Plucked Out of the Net

by Georgia McCain

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Donnie decided to wait on God for a few days, with fasting and prayer, before going to see Sharon. Brother and Sister Chaney and Mrs. Slocum were also praying that God would give him help and wisdom.

  Thursday morning, Donnie was up early. In fact, he had slept very little the last few days. He went over to the church and again waited before God in prayer as he had done every day since Sunday. But today he felt assured that this was the time to go see Sharon.

  He had already located where she lived, so he drove right to her place, parked his car, and walked toward the little white house. A white picket fence surrounded the house, and in the yard he saw Christy, barefoot and in a pair of shorts, playing in a sandbox.

  "Good morning, Christy," he called cheerfully, even though his stomach felt tied in knots.

  She left her play and ran merrily toward him. Her hair had not been combed, and her face had signs of her breakfast on it.

  "Hi," she smiled. Then giggling, she said, "My name is Christy Slocum."

  "Yes, I know." He tried to pick her up in his arms, but she pulled back from him and turned and ran toward the house.

  "Mommy ... a man."

  Then he saw her! She stood in the door, clad in a pair of shorts and a halter, with a cigarette in her hand. She looked years older than when he had last seen her. But no mistaking, it was Sharon.

  "Hello, Sharon," was all he could say.

  "So you found us," she answered.

  "Yes."

  "What do you want?" Her voice was hard and cold.

  "I'd like to talk to you."

  "About what?" The stern look on her face gave Donnie no encouragement.

  "About lots and lots of things," he said, meaning it to sound light, but it came out all wrong. Instead of lightness, his voice carried a hint of the years of loneliness and regret he had spent since their parting.

  With an answering sadness, Sharon said, "Come in." She pushed the screen door open, admitting him into the living room.

  As he entered, Donnie took in the scene before him. The room was littered and the furniture needed dusting. It was so unlike his mom's spotless living room. The TV was on, and a scantily dressed girl was acting out a love scene with her partner.

  Sharon walked over and turned off the TV as she said, "Sit down." She put out her cigarette and picked up a couple of beer cans and took them out of the room. When she returned, she had put on a blouse. She sat down in a chair opposite Donnie.

  Christy walked over to Donnie and leaned on his knee. He picked her up and held her, sand and all.

  "Well, Christy, the very idea!" Sharon scolded sharply. "Get off the man's lap."

  "No." Christy snuggled closer, to Donnie's delight.

  "I've never seen her act like that toward a stranger. She acts like she knows you." Sharon told him, almost accusingly.

  "I met her at church."

  "At church? What do you mean? When and where have you seen Christy at church?"

  "I saw her Sunday, at the little church on Parkview. She was with Mrs. Rice."

  "How did you happen to be there?"

  "I'm staying with the pastor and his family for a couple weeks. He's a close friend of mine."

  "Oh. "

  There was a period of silence. Donnie was at a loss to know what to say. The very thing he had feared had come to pass: Sharon was like a stranger to him.

  Help me Lord, he prayed desperately.

  "Sharon," he finally began. "A lot of water has run under the bridge since I saw you last."

  "Yes, I know. I heard you got married."

  "No, I never got married."

  "You didn't? But it came very straight to me. You married a girl by the name of Lisa Whitfield."

  "We were engaged, but we broke up the night before the wedding."

  "Well, of all things! What happened?"

  Donnie could not mistake a look of relief in Sharon's eyes.

  "Do you remember how my mom prays, Sharon? Well, she felt it was wrong, according to the Bible, for me to marry again while I had a living wife, so she prayed and God kept me from marrying the girl."

  "Oh!"

  Again there was silence. Christy got down and left the room. In a few moments she was back with her doll.

  "My doll's name is Jane," she giggled.

  "That's a nice name, Christy." Donnie took the doll and stroked its hair.

  She left again and came back with the cat.

  "My cat's name is Fluff," she said.

  "He's a pretty cat," Donnie commented .

  "Come, Christy," Sharon said. "Let me wash that nasty face."

  "No, no!" Christy told her.

  Sharon left and came back with a wash cloth and a hair brush.

  "No, no!" Christy hit at her.

  Sharon swatted her on the seat and washed her face. Then holding her between her legs, she brushed her hair.

  "Let go, let go!" yelled Christy.

  "I will, little lady, when I get through. There now, that looks better."

  Christy climbed on Donnie's knee again. Donnie laid his head against her hair. Love for little Christy overwhelmed him and tears came into his eyes. With a choking voice he said, "Sharon, you don't know how terribly I've missed this little girl."

  Sharon didn't answer, but Donnie saw the tears swell in her eyes. She blinked them back.

  Donnie felt the atmosphere was clearing.

  "Sharon," he began again. "I'm a changed man from what I was when you left me."

  "You do look different, Donnie."

  "You see, my mom and my sister, as well as others, prayed for me until I gave my heart to God. I quit my old ways and am living wholeheartedly for the Lord. That's why I'm here. We're starting a revival, Sunday, at the church where I saw Christy, and I'm supposed to do the preaching."

  "You're preaching, Donnie? I can't believe it."

  "It would be hard for you to believe, after the way I lived when I was married to you. I want to ask your forgiveness, Sharon, for all I put you through. It was all my fault that we broke up. You were a good wife and were true to me. I was unfaithful to you. That, along with my drinking was enough to make you pick up Christy and walk out on me. I'm truly sorry, Sharon. Will you forgive me?" Tears streaked his cheeks.

  Sharon was battling hard to get control of her emotions, but this time she was unable to blink back the tears. Soon they were falling like rain. The hard lines in her face softened, and Donnie got a glimpse of the Sharon he once loved so dearly.

  "Do you forgive me, Sharon?" he asked again. "I'm truly sorry for all the heartache I've caused you."

  She was sobbing now. "You weren't all the blame, Donnie. I had my faults."

  Donnie's voice was tender as he said again, "But do you forgive me, Sharon?" .

  "Yes, Donnie. Oh, yes, I forgive you. You're so different! I wish I could change like you have."

  "You can, Sharon. God can change you in a moment of time if you'll only let Him."

  Sobbing brokenly, she answered, "I've tried to change, Donnie, but instead I've just got worse and worse. You know I had stopped smoking and drinking before we separated, but now I'm hooked again. I had to move out of the house with Mom and Dad because they got sick of my drinking. They live here in town, but I don't see them much. Dad was transferred here on his job. We got along fine for a while, but after I thought you were married --" She put her head in her hands and cried convulsively. "Oh, Donnie, you don't know what I've been through."

  Donnie tried to be calm. "Who told you I was getting married? Why didn't they tell you when I didn't?"

  "I subscribed to the daily news from your home town. That way, I thought I could find out if you ever married. I saw your marriage license in the paper."

  "Oh, I didn't realize --" What could he say?

  After a while he asked, "Sharon, will you come to our revival starting Sunday?"

  "Donnie, I'd really like to, but I don't have a dece
nt dress to wear. We barely exist on what I make at the cafe."

  Donnie reached for his wallet and took out a couple of bills. "I want to buy you a dress. Get one for Christy too. That's the least I can do."

  "Oh, no, Donnie. I can't take your money."

  "Look, Sharon, Christy is my child. I can buy her a dress if I want to. And you're my – well – you were my wife. I owe this to you. I should have been sending you support money all this time. Please take it and buy you an outfit and come to church Sunday. It would make me so happy."

  "I have to work Sunday."

  "Will you come Sunday night?"

  "I'll be there." She smiled through her tears.

  Donnie preached Sunday morning. His first message was akin to most first messages, not so good. He faltered, stuttered, fumbled with words, misquoted Scriptures, forgot part of' his message, and ran dry thirty minutes before it was time to dismiss. He was utterly discouraged as he walked back to the parsonage.

  "I'm willing, as you can see," he told Brother Chaney, "but I'm just not capable. I need experience."

  "How are you going to get experience if you don't preach?" Brother Chaney tried to encourage him. "Everybody has to start somewhere, Brother Donnie."

  "But not in a revival," Donnie said flatly. "I just can't do it."

  "If you'll go ahead and preach tonight, I'll help you out next week," Brother Chaney promised him. "These people are gracious and understanding. We'll make it fine."

  Donnie went to the study and prayed all afternoon.

  "Lord," he prayed, "You know I'm willing, but I just can't preach. Will you take over somehow? Bring Sharon out to the service and get to her someway, in spite of my poor preaching."

  He had called his mom with a report of his visit to Sharon's. Connie and Larry were there, and they had all promised to hold on in prayer for God to work another miracle.

  Sharon came. Her sandy-colored hair was freshly shampooed and lay shining against her shoulders. Her new outfit, a two-piece dress in light green, brought out the lights in her eyes and made her eyes appear to sparkle as she smiled at Donnie, who was standing at the front door of the church when she came in with Christy. Or was it happiness that made her eyes sparkle? Donnie's heart missed a beat. Was this the same person he had visited Thursday?

  "Sharon," he spoke her name, and wondered what made his voice go husky on him. He cleared his throat. "I'm so glad you came. You look beau--uh--you look so nice."

  "Thank you, Donnie. You look like a preacher, yourself." The greens and browns in her eyes twinkled, reminding him of her mischievous streak.

  She and Christy sat about halfway toward the front of the church. Donnie kept glancing in her direction. Tonight, the worn look was gone, and she looked more like the Sharon he had married. Memories flooded his soul. Would he be able to preach?

  He lifted his heart to his never-failing source of help. Lord, I need You tonight. I'm depending on your help.

  During the song service, the Holy Spirit settled down as Donnie led the congregation in singing:

  There is a stream that flows from Calvary,

  A crimson tide so deep and wide.

  It washes whiter than the purest snow;

  It cleanseth me, I know.

  Hallelujah! 'tis His blood that cleanseth me,

  'Tis His grace that makes me free,

  And, my brother, 'tis for thee.

  Oh, hallelujah! 'tis salvation full and free;

  And it cleanseth, yes, it cleanseth me.

  No other fountain can for sin atone

  But Jesus' blood, O precious flood!

  And whosoever will may plunge therein,

  And be made free from sin.

  Donnie's heart seemed to be doing flip-flops, he felt so happy in the Lord. The Spirit was blessing others, and tears were flowing. Donnie glanced at Sharon. She, too, was wiping tears from her eyes. He recognized that God was dealing with her heart.

  Stopping the singing, Donnie said, "It's not preaching we need tonight. We just need to mind God. Is there someone here who wants to plunge into this fountain we're singing about? Is there someone who wants to be made free from sin? Do you want to be washed whiter than snow? Are you tired of being bound with the chains of sin? Jesus can free you if you will come and kneel here at the altar and confess your sins to Him and ask His forgiveness. Come on, don't let the devil defeat you. Jesus is here. The fountain is open for whosoever will come. Don't leave here tonight all burdened down with sin. There's a better way. I'm so glad I found that way. I was so wicked and vile, and bound with the devil's chains, but Jesus set me free.

  "My dear mom used to intercede for me, saying, 'Lord, pluck him out of the net.' Thank God, He answered my mom's prayers and plucked me out of Satan's net. There are some here tonight who need to be plucked out of his net. Won't you come while we sing an invitation song?

  "Let's stand and turn to page 403, 'Oh, Why Not Tonight?' "

  Oh, do not let the Word depart,

  And close thine eyes against the light!

  Poor sinner, harden not your heart.

  Be saved, oh, tonight!

  Feeling the Spirit's prompting, Donnie left the platform and walked back to Sharon.

  "Sharon, the Lord is dealing with you. Won't you give your heart to Him?" he pleaded.

  "I don't know what to do, Donnie, but I do want what you've got."

  "Come, Sharon, and kneel at the altar and ask Jesus to come into your heart. Let Him save you."

  She stepped out into the aisle and walked the few feet to the altar. Christy started to follow, but Mrs. Rice picked her up and took her to the nursery. Two other penitents came and knelt beside Sharon as the congregation sang the other stanzas of the song.

  Donnie knelt in front of Sharon.

  "Talk to Jesus like you do to me, Sharon," he instructed her. "Tell Him how tired you are of the way you've been living. Confess your sins and ask forgiveness."

  Sharon wept and prayed and confessed to God until she prayed through, and the precious Son of God blotted out all her sins. She looked up at Donnie with a glowing smile and said simply, "He saved me."

  It took all the restraint Donnie could muster, to keep from clasping her in his arms. He put his head down on the altar and wept like a baby. Brother Chaney slapped him on the back and shouted the praises of God.

  Mrs. Rice came hurrying down the aisle and threw her arms around Sharon, exclaiming, "My prayers have been answered. Praise God!" They wept on each other's shoulders.

  As Sharon was leaving that night, Donnie asked, "May I come over after you get off from work tomorrow?"

  "Please do," she said happily.

  When he drove up to her house the next day, she had not yet arrived. He waited, knowing she would be there soon, since it was after three. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw her driving up. She had a big smile on her face. He got out and hurried back to her car to hold the door for her.

  "Sorry to be late," she apologized. "It was hard to get away from Mrs. Rice. She is tickled pink that I got saved."

  "I am, too, Sharon. Do I look pink?"

  They both laughed as Sharon helped Christy from the car.

  "I want to go to Donnie," Christy held out her arms toward him.

  Donnie grabbed her up. "Young lady, don't call me Donnie. I'm your Daddy." Then realizing what he had done, he blushed. Had he said the wrong thing? He looked shyly at Sharon. She was smiling.

  "My daddy's dead," Christy sang out.

  Sharon's smile faded. "I'm sorry I've taught her that, Donnie. Will you forgive me?"

  "It's all right," he answered with a grin. "I was dead in trespasses and sins, but I've been resurrected to newness of life."

  Turning to Christy, Sharon said, "I'm sorry that I told you your daddy was dead, Christy. I fibbed and I'm sorry. This is your daddy, honey."

  "My name is Daddy," Donnie said, trying to play Christy's game.

  "Daddy,
Daddy." Christy threw her arms around his neck. "Daddy, Daddy," she repeated.

  "It's almost as if she actually knows," Sharon marvelled, looking at Donnie. "Come on inside." She held the door open for him.

  Christy wriggled to get down, and went to find her toys.

  Sharon sat on the couch and Donnie sat beside her, taking her hand possessively in his. When she did not pull back, he decided to tell her what was on his heart.

  "Sharon, I know you have every reason in the world not to listen to what I have to say to you today, but I hope you'll try to believe me – because of Jesus and what He has done for both of us. I love you. The only reason I ever considered marriage to another was because I thought you were lost to me. I want you back more than I've ever wanted any earthly thing. I need you, darling."

  Looking into her eyes and reading her love for him gave him boldness to go on. "When you walked into church last night, a feeling swept over me that I can't describe. Then when you went to the altar and were saved, that feeling deepened. And as I look into your eyes right now, I can't help believing the feeling is mutual. Sharon, will you take me back?"

  She smiled. "Donnie, I --"

  "Before you answer, Sharon, I want to remind you that God has called me to preach, and that being a preacher's wife will be much different from what our married relationship was before. I'm not sure what all will be involved, but I have a feeling I may have to go to Bible College to prepare for the ministry, as I'm finding out I need lots of help. If so, this will mean a big sacrifice on your part. You and Christy will be alone much of the time while I attend classes, study and hold a job for our support. Once I finish, our life style will still be much different than before. Our lives will be spent in serving others as we serve God. Before, we lived only to please ourselves. But God's call is clear, Sharon. Are you willing to be a preacher's wife?"

  With tears in her eyes and a glow on her face, she answered, "Oh, Donnie, I love you so much I'll go to the ends of the earth with you, if necessary. I've never quit loving you, and I never will. I knew I still loved you the moment I saw you again. I've missed you more than you'll ever know."

  Donnie felt a strong impulse to take her in his arms and kiss her as he had so many times in the past. After all, in God's sight, she was still his wife. But little Christy appeared at that moment with a book.

  "Look, Daddy, a big dog." She pointed to a picture in the book. "The dog goes woof-woof," she exclaimed gleefully.

  Donnie smiled as he took his little daughter on his knee and kissed her on the cheek. With one arm around Christy and the other around Sharon, he asked, "Sharon, will you marry me right away?"

  "Yes, Donnie, my darling. I've always been married to you in my heart."

  After hearing of Donnie's plans, Brother Chaney agreed to finish the revival for him. Both of them felt God had accomplished His purpose in Donnie's being there. Now, he needed to get home as soon as possible so they could be married before his vacation time was over.

  Sharon quit her job the next morning, and she and Donnie went together to break the news to her parents. They were relieved and happy that Sharon and Donnie had resolved their differences and that Christy was to have a good home.

  "Mom," Sharon had said to her mother, " I'm sorry for all the heartache I've caused you. At last I'm on the right track. The Lord saved me, and Donnie and I are going to make a Christian home for Christy. You and Dad should go to church and get saved. It's wonderful."

  After tending to all the necessary business and packing, Donnie, Sharon, and Christy started out for Terryville. During the first part of the day, Christy claimed most of their attention with her questions and her chatter. But eventually she fell asleep in the back seat, leaving Donnie and Sharon to catch up on the happenings of each other's lives since they had separated.

  "I still feel like I should pinch myself every once in a while, to see if I'm dreaming," Sharon laughed. "I just can't believe it's possible to be so happy."

  "I mean to do my part to keep you happy, dear. I've been warned that we'll have a lot of adjustments to make, and that it won't be all sunshine and roses, but we'll have Jesus to help us this time."

  "The drinking caused most of our fights, and we won't have that now," Sharon added. "Oh, I'm so glad you found me!"

  "No gladder than I am. I think my greatest regret, since I found Christ, has been that I couldn't do anything to make restitution to you for the past. I know the past can't be changed, but I'm glad I'll have the privilege of making your future a happy one. I was so afraid I'd never have the chance to make it up to you by being a Christian husband."

  "Donnie," Sharon said softly, "I believe, if it's possible, I love you more than I ever have."

  Donnie chuckled and pulled her closer to him. "You know, Sharon, that's exactly the way I feel about you. And I believe it is possible. There's something about salvation that makes our love stronger and more secure. Aren't we glad that it was Jesus who brought us together again? It was a miracle of miracles."

  "It really was, Donnie. I had completely given up on ever seeing you again, after Dad was transferred and we moved."

  "Then, why didn't you let me know where you and Christy were, Sharon?" There was a mixture of pathos and chiding in his voice.

  "Because one part of me never wanted to see you again, Donnie. You had crushed me, and I was much too proud to forgive you. I thought it was easier to suffer than to forgive."

  "I thought you hated me, Sharon. You wouldn't give me an inkling of an idea that you cared."

  "If you could have seen me after you would call me and try to make up, you would have known how I cared. I would grieve for days, but my stubborn heart wouldn't yield."

  "I thought you wanted to marry another guy when you sued for divorce. Perhaps, that guy I saw you with the day I came to visit, although I couldn't see why."

  "Are you kidding? That would have been the last guy I would have married. I only dated him twice. I was awfully lonely, and I thought dating would help. But after he hit you that day, I wanted nothing more to do with him."

  "Why did you want a divorce then, Sharon?"

  "To get revenge. I wanted to hurt you as much as I had been hurt."

  "Didn't you realize you were freeing me so I could marry someone else if it came handy? Oh, Sharon, what a narrow escape we had! What if I had gone ahead and married?"

  "The part of me that was trying to hurt you didn't care if you did get married and move completely out of my life. The other part of me was completely crushed when I saw your marriage license in the paper. I thought I would grieve myself to death. I didn't care if I ever ate again. I lost a lot of weight, and that's when I went back to drinking." She looked at him piteously. "Oh, Donnie, I know you don't understand, but it was like being two different persons. Sometimes I reveled in the feeling that I was torturing you by keeping Christy from you and being unforgiving. Then at other times I would have an intense desire to call you and ask you to come get Christy and me. It's a wonder I didn't lose my mind completely."

  "Why didn't you call when those feelings came over you?"

  "I thought I would rather suffer than to give in. I guess I was just too stubborn."

  "Jesus has a cure for that too, Sharon."

  "What do you mean?"

  Donnie took this opportunity to explain to her about sanctification. Sharon listened with an open heart.

  "I don't understand all you're saying, Donnie, but 1 do want my life completely yielded to Jesus. 1 want to be like you. It was your good, clean appearance and your humbleness when you apologized and told me about what God had done for you that broke down my stubborn resistance and pride and helped me to forgive you and then find Christ in my own life."

  "It wasn't me, Sharon. It was the blessed Holy Spirit working, in answer to prayer. Volumes and volumes of prayer have ascended to God day and night for months and months. We were praying for what seemed an utter impossibility. I'm sure I would have faint
ed in prayer if it hadn't been for the prayers and encouragement of others. After I lost track of you, I felt that all hope was gone. But one night in family devotions, Mom showed me a promise God had given her that day, concerning your whereabouts. She handed me her Bible and said, 'Here, read Jeremiah 32:27.' I read it until I memorized it. It says, 'Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?' I took new courage from that wonderful promise. It helped me to believe that someway, somehow God was going to let me find you. Well, He did, and I '11 never quit praising Him for it."

  Sharon was crying. "Donnie, I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, for the heartache I've caused you. How could 1 have been so cruel?"

  "We were both cruel, Sharon, darling. Both of us were mean, hateful, sinful, wretched, and miserable. But that's behind us. We've been plucked out of the net, our sins are all under the blood, our home will soon be restored. Just think of it, Sharon. From here on out, we can walk hand in hand toward our heavenly goal, with little Christy beside us."

  "Daddy, I want to sit 'side you." Christy pushed her tousled head between them as she hoisted herself over the back of the seat.

  Sharon scooted over to make room for her, and Donnie grabbed Christy, hugging her up to him affectionately. "Your grandma and Aunt Connie are going to like you, you little troublemaker," he said.

  What a tearful reunion took place when they reached home at last. Everyone was laughing, crying, and praising God at the same time.

  "It's great to see you, Sis," Donnie said to his twin. She was thin and required lots of rest, but she was bubbling over with joy and happiness because of what God had done for her twin brother.

  "I had to get sick so I could come home to see my saved and sanctified brother," she laughed. "I couldn't wait any longer."

  "I'm sorry you're sick, Sis, but I'm glad you're here to share our joy," he said, reaching for Sharon's hand. "I'd hate to think of you over there not knowing how wonderfully God has answered prayer, until the mail comes two weeks later."

  Tears came into Connie's eyes. "I'm so happy to be here, Donnie. I have often yearned to be with you and Mom, that we might fellowship together. I'm so happy God answered our prayers for Sharon. I'm just thrilled beyond words. It was truly a mighty miracle. I'm glad God allowed Larry and me to be here to enjoy this wonderful blessing with you and Sharon and Mom. I have only one regret. We had prayed for weeks for revival and God had begun to graciously pour out His Spirit in our area, as well as other areas, just before we left. An awakening was taking place. It was hard to leave, but I'm sure God knows best."

  Sharon and Donnie were reunited on Thursday night in Mrs. Slocum's living room, with Brother Morgan officiating. Only family members and close friends were present.

  Mr. Slocum had seemed extremely pleased about the reconciliation when Donnie had called to invite him to the ceremony. Donnie was happy to see he had come. Mr. Slocum assured Connie that she was half the reason for his coming. Also, little Christy received her share of attention from "Grandpa."

  Before leaving, Mr. Slocum handed Donnie an envelope. "Here's a little gift for you and Sharon," he said.

  The "little gift" was a check for a thousand dollars. Though Donnie hated the idea of taking money from his dad, it had come at an opportune time and seemed like an answer to prayer. So breathing a "thank you" to his loving heavenly Father for His watch-care over them, he went in search of Sharon.

  He found her putting Christy to bed. "Sharon, look at this! Now we'll be able to rent a place and be on our own. There will be enough for modest clothes for you and Christy, and a wedding trip, besides. How about it?"

  "Do you think your Mom would keep Christy while we're away?"

  Mrs. Slocum graciously consented to keep her little granddaughter so that Donnie and Sharon could have a few days to themselves.

  "Thanks, Mom. We really appreciate your willingness to keep our little livewire." Then, placing his arm around her shoulders, he added, "Most of all I appreciate your prayers and faith. What a mess my life would have been if it hadn't been for your perseverance in prayer. Thank you, Mom."

  Walking over to the couch, where Connie sat within the circle of Larry's arm, Donnie took Connie's hand in both of his. "I expect to have lots of long talks with you while you're home, Connie. I want to hear all about your wonderful experiences in New Guinea. And I want to get better acquainted with my brother-in-law." He smiled at Larry. "But right now, I just want to say thanks, Sis, for bringing salvation to our home."

  Tears flooded Connie's eyes. "It's been a wonderful privilege, Donnie. My greatest reward is the fact that you and Mom are enjoying salvation with me."

  As Donnie and Sharon drove off a little later, Sharon snuggled up closer to her husband and sighed deeply.

  "Why the big sigh?" Donnie asked. "What's wrong?"

  "Oh, nothing's wrong. It's just that I'm back where I belong and everything is so right. The sigh was relief – because our separation is all over - my lonely and aching heart has been satisfied at last - my conscience is no longer torturing me - my many sins have been forgiven and my bad habits have been given up with God's help. To sum it all up, I've found true peace and happiness at last. Oh, Donnie, why shouldn't I sigh a big sigh of relief?"

  "Praise the Lord, Sharon!" Donnie exclaimed as he felt something bubbling up within. "Your words are sweet music to my ears. God has done exceeding above all that we could ask or think. What a glorious future we have ahead of us. And just think - this is only the beginning."

  He glanced at her as she gazed at him with adoration. "My dearest darling," his voice was husky, "I love you so very, very much."

  "I love you, too, my dearest, more than my words can express," she answered softly. "I intend to spend the rest of my life making up to you and to God the years that have been wasted - the years that were spent in the devil's net."

  She closed her eyes and leaned toward him. He slowed the car and gladly gave her the kiss she was expecting.

  About The Author

  Georgia Davenport McCain