From The Ashes
Page 24
Her husband would build a place of worship just like her grandfather had done. The circle was complete.
Judith’s heart warmed at the thought of creating a family with Jacob. Married life was so much more than she’d ever imagined, and she would be forever grateful that she’d saved herself for him.
A soft breeze fanned the tablecloth around Judith’s legs as Henry and Beverly joined them.
Henry raised his hands and the crowd quieted. “Lord,” he called out in his deep baritone, “we ask You to bless this food that nourishes our body, to bless Your children who love and serve You, and to bless our lovely new church. Amen.”
“Amen!” the people shouted.
Judith sat back in her chair and watched the people around her.
Chloe and Keneisha were already at the dessert table, eyeing a triple-layer chocolate cake.
Henry Washington and his wife smiled broadly at Beverly as she served them food.
Her father was in deep conversation with the man beside him.
Three cars drove into the parking lot.
“Isn’t that—?” Judith asked Jacob.
“Hey, it’s my family,” he answered. “I thought they might come.”
The children tumbled out of the vans first, followed by ten adults carrying foil-covered plates of food. Jacob walked out to meet them, taking his niece from her father’s arms and perching the baby on his hip.
Judith stood to embrace her mother-in-law. “How nice of you to come.”
“Wouldn’t miss it. Aaron, nice to see you again,” Emma said as she hugged Judith’s father.
Hope was right behind her and greeted Judith with a warm embrace. “You didn’t think we’d let you and Jacob enjoy all this good food by yourselves, did you? Now where do I put this potato salad?”
Beverly took Hope’s elbow.
Judith greeted the remaining members of the Fraser family. To think that she’d once been afraid of these people. She’d come to love each of them.
Especially Emma. Jacob’s mother would never replace her own mother, but the empty spot in Judith’s heart was slowly being filled by Emma’s unfailing love.
Judith walked away from the table to stand in the shade of an oak a few feet away and survey the scene. She’d prayed for courage and she’d been given adversity.
Wasn’t that the Lord’s way? He’d had blessings planned for her, but she’d had to find the courage to receive them.
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May God’s glory shine through
this inspirational work of fiction.
AMDG