by Hannah Parks
A Time To Love
Tears poured down Jessica’s pale face. “Dear Father,” she prayed, “I feel so abandoned and alone. I know Mamma loves Ray, but I don’t know if I can go through this again.” Feeling much better with her load lifted, Jessica prepared for the outing at church. As she brushed her long brown hair, her mother appeared in the doorway.
“Jess, I can drive you to the church tonight. When do you need to be there?”
“Oh, can we leave around 7:00 p.m.? Tricia is supposed to get there early, too, so we can help with the refreshments.”
“That’s fine,” replied her mother. “I’m going to the store, and I’ll be back soon.”
Jessica sorted through her clothes as she decided what to wear. Her eyes fell on a soft blue taffeta dress. She would soon be wearing it as a bridesmaid in her mother’s wedding. She groaned inwardly and selected a burgundy sweater and a black skirt for the outing.
“Hi, Jess! It’s good to see you again,” exclaimed Tricia when Jessica arrived at the church a little later.
“Are you feeling better?” asked Jessica.
“Yea, I’m doing better. Those antibiotics helped a lot. Miss Julie said that we could help her pour drinks.”
Tricia had a rather plump figure and sported a new hair color almost every week, but her personality was very accepting and sweet. She and Jessica had been good friends for several years. Tricia chattered incessantly as they prepared the refreshments. “Jess, how are things going with your Mom?”
Jessica sighed, “They’re getting married in February. I’m supposed to be a bridesmaid.”
Tricia cast a worried glance towards Jessica, “You don’t seem too excited. Are you worried?”
“Yea. Well, it’s not really Ray. He seems nice enough. I’m just tired of learning to live with step-fathers. Matt was a real jerk, ya know?”
Tricia gave Jessica’s arm a reassuring squeeze. “Yea. I bet that he will be different, though. He seems pretty cool.”
The remainder of the evening was spent playing Pictionary and devouring cookies and Pepsi. Pastor Ron concluded the party with a short devotional. His deep voice always seemed to soothe Jessica’s soul. This time was no exception as his concluding comments touched her heart. “John 15:12 says, ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.’”
Jessica lay in bed that night unable to sleep. Her mind raced with questions. What would it be like living with Ray? He seemed nice enough when he was around, but that wasn’t an everyday occurrence. She fell asleep thinking about his jovial laugh and kindly masculine voice.
Christmas day brought its usual cheerfulness and smiles. Jessica’s slight form raced down the wooden steps. Her dark-brown eyes sparkled with joy as she beheld the shimmering Christmas tree. Just as she reached the tree, Ray walked in. “Merry Christmas, everyone!” he cheerfully proclaimed in his deep voice. He quickly gave Jessica a small hug and proceeded to the kitchen to help Cynthia with the steaming mugs of dark liquid. The fun began as cider was consumed and gifts were received.
Afterward, Ray leaned forward in his chair. “Jessica, I have something for you.” He held out a small box wrapped in shiny gold paper.
Jessica’s tiny hands took the package from his large hands. Opening it carefully, she stared in awe; then spoke softly, “Thank you, Ray.”
Ray carefully took out the silver ring and placed it on her finger. Shaped like a small key, the ring fit beautifully on her slender finger.
Ray spoke again, “Jessica, I know you are scared about my marrying your mom, but I want you to know that I will always take care of her. I love her.”
Jessica met his gaze. “I hope so, Ray. I’m trying to trust you, but she’s been hurt a lot. I might be small, but if you hurt her, you’ll have me to deal with.” Her tone softened as she finished, “Thanks for the ring, Ray. It’s really beautiful.”
Two months passed. Jessica fingered her ring nervously as she waited for the wedding to begin. The church was beautifully decorated in a pale yellow and light blue. The ceremony was a blur to her as she mechanically performed her duties. She watched her mom and new step-father excitedly leave and then she went to find Tricia.
“Hey, Tricia, are you still coming over tonight?”
“Jess, you looked wonderful in that blue dress! Yea, I’m coming. Mom said she didn’t want you by yourself tonight, anyway. You know how protective she is.” Chattering happily, the two proceeded home.
Munching on popcorn that evening, Tricia glanced at Jessica. “Jess, you seem kinda down. Are you okay?”
Tears began to form in Jessica’s large eyes. “I guess. I’m just so afraid that I won’t get along with Ray. His accent gets on my nerves.” Jessica imitated him: “Would ya pass me them black-eyed peas, please?”
The imitation sent both of them into hysterical fits of laughter. Growing serious again, Tricia replied, “Jess, learning to live with someone is never easy. We all have our faults, but you gotta give him a chance.”
That night was another sleepless one for Jessica. “Heavenly Father, I realize that You have brought Ray into my life for a reason. Love him through me and help me to accept him for who he is.”
Three days later, Ray and Cynthia returned home. Jessica ran out to the car to meet them. “How did it go? Did you see any deer?”
Ray chuckled. “We sure did. I shot a good-sized buck, and your mamma sure tried to shoot a few. I was waiting for her to turn the gun on me as I watched her growing irritation.” At that, Cynthia laughed and the trio entered the house.
The evening was full of adventure stories from the woods in North Carolina. Jessica felt more at home as his stories evoked a strange sense of pride within her. She retired early that evening with a peace in her heart.
The following morning came with lots of sunshine and fluffy clouds. As Jessica sat eating breakfast, Ray surprised her with a question. “Do you do much fishin’, Jess?”
“Yea, I love to fish.”
“Well, I thought about goin’ today since I go back to work tomorrow and won’t have much time. Would ya like to come?”
Jessica smiled broadly. “I’d love to.”
The pond was oval and the blue-green water seemed to dance in the sunlight. Not many fish were caught, but Jessica listened intently to Ray’s every word. “Jessica, do you remember our conversation at Christmas about your mother?”
Jessica nodded.
“Well, I think we’ve overcome that hurdle. Now, we’re facing another one.”
Jessica waited, but Ray only stared at her. “What’s this one?” she asked fearfully.
“Jess, you’ve finally given me the opportunity to love your mother, and I appreciate that. When are you gonna let me love you?”
Jessica was caught off guard. She looked out over the water as tears began to travel down her sunburned cheeks. She spoke carefully, “I don’t know, Ray. You gotta give me time.”
Disappointment showed in his eyes, but Ray only smiled and nodded. The following days passed routinely as Ray continued to provide for and love his family.
As April approached, new growths of spring appeared among flowers and trees. New growth also appeared in their family as Ray spotted a letter on the dresser one morning. Tears wrought precious channels down his cheeks as he read:
Dear Ray,
I’ve been thinking a lot about the question you asked me while we were fishing several weeks ago. It’s very difficult for me to open my heart to guys. They’ve always hurt me in the past. You’re different though, Ray. I don’t like the way you leave your smelly socks lying in the living room, and sometimes your accent bugs me, but I’ve seen a precious quality in you—love.
Thank you for taking care of Mama and for your on-going love for me, as well. I just want you to know that I love you.
Your loving daughter,
Jessica
The Day Our Teacher Fell Off Her Rocker
She had always been, cool, calm, and collected until this u
nforgettable day. It never really surprised any of us because it was “one of those days.” You know how it is. You wake up in the morning and wear unmatched socks; you feed your pet goldfish to the cat; and you accidentally use your brother’s toothbrush!
Well, it was on such a day that English class proved disastrous. Our otherwise calm teacher totally blew it. Books started flying and demerits were served along with an abundance of extra homework. There was a line of students waiting to be admitted to the office! As for our sweet teacher, well, she flew out the door. The odd predicament is . . . no one knows why!
Familiarity
Familiarity. Have you ever noticed the dangers involved in becoming too familiar with a friend? No, I don’t mean knowing the things that they like to do or their favorite color. The danger lies in the innermost chambers of the heart. From these chambers emerges the gentleness and careful love that is expressed to a newly-found friend.
It is when a friendship becomes routine and familiar that gentleness and kindness is lost. We begin to playfully tease at first; then, teasing may give way to treating that once dear friend with rudeness and no concern.
Does this happen on purpose? I would venture to say no, but it does happen. Do you treat your friends with the love, respect, and kindness they deserve?
Cold Heart Tonic
I have this totally eccentric habit! You want to know about it? It has been labeled “caring for people.” Weird, isn’t it? When I see the pain in your eyes, I hurt. When tears stream down your face, I cry. It may not always show on the outside, but my heart aches terribly. It’s great to see you smiling, because then I laugh!
They say that there is a cure for this “ailment.” It’s a medicine that I nicknamed “Cold Heart Tonic.” The side effects range from indifference to a totally uncaring attitude. It can cause harsh words, ruined relationships, broken hearts, and a host of other problems. My main concern is that many people are currently taking it! Are you? (Romans 12:15)
The Freedom of the American People
“America the Beautiful” is an expression that is heard often during the celebration of our nation’s birthday, but what has made America beautiful? Why is she great? This question can be answered by traveling back to the year 1776.
The Declaration of Independence originated because of our nation’s desire to have freedom. Our forefathers desired religious freedom and freedom of speech along with various other rights. Without these freedoms, our nation could not be great.
Our forefathers realized the importance of this document as they bravely signed their names. They paid dearly when they signed the Declaration of Independence. Francis Lewis gave his fortune; his home was burned; and his wife was taken as prisoner and mistreated. Richard Stockton was captured and brutally treated, becoming an invalid until his death. Several men were charged with treason, tortured, and killed. However, these men were willing to pay the great price for freedom.
After the signing of the Declaration of Independence, freedom did not automatically result. Lives were sacrificed; war was prominent. America now stood divided between those who opposed independence and those who sought it. Thus, began the War for Independence. On October 19, 1781, the British finally surrendered, and on September 3, 1783, the treaty of peace was signed!
America’s greatness will always parallel its adherence to certain principles. It was these principles that guided the thinking of our founding fathers. These principles were incorporated into both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.
One of these principles is work ethic. The dignity of hard work and production has been swept away by the welfare system. However, the free enterprise system encourages ambition, motivation, competition, and hard work.
Then, too, the principle of the value of human life is found within the Declaration of Independence. We are violating one of the principles upon which this nation was built by killing thousands of babies each day. What happened to the statement, “ . . . We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights . . .”?
Another principle upon which our nation was built is the principle of the traditional family. A nation begins to crumble when its families begin to break up. Former President Ronald Reagan stated:
“The family has always been the cornerstone of American society. Our families nurture, preserve, and pass on to each succeeding generation the values we share and cherish, values that are the foundation for our freedoms. In the family, we learn our first lessons of God and man, love and discipline, rights and responsibilities, human dignity and human frailty. Our families give us daily examples of these lessons being put into practice in raising and instructing our children, in providing personal and compassionate care for the elderly, in maintaining the spiritual strength of religious commitment among our people—in these and other ways, America’s families make immeasurable contributions to America’s well-being. Today more than ever it is essential that these contributions not be taken for granted and that each of us remember that the strength of our families is vital to the strength of our nation.”
The signing of this great document can teach much to those who are willing to learn from this great event. We can see the importance of freedom and how it has helped our nation progress. Also, we are reminded of the great price of freedom and how easily it can be lost. The commitment that our founding fathers made needs to be kept today.
Why is America great? The answer can be summed up in one word: commitment. The lack of commitment to our neighbor, to our nation, and to God will bring about the downfall of this great nation. Are we committed to helping those who are in need? Do we really desire to see this nation continue to prosper? Are we depending on God to guide each decision that may debilitate or strengthen our nation? Perhaps it is time to evaluate and recall how much our founding fathers sacrificed to give us freedom.
Our first President, George Washington, recognized our precious gift of freedom, too. This can be seen in his inaugural address:
“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency. . . . We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of heaven cannot be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which heaven itself has ordained.”
As we focus on these words, may we remain grateful for the gift of freedom that has indeed produced the words, “America the Beautiful.”
Mysterious Ways
Jenny’s thin face seemed to soak in the sunshine as her blue-gray eyes danced in the sun’s rays. Her long body lay lazily on the soft grass. “What a beautiful day,” she breathed.
“Hey, Sweetheart, are you still getting some sun out here?” asked a tall blond. “Haven’t you had enough?”
“Ha, ha, Jack. Twenty minutes wouldn’t do a refried bean any good.”
Jack plopped down beside Jenny. “Is there anything I can get you?” he asked.
Jenny laughed. “With a husband like you and the world at the fingertips of a 22-year old, I’m quite content. Thank you, though,” she murmured.
Jack’s expertise as a mechanic and his blond hair had gained Jenny’s approval as she searched for her “rugged man.” Her mother was not happy with the unsaved fellow, but Jenny’s restless heart found her at the altar in just 10 months. “You’ll learn to like him,” she had argued. Her mother had only shaken her head in dismay and breathed a silent prayer for her straying daughter.
As the summer continued on, Jack began spending more and more time in his shop. Jenny confronted him at supper one evening. “Jack, you don’t spend much time here anymore. We’ve only been married for four months. Did I marry a husband, or did he marry a body shop?”
