Always Tried and Proven

by Nancy Hopper

  Sadie and Callie exchanged a wide-eyed look. Her song had fit Sam’s theme yet again. And he was working from notes, so he hadn’t changed his flow to fit hers. Callie had once again been exactly in step with what God wanted to bring forth, that night.

  As he began to talk, Callie found herself feeling very vulnerable and naked, sitting in the front row. She felt as though she would die if Sam looked at her; and that she might die, if he didn’t. Sadie must have sensed her fear, for she picked up Callie’s hand, and held it tightly.

  Sam’s eyes fell to the two women briefly, but frequently. They could not read his eyes, and he kept a poker face; but they were aware of a certain attentiveness. He often stood close before them, though he looked beyond them when he did so. After giving some good teaching, Sam closed his eyes and waited. Callie and Sadie looked up at him expectantly.

  They began to feel the anointing increase around him. They both knew when the spirit of prophecy fell on Sam. They gripped their hands together tightly, feeling a sense of trembling in their bones. But they didn’t hear much of the prophecy.

  When Sam began to speak, the power that fell like a lightning bolt hit them hard, and simply knocked them onto their faces. Then, a blanket of the heaviness of glory enveloped them and pressed them down. Sam felt something hit his boot, and he opened his eyes. Sadie and Callie were crumpled at his feet, on their faces. His chuckle reverberated through the PA system. The sound seemed to create a chain reaction of chuckles and giggles around the tent.

  A wave hit Sam and he bent like a willow tree, far beyond his normal ability. Finally, he fell to one knee and both hands, trying to avoid injuring the women at his feet. Though he tried to hold himself up, the weight of the glory was far too heavy. The presence of the Lord pressed him to the floor, like a giant press.

  Laughter broke out and spread like fire. Then the same weight of glory spread throughout the tent. People fell like dominoes, with groans of surprise, in reaction to the unusual experience of feeling the weight of His manifest presence.

  Soon, the tent was silent. All were overcome. Later, some testified that they sensed Him walking among them. Looking here and there, touching this one and that. One said that he could hear soft footfalls, and the rustling garments of One walking among the prone bodies.

  There were visions given that night to some, who saw angels hovering. It was a night never to be forgotten. It was long after midnight when people finally began to filter out of the tent, to head for home.

  Callie opened her eyes, and found her head against Sam’s knee. He had an arm flung over his head and he was absolutely still, as was Sadie. The tent was nearly empty, except for staff. Those who were left were either on their faces, or moving slowly, as though under water. Callie could hardly see through the haze in the air, like a golden cloud that hung about a foot off the ground.

  Callie pushed her way to a sitting position, and almost immediately collapsed onto Sam’s legs. Sam opened an eye and looked at her.

  “Sorry, Sam. I can’t seem to sit up. And there’s something wrong with the air.”

  Sam grinned. “You see it, do you? There’s nothing wrong with the air; there’s something very right. It’s the glory cloud.”

  “Huh?”

  “It’s the Shekinah — the glory of the Lord.”

  “Is that why I can’t sit up?” she asked.

  He chuckled. “Yeah. Don’t be in a hurry. Stay in the atmosphere as long as you can.”

  “But I have to go to the restroom.” She protested.

  “Ah. All right, then. I’ll see if I can help you. Give me your arm.” He urged.

  They did manage to get to their feet with some careful effort. Sam put an arm around her, and tried to keep her ambulatory. It did not work. They took two shuffling, weak steps, and crumbled into a heap under the incredible weight of the glory.

  Callie fell with her head across Sam’s torso. They roared with laughter. It couldn’t be helped. They both found their pitiful efforts and resulting predicament hilariously funny.

  “I guess He’s not finished with us yet. I’m sorry, Cal, I really did try.”

  “Oh, dear. Let me get off of you.” She gasped between peals of laughter.

  “Can’t.” he predicted.

  It was true. The weight seemed to increase, and Callie simply could not make her body move. It was incredible, amazing! Sam’s hand slid over her hair and came to rest on her head. Then there came stillness and silence. Neither of them could move, or talk. Callie was forced to feel the warmth of Sam’s chest, the beating of his heart. The feel of his hand on her head. Sam was forced to feel the softness of her hair; smell the perfume of her; feel the smoothness of her cheek under his hand. The heat, the sweet anointing penetrated with greater weight, force and intensity than ever before.

  Callie felt suddenly surrounded and filled with love unspeakable. It permeated and touched her deepest soul. It was such a deep, overwhelming touch of God that they were both experiencing together. For just as Callie knew that Sam could sense what was happening to her, she could also feel the Lord touching his heart.

  And oh, she could feel Sam’s heart – so big, and tender. It made her want to weep. Then she became increasingly aware of another heart reaching toward her, so overwhelming, so tender, so full of love and longing. Sam and Callie melted under the yearning, loving touch of a heart so smitten with love for them. Wooing, yearning for deeper, sweeter communion with them.

  Callie felt that He was addressing them both as one, and yet recognized them as separate entities. And, she realized that she felt one with Sam, as she never had before. She’d never felt anything like this. She knew that somehow, they were being melted together. She felt that He was telling them they were to be together, choosing them beyond the shadow of a doubt, for one another. She felt a peace wash over and through her that was indescribable.

  “Oh.” She whispered. Tears of joy overwhelmed her, and poured from her eyes. Sam’s hand stroked her head in comfort.

  It was about three the following morning when the presence lifted. Sam and Callie were finally able to sit up. Sam ran his hands through his hair and sighed. They laughed, as their eyes met. There was a sheer, joyous wonder at what they’d experienced together.

  “Shall we?” Sam whispered gently.

  Callie nodded, and slowly worked her way to her feet. They put their arms around one another, and walked toward the door. They struggled to be quiet as they plodded along in their curiously inebriated state. Once outside, they found their giggles and chuckles harder to stifle. The night air felt cool and fresh on their faces. It was a slow and extraordinarily extended walk to the trailer door.

  Sam stumbled and collapsed against the trailer, effectively pulling Callie into his arms as he did so.

  “Whoa.” He whispered, but he did not relax his hold on the girl he held so closely. He looked down at her and let his dimples talk. “Did I tell you that you looked and sounded like an angel up there tonight?” he asked lightly. “It was very good to see you doing what you’re supposed to be doing in this tent.”

  Tears filled her eyes, and she pressed her lips together to still their trembling. “Thank you, Sam. It is very good to be back.”

  Sam gave a low chuckle. “All right. Well, try not to wake Sadie up, eh?”

  “Is she sleeping with me?” Callie asked curiously.

  “I hope that’s all right. That’ll free up her bed for me, and you two can keep one another company as well.”

  Callie smiled up at him and nodded. “It’s fine.” She assured him.

  “Cal, what changed your mind about singing tonight?” he asked curiously.

  “Sadie, actually. She wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

  Sam chuckled. “Sadie. Sometimes, I think she’s the real director of this ministry. Bless her.”

  Callie shook her head. “No, Sam. You’re the authority. But she’s a heck of a right arm.”

  He nodded, and looked into her eyes. “Yeah. We’re
blessed to have her. G’night, Cal.” He said quietly. He pulled his arms away, and slowly made his way to another trailer. Callie stood and watched him until he went inside. Then, she followed his example.

  Sadie turned on the lamp.

  “You’re still awake?” Callie scolded.

  “Of course. Boy, wasn’t that some service, tonight?”

  “And then some.” Callie sighed. She accepted Sadie’s assistance to slip out of the suede dress.

  “So, how is our handsome pastor this evening?” she queried gently.

  Callie sighed and stared into space. “He’s wonderful. Delightful.”

  “Well, did we make a change in the atmosphere?” Sadie prodded.

  “Oh, yes. Everything is different.”

  “Well, did he kiss you goodnight?” Sadie demanded.

  Callie twisted, to look at her dreamily. “No. No kisses goodnight. As you predicted, he is being a very well-behaved, and very careful man.”

  “Well, good for him.” Sadie chuckled. “We’ll see how long that lasts. Goodnight, Callie.” she said with a deep yawn.

  “Goodnight.” Callie sighed.

  When Callie awoke, the sun was shining bright and hot through the window. She heard Sadie talking, and poked her head around the open trailer door, to peer through the screen. Sadie was sitting in a deck chair, wearing sunglasses and a hat, and talking on the phone.

  “We are very excited to be coming to Florida! I know that Pastor Sam is already feeling the expectancy for what is going to happen at the meetings. Yes, great. I’ll let you know the specifics on Sam’s flight, as soon as I can. Thank you, Pastor Smith. I very much look forward to meeting you.”

  Sadie hung up the phone and slid down in her chair with a sigh. Callie smiled at the off-key melody that Sadie began to sing. She never had been able to carry a tune.

  Callie sat up in bed, and stretched. She saw a man’s hand slide along Sadie’s thigh toward her hip, out of the corner of her eye. She sat up in alarm. She watched Sadie cover the man’s hand with her own, and twine her fingers through the man’s.

  “That will be quite enough from you, Mr. Mattson.” Sadie drawled in a cool voice.

  Callie’s eyebrows went up as Sean sat down in the chair beside Sadie.

  “Not ready to be friendly yet, pussycat?” he goaded.

  “Sean, I am not your plaything.” Sadie chided him distantly.

  “Not because I’m not trying.” He teased. “If you don’t want my attention, why do you continue to wear those shorts that you know tempt me beyond reason?”

  “Sean, it’s hot.” She explained in a bored voice.

  “So am I. If you were being honest, you’d admit that you are very, very hot yourself.”

  Callie stood up, indignation flooding her senses. Then, she put a hand to her throat as Sadie’s laughter came rolling out. She was too stunned to think.

  “You wish, sweetheart.” Sadie taunted, obviously flirting.

  “I sure do wish.” He agreed readily. “Let me take you swimming this afternoon. I’ll buy you something to eat, and maybe I’ll even buy you a new dress.”

  Sadie smiled provocatively at him. “Will you promise to behave yourself?” she asked with flashing eyes.

  “I guess you’ll have to take your chances.” He growled, pulling her to her feet. His hands slid to her waist, and up her ribs.

  Sadie covered his hands with hers, and moved them back down to her waist. “You are certainly bold this morning,” she complained.

  “It’s going to get a whole lot worse before it gets better.” He warned. “You know I’m going to get you, Sadie.” He said with clear meaning.

  A chill ran up Callie’s spine. She’d never seen this side of Sean. He’d always been a perfect gentleman. But he was chasing Sadie in a way that made her very uncomfortable. There was no talk of love, no talk of marriage. Just getting his hands on the prize, and in a most disrespectful manner.

  “Don’t you go counting your chickens before they hatch, Mr. Mattson. I’ll get ready, and see you in about ten minutes.” Sadie told him.

  Callie got up and went into the tiny bath closet in the trailer. She closed the door just before Sadie came in.

  Sadie stopped short when she saw Callie’s empty bed. “Cal?” she called hesitantly.

  “In here.” She answered tightly.

  “Oh! Listen, I’m going swimming and shopping with Sean. I don’t know when I’ll be back. Is there anything you need from town?”

  “No. I’m fine. Thanks.”

  “Okay. Well, I’ll see you tonight, if not before. If Sam wonders, tell him what’s going on, all right?”

  “Absolutely.” Callie assured her dryly.

  After Sadie was gone, Callie took her shower and washed her hair. She put on some shorts and a ruffled top, and sat down in a lawn chair outside the trailer to think, and brush out her freshly washed hair.

  “Good morning.” A hand fell on her shoulder, and she recognized Sam’s presence by covering his hand with her own. As he came around beside her, she smiled up at him.

  “How are you, after that very short night?” she asked lightly.

  He laughed, flopping into the chair next to her and looking at her out of the corner of his eye. “About like you, I suppose.” He picked up a lock of her long, damp hair and examined the shining strands appreciatively. He smiled when he saw the pink blush stain her cheeks, and let the hair slide through his fingers. “How would you like to come to work with me today?” he asked.

  “What do you mean?” Callie asked hesitantly.

  “Well, today I have permission to go into the prison, or the mental hospital, the old folks’ home, or the school for developmentally disabled. You can take your pick.” He offered, a challenging glint in his eye.

  Callie considered carefully. This was a test. She raised her eyebrows, and sighed. “Well, that would depend. There are probably several ways to approach this. I think we should cover as much ground as we can. Maybe, depending on how many of the team want to go, we could split up and go more than one place. How much territory can we cover do you think, Sam?”

  Sam looked at her curiously, as though not sure she was serious. “Well, I have to be honest, Cal. I usually go with just a couple of people, at most. I never considered to ask the whole team.”

  “I think there are a lot of others who’d like to go, Sam. I’m surprised you didn’t think of it. I know you’re dedicated to helping them grow.”

  He raised an eyebrow, and shrugged sheepishly. “Yeah. Absolutely, you’re right. What did I ever do without you, Callie?” he asked in wonder. He shook his head, and got to his feet. “I’ll work on that while you get ready.”

  Callie stared after him with an impish grin. At least, she’d qualified for the race. Now, she just had to show him she could run it. She decided to wear a nice, summery dress and sandals. Cool, lavender cotton was just the thing for a day like today. She put her hair up into a French Roll, and was just finishing applying light make-up when Sam came back.

  “Wow.” He said quietly, grinning up at her from the doorway.

  She smiled and snapped in her earrings. “Did you find any takers?”

  “Yep, I sure did. Four for today. But we decided right away that we need to work on expanding our outreach. Folks are ready to go, more than I realized.”

  “Good.” Callie congratulated.

  “We’ll take Sadie’s car. I can’t find her, but it will be all right.” He explained, as he put his arm around her. He steered her away from his van, toward Sadie’s little two-seater. She felt shy with him, as he opened her door and saw her seated. When he joined her, he seemed very big in the cab of the little sports car. He put on mirrored sunglasses, and Callie found herself smiling at him. He was a sexy man, and he didn’t even seem to know it.

  They’d hardly begun their drive, when Callie’s thoughts turned to Sadie and Sean.

  “What’s the matter?” Sam asked gently.

  “Oh, nothing.” s
he sighed. “I just had kind of a surprise, this morning. I can’t seem to quit thinking about it.”

  “What happened, honey?” he asked.

  Callie shrugged. “I don’t know that I should talk about it. It’s one of those things where you end up hearing something you shouldn’t hear. You know? It’s really none of my business.”

  Sam sighed. “Well, then, it’s probably my business. Why don’t you tell me what’s going on, and let me be the judge? If it’s not important, it will stay right here.” He smiled at Callie encouragingly.

  “It’s probably nothing. I just worry a bit about Sadie and Sean.”

  Sam seemed genuinely surprised by the information. “Really? Why is that?”

  “I didn’t know they were so involved, is all.”

  An eyebrow went up. “Neither did I.” Sam assured her.

  “Huh, oh.” Callie gulped.

  “What now?” he chuckled.

  “Then I just told on my best friend – to Papa.”

  He smiled. “It happens. What did you hear that bothered you?”

  Callie shrugged. “I don’t know, except that Sean just wasn’t himself. He was not being much of a gentleman. I’ve known him a long time, Sam, and it just wasn’t at all like him. I don’t mean to sound crude, but he handled her in a very familiar way and was very suggestive. It bothered me.”

  Sam sighed. “And how did she react?”

  “That bothered me, too. She said all the things she should have to put him in his place, but it wasn’t at all convincing. She seemed almost ... provocative.”

  “Sadie?” he asked in disbelief.

  Callie blushed. “I know! I was so shocked and embarrassed that I went into the bathroom, so she wouldn’t know I saw. It wasn’t anything she said, it was just something in the air that was … shocking. And he was very … not nice. Inappropriate.” She explained uncomfortably.

  “Huh. Well, thanks for telling me. I’ll just keep my eyes open. Don’t worry, I won’t ask Sadie anything about it. But I do appreciate knowing. That’s always my biggest worry, with unmarried people living together in this camp environment. It’s enough of a risk with married people. With singles …” he sighed heavily.