He was amazed by the sheer number of cars filling the parking lot in the middle of a weekday. Locking his car, he stumbled into the building.
Nearly every chair in the sanctuary was filled. He hadn’t even known so many people attended their church. Where had they all come from?
“Isn’t it amazing?”
He blinked at the sound of Scott’s voice and turned to see his friend at the door, Lexi next to him.
“We’ve gotten so big, we have to be on a rotation basis. We’ve got local businesses bringing in food as well as a lot of families helping with that.”
“Do all these people attend here?”
Scott smiled and shook his head. “No, Sandra organized a lot of this, but when Tony called his pastor friends, several drove over to come pray here. It’s amazing. I’ve never seen a revival quite like this.”
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Lexi said, placing her hand on Scott’s arm. A soft pink spread across his face.
“Guess I’ve missed a lot,” JD said, raising his brow at his friend.
Scott put his hand on Lexi’s. “Yeah, Lexi accepted Jesus as her savior a few days ago, and we’ve started seeing each other.”
JD wished he were more excited for his friend. Scott definitely deserved it, but a powerful jealousy swept through him. Why should Scott have someone when the love of his life was laying in the hospital, unable to even see her daughter? “That’s wonderful,” he said, though the words pained him. “I’m going to run home and shower and get back to Callie. I’ll keep you posted on any change.”
He hurried out of the building before the jealousy made him say something he would regret.
At his apartment, he threw clothes into a bag, then stripped out of his three-day old jeans and t-shirt and stepped into the shower. He turned the water as hot as he could stand it and enjoyed the burning sensation it brought to his skin.
His mind wandered back to Alexa. He had hoped her death would have been the last time he would have to say goodbye to someone in a hospital. She had become addicted to drugs after being diagnosed with cancer. It was how he had started using, partly because she had asked him to do so and partly because he couldn’t stand to see her wasting away. The drugs had eased that pain, but only temporarily. When she was gone, even the drugs couldn’t quiet the aching in his heart. They had never gotten to have the family he had always wanted, but now he had another chance for that.
JD stepped out of the shower and sighed. This should be the happiest time of his life, and he was happy about Hope. She was like a tiny ball of sunshine. It didn’t matter who held her; she always seemed to have a way to touch their heart. But he missed Callie; he wanted her to be able to share in his joy. She had done so much for so many people, himself included, that he couldn’t really imagine life without her or life with her comatose. She had to wake up and meet her ray of light. He fell to his knees on the floor, not caring that he was clad only in a towel, and requested God once again heal Callie. This prayer was beginning to feel like a broken record, but he would keep repeating it until Callie woke. After praying, he dressed, grabbed his bag, and then headed back to the hospital.
This time when my eyes opened, I was in the familiar field of daisies where a sea of white stretched before me and in all directions. Peace blanketed me as I gazed around. The sun warmed my shoulders, and a light breeze tousled my hair. To the right, a blond baby crawled through a patch of grass, and I knew without a doubt that it was Hope. I called out to her, but the baby didn’t seem to hear. I tried to run to her, but I couldn’t seem to close the distance.
“She can’t hear you,” a voice boomed behind me. Turning, I saw a man glowing with an intensity I had never seen before. His eyes were like sapphires, and his blond hair waved gently in the breeze. His white robe was so bright that I had to shield my eyes.
“Am I dead?”
“Not yet.”
“Then why am I here?” I motioned to the field around us.
The angel smiled. “Because we wanted to show you something. Something you can take back with you.” He waved his hand and thousands of people appeared in the field. There were more people than I could even begin to count.
Furrowing my brow, I shook my head, not getting the connection. “Who are they?”
“They are all those who were saved because of your work and your testimony,” the angel replied. “Every one of them would never have been born if it hadn’t been for yours and JD’s center and even more importantly, your message. You touched the lives of the parents of these people, and they chose life for their babies.”
My mouth dropped as I stared in wonder. “But there’s so many. I haven’t talked to that many people.”
“You are not done yet,” the angel smiled, “You are only beginning, but there is also a ripple effect. You see this man.” He pointed to a man near the front, “This is the son of a high school couple you met and set up with counseling services. She and her boyfriend gave up their sinful ways like you suggested, and because of your message she never went to the abortion clinic, but gave him up for adoption instead.
“And this boy, because he knows he was saved from an abortion, has a passion for saving others – he grows up to be the lawyer who becomes instrumental in finally getting Roe V Wade over turned. That change alone saved millions of lives.
“This one,” he pointed to a tall brunette, “is here because of a woman hearing about your story right now. She became a believer because of you, and her daughter will become a neonatal surgeon and save thousands of babies a year.
“And this one,” this time he singled out a pretty blond with striking blue eyes, “she grows up to be a medical researcher and discovers the cure for cancer. So do you see now how your words, no matter how small they seemed to you, have a ripple effect you could never have imagined?”
I nodded in awe, still focused on the blond woman who seemed vaguely familiar.
The angel continued, “These people, and others you talked to and will talk to in turn, shared your words and their words touched other people.” His hand waved and even more people appeared. “Your world is changing, because of voices like yours. Because Christians are no longer silent, people are starting to turn back to God. You must continue to be a part of that voice. Tell anyone who will listen about the awesome power of the Lord Almighty and stand up against the world for the morals you know are true to God’s heart.”
I nodded, still trying to take it all in. “I will; I will not be silent. Did you show me the other vision too, the one where my world was different?”
He nodded. “In order to really understand what you had, we wanted you to see where you could have been had your choices been different. Callie, you’ve had the wonderful opportunity to experience what your life would have been like if you had made the wrong decision at such an important time. If you had chosen the selfish, easy path, your life would not be the same. You would have lost your job, you would have sunk into a deep depression, and you would have died of alcohol poisoning at age 35. Had you chosen poorly, all of them would be gone too.”
He waved his hand and the people disappeared. “Your decision to choose Christ and a life for Hope made it possible for their parents to choose life for them as well. Now it’s time for you to return to your husband and child – and your mission.” He leaned closer and whispered, “Inspire people to righteousness when you go back. Tell them that saving even one life can in turn save millions. Don’t let the unborn remain silent.”
I stood silent, still overcome by the stark differences he had shown me.
“Now it’s time for you to return,” he whispered.
“Wait, can I ask for one favor?”
The angel nodded, and I thought of Sandra, who had never gotten to see her baby. I twisted my hands and then peeked up at the angel, “Can I see Isaac? Sandra’s Isaac, so I can tell her that he’s okay.”
The angel cocked his head and closed his eyes. He smiled, nodded, and opened his eyes. With
a wave of his hand again, a young man with caramel colored skin appeared before her. He had warm brown eyes and a dimple in his left cheek. He was tall with broad shoulders and kept his hair cropped close.
“Isaac would have been a writer, and he too would have touched many lives, but you can let Sandra know that God has fully forgiven her. She has followed His word and His will since that horrible night, and there’s a place for her here when it’s time for her to come home. Then, she will get to meet this boy she gave up so long ago.”
I tried to memorize every feature of Isaac’s face. I was no artist so I couldn’t draw him, but I hoped to describe him to Sandra. “Thank you.”
He nodded and disappeared and so did the field. I stood alone in darkness unsure of what to do next. Closing my eyes, I hoped to wake up in the hospital bed and hold my darling daughter.
As I opened them, I could see my mother sitting by my bed and Sandra a few feet away, gently rocking the baby. I glanced around but didn’t see JD. My voice was barely audible as I began to speak. “Hope.” I tried again and got a little more volume this time, although it was still barely more than a whisper. “Hope.” It was enough for my mother to hear.
“Callie? Oh praise God. She’s awake.” She leaned over the bed and embraced me. Sandra wheeled closer and brought a sleeping Hope.
My mother helped raise the bed and then handed the sleeping infant to me.
Her face was angelic, and my heart ached with love. “She’s beautiful.” Tears of joy fell down my face as my entire body tingled in light.
“Yes, she is.” My mother touched Hope’s cheek. “I know I’ve told you before, but I’m so glad you chose life for this baby.”
“Me too.” I picked up Hope’s tiny hand and touched her delicate fingers.
The door opened and JD entered the room, stopping short at the sight of me sitting up. “Callie?”
I waved my hand, unsure what to say, and he ran to me, planting kisses across my face. “Praise God.” He pulled back and stared at me; then he kissed me again.
“How long have I been out?”
“Three days, honey -- three long days,” JD brushed my hair back.
“I missed nearly an entire week of her life?” My heart ached as I caressed Hope’s head.
“You did, but think of how many more you’ll get to spend with her,” my mother said.
Suddenly I thought of Sandra and the pain she must be feeling. “I’m so sorry Sandra, I wasn’t thinking.”
Sandra smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “It’s okay. I understand how you feel. I’d give anything to see my baby now.”
“Oh, I almost forgot. Sandra, I saw him.”
“What?” The word came from Sandra, but my mother and JD registered the question on their faces as well.
I smiled, the excitement lighting up my face. “I had an unusual experience while I was unconscious. Mainly I remember darkness, but then I woke up and I was in my apartment, and Hope was gone and Daniel was still there. I was drinking and depressed, and you were with some other woman.” I pointed to JD.
“And then I was in a field of daisies, and I saw Hope and an angel appeared. He showed me all the people who were saved through our message, and there were so many. I don’t know how we’ve affected so many. Well, I think some we haven’t affected yet, but he said many are affected because of the center, JD.” I tried to slow down, but my words tumbled out in a rush.
“Anyway, the angel told me I had to come back to finish the work I was called to do, but I asked him if I could see Isaac first. He agreed, and, Sandra, he was so handsome. He has warm brown eyes and caramel skin and a dimple in his left cheek.”
Tears welled up in Sandra’s eyes.
“He was so handsome, and I could tell he was very kind. And the angel said to tell you that God forgives you, and when you get to Heaven, you’ll get to see him in person.” With the words finally out, I took a deep breath and looked from one person to the other.
“Thank you, Callie,” Sandra said softly. “That means the world to me.”
My mother squeezed my hand. “We should probably let everyone know you’re awake now.”
“Let’s do that in the hall,” Sandra suggested. “These two need a few minutes to get reacquainted, and mother and daughter need that too.”
The women exited and JD smiled down me again. “I’m so glad you came back to us and that we will get to be a real family now.” He caressed my hair and gazed down at Hope.
“Me too.” I touched Hope’s tiny hand, marveling at her perfect fingers. “She really is beautiful.”
“Callie, I have to tell you something,” JD fidgeted with the bed sheet. “I was going to do it before we got married, but then everything happened so quickly and I forgot.”
My heart thudded, and a knot of fear developed in my stomach. “What is it? You aren’t leaving me, are you?”
“No, not at all.” He caressed my arm. “I need to tell you about my past, too.”
I could tell that he was troubled by whatever was on his mind. “I’ll listen if you need to tell me, but JD, if it isn’t who you are today, then it doesn’t matter to me. You once told me God would forgive my past when I accepted His son and that lingering on one’s past mistakes isn’t the thing to do.”
“That’s true, but I need to tell you in case it ever comes up again in the future.”
I nodded, and he continued.
“When I was in college, I met the woman I thought I was going to marry. She was amazing and vibrant and full of life, and she won my heart. What I didn’t know was that it was all an act. She had terminal cancer, and she was using some pretty strong drugs in order to appear so happy. We started dating and slowly she introduced me to her drugs. I wanted to support her and so when she offered them to me, I tried them. I must have an addictive personality because I was hooked almost instantly. My life fell apart for a time and it wasn’t until she passed away that I realized how far I had fallen. I’ve been clean for years and have no intention of doing drugs again, but I needed to let you know so you can help me avoid any such temptation in the future.”
“Thank you for telling me. I’m sorry you lost someone you loved. The fear of losing me must have been hard for you when I was comatose.”
“Yeah, I can’t say I’m a big fan of hospitals. Speaking of which, when can we leave here?”
Laughing, I kissed him again. I couldn’t wait to get home either.
Chapter 25
After amazing the medical staff with my quick recovery, we left the hospital a few days later - as a family, and headed home.
JD carried Hope’s car seat into my apartment. “I guess I can start moving some of my things in here now, huh?”
“Oh my, we didn’t even think about that.” I laughed as I realized all the changes I would need to make. “I’m going to need to make some room in my closet.”
“It’s okay. I didn’t bring that much with me, but we’re going to need to discuss whether we plan on staying here or moving to New York.”
His words gave me pause. I hadn’t even thought about that when I had accepted his proposal. I had been so excited, but Texas was my home, and I couldn’t imagine Hope growing up in New York. My gaze traveled to the floor, and I bit my lip. How could I tell him I didn’t want to leave?
“Don’t worry,” he said AND touched my arm, “We’ll pray about it.”
I nodded and picked Hope up from the car seat, settling her against my chest. As I carried her around the apartment, I pointed everything out to her.
“And here’s your room.” Pink and purple flowers and butterflies adorned the lavender walls, along with the wooden letters H O P E. Hope smiled and yawned, so I laid her down in the crib and left the room.
JD’s arms enfolded me as I stepped into the living room. It was a tight, secure feeling that I had missed. When he released me, he moved his hands to my face. “Are you okay for a bit if I go and grab a few things from my place?”
As much
as I wanted him to stay, I was tired myself and looking forward to sleeping in my actual bed.
JD rubbed his thumb over my lip and then followed it with a soft kiss. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
As he left, I crawled into bed and closed my eyes. I didn’t regret having Hope for a minute, but I hadn’t realized how tiring being a new mother would be.
JD climbed in his rental car. Now that Hope was here, and Callie was awake, there were a lot of things they had to figure out. Even if they stayed in Mesquite, they would need a bigger place soon and a bigger car. JD didn’t really miss New York, but he did wonder what would happen to his father’s business if he left the running of it up to others. Could he manage it long distance? He did have the board members, and they had been running everything anyway. JD sighed. He had always thought getting married would make things easier, but it came with its own challenges. He prayed for clarity for all the decisions he would have to make as he drove to his apartment to pick up a few things.
He’d already packed a few pieces of clothing when he had stopped by earlier, but he took his time this time grabbing his shaving equipment, toothbrush, hairbrush, and essentials. He added a few dress shirts and pants that he could wear to work at the center and then loaded up his car.
JD was making dinner when I woke later. He stood in the kitchen, cradling Hope in one arm while he stirred a pot of soup.
Yawning, I issued an apology. “I’m sorry, I didn’t even hear her cry.”
“No worries. She’s been great. She helped me pick out all the vegetables.” He smiled as he tickled her under her chin.
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Not me, but you might want to check your messages.” JD pointed a spoon to the machine. “I didn’t feel like it was my place yet, and I’m pretty sure they’re all for you anyway.”
The Power of Prayer Page 18
