marriage. Roxanne had her moments when she would fall silent. At such times, no matter what he did, she would just close up on him.

"She's that way," her sister, Dezreen, had shared with him after he had joked with her about it. "Roxanne is really an introvert, and I don't know if I should tell you this, but she's strong-willed also." He thought about something she said when he tried to engage her in conversation. "All the other girls I've been around just about talk my ears off. I mean, what interests you? Talk to me."

"I do talk to you, Stanley; I'm just a quiet person," Roxanne said. "I thought you said you liked me because I am a quiet person."

"Yes. I don't want a gossiping person for sure, but I thought you would at least communicate with me more," Stanley continued.

"Maybe we should not get married then," Roxanne said quietly, then added, "even for the sake of Rachel."

"Rachel? Who's Rachel?"

"That's what I have decided to name the baby. The doctor told me it was going to be a girl and so I decided to name her Rachel."

"Don't I have a say?" Stanley asked.

Roxanne shrugged her shoulders as she raised her eyebrows.

********

"Her sister told me she was strong-willed and I don't know if I want to deal with a person like that," Stanley shared with his father. "She did not even consult me about the baby's name. On top of that, we really have nothing much to say to each other."

"Give it time. Son, all I can tell you is you're never going to know all you need to know about a person before you marry them. I don't know why that is. I guess it is one way to keep the marriage interesting—you know—finding out new and hopefully interesting things about each other as you grow together. But whatever you're going to do, pray about it and do it quickly; you don't want to lead her on for too long and then cancel the wedding at the last minute. That would devastate her for sure."

"Well, at least one good thing will come out of this marriage—a healthy baby."

********

"There's something about him that I can't seem to put my finger on," Roxanne shared with her older sister, Dezreen, who had been married for some time.

"Do you think he's hiding anything from you?" Dezreen asked.

"I don't think so. He's shared things with me without my even asking him—not that I would ask him some of those things anyway. He seems to have had a decent childhood, and from what he's told me, he has never been involved with anyone before. That's the kind of husband I've always wanted—one who has lived a clean life coming into the marriage."

"Well, you're bringing a clean life into the marriage as well. I don't see why it wouldn't work. All I know is this," her sister said, "true love does not happen overnight; it grows and matures and becomes stronger with each new day. You'll have to see him as a new friend that you're interested in knowing more about. Ask questions and share things with him. You have always been a very quiet person. You have to, in a sense, force yourself to share your innermost thoughts and feelings with him. That's how you'll develop that deep marital bond."

Chapter 5

Stanley and Roxanne exchanged vows shortly thereafter. Stanley fell into his role as husband. Roxanne took much longer to even begin to feel at ease in the marriage. Each day was a day that brought with it fresh anxieties as she was unsure of her role as a wife. Feeling out of place along with feelings of insecurity plagued her each day. She felt as though she was thrown into a role for which life had not adequately prepared her for. She became filled with self-doubt with each passing day.

"Look, Stanley, please don't try to make me talk more than I feel comfortable doing. You may feel comfortable in your role as a husband; I do not feel comfortable in my role as a wife yet. I need my space and time to adjust to this new situation. Please do not try to hurry me into this," Roxanne said. "I feel comfortable in my zone, so please do not try to force me out of it just yet."

"Look, Roxanne, I do not know what your problem is, but you are going to have to get a hold of yourself. You are going to have to grow up. You agreed to go ahead on with the marriage, even as I did; we both have to man-up and woman-up and do our part to get the job done," Stanley said out of frustration one evening. "You walk around here in a daze at times. You are working doing something that you like at the Hospice, so I know you're not bored. Why don't you try to find a new hobby or something to help keep your mind occupied?"

Roxanne seemed to cower under her husband's words whenever they spoke.

"Roxanne, we can't have a marriage like this! Goodness, you're asking for trouble. You want us to live like two strangers in the same house. You need to talk with my mother or your mother or somebody who has been married for a while," Stanley said. "We're almost one year in the marriage, but if this is what the rest of our years are going to be like, then I doubt if I'm going to be able to make it ‘til death do us part."

"What are you saying?"

"What am I saying? Roxanne, you hardly bring up anything to talk about except for when I bring something up. And most times I do bring something up, if you do not contradict me, you just stare at me as though I was speaking a foreign language. What's with that?"

There was no reply.

"Exactly what I'm saying," Stanley shouted, walking out the room.

Stanley shared a few things with his mother who talked with Roxanne. "Roxanne, I don't mean to get into your marriage because that is between you and Stanley, but he shared a few things with me how that he believes you don't feel comfortable in your role as a wife."

"I just don't feel I can live up to his expectations, Mrs. Dyer. I just feel so overwhelmed. It does not seem I can do anything to please him. My meals are usually messed up. It's just the two of us, not counting Rachel. What am I going to do if we have more children? I'm certain I won't be able to handle things then."

"Roxanne, honey, you are just too fearful. You need to pray and ask God to help you to put your trust in Him and to take away your anxiety. We can claim the words Paul left us: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, knowing that God is with you all the time. That verse has carried me a long way in my marriage. Just love and enjoy your husband and baby and place your insecurities and fears in God's hands."

Those words of her mother-in-law were easier said than done. Roxanne soon fell into a state of despondency as she allowed the fledgling demands of marriage and motherhood to get to her.

********

After Stanley received the phone call from his sister, he called Roxanne who had gone to visit one of her patient's homes.

"Mother is in the hospital. How soon can you make it home?" Stanley asked. "We may have to pull out sooner than we were planning."

"I only have another hour with Mrs. Beasley," Roxanne said. "We may have to leave at our scheduled time. I'll try to make it home as soon as I can."

Roxanne was unable to make it home any sooner than they had planned on leaving for her father-in-law's birthday party. Thank God I decided to pack the suitcases earlier, she thought as she bathed their daughter and took a quick shower.

"All that is unnecessary, Roxanne. We have to go," Stanley called from the hallway. "We can all take a shower once we get to the house."

"You can travel dirty if you want to. I can't, and I won't let Rachel travel that way either." You could have at least asked me how my day went, she yelled inwardly.

"We don't need to argue," Stanley said. "Let's just try to get there as soon as we can. I'll pick up something to eat."

"You could have just put something in the microwave as soon as you received the phone call. We can save the money you're thinking of spending," Roxanne said as she strapped Rachel into her booster seat.

"We don't have time to think about saving a few pennies right now," Stanley replied. "Plus, what good is telling me all that now? You could have told me that over the phone. We are in the car; we can't stick any food in the microwave now, can we?" Stanley said with sarcasm.

"Obviously I am aware of that. I was just saying—"

"Instead of just saying, try just thinking. Okay? And next time, try calling to let me know you want me to put food in the microwave."

"No need to get testy about it. I didn't know your mother was going to get sick," Roxanne said quietly.

"Look who's talking about getting testy," Stanley replied. "Tell you what -- let's just travel quietly. We're good at that. Can you do that? All that showering has set us behind."

"Only by thirty minutes, Stanley," Roxanne said. "Sorry. No talking."

Chapter 6

Before John went home, he stopped by the store where Tyler worked. Tyler was their third child. He was nineteen years old and not yet in college.

********

"Dad, I'm not ready to go to college, yet. I really don't know what I want to do with my life, and I don't want to just take up space in a classroom. Besides, I don't want to waste my money, your money, or the government's money for that matter. Just give me another year. I should have my mind made up by then. I just know I do not want to be tied down to a job working for somebody else the rest of my life."

"Okay, the decision is yours," John remembered telling his son. "Just remember you won't go far without some kind of degree. Why don't you take some general study courses so you can start piling up credits until you decide?"

"Give me another year, Dad. Right now, I'll just keep my job here at the market and save my money to go toward my tuition. I'm thinking of buying my own car as well."

"What's wrong with the one you're driving?"

"No offense, Dad, and I thank you for letting me use it, but it's kind of old. Nobody drives a '89 two-door Ford. People stare at me in that old thing," Tyler said with a chuckle.

"It's your decision, son. Just remember you're getting ready to turn twenty. You're still young, but you're not getting any younger, and the years are going by fast."

********

John pulled up into the parking lot and swung around to the side where Tyler normally parked. The old Ford was not in its usual spot. John drove around to the front, but still did not see his car. He walked into the store and looked around, but he did not see Tyler. He asked around for his son, but none of the other workers had seen him for that day. Finally, John asked for the manager.

"Tyler has not been in for the past two weekends not counting today," Mr. Parez said. "In fact, he has not been as consistent in coming to work as he was when he first started out. He's a good worker—my best worker—and will do anything I ask him, but lately he's been slacking up on the job. He called in yesterday. He left early on Thursday evening and a few other evenings, and I have not heard from him for today. I thought maybe he was ill or something. He did mention today was your birthday and that he might take off early to help with that because your wife has been ill."

"That's true; it is my birthday, and my wife has been ill on and off, but that's no excuse for him not to be here on the job. He gave us the impression that he has been coming in consistently everyday. I had no idea he has not been coming in."

"That's strange," Mr. Parez said. "As soon as you hear from him, tell him to give me a call. He still has his job, but I'll be giving it to someone else if I don't hear from him by Monday. From his past work ethic, I don't believe it's like him to just not show up without letting me know something."

"It's just as strange to me as it is to you. I'll let you know something," John said. "Thank you, Mr. Parez."

John pulled out of the parking lot and slowly drove home with Tyler on his mind. I don't know why he's not answering his phone, John thought after trying to contact his son for the third time. I have not detected any changes in him. He has been his normal self; then again, I hardly see him especially since he started to drive himself to the job. Where has that boy been when he's not on the job? Why would he deceive us like that? What's he trying to hide?

John called Colleen to see whether or not she had heard from Tyler.

"No, Dad. I have not heard from him yet."

"Did you know he has not been going to his job at the market?"

"No, Dad. He's always given me the impression that he was out there each evening," Colleen said. "What's going on?"

John shared with his daughter what Mr. Parez told him.

"I don't know what's going on, Dad. He knows it's your birthday—by the way, happy birthday, Dad."

"Thanks, Colleen."

"He should be coming home for the birthday party. It's almost time."

"Oh, yeah, let me hurry on home in case Debbie turns up," John said. "I'll talk with you shortly. We'll join you at the hospital soon. Just hang in there and pray for Tyler as well as for your Mom. How's she doing?"

"The nurse says to keep her as quiet as possible. I can tell she's still in some pain," Colleen said.

Chapter 7

John hurried home. I'll have to worry about Tyler later. Whatever he's up to must not be good or he would not be hiding it. Lord, he prayed, You know what's going on. I ask that You would protect Tyler and please help my wife to recover. The doctors cannot figure out what the problem is, but You know what the problem is. And, Lord, I know I have not been praying and going to church as regularly as I should have, but please help me to get a new job and to be obedient to You by beginning to go to church again regularly.

As John pulled into his driveway, his phone rang. It was Debbie.

"Yes, Debbie, we've been trying to get in touch with you. Is everything all right?"

"Yes, Dad. All is well. Colleen left a message saying that Mom was in the hospital. I was hosting an Avon party at a customer's home and I had my phone turned off. I'm on my way now. I should be there in about thirty minutes."

"If you don't mind, could you please go directly to the hospital and keep Colleen company? She's there by herself. I don't know how long it will be before I get there. Stanley and Roxanne are on their way up. It will be a couple more minutes before they get here. I'll just stay here until they come. We can't seem to get in touch with Tyler, so I'll hang around until he gets here as well. Hopefully he'll be here soon."

"I don't know if I should wish you a happy birthday or not, Dad, considering all that's going on."

"Don't worry about it. You have all given me so many happy birthdays, I can just about remember them all. It seems that something unusual always happens on or around my birthdays. But it's the thought that counts. We can always have a celebration after your mother recovers."

"Happy birthday, anyway, Dad. I'll head on to the hospital now."

Once in the house, John took a shower. He then made a cup of strong coffee and ate a cinnamon bagel smeared with cream cheese. He sat at the kitchen table with the Jobs section of the newspaper spread out before him. Nothing much here in the field of engineering, he thought after reading a few listings. He grimly scanned the rest of the pages. I may just put in an application to be a trucker. There's a lot of openings for that and I hear they pay well. John was still scanning the job listings when he heard the front door close.

"Is that you, Tyler?" John called out. "I'm in the kitchen."

"Yes, Dad. Where is everybody? I hope I'm not that early, or am I very late?" Tyler said jovially. "Happy Birthday, Dad!"

"Thank you, Tyler," his father said. "Where have you been? We've been trying to get in touch with you."

"I've been on the job, Dad. Today is Saturday. Saturdays are normally very busy for us."

"Why didn't you answer your phone?"

"I turned it off so I would not be tempted to answer it. I have some friends who call me thinking I have time to talk."

"Is that so? Well, we've been trying to get in touch with you to let you know your mother collapsed in the parking lot at the mall. She's in the hospital right now. Your sisters are with her."

"Oh, man!" Tyler said. "How is she doing?"

"She is being monitored closely. Her blood pressure was extremely high. As you can imagine she's in a lot of pain."

"I'll drive up there as soon as I take a shower," Tyler said taking a couple steps in the direction of the stairs heading for his bedroom. A whiff of something strong floated across the room.

"Just a minute, Tyler. Where have you been, and there's no need to lie to me? I stopped by the store when we couldn't get you on your phone. I thought something may have happened to you."

Tyler stopped in his tracks. He thought of heading on up the stairs and ignoring his father's question, but that would be a dead giveaway.

"I spoke with your boss, and he told me you did not come in, and neither did you call in. What's going on?"

"Nothing, Dad. I just felt like taking the day off."

"You don't just take the day off from your job without letting the manager know ahead of time. You did not even have the decency to at least call in. That's not like you. You've always been a responsible person. What's going on? I don't think you are telling me everything."

"Dad, nothing's wrong. I'll go get ready to go to the hospital."

"That's not all Mr. Parez told me," John said.

Tyler did not respond.

"He told me today was not the only day you did not show up and that you have been leaving early on other days. When you left early, you never came home early. Where have you been going?"

Tyler exhaled forcefully. "Dad, I've been taking care of some personal business."

"What kind of business?"

"I've just been hanging out with some friends. They are helping me take care of some things…I'm planning on moving out."

"Okay, I don't have a problem with that. But the way you are going about it seems underhanded to me. Don't you see how insane it is to stop working because you are planning on moving out and living on your own?"

Again, Tyler didn't respond.

"All you have to do is say you're ready to leave home and we'll all help you make a smooth move just like we did with Debbie. Do you think you will need our help now, or do your friends have you covered? And who are these friends, by the way?"

"They got me covered, Dad. I just did not want to be a burden to the family especially with Mom's condition."

"That would be no burden to us at all. We'd all love to help. I especially would love to see you move out and begin handling things like a responsible young man should, but not going in to work is not being responsible, Tyler. By the way, Mr. Parez says if he does not hear from you by Monday, he'll be giving the job to someone else."

"Thanks for the heads up, Dad. I better go take my shower now."

Chapter 8

Tyler sat on his bed thinking about his mother. He loved her and they had a special relationship. He called his friend, Koko.

"I don't think I will make it tonight, Koko. I just got some bad news. My mother's in the hospital. The doctors do not know what's wrong with her. I'm going to join the family at the hospital in a few minutes. I'm sure we'll be there for a few hours... Sure, I'll let you know if I can break away."

Tyler took his time in the shower. He felt bad about deceiving his parents. He really did not plan on moving out just yet, but what other viable story could he come up with to explain to his dad why he had not been going to work? His plans for being with his friends tonight may not work out. Dad sure messed me up; but on second thought, maybe not. After showering, he headed on downstairs.

"Dad, I‘m heading on out to the hospital. Did you need for me to pick up anything -- maybe something for Colleen and Debbie to eat -- on the way over there?"

"Thanks for being thoughtful. That's the Tyler I know. I was hoping we would ride together, but I won't leave for about another thirty minutes. I'm waiting on Stanley and Roxanne to come. They are already on their way. Why don't you wait around with me and we could all ride together?" John said.

"Okay, Dad," Tyler sounded disappointed.

They sat in the living room where they turned on ESPN to watch the latest baseball highlights.

"Tyler, I'm glad that you are wanting to move out and begin living on your own as a young man should; but you're welcome to stay here a bit longer. Make sure you solidify your job with Mr. Parez. If I were you I would stop by there tonight and not wait until Monday. Apologize and let him know that what you did was irresponsible and you won't let it happen again. You don't plan on letting that happen again, do you?"

"No, Dad, I don't," Tyler felt uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation.

"You'll need all the money you can get starting out on your own, so hang on to that job until you get the job you really want. Now is not the time to be losing any kind of job." John winced remembering his own layoff but Tyler didn't seem to notice. "Anyway, I wanted to ask you: do you plan on going to college soon?"

"Yes, Dad, I told you I would begin going before the year is up."

"I only ask because what can easily happen is you'll get your own place, with bills to pay each month—rent, electricity, water, telephone, gas, etc.—and you'll get bogged down just trying to make ends meet. It will be easy to forget about school. You might want to weigh the pros and cons before moving out. If you stay here you have free rent, free food, free water, free entertainment, and free electricity. Out on your own, all of that will be on you."

John knew his son was not ready to face the world on his own. Lately, he had been irresponsible and was not consistent in his behavior—all marks of immaturity. Just what Mr. Parez shared with him was proof of that. On top of that, He had been displaying a negative attitude over the past year. John was increasingly having to talk with him because he had been neglecting his household duties. Within a year's time, he had incurred three speeding tickets, and once he let the insurance on the old Ford lapse. That was the only bill he was responsible for.

"Dad, I have considered all that. But we'll never really know what I am made of if I don't venture out on my own, will we?" Tyler said.

"You have a point there," John said. "Anyway, we will be here for you should you need anything."

"Thanks, Dad. I'll remember that."

"By the way, are you going to be sharing an apartment with your friends, or will you be out on your own?" John asked.

"I'll be sharing a three bedroom house with four of my friends. We will split the monthly expenses between us."

Father and son talked some more before they heard a car horn blow outside. "That's probably Stanley and Roxanne," John said.

After greetings were exchanged, the family members headed for the hospital. Tyler rode with his father at his insistence. He's certainly messing up my plans with the guys, he thought as they pulled out of the driveway. On the way over, they stopped by the store to pick up some flowers and something for them all to eat.

Chapter 9

"Is Gramma in the hospital?" Rachel asked her parents on the ride up. "She's not going to die, is she?"

"No, Rachel. Grandma just needs some rest," Roxanne told her daughter. "We'll just pray for her."

"Is Gramps still going to have his birthday party?"

"Maybe not today, Rachel. We have to take care of Grandma first."

"Do you want me to call to see how they are doing?" Roxanne asked Stanley shortly after they left home.

"Go ahead, and let them know we should be there soon. You might want to call Debbie."

Roxanne called Debbie first. "Hello, Debbie, this is Roxanne. How are you and the family doing? We are on our way and should be there soon. Okay...so she's awake and talking?... That's a good sign...where's your dad?... We'll go straight to the house then...Goodbye."

********

Debbie arrived at the hospital to find Colleen holding their mother's hand and talking with her in low tones. "The doctor says just to rest, Mom," Colleen was saying. "Don't worry about Dad's birthday. We will have the celebration once you are feeling better. Everyone will be here shortly."

"I'm here," Debbie said giving her sister and then her mother a hug. "How are you, Mom?" Jessica tried to talk, but ended simply raising her hand to acknowledge her eldest daughter's presence. "You don't have to talk," Debbie said. "Dad has already told me what happened. Don't worry about a thing."

"That is a beautiful dress, Debbie. It looks very expensive," Colleen said. "And it fits you perfectly."

"Do you really think so?" Debbie asked with a smile. "I had to buy one for another Avon home party. In fact, that's where I was just coming from. I plan on wearing it to the company party this month."

"You're going to turn many heads."

The nurse and the doctor walked into the room. "I came to check on your mother before I leave for the day," Dr. Boone said.

"We'll leave so we won't be in the way," Debbie replied. "We'll be back after Dr. Boone gets done," she told her mother.

The sisters walked outside into the bright sunshine. There was a cool breeze blowing. They sat in silence on a bench under one of the trees.

"Debbie," Colleen said suddenly, "I have something to tell you, but you have to promise me you won't say anything to anyone, especially to Dad or Mom."

"Okay," Debbie replied slowly. "That's what sisters are for—to share those secrets we are too afraid to tell anyone else. Go ahead."

"I...I'm…," Colleen began hesitantly.

"You're what?" Debbie urged.

"I'm pregnant," Colleen clarified.

The cool breeze seemed to take those words and carry them away.

"Did you hear me?" Colleen asked.

Debbie reached over and placed a hand on her sister's hand, then proceeded to give her a hug. "I heard you. I just was not expecting to hear something like that."

"Whatever happens, please do not tell Mom or Dad. I will tell them eventually, but not right now, especially with Mom's condition as it is."

"Colleen, why did you let this happen? What happened? And what are you going to do? You will have to tell them eventually."

"I know, Debbie. Right now, it does not matter that it happened. I had sex with this guy and--"

"I don't need the details," Debbie said, waving her hands dismissively. "You know the devil's in those," they both laughed. "How far along are you?"

"Four months."

"You still aren't showing yet," Debbie remarked. She was searching for something else to say.

"Well, I'll be showing soon just like any other pregnant woman," Colleen sighed. "My clothes are beginning to fit tight already. I don't know what to do. I want to keep the baby, but I also don't want to keep it. Its arrival will definitely derail all my dreams for the future. College is on hold now for sure because I can't let Mom watch the baby while I go off to further my education, even if I attend a college here in town. I've been thinking—can I come stay with you until this is over with? We could just tell Mom and Dad I need a change of pace."

"You are more than welcome to come stay with me—but for five months?" Debbie shook her head. "I don't know. Mom and Dad are going to be skeptical and wonder why you want to stay with me for that long when you can just drive over any time you want to visit. They will definitely drop by to see what's up. You know not a month goes by without them visiting me. The best thing for you to do is to tell them and not let them find out for themselves. If you tell them up front they won't feel as though you are doing something behind their backs."

Chapter 10

The rest of the family arrived at the hospital to find Jessica doing much better. Her pain had lessened. "Sorry, I messed up your birthday," she whispered to her husband.

"Don't worry about it, honey. Your hopefully getting better is more than enough of a birthday present for me."

After about an hour, Tyler excused himself. "Dad, I have to go talk with Mr. Parez before it gets too late." He gave his mother a hug before he left. On his way down the hallway, he called Koko to come pick him up from the hospital. "Is everything still as planned?...I'll be looking for you in about five to ten minutes. Make it quick. I rode with my dad over here. He thinks I'm talking with Mr. Parez about not coming in to work."

John wondered what was taking Tyler so long to make a simple phone call. He stuck his head out the door and took a glance up and down the hallway. He then went to the waiting room to see if Tyler possibly went there to make the phone call. Where could he have gone? John wondered as he called Tyler's cellphone. "Tyler, where are you? Have you spoken with Mr. Parez yet?"

"I'm headed on over there, Dad. I did not want to bother you about taking me, so I called one of my friends and he's taking me over there right now. Don't wait at the hospital for me. My friend will take me home."

"Now Tyler, you know it's no bother at all," his father told him. "Remember what I told you: just apologize and do not make any excuses or try to defend what you did, and I am sure everything will work out."

When Tyler got to the job, Mr. Parez had already left for the day, so Tyler left a message with the evening shift manager. "Please tell Mr. Parez I stopped by and I will be by again on Monday morning." After leaving there, he and Koko stopped by Will's house, another one of his friends, and hung out for a while. They left after about an hour to pick Leon up, and the four—Tyler, Koko, Will, and Leon—drove around the city looking for something to do. "Want to pull a prank?" Koko asked.

"Sure," Will and Leon said. "Want to join us?" they asked Tyler.

"I don't want any trouble, now," Tyler said.

"It will be over with before you even know it," Koko said as he shared what he wanted to do.

Koko pulled up in front of the convenience store. "I'll keep the car running. Leon, you and Will go into the store and borrow a few things—you know—couple six packs, some bags of chips, a loaf of bread, a couple Cokes—anything close by. Then walk toward the register like you're ready to be checked out, then make a dash for the car. Like I said, Tyler," Koko said turning to look at Tyler in the back seat, "we're just borrowing these things. We're going to bag those things up and place them by the door early Monday morning just before they open with a note saying something like, 'you need a better security system.'"

Tyler laughed. "Okay, but what if it fails?"

"Go ahead. Let's show Tyler our pranks never fail."

The boys pulled it off. "Let's celebrate with one of the six packs. We'll add to the note that we drank one of the six packs in celebration for pulling this stunt off," Will said.

Tyler at first protested and refused the offered drink. He had never touched alcohol in his life, but after minimal pressure he complied and sipped on the contents of a tall can of beer.

"This is your first time, so just take it slow. You'll get used to it after a while," Koko said.

"You guys have to pick me up when you return the rest of the merchandise. I have to make sure you return it," Tyler said. "I'm not down for any trouble with the police."

His friends laughed at his worries.

They stayed true to their words and had Tyler to meet them in front of the convenience store at five the next morning as they left the bag with the items in front of the door. "See you later, Tyler. We gotta' do this again real soon," Koko said, slapping him on the back. Koko and his friends robbed two other stores in the area the same way before laying low.

The following week, Leon was holding a party at his house. He shared living quarters with another man, Jackson Howard. Tyler and Koko were planning on moving in with Leon and Jackson as soon as Koko rented or sold the small one bedroom house his grandmother had left behind when she passed away. Not only were they drinking alcohol nearly every night, but they were also smoking marijuana. The neighbor called the police.

"Police!" one of the party attendees shouted. Pandemonium set in. Tyler was caught in the confusion as the attendees ran for the nearest exit. Tyler was arrested with a few others. Every effort by Koko and the others to get the police to release Tyler failed. "He was just visiting, Officer," they told the police. "He's clean."

"Well, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people," one of the officers said.

While in the holding cell at the jail, Tyler kept his head down in shame. "Don't worry about this, Tyler. We'll get you out," Koko promised. "I've been through this before. I'll get one of my friends to pay bail and they'll let us go free. It may be a few hours. Just chill."

Tyler stood at the back of the cell. A female guard was peering into the cell. She called for someone named Jerry. "Aren't you a little young to be in here? Come on with me. We have some paperwork to fill out and some fingerprints to take among other things." Tyler thought he recognized her and looked away.

After about ten minutes, she returned with Jerry. "Koko, don't tell me you're down here again," she said as she was locking the cell door.

"I just stopped by to pay you a visit," Koko joked. "It won't be long."

The guard studied Tyler. Tyler tried to look away, but he could sense her staring at him. It made him feel uncomfortable.

"You, come here. Don't I recognize you from somewhere?" she finally said.

Koko nudged Tyler. "She's talking to you."

Tyler looked up.

"That's it! Don't you go to Day Spring?" the guard asked. "I have not seen you for a while. Aren't you the one whose mother gets sick with some kind of chest pain? I've been praying for her. How's she doing?"

Tyler didn't answer, but the guard kept talking. "Does she know you are in here? Stay put. I'll be back to talk with you."

My goodness, Tyler thought. I don't need this now.

The guard escorted another man out of the holding cell and was back with him in about fifteen minutes. She then called for Tyler to come with her. "I put in a good word for you. We'll fill out your forms, take your fingerprint, and your picture, and then you can go home. If you hang around, I'll give you a ride home, unless you want to call your father. I should have been out of here already, but when I recognized you, I just could not leave you without trying to help. Just wait out front. It's after two, so I'm sure you don't want to disturb your parents with something like this right now."

Tyler told Koko and the others what took place.

"She probably paid for your bail. You go ahead and take advantage of it," Koko said. "We will be out of here soon. I called my friend and he's on his way."

The guard, who introduced herself as Mrs. Wendy Bryan, gave Tyler a ride home. He told her exactly what happened at Leon's house party. As she pulled up into the driveway of his home, Mrs. Bryan said, "Leave bad company alone, kid. Bad company will get you into trouble every time. You should have learned that at church. Those people may be your friends right now, but sometimes you have to say no, even to your best friends. I'm not going to preach at you anymore, but I will warn you: Do not let me see you down at the station again. Do you hear? As sick as your mother is, you ought to be doing all you can to stay out of trouble—especially avoiding pulling so-called pranks with a bunch of good-for-nothings."

Tyler shuddered as he thanked her. I wonder if she has figured out who has been pulling those pranks at the convenience stores.

Chapter 11

After spending some hours at the hospital, the Dyer family left for home. "Make sure you all go to church tomorrow," Jessica said to them as they left.

"We will, Mom," they promised her. "We'll be back to see you after church. Then we'll come on Monday to take you home."

Debbie headed to her apartment and discovered that the landlord had left a letter inside her door. She took the letter, unfolded it, and entered the apartment reading its contents:

Debbie-Allen Dyer:

This is just a note to remind you that you are three months behind on your rent. You now owe $6,700. According to the signed agreement, you will be given a two month grace period in which to pay at least the first month's rent that you are delinquent on, and the other month's in agreed upon increments. This is our second notice to you. You gave us your word that you would have one payment to us before the month was up, but we have received nothing to date. We can no longer allow you to stay here without payment. You have seven (7) days in which to either pay us at least $2233.00 and make arrangements for the other two months totaling $4467.00, or, if you are unable to pay, to find another place to stay. After seven (7) days, we will turn the matter over to the court to begin eviction proceedings.

Thank you,

Management

2828 Peachtree

Debbie flopped down on the couch and looked around at all the expensive furniture she had acquired. Not tonight, she moaned. How am I going to come up with that amount of money? I can't ask Dad at a time like this. Tyler does not have it, and definitely not Colleen. I don't think Stanley could help, plus it would not be fair to Roxanne. I've really done it now. Maybe, Abby? No, she's barely making it herself. Me and my high maintenance life!

Debbie moved to the bedroom and sat on the bed for what seemed like hours. She looked down at her red dress. "I hate to get rid of you so early, but I am going to have to take you back for a full refund," she said to herself. She searched through her closet for the fur coat she had bought at the pre-winter sale. It had cost her $800.00. The regular price was $1100.00. "I'll have to return this also," she sighed. "By the time I add the money from my savings I'll still be $100.00 short of the money I need. Darn it!" Maybe Abby can loan me the $100.00. No, I can't let her know I am hurting financially. She just loaned me the money for the car note. Debbie spent half the night trying to figure out how to get the other $100.00.

What the heck? Debbie thought as she headed to church on Sunday morning. I'll just have to ask Dad. I have not asked him for any serious money since I moved out. Plus, I have always paid him back.

"Sure, Debbie. I'll go to the ATM on the way to the hospital and get it out," her father said. "Are you sure that is all you need?"

"Yes, Dad, that's all I'll be needing. Thank you so much. I tried not to bother you about it especially with Mom being in the hospital, but I could not think of anyone else to ask."

"No problem, Debbie. That's what I'm here for."

At the hospital, Jessica was sitting up in bed her usual cheerful self, when they arrived. Her strength had returned and she was virtually pain-free. "We'll have the birthday party on Monday evening once I get home," she said. "Don't try to stop me. I have to do it. It means a lot to me. Now tell me what Pastor Anbaar preached on."

"He preached on Why do Christians Suffer? It was a very timely message," John said. "The text was First Peter 4:12-19. I wish you had been there."

John began to relay everything he could remember from Pastor Anbaar's message to his wife. "Suffering is a real part of life, and as Christians we are not exempt from suffering," Pastor Anbaar had said. "Often, it will seem as though the unsaved are prospering and we Christians are suffering. Many think that after they get saved, they will have no more suffering, but you will have suffering as a Christian. The true Christian life is not an easy road, and if our Lord Jesus Christ suffered then why should our lives be free of suffering? So why do Christians suffer? There are a number of reasons.

"First, we suffer because of sin. Second, we suffer because of the power of Satan. Satan is not going to sit back and let us live a life of ease. He is going to make it as miserable as he can for us in an attempt to get us discouraged to the point of not serving the Lord. Third, we suffer because we are going in the opposite direction that the world is going in. Just being a Christian will bring about some suffering. The world did not love Jesus while He was here on this earth, and they still do not love Him, and the world will not love you if you are serious about following Jesus.

"As a Christian, take heart—you are not suffering alone. The Bible tells us that others are going through the same thing. There is a day of rejoicing ahead—a day that will last for all eternity. Paul says in Romans 8:18, 'For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.' We can also find joy even amidst our suffering.

"As you suffer, make sure you are not suffering because of some sin in your life. When you begin to suffer, examine yourself to make sure you did not bring that suffering upon yourself. If you have any sin in your life, get rid of it, and cry out to God to have mercy on you. If there is no known sin in your life, then see suffering as God allowing it to strengthen you in the faith and as a testimony by which you can point others to Him. To maintain a strong testimony for the Lord during your time of suffering, have the right spirit and attitude, be thankful, continue to serve God by reading His Word and praying even more."

"That's a wonderful message!" Jessica exclaimed. "May the good Lord help me to endure my physical sufferings. May He help all of us to endure our sufferings."

Chapter 12

Stanley and Roxanne stayed for the birthday party and returned home Monday night. Tyler showed up as well. Mr. Parez had allowed him to resume his duties without penalty. Although everyone was in a celebratory mood, John noticed that Stanley's mind seemed to be on something other than the party. He also noticed how he kept looking at his wife and how she seemed to avoid looking at him. Before they left, John brought up his concerns with Stanley.

"Is everything going well between you and Roxanne, Stanley?" John asked. "You seem to have something on your mind, and don't tell me everything is all right when everything is not all right."

Stanley sighed as he closed his eyes. "You're right, Dad. Everything's not all right. I don't know. It seems as though we're just going through the motions in this marriage. I've felt that way for the past four years, and I can't live like that anymore. Every time we talk it ends in an argument. Everything I do, she wants to do the opposite. After four years, she is still fidgety and nervous around me. She told me the other day she felt alienated and she did not feel as though I accepted her. Nothing I said could assure her otherwise."

"That's a serious problem," John said.

"Dad, I've been strongly thinking about getting a divorce or at least separation for a while before it gets worse."

"Now you know that's not the answer. That is never the answer," John said.

"That's the only answer I can come up with right now," Stanley replied.

"No, Stanley. That is a cop-out. Immature people run away from their marriages when things get tough, falsely thinking that the grass is greener on the other side," John said. "The marriage is still young. I think both of you need to attend some marriage counseling. Pastor Anbaar would be more than willing to help you out with this. He was overjoyed to see you both in church yesterday. You both used to spend every other weekend with us and come to church with us. I figured you had found a church closer to where you live. You did tell me you were looking for one closer, weren't you?"

"Well, we have not been going to church anywhere. I don't know, Dad. It just seems like a waste," Stanley said.

"You know, Stanley, no marriage is easy starting out. It's tough living with someone when you are used to living alone. You can begin to take each other for granted. For some couples, this happens quite early in the marriage."

"I don't believe our marriage has gotten to that point," Stanley sighed. "We rushed into the marriage really as a coverup for her pregnancy and wanting to do right for Rachel. We really did not spend time getting to know each other. Now, I don't know if that was such a wise idea. I mean lots of couple have a child without getting married and go on to live separate lives."

"Yes, but you wanted to do the right thing in God's sight," John said. "I think you both have this love thing twisted. True love is not the romantic mushy feeling. That kind of love is temporary and it comes and goes. True love is a choice. You choose whether or not you are going to respond to your mate in a godly manner. As God says to us in First Corinthians chapter thirteen, love is long suffering."

"Yeah, I've been long suffering these past four years."

"Love is kind, unselfish, is not easily provoked, looks out for the other person; love bears all things."

"I've been bearing a lot of things, Dad."

"Just hang in there, Stanley. It's going to get better, but you have to give it time and that time may mean ten years, fifteen years, twenty years. Just think of how long suffering God is with us," John said. "You don't think Roxanne will be offended if Jessica was to speak to her, do you?"

"No, I don't think so. She loves Mom."

"You know, your mother and I have not always gotten along with each other. We spent our first years trying to iron out our differences. As you can imagine it was rough, but we decided to stick it out. I can truly say I am glad we did."

"Yes. I am glad we did," Jessica said. "You know, Roxanne, it is not going to be easy the first few years, but trust me, it does get better. It is up to you, though, how long it will be before things begin to get better."

Jessica chuckled as she continued. "I often think about Isaac and Rebecca in the Bible. They did not know each other. I don't even think they knew about each other. They definitely did not spend any time dating and courting and getting to know each other before they got married. Isaac's father, Abraham, just sent his servant to get a wife for his son, Isaac, because Isaac was of marrying age and Abraham was about to die. They had to grow to love each other. They had to choose to love each other."

Roxanne smiled.

"Just pray to God each day to help you be the wife you ought to be, and to help you to begin to accept your role and to feel comfortable in your role. If you do right, the good feelings will come."

Chapter 13

John returned to work on Tuesday. He still had not said anything to his wife about having to find a new job. He used his hour-long lunch breaks to put in applications at various places in town. The atmosphere on the job became more somber as the employees did not know what to expect with each new day as the company continued to downsize.

Jessica went ahead and put in her two weeks notice at Marianne's. Her physical condition was deteriorating at a faster rate, and it put her out of commission for unpredictable periods of time. "I wish I could keep on working, John, but I just can't. The pain and discomfort is too much to take on the job, and it's not fair to my boss and co-workers."

"Don't worry about anything. We'll be alright. God will take care of us," John assured her. He added the last statement more as an encouragement to himself. His remaining weeks at Carrier went by quicker than he expected.

He spent the following weeks leaving home at his normal work hour and returning eight hours later. I can't spring this on Jessica. She already has enough on her. After three weeks of no leads from his job applications, he decided to visit the unemployment office for the third time.

John stood in line hoping no one recognized him. This was the last place he expected to be at this point in his life. Using his peripheral vision, he watched the faces of those around him: forlorn expressions, dismal looks, empty stares, hopelessness, not knowing what tomorrow would bring—or if tomorrow was worth even looking forward to.

"May I help you, sir?"

"Hi, Mrs. Bythe. Has anything opened up yet?" John asked.

"Let me check, Mr. Dyer."

While Mrs. Bythe went to check on the status of John's application, John glanced at the clock on the wall. 11:53. Jessica would be calling him in about ten minutes as she had been doing since they had gotten married just to let him know she was thinking about him and to say, "I love you." That thought left John feeling despondent.

I hate to lie to her like this, he thought. But how can I tell her I lost my job especially now that she has just quit hers and is totally depending on me? Something has to open up soon. Lord, I look to You for help.

John glanced at the gentleman waiting in line behind him. He had a defeated look on his face. He kept twisting his cap in his hand.

"Mr. Dyer, nothing's opened up in your field yet," Mrs. Bythe said on returning to the window. "I don't mean to demean your skills at all, but there is a janitorial position open at the middle school. I don't know if--"

"Thanks, Mrs. Bythe, but offer it to the gentleman waiting in line behind me. He probably needs it more than I do."

John turned to leave. As he walked out the building, his phone rang. It was Jessica.

"Hello, John. Just calling to say 'hello' and to let you know I love you."

"Thanks, Jessica. I certainly need to hear those words right now. I love you, too. Are you sitting down?"

"Yes. Is there something wrong?"

John sighed. "Yes and no. I should have told you this much earlier, but I was hoping something would have opened up by now. Jessica, I just left the unemployment office. I finished my last day at my job three weeks ago."

"Where have you been going these three weeks?" Jessica inquired calmly.

"I've been all over the city filling out job applications. This is my third stop at the unemployment office. Again, I was checking to see if anything had opened up. Please forgive me for leading you on. Will you?"

"Of course I forgive you," Jessica said quietly. "I can imagine the turmoil you've been going through. I'm curious, why didn't you let me know the day you found out?"

"Fear. Pride. Thinking I won't be able to properly take care of the family going forward. I did not want to burden you especially with your illness. If I had told you, you probably would not have quit your job which you needed to do, and if you did quit your job, you would begin to feel guilty because you would think you were not contributing to the family—you know how you are."

"Well, you had nothing to do with the company's decision. I"m sure they are beginning to realize they've lost a valuable employee."

"Thanks for boosting my spirit, Jessica. I can use that right now."

"Why don't you come on home and have lunch with me. You can only do so much. It's all in God's hands now."

John went home a bit forlorn, but thanking God for his wife's great attitude.

Chapter 14

Debbie took an early lunch break and went to both stores to return her winter coat and red dress. Don't worry. I'm coming back to get you, she thought as she handed the dress to the cashier at the customer service desk. Although she had paid $800.00 for the fur coat, when she returned it, the retail price had been pushed up to $900.00.

"I do not have the receipt," Debbie told the lady at the desk. I know I should tell her I originally paid $800 for it, but I could use the extra hundred dollars, she thought as she took the refund money and placed it in her purse. This can go toward the car note which is due two days from today. Thank God I have until the end of the month on most of my other bills.

Once she returned to work, her thoughts were consumed by how to get the full $550.00 for her car note. I don't want to bother Dad any more. I can't let Abby know I am unable to pay my car note again this month.

Laura, one of Debbie's co-workers, left early for a doctor's appointment. Debbie filled in for her. An employee from the restaurant across the street was making one of the company's weekend deposits. They sometimes made more than one deposit on the weekends. Such large deposits were immediately placed in the safe. Instead of keying in the total cash amount of $4,762.04, Debbie keyed in $4,662.04. No one will know and I can give it back when I get paid, she told herself.

"Thank you, sir, and have a nice weekend," Debbie said to her customer.

As the man turned to leave, Debbie slipped the $100 up her jacket sleeve as she pretended to scratch her wrist. Debbie performed such deceitful acts twice more before closing time. She repeated the same act the very next day on another deposit.

Leaving the job early, Debbie stopped by the home of one of her Avon customers to collect payment of $200 for a large order of make-up. She was only $20.00 short on her car note now, so at least she would have transportation for another month. I know I should not have 'borrowed' that customers' money, but I'll replace it when I get paid at the end of the month, she consoled herself. Debbie's check barely covered her next month's bills and only a portion of her rent all of which she was already behind on. Trying to smother her guilt, she 'replaced' the money from two of the three customers she had 'borrowed from.'

Debbie continued to play around with her customers' accounts. The more she swindled the money the less guilt she was beginning to feel. In addition, she took out a few loans from different loan companies formulating any reason she could come up with to get the loan. I have to maintain my level of living at any cost, she thought. I cannot afford to go under. Lord, help me to get out of this mess!

Chapter 15

John received an unexpected phone call from Tyler's boss.

"This is Mr. Parez. May I please speak with Tyler?"

"This is Tyler's dad. Tyler left an hour ago. He should have already been there," John told Mr. Parez.

"He has not turned up yet. I'm calling to make sure everything is alright," Mr. Parez said. "He left early yesterday saying he was not feeling well. I thought maybe he was ill."

"He never said anything to me or to my wife," John told Mr. Parez. "I'll tell him to give you a call as soon as I hear from him."

John waited up for Tyler to come in that night. He turned up at 11:53, twenty minutes later than normal.

"Where have you been, Tyler?" John asked his son when he came in the house.

"I've been at the job."

"Are you sure?" John said looking his son in the eyes.

"Yes, and I am very tired, Dad. If you don't mind, I'd like to head on up to bed," Tyler said not looking at his dad.

"You can go to bed after I am finished talking with you. Mr. Parez called here asking for you an hour after your clock-in time. Where were you?"

Receiving no answer, John repeated the question.

"Out with my friends," Tyler said.

"Why didn't you call in, Tyler? And why did you lie to me just now? Were you out doing something you had no business doing for you to skip eight hours of work and then to lie about it? Mr. Parez also told me you left early yesterday. I guess you lied when you told him you were feeling ill, because you certainly did not act ill when you came home. Why, Tyler?"

Tyler stuttered and stammered shifting from one leg to the other.

"Don't lie to me or to anyone anymore. The one thing that can destroy our relationship quickly more than anything else is lying," his father said. "First thing tomorrow morning, I'm going to take you to the job and you need to apologize to Mr. Parez for lying to him and for deceiving him. As far as I am concerned, he can fire you. Put the car keys on the table and you can go to bed."

Tyler ran up the stairs two at a time and slammed his bedroom door.

John awoke early the next morning and, rather than doing his morning exercise, he decided to accompany Tyler to his job to make sure he apologized to Mr. Parez. He stopped by Tyler's bedroom. He was not there. As he was making his way down the stairs, he heard the front door slam shut. Hurrying to look out the window, John saw Tyler heading toward his Ford.

"I can't believe this boy is disobeying me," John said out loud as he grabbed his car keys and dashed out to his car. He waved frantically for Tyler to stop, but Tyler either did not see him, or chose to ignore him, and sped off down the road. John jumped in his car and followed his son all the way across town where he pulled up in the driveway of a modest one bedroom house. Tyler jumped out and hurried toward the front door. Someone opened the door to let him in before he could ring the doorbell.

"Tyler, stop right there!" John shouted as he exited his car.

John hurried to the front door, rang the doorbell and knocked firmly twice on the door. It seemed an eternity before anyone answered.

"Yes, sir," a young man said. "How can I help you?"

"I saw my son, Tyler, enter here. Tell him to come out. I want to talk with him. That's his car out here. By the way, what's your name?"

The young man seemed undecided as to whether or not to acknowledge Tyler's father further before answering. "Koko. My name's Koko. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Dyer." He stepped aside so John could enter. "Tyler, come on out. Your dad's here to speak with you," Koko shouted toward the back of the house.

Tyler reluctantly came out. He avoided looking at his father. "Yeah, what?"

"Yeah? What?" John repeated. His first reaction was to lash out at Tyler for answering him in such a disrespectful way, but changed his mind. "What are you doing? What are you thinking? We were supposed to drive down to talk with Mr. Parez first thing this morning."

"Dad, you know." Tyler had a serious look on his face.

"No, I do not know! And look at me when you talk to me, boy."

"Dad, I'm just tired of you trying to tell me every little thing to do. I don't turn up for work -- you make a big deal of it. I don't sign up for college -- you make a big deal of it. I come in late -- you make a big deal of it. You question the friends I have. I mean, what's the big deal?"

"You don't know? You're nineteen and you don't know what the big deal is? Let me rehearse it to you again like I've done hundreds of times. You don't have to go, Koko. You may need to hear this as well," John advised. "If you don't turn up on time for work, you'll get fired. Your boss will see you as irresponsible, immature, and unfaithful, and you have been that lately. If you keep leaving early, you'll get fired. Your boss will see you as not taking your job seriously. If you don't get a college degree, you probably won't get a decent job—one that can take care of you without you struggling just to make ends meet. You definitely won't be able to take care of a family if you don't have a decent paying job. I hope you don't plan on working your entire life at the grocery store. The good jobs are going to those who have a college degree and, as terrible as this economy is, college graduates are having a hard time finding jobs in the first place, but their prospects are better. I'll bet you Mr. Parez has a college degree in business or something; that's why he is the manager. As for coming in late, your mother and I expect you to be home at a certain time. The decent and respectful thing to do is to notify us if you are running late."

"Dad, I'm nineteen years old. I can take care of myself," Tyler retorted.

"Oh, you think you can? You're certainly not acting like a mature nineteen-year-old. A mature nineteen-year-old boy would go to his boss, apologize, and at least try to keep his job. And don't forget who has fed you, clothed you, and kept a roof over your head all these years! It wasn't you. Now, are you coming or not?"

"Look, Dad, I'm not coming with you, and I'll see Mr. Parez when I am done here. Okay?"

John smiled while shaking his head. "You're going to have to learn about life the hard way. Okay, son, it's your decision. Give me the car keys. Until you get your act together, don't bother to come home. I can't tolerate your disrespectful and don't-care attitude any longer. Obviously, it's going to take more than talk to get you to see the error of your ways. I would think, at least for your mother's sake, you would act right until you leave to be on your own."

Tyler swallowed. Why did he have to bring Mom into this? "You don't have to worry about me coming home. I'll be staying here with Koko. I already told you I was planning on moving out."

“I wish you all the best. Now let me have the car keys," John said firmly.

Tyler looked at his dad, then at Koko, then back at his dad.

“The keys, son," John repeated holding his hand out.

Tyler shoved his hand in his jeans pocket, pulled out the keys, and tossed them at his dad. John made no attempt to catch them. “In my hand, Tyler. Place them in my hand."

Tyler turned to walk away, but stopped in his tracks as Koko cleared his throat. Koko pointed to the keys laying on the carpeted floor, then flicked his finger toward Tyler's father. Tyler snatched the keys up and placed them in his father's outstretched hand.

“Softly," John said without taking his eyes off his son.

“Thank you, Koko," John said as he turned to leave. “By the way, Koko, Tyler may be without a job as of today. All the best, son."

John locked the door to his Ford and went home. Neither Koko nor Tyler were at the house when he and his wife returned to pick the car up.

“I think this is where Tyler will be living," John told his wife.

Jessica was heart-broken. “What has gotten into him? He used to be a more considerate child. Here he has a warm, comfortable place to stay and--"

“He's nineteen and getting ready to turn twenty. I do not have a problem with him finding a place of his own. It's the way he left that bothers me. I never told you because I did not want you to worry, but he's been acting immaturely for several months now, responding to me in disrespectful tones, not going in to his job at the store, lying and being deceitful. It's those friends of his. And I do not want you to worry about him. He'll be all right. He's one of those who has to learn life the hard way."

“Well, I can't help being concerned about my son. What kind of mother would I be if I did not show some concern?" Jessica said. “All we can do is leave him in God's hands."

Chapter 16

Strangely, Colleen started to have morning sickness in the fifth month of her pregnancy. She began confiding in Debbie, and at her sister's request, Colleen went to spend her last four months with her. Debbie encouraged her to tell their parents before she progressed any further in the pregnancy.

“I'll tell them for you," Debbie offered.

“No. It's my responsibility. I have to do it myself," Colleen said. “I hate to leave Mom at a time like this, but at least Dad's home for right now."

“What do you mean?" Debbie asked.

“He got laid off a few weeks back. I have been helping him put in applications at various places via the internet."

“Thanks for letting me know," Debbie said. “I was getting ready to ask him if I could borrow some more money. I guess the failing economy is affecting everyone."

“Thank you so much for allowing me to stay here for a while. I hate to be a burden to you, but I need a change of surrounding while I think things through," Colleen said to her sister.

“Have you decided whether or not you are going to keep the baby?"

“Of course I am going to keep the baby," Colleen said. “The only thing is I am going to have to drop out of college for a while."

“Drop out? I don't think you have to," Debbie said. “You can get a babysitter, or Mom can watch her for you."

“No, I can't put that on Mom. Her condition is so unpredictable, I can't risk leaving a newborn with her, and I really do not want anyone else to take care of the baby once she's born," Colleen said. “To tell you the truth, I feel like all my dreams and aspirations have been shattered. Having a baby out of wedlock was not in my plans. I saw all that happening after I got married."

“Well, things happen," Debbie said. “We just have to be more careful and not repeat our mistakes." Debbie thought about her own wrongdoing as she said this.

About a month after Colleen went to stay with her sister, the receptionist at the doctor's office called the Dyers' home for Colleen. Jessica answered the phone.

“This is Colleen's mom. I can give her a message."

“She missed her 9:30 appointment and I was calling to make sure all was well with her, and to see if she wanted to reschedule. We have an opening for tomorrow at 11:30."

“What kind of appointment is this?" Jessica asked.

“It's her sixth month check up and to give her the results of her lab work. She had complained that she was feeling tired lately. You can tell her all her tests came back negative. She probably just needed some extra rest."

Jessica gathered as much information as she could from the receptionist and rescheduled Colleen's appointment for the next day at 11:30. She joined her husband in the den.

“That was the gynecologist's office calling for Colleen. She's six months pregnant. She missed her appointment and they were calling to see if she could come in tomorrow. I went ahead and rescheduled it for in the morning. I would like to take her in for it."

“Say that again," John said. “I know you did not just say our youngest daughter is six months pregnant."

“Yes, that's what I just said." Jessica sat beside her husband on the couch. “How did we allow that to happen? She's only eighteen and on her way to college. She had her whole life before her." Jessica sighed. John laid his head on the back of the couch.

“Stanley and Roxanne are separated. Tyler walked out. I believe Debbie is living above her means even though she is putting up a good front. I still don't see how she can afford that penthouse and a new car with just a job at the bank. Her part-time job hosting make-up parties does not yield that much. Do you know how much it costs to rent one of those penthouses?" Jessica continued, “Now, Colleen is pregnant. You are out of a job. I have this illness that no doctor can figure out. How much worse can things get?"

John put his arm around his wife's shoulders. He remained silent as he tried to block out the nagging question that kept plaguing him: Where is God in all this?

That evening, they both stopped by Debbie's apartment and had a long talk with Colleen.

“We've always taught you children not to hide things. Just tell us what is happening in your life," Jessica said. “Why didn't you tell us?"

Colleen hung her head. “Mom, Dad, I was ashamed of what I did. Pregnant and not married? That is something to be ashamed of, especially in our family, because you both have taught us the right way. Please don't blame yourselves for it."

“Who's the father?" John asked.

“I don't know if you remember Eli Sanchez. He's the boy who came to church with me a few times. He's the father."

“Yes, what happened to him? We have not seen him at the church lately," John said.

“He's moved back to Canada. He went back to help his father in their family business. He thought I would come with him to Canada if I had his child; and I thought he would stay here in Atlanta if I had his child. Well, we both were wrong. I'm sorry for not coming to you sooner. I was just ashamed and was waiting for the right time to tell you."

Jessica hugged her daughter. “There is no excuse for this," she sighed. “But this is one thing we cannot undo. We just have to handle it as best we can. You can remain here with Debbie and keep her company if you want to, but we want you to come home when it gets close to your delivery date. I'll take you to your appointment on tomorrow."

“I feel like I have failed as a father," John said to his wife later that night. “All my children are making some foolish decisions, and there is nothing I can do about it."

“No, John, I will not have you speaking like that," his wife said firmly. “You have been there for them, and you have sown words of wisdom in their lives. You have been the best father they could ever have. I can testify to that."

“I can't even find a job. What kind of a father and husband am I turning out to be?" John sighed. “We're going to have to possibly sell the house and move into a smaller one or a trailer home. I have already priced a couple of them. I'm also looking into selling the family van. With you not working we don't need two vehicles. I don't know how much I can get for that old Ford. See if it would be profitable to put together a yard sale. I know we could sell some of the furniture. I know you would hate to get rid of some of the furniture and other things, but I am going to have to do something if a job does not open up soon."

“I trust your judgment. You do what you feel you have to do. All those things can be replaced once we get over this hump," Jessica said. “All we can do is pray."

“That's all I have been doing. Sometimes it gets discouraging when your prayers don't seem to be going anywhere."

Chapter 17

The following Sunday, Jessica felt strong enough to attend church, and she was glad she did as Pastor Anbaar's message taken from the book of Job left her encouraged and strengthened.

“The Bible says that Job was a perfect and an upright man who feared God and hated evil," Pastor Anbaar said. “God blessed Job because of this. But then one tragedy after another fell upon Job. It seemed that God completely turned His back on Job and started withdrawing His blessings from him. Job lost all his cattle; he lost all his children; he lost his health; he lost his source of income. In a short amount of time, Job lost everything except his life. Job did not understand why God would allow such calamity to befall him, but Job did not blame God as many of us do when things don't go our way. Neither did Job lose his cool and take his pain out on his remaining family members and friends. Job remained faithful.

“Job said, 'the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.' Even Job's wife told Job to turn his back on God. She was not a very encouraging wife, was she? But Job stood strong and said, 'What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.'

“Job knew about the blessings of the Lord. Job had a close relationship with the Lord. Job knew God had a reason for allowing things to happen as they did. That is what God wants us to do. No matter how tough things get, no matter if we lose all our possessions, no matter if we lose our health, no matter if our children go astray—God wants us to remain faithful; God wants us not to lose heart, but to still trust Him. Job did that and God blessed him with more than he had. We read in the last chapter of Job: 'the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before,' and also, 'So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning.'"

John and Jessica felt renewed in spirit. Colleen was encouraged. Debbie, in spite of the financial burden she was carrying, enjoyed the services, but was convicted in her spirit about the lying and stealing she had done.

That night, John and Jessica received a phone call from Stanley.

“Things are still the same. Roxanne is still with her parents. She has Rachel with her."

“I hope this is just a temporary thing," John said to his son. “You both ought to do the mature thing and get back together. You both claim to be Christians. Do this for God's sake. Do this for Rachel's sake. You have to fight for what you know to be right even if it goes against what you want. God will bless you for doing that."

“Dad, doesn't God allow for some things? I mean, He says for us to live peaceably with all men, and I think that includes your wife," Stanley said.

“Yes, but living peaceably does not mean you separate or get a divorce. And you don't just want to be in God's permissive will; you want to be in His perfect will."

Stanley was quiet as he thought on his father's words.

“Is it okay if your mother gives Roxanne a call at her parents' house?" John asked.

“Sure," Stanley said.

********

“Maybe you can talk some sense into her," Roxanne's mother, Leslie, said to Jessica. “She's done nothing but cry ever since she's been here, but at the same time she refuses to call her husband and try to work things out." Leslie sounded frustrated as she turned the phone over to Roxanne.

“Roxanne, for Rachel's sake, you have to try to work things out with Stanley. The longer you stay away from each other the harder it is going to be to get back together. Despite what you may have heard, absence does not always make the heart grow fonder."

“Mrs. Dyer, I appreciate your concern, but I don't feel he really accepts me for me. He makes me feel like I have to be perfect," Roxanne said. “I'm tired of trying to live up to his standards and constantly falling short."

“Are you sure it's him making you feel that way? Or have you set your standards too high? You might be trying to live a fairy-tale marriage inside of real life," Jessica responded.

“Think about it, Roxanne. You have years ahead of you to adjust and readjust and make the necessary changes even if you make a few mistakes along the way. I made so many mistakes in the earlier part of my marriage I lost count of them," Jessica continued. “Things normally get worse in the first few years before they begin to get better. If you don't stick it out, you'll never see the better side. It may seem a long way off, but it will come. Plus, you really do not want Rachel to grow up in a broken home and become another statistic, do you?"

“I'll think about it, Mrs. Dyer," Roxanne said. “I just don't see us together no matter how far into the future I look."

Chapter 18

When Debbie stepped off the elevator into the parking garage of her penthouse Monday morning on her way to work, she could not locate her car. I can't believe this! I can't believe they repossessed my car! she thought in disbelief.

“I thought they were just bluffing," she told Abby after calling her for a ride to work. “I'm just two days late in paying them and they come and take the car. Can you loan me the money today so I can go down and pay them? I'll give the money back to you on Friday "

“I didn't know they pick the car up if you are only a few days late," Abby said. “Are you sure it's them? Someone may have stolen your car."

“I'm sure it's the car dealer. The thing is I've been late more than once before. I keep forgetting to drop the check off. The last time I was late, they told me they may come and pick it up if I am late again," Debbie said. “I thought they were just bluffing. Anyway, I'm going to call the dealer once I get to the job. I'll get one of my co-workers to give me a ride down there during my lunch break so I can pay them and get my car back."

Abby was not so sure Debbie was telling the truth, but did not say anything. Choosing her words carefully, Abby said, “You may want to trade in that Porsche for a less expensive car."

“You're right. That's probably what I need to do," Debbie sighed.

“And, Debbie, I'm speaking to you as a friend. You might want to think about giving up that penthouse for a cheaper apartment. There are some nice ones out there that cost less and are in safe neighborhoods."

“I'll think about it," Debbie said, “and thanks for rescuing me."

Debbie made visits to several loan companies to help her pay her monthly expenses. She used one loan to pay another loan. She applied for more than one credit card, using one card to cover the fees of another card. She was in debt trying to pay on the furniture in her apartment. To make matters worse, she returned to the store and paid for the red dress she had just returned for a refund with one of her credit cards. I must have this dress, she thought.

Three weeks before Easter, Jessica fell ill again. This time she was in the hospital for a week. Some of the church members stopped by the house with covered dishes. Some stopped by the hospital to visit and to pray with her. John put the house up for sale that week and was looking into buying a trailer home at the trailer park not too far from where they lived. He placed a small ad in the newspaper. Interested prospects stopped by to view the house. Many were impressed by its beauty. “It must be hard to part with such a beautiful place," one lady said as Colleen gave her a tour of the house.

That same week, with the help of Debbie, Abby, Colleen and even Stanley who drove up to spend the weekend, they planned a yard sale for that Saturday. John brought out most of their furniture to sell leaving the bare necessities behind. He received a very interesting phone call from a businessman around 8:00 that morning inquiring about the ad John had placed in the newspaper. The ad read:

Gentleman seeking engineering position at any engineering business firm. Willing to relocate. Has 20 years experience with Carrier Air Conditioning Systems. References available upon request.

The gentleman asked him numerous questions, including what church he attended, how many family members he had, his wife's job position, and what his children were doing. They spoke as though they were old acquaintances. John felt refreshed and encouraged after talking with him.

“Sometimes, God has to bring us through some things before He begins to bless us again," the gentleman said to John as a final goodbye.

The garage sale yielded much fruit—not only financially, but socially, as the Dyers made some new friends among their neighbors.

“I can't believe you're getting rid of these pieces of furniture at such low prices. You'd do better selling them to an antique shop," one lady said after purchasing the living room set. “You might want to change the prices on the rest of the furniture. I feel like I just robbed you." The lady had a dark brown complexion and wore her black hair in a bob haircut that accentuated her face. She spoke with an accent that John could not place.

John took note of her and her group. They came together in an eight passenger van. There were three ladies: one in her late twenties and the other two in their mid forties to early fifties. Two gentlemen were in the group: one seemed to be in his early thirties and the other in his late forties.

“I'll take the microwave and the vegetable juicer," the second lady, who introduced herself as Mildred, said. She gave John a one hundred dollar bill. “Keep the change," she insisted even at John's protest. “You're not charging enough as it is."

The two gentlemen were more interested in the family van that was sitting on the lawn out front. “Mind if we test it?" the older gentleman, William Baxter, asked. He was beginning to grey a little and sported a short beard. “Come on, Jake," he said to the younger gentleman who resembled him.

The men were gone for about thirty minutes, but returned well pleased. “We'll take it," William said. “Let's take care of the paperwork right now, and we'll be by on Tuesday to pick it up." John thought he recognized William's voice, but was unable to place it.

A quiet small-framed lady, Valencia, seemed to take an interest in Colleen. She conversed with her as though they were old acquaintances. “How do you feel about leaving your home? You must have a lot of good memories here," she asked Colleen.

“Yes, I'd hate to leave, but things change and life goes on. This is really the only home I know. We've been living here since I was two years old."

She asked Colleen about her siblings, and about the baby yet to be born. She also asked her about her schooling. Valencia promised to send her some baby clothes. “I don't mean to impose, but where do you work?"

“Right now I do not work. I had plans to go to med school, but I am going to have to wait until after the baby is born. I have one more month to go before giving birth."

“I didn't notice your mother. Is she around here? I'd love to meet her."

Colleen told Valencia about her mother's condition and how that she was in the hospital. Valencia wrote down the name of the hospital and the room number. “I may just swing by for a short visit and pray with her," she said with a smile.

“On a whole a successful day," John shared with his wife when they visited her at the hospital later that evening. He told her about the interesting group that stopped by.

“A lady by the name of Valencia did stop by and pray with me," Jessica said. She told me she had an interesting talk with Colleen. Who knows, they may be angels in disguise."

Chapter 19

Stanley stayed over for the weekend and went to church with his family. He spent the next two weekends with the family as well right up to Easter week. He had only spoken with Roxanne once over the past three weeks. She had called to tell him she was filing for a divorce. Debbie spent the Easter weekend with the family as well. She was there because she was under threat of being evicted from the apartment and did not want to be there when it happened. On top of that, she had an unsettling feeling that the car dealer would come by and pick the car up again—this time for good. Colleen only had one more week to her delivery date. Her emotions were mixed between excitement, anxiety and depression—not knowing what the future held for her as she felt her dreams and goals might be placed on the back burner for good.

Easter Sunday was beautiful. The weather was warm, and the sun shined in a near-cloudless sky. The Dyer family awakened to the chirping of birds outside. After breakfast, they headed to church. Jessica was in much pain, but she insisted on going. “Even if you have to carry me," she insisted. “I guess we are going to need that wheelchair after all," she said to her husband as he helped her to the car. “I have never missed an Easter Sunday at church since we've been married, and I do not plan on missing one now."

As they were leaving the house, Jessica quietly asked, “Has anyone heard from Tyler?" No one had.

Debbie rode with Stanley to the church. “I wish Roxanne and Rachel were here," Debbie said. “I hope you two can work things out."

“I won't force her to come back though," Stanley said. “If a divorce will make her happy then I'll give it to her."

The family sat a few rows back from the front. They were warmly greeted by some of the other members as they took their seats.

“This morning is a morning for rejoicing," Pastor Anbaar started his message. “A morning for rejoicing because our Savior, Jesus Christ, rose from the dead giving us eternal salvation and hope for the future. This can be a true Resurrection Sunday or the beginning of a resurrection period for some of you. Some of you are experiencing disappointments, setbacks, illnesses, or tragedies; you don't know which way to go. It's been going on for quite some time, and you don't see a way out of that difficulty, that tragedy, that illness, that misfortune that you are going through and have been going through for a while. But I tell you, on this Easter Sunday, Jesus can revive you again. Your faith is being tested, but like Job, you can come out the victor. Don't feel bad—Jesus faced tests even as He walked here on the earth.

“Although He was the Son of God, He was also the Son of man; He was fully human. Jesus carried the greatest burden any human could carry. Can you imagine for thirty-three years living with the thought that your life will end in a terrible death—death by crucifixion? Crucifixion was the worst way to die. It was slow and torturous. I'm not going to get into the specifics, but for thirty-three years, Jesus being fully human, knew that He was going to the cross.

“While He was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He called out to the Father, the only person who could deliver Him, three times. ‘Oh, God, remove this cup!' He told three of His disciples, Peter, James and John, 'My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death.' The burden He had been carrying for many years reached its climax. He prayed, 'Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.'

“Jesus subjected Himself to the will of the Father and that will was that He should die for the sins of all mankind. If you are going through some setback, some disappointment, some tragedy, that may just be the will of the Father for you at this time. God's will for Jesus was that He should die for us. He had to shed His blood for us because sinful man cannot save sinful man. The Bible says, 'Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.' In other words, if Jesus did not die for us, if He did not shed His blood for us, we would all die in our sins and end up in Hell for all eternity.

“If you are not saved, you cannot truly celebrate Resurrection Sunday. Jesus died for our sins, but He rose from the grave early Sunday morning. You, too, can have this resurrection in your life. You can be raised from a life of spiritual death to a life of spiritual abundance and be in fellowship with God. Just believe that Jesus died for your sins, but He rose giving you the victory over death. All you have to do is to believe. The Philippian jailor asked Paul, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' Paul said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.' Only believe.

“How many of you say, 'Pastor Anbaar, I believe Jesus died for my sins. I want Him to save me.' Raise your hand if you believe."

Many hands went up all over the auditorium as Pastor Anbaar continued. “Please repeat this prayer after me if you are serious about receiving Jesus as your Savior: Holy Father God, thank You for Jesus coming to die on the cross for my sins. Thank You that He willingly came. Thank You that all I have to do to inherit eternal life is to believe on the Lord Jesus. Father, I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that He died for my sins, was buried, and rose from the dead. Please forgive me of my sins and save me from my sins. Please come into my heart and change my life. Amen."

“John," Jessica suddenly whispered to her husband, “I have a weird feeling in my body. I don't feel as much pain as I did earlier. I can move my leg around without much discomfort."

“Are you sure?" John asked. He placed his arm around his wife's shoulders.

“Yes," she nodded and turned her attention back to Pastor Anbaar.

“Many are going through trials right now. It may be a financial trial, a health trial, or a marital trial; you are faced with making a decision that will affect the rest of your life. Turn it all over to Jesus, today, before you leave. If you want me to pray for you, raise your hand, and say, Pastor, I want this to truly be a Resurrection Sunday for me." Everyone in the Dyer family joined others in raising their hands.

As Pastor Anbaar prayed, he left the pulpit. He motioned to four of his deacons to join him. They stood around Jessica who was seated at the end of the pew. Pastor Anbaar anointed her head with oil as he quoted verses from the book of James: “Is there any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is there any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."

“May the blood of our resurrected Savior cleanse you and heal you, my sister...and your family," Pastor Anbaar said raising his hands over the family.

Jessica felt a wholeness come over her as Pastor Anbaar took her hand and helped her to her feet. The pain in her legs and chest was gone. “I'm healed, John," Jessica said to her husband as tears filled her eyes. “Glory! I'm healed, John. I can feel it."

Chapter 20

The church family rejoiced with Jessica as they made their way to the fellowship hall for the big feast planned in celebration of Jesus' resurrection which granted all who believe and receive Him as Savior, the victory over death and Hell. While they were getting situated at their table, Roxanne and Rachel greeted them.

“It's so good to see you. When did you get here?" Jessica said giving them both a hug.

“We came while Pastor Anbaar was preaching," Roxanne said. “I am so glad I was able to see your miraculous healing. Your face is so bright and radiant. You look like a changed woman."

Even though it was an awkward moment for Stanley and Roxanne, they each hugged each other. Rachel was elated to see her daddy. She jumped into his arms.

“Come and join us," John said making room for them at the table.

“Can I join you, too?" a familiar voice asked.

Everyone turned to see Tyler standing there. Jessica was the first to reach out to him with a hug. “Tyler! Thank God you're safe," she said as fresh tears fell from her eyes. “Lord, this is just too much. Thank you for granting my prayer request."

Tyler looked at his dad. “Dad, please forgive me for the way I treated you. I am sorry. I really am."

“Come on, son. Give me a hug. It's all forgiven. We'll talk later. Let's just enjoy this meal right now."

While the church family was enjoying their meal and fellowship time, and the children were enjoying their Easter egg hunt, one of the older deacons, Deacon Lattimore, approached John and his family. He was followed by the interesting group that had come to the yard sale.

“John, I want you to meet some friends of mine. They are long time supporters of Day Spring. They were living in South America doing missionary work, but have relocated here to Atlanta, at least until God calls them to a new mission field. I believe they came to your yard sale a few weeks back," Deacon Lattimore said.

“I thought you looked familiar," John said to the group as they all shook hands. “How's the van running?" he asked William.

“Just great. In fact, I want to talk with you about it," William said. “I'm the guy who called you about that ad you placed in the newspaper seeking a job. Have you been successful in finding one yet?"

John shook his head.

“Well, Jake and I are going into business for ourselves and we'd love for you to join us. I've already spoken with Mr. Davies, your former boss at Carrier, and he highly recommends you."

“This is the answer to prayer that I've been waiting on," John exclaimed gratefully.

“And," Jake added, “you can have your van back, and do not think about reimbursing us the money we gave you for it. Consider it a gift from God."

John was at a loss for words.

“I'm Abigail," the bobbed hair woman who came to the yard sale said to Debbie. “I did not say much to you at the yard sale, but I sensed you were going through a difficult time financially. Anyway, the Lord is leading me to do something for you. I have $50,000 I want to bless you with. Don't say no because, like I said, the Lord told me to give it to you. And I want to encourage you to always trust the Lord."

I must be dreaming, Debbie thought. “I don't know what to say," she said.

“Say, yes," Abigail said. “I only ask one thing, and that is that you place at least half of this money in a savings account to incur interest."

Debbie nodded. “You can be sure I will do that," she said. $25,000 is way more than enough for me to pay off all of my bills, my credit cards, and to give back to the people I have stolen from, she thought to herself. In fact, I think I've learned my lesson. I'm going to take Abby's advice and turn the Porsche in for a cheaper vehicle as well as move out of the penthouse into something that's more affordable. Thank You, God, for a second chance!

Valencia turned to Colleen with her bright smile. “Colleen, I want to help you reach your goal of going to medical school. I talked it over with my husband, Greyson, and we want to offer you a proposal. We want you to have the baby, and we'll keep the baby for you while you are away in med school. You can visit whenever you want, stay with us as long as you want, and bring the baby home as often as you want. We'll keep the baby as long as you are in school. You can have him or her once you finish school, but you must stay in school; you must get that degree."

Colleen almost fainted. She took a few deep breaths and patted her bulging stomach. “Why are you doing this?" she asked. “You hardly know me."

“I learned enough about you when we talked at the yard sale. I appreciated your openness and your maturity and that you did not blame anyone for your pregnancy but yourself. I was also blessed to see that you were willing to give up your own dreams to take care of your child. And since my husband and I cannot have any children of our own, we promised God we would help any child that He led us to help as long as we live. He led us to help you. We count it an honor to invest in your life and in the life of your child."

Colleen closed her eyes and opened them again to make sure she was not dreaming. “I accept your offer," she said quietly.

Mildred had been conversing with Tyler. She and William were married and she was a lawyer. “You're a fine young man," Mildred said. “What are your plans for the future? Where do you go to college?"

Tyler sighed. “Well, I'm not in college right now. I kind of skipped out. But I was hoping to go into engineering like my dad."

“Is that so?" Mildred asked. “You know you cannot follow in your father's footsteps unless you get a degree in engineering."

Tyler fidgeted.

“There's a lot behind his words," John said coming to his son's aid. John briefly told them about the mishaps in Tyler's life over the past year up until when he walked away from the family. “Son, these folks have been upfront with us; we may as well be open with them. I believe God sent them to help us and I humbly accept their help."

“Okay, Dad," Tyler said humbly. He related to Mildred and the rest of the family the misfortunes that came his way after leaving to go on his own. “Now, I am in trouble with the law. I was with the wrong crowd again. I was in the get-a-way car when my friends robbed an electronics store. This time it was not a prank; it was for good. They plan on keeping the stuff they stole. The police are looking for me. Dad, I came here because I did not know what else to do."

“Is that so?" Mildred asked again. After a moment of silence, she continued, “This is what we'll do for you. I'll arrange for a plea deal at court. You will go down to speak with the investigators and tell them everything you know about the robbery, even if it means turning in your friends. You may not like it, but, at least, it will keep you out of jail. I'll provide my services as a lawyer completely free of charge on one condition: you must go to college starting in the summer."

“Okay," Tyler said slowly. “But I don't have the money for college."

“That's not your problem," Mildred said. “Me and my husband will pay for everything."

Tyler studied the floor for a moment. “Okay," he said again, “I accept your help... but I don't want to leave the city. I want to stay close to my family -- "

“And to your so-called friends who keep getting you into trouble?" Mildred said. “No, you'll have to go to college out of state. I have a particular college in mind. It is a Christian institution and I know your parents would approve of it. You have to get away from these friends of yours. All they are doing is pulling you down."

Tyler just nodded humbly.

While they were talking, Pastor Anbaar and his wife had taken Stanley and Roxanne to his office. “I don't like what I've heard from your father about you two. I performed your marriage ceremony six years ago, and I was shocked to hear that you are in the process of getting a divorce. You two have not even given your marriage a chance. Whether you want to or not, we'll begin counseling today. You both claim to be Christians, don't you?"

Stanley and Roxanne nodded their heads.

“Well, since that is the case, you both are going to commit to doing your marriage the Christian way. Okay?" Pastor Anbaar said.

Stanley and Roxanne breathed a sigh of relief as they both glanced at each other. That was all they needed: someone to take charge and push them to do what they knew was right.

As John Dyer drove his family back home that evening in the family van that had just been returned to them, he expressed his gratitude in silent prayer to God. Looking in the rearview mirror, he was almost overwhelmed to see both of his daughters and his son who had new courses set out for their lives in a way that could only have been divinely orchestrated by God. In the passenger's seat, his wife sat completely healed of the illness that had plagued her for several months. Following them on the highway, were his son and daughter-in-law who had been given new hope for their marriage. And when he got home, John couldn't wait to yank the “For Sale by Owner" sign out of the front lawn. God had supplied everything they needed and more.

“This has truly been an unforgettable Resurrection Sunday," he said to his wife. “Not only because we remembered Jesus' resurrection from the dead, but because of Him, our lives have been resurrected from seemingly dead situations."

Jessica nodded her head in agreement as she quoted Romans 6:4: "Just as Christ was raised from the dead...we also walk in newness of life."

THE END

If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a rating and a review on Amazon.com. Thank you.

Do You Know Jesus Christ as Your Savior?

A note from the publisher: Our main goal in publishing inspirational fiction is two-fold: (1) To help those who know Jesus Christ as their Savior live more faithful Christian lives, and (2) To show those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior how they can get to know Him in the course of life circumstances that many people face.

That being said, if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior, here is how you can get to know Him today:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God's law. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7: 20: “For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

The Bible also says in Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

Fourth, accept the fact that you cannot do anything to save yourself! The Bible states in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Fifth, accept the fact that God loves you more than you love yourself, and that He wants to save you from hell. “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jesus Christ, John 3:16).

Sixth, with these facts in mind, please repent of your sins, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and pray and ask Him to come into your heart and save you this very moment.

The Bible states in the book of Romans 10:9, 13: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Seventh, if you are willing to trust Christ as your Saviour, please pray with me the following prayer:

Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner. For Jesus Christ's sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life. Amen.

If you just trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and you prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, I declare to you that based upon the Word of God, you are now saved from Hell and you are on your way to Heaven. Welcome to the family of God and congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.

For more information to help you grow in your new found faith in Christ, go to www.GospelLightSociety.com and read "What To Do After You Enter Through the Door." Jesus Christ said in John 10:9, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

More Fiction by Daniel Whyte III

…And Family Drama Just Won't Stop

…And Family Drama Just Won't Stop II

No Time for Evil

Shaking the Gates of Hell

Charmaine

The Unspoken Prayer Request (The Prayer Trilogy #1)

I Need Someone to Pray With Me (The Prayer Trilogy #2)

The Thanksgiving Letters

I'm Dreaming of a Black Christmas

The Prophet, the President, and the Pastor

The Cover-Up

The Correction

The Common Prayer

CHILDREN'S FICTION

A Miraculous Thanksgiving

The Little Wise Girl

Bug-a-Booh Learns to Give

Booh's Christmas to Remember

Connect with Daniel Whyte III

Visit Daniel Whyte III online at www.DanielWhyte3.com.

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1

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