“What about BCN?” Stuart asked.
“It’s not clear yet. It’s my prayer it’s something the son will want to take over. The only thing that’s clear is that Rev. Campbell won’t be a part of it. I told Rev. Jr. that you’d be in touch with him, Stuart.”
“Will do,” Stuart said.
“What about Sister Campbell?” Francine asked with a new compassion for the woman.
“She’s standing by her husband’s side. They resigned their pastorate but I’m not sure what they’ll be doing next.” Rev. Thomas glanced at Francine. “Stuart and I are going to keep Dawn and Sly company for a few minutes.” He inclined his head toward the envelope she still held in her hands. “You should take a few minutes and read that.”
When she was alone, Francine took her seat and opened the envelope with her name printed in Mother Harris’s bold script.
My dear Francie,
I remember clearly the day you walked into the bookstore after you returned home. Your eyes were clouded with uncertainty, as if you thought I’d turn you away. I knew then you’d be a blessing to us all. Little did I know how much of a blessing you’d be! Even as I write these words, I know they’ll be hard for you to hear; but you need to hear them and you need to believe them.
One of your most endearing qualities is that you’re always ready and willing to put yourself under the Lord’s microscope so He can point out and fix your imperfections. To balance that, you have to remember He’ll be fixing those imperfections until you join Him, and me, in glory.
Dearest, you have to let Toni go. There is no other way to say it. She had her own relationship with the Lord. You couldn’t live that relationship for her. If she’d turned to Him, He would have been there for her. He was waiting for her to do it, wanting her to do it. It was her moment, not yours. I know these words are hard for you to hear, but you need to hear them and believe them. They are life to you.
The Lord has much in store for you because of what you’ve suffered. Your experiences will only make you better able to minister to others who have suffered similarly, and I hope you know by now that there are many. I was one. So are Monika and Dolores. So are George and his family. So are Sister Campbell and her children. These are lives that the Lord has allowed you to touch in the short time you’ve been back, but it’s just the beginning. Open your eyes and your heart so He can show you what He’s doing with you already and what He wants to do with you in the future. Stop looking back. Focus on what the Lord is doing now. It’s enough to keep you occupied.
I feel pretty certain that with George in charge, your days at the bookstore are numbered, but don’t fret about that. I always knew it was a temporary place for you. The Lord opens doors and He closes them. It’s no more complicated than that. Just keep your eyes and heart open for the next door He opens for you. He has great plans for you, dearest!
I love you, Francie, with the love of the Lord. Thank you for being a sister to me, for giving me a place to voice and face a shameful part of my history. You’ll never know the burden that was lifted just from sharing with you. I had a chance to make it right before the Lord, so I’m ready to leave here. I think now I was waiting all this time for you to come home so I would be ready to go home. Know that I’m happy, I’m free, and I’m ready to meet the Lord.
Your sister in Christ,
Mother Harris
Francine waited for tears to come, but they didn’t. Instead her heart filled with an incredible joy. After a while, she heard Dawn call her name and the door open. “Are you all right, Francie?” Dawn asked.
Francine stood up and smiled at her sister. “Better than I’ve been in a long time,” she said. “Let’s go home.”
Epilogue
Francine sat on a bench in Dayton’s McArthur Park on an early Sunday morning before the crowds arrived, and waited for Cassandra. The Ohio park held bittersweet memories for her. Temple had held many church services here on cool spring and fall Sunday mornings as well as on hot summer ones. She had especially enjoyed the outdoor sessions. There was something freeing about praising God in the wide open spaces.
A smile on her face, Francine glanced across the children’s play area to the surprise couple of the year, Stuart and Dolores. The recently engaged couple sat hand in hand at a redwood picnic table. When the two of them had found out that Dawn and Sly wouldn’t be coming with Francine because of Dawn’s pregnancy—or rather, Sly’s overprotectiveness of his pregnant wife—they’d decided to come along. When she’d tried to explain that she didn’t need chaperones, they’d ignored her, unwilling to hear of her meeting Cassandra or anybody from Temple all alone. They still didn’t trust the woman, or anybody at Temple, and frankly neither did Francine. She didn’t trust them, but she now had more compassion for them. When she’d come to see Cassandra after leaving the hospital almost two years ago, she’d seen her ex-friend as an enemy, an abuser, a co-conspirator with Bishop Payne. Time and experience had shown her she’d been wrong. Cassandra had been a victim as much as she and Toni had been, as much as many others at Temple still were. It was her acceptance of Cassandra as a victim that had encouraged her to give the woman a call.
Of course, she’d had a team of people praying for her. In the past year she’d founded a new ministry, called “A Safe Place,” for women involved in, recovering from, or impacted in some way by illicit relationships with members of the clergy. She hadn’t set out to found a ministry; rather, it had seemed to spring up around her. And it had all stemmed from Stuart’s nomination to the Georgia Supreme Court. As he’d warned her, and despite George’s efforts to stop the mudslinging he’d deliberately started—efforts George had undertaken for Stuart’s sake, not hers—she’d had a few moments in the spotlight. But the publicity had had a different impact than she’d expected. Calls and letters had poured into the funeral home, where she now served as Coordinator of Cooperative Services. There had been an outpouring of support from women who’d suffered through similar situations as well as women who were still suffering. It had been Stuart’s friend CeCe, who was also now her friend, who had suggested starting a support group at Genesis House. The turnout had been overwhelming. That first group at Genesis House had grown to a national network of more than one hundred groups.
Between A Safe Place and the cooperative, which now boasted 150 family-owned funeral homes, she had a full life, but more importantly, a purposeful life. She attributed it all to the growing relationship she had with the Lord. Over the last year, she’d finally learned what Dawn, Mother Harris, and Stuart had tried to tell her: The Lord had a wonderful plan for her life. She still had questions about that plan, but she’d learned to live with them. For a while there, it had looked as though she and Stuart might become something more than friends, but the Lord had had other plans and now Stuart and Dolores were planning their wedding. She celebrated their relationship because she loved them, individually and as a couple, but it did leave her with a big question mark for her own life.
Francine glanced at her watch. Though Cassandra was already fifteen minutes late, Francine didn’t want to give up on her. She could afford to wait another fifteen minutes, but not much longer, because she, Dolores, and Stuart had an invitation to a very special surprise birthday party that Monika’s brothers had planned for her. The boys doted on their little sister, and Francine loved them for filling the gap left by the inattention of her father.
Francine glanced over at Stuart and Dolores again, thankful for their support, and caught sight of Cassandra in her peripheral vision. She stood and watched as her ex-friend strode toward her with that long-legged gait of hers. “Hi, Cassandra,” she said when the woman reached her. She gave her a brief hug, and stepped back to read the surprise in Cassandra’s eyes. “Thanks for coming,” Francine said.
Cassandra pushed her sunglasses up on her forehead. “I don’t know why I did. We don’t have anything to say to each other. I think we said it all two years ago.”
Francine shook her head. “I wa
nted to thank you again for calling Dawn when I was hospitalized.”
“You’ve already done that,” Cassandra said. “What do you really want, Francine? I have things to do.”
Francine pulled a brochure describing A Safe Place from the side pouch on her black leather handbag. “I wanted to apologize for accusing you of enabling Bishop Payne. You’re a victim as much as I am, as much as Toni was.”
“I’m nobody’s victim,” Cassandra declared. “I don’t know where you get that from.”
Francine wasn’t fooled by the false bravado. “I got it from you, Cassandra. You told me when I was here the last time that your life with Bishop Payne was better than your life on the street. I just wanted to tell you that if you wanted a real life, the life you talk about in Bible Study, that you can have it.”
Cassandra said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I know you don’t, but you can,” Francine said, and handed the brochure to Cassandra. “When you get tired of the life you have with Bishop Payne and you decide you want a real life, you can call me at the number on this brochure. What you have with Bishop Payne is a poor imitation of what life in Christ is about, Cassandra. I think deep down inside you know that. There’s a place inside you that yearns for more than you have, a place that hurts because you want more, need more.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Francine just smiled. “But I do,” she said. “I know and I also know that even though life with Bishop Payne is not what you want it to be, it’s comfortable for you. I just want you to know that when you’re ready to trust God, there’s a safe place for you to go.”
Cassandra looked annoyed, but Francine noticed that she tucked the brochure in her purse. Thank you, Lord.
“I met with you like you asked, but now I have to go,” Cassandra said.
Francine hugged her again. “Take care of yourself, Cassandra, and remember that Jesus loves you more than anybody does.”
With a frown on her face, Cassandra turned and strode from the park. Dolores and Stuart made their way to Francine. “How’d it go?” Stuart asked.
“Perfect.”
“You ready to go home?” Dolores asked.
She nodded. She was ready to go home.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Author Bio
Angela Benson is the award winning and bestselling author of fourteen novels, two novellas and a non-fiction writing book. Her most recent print work is Delilah’s Daughters (Avon, 2014). Her next print book, The Summer of Me, will be released by Avon in early 2015. Angela holds degrees from Spelman College, Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia. When she’s not writing, she can be found on the campus of The University of Alabama where she is an associate professor of educational technology. While you’re waiting for Angela’s next print title, be sure to check out her backlist recently released in eBook format. Join Angela on the web at http://www.facebook.com/AngelaBensonBooks or http://www.AngelaBenson.com.
Other Titles by Angela Benson
Genesis House Inspirational Romance & Family Drama Series
Awakening Mercy, Book 1, Genesis House Series
http://www.angelabenson.com/awakeningmercy.html
“Ms. Benson paints a fine picture of the trials of a couple who must rely on their faith to make a go of a relationship in this 4-1/2 star read. She is just as compelling a writer in Christian romance as she is in contemporary.” —Affaire de Coeur Magazine
Abiding Hope, Book 2, Genesis House Series
http://www.angelabenson.com/abidinghope.html
“Christy Award nominee, Benson, continues the momentum she established in Awakening Mercy as she explores the lives of Shay and Marvin Taylor, the founders of Genesis House. . . Benson is a leading author of African American romances and Christian fiction, and her insight into God’s impact on our lives make her work a requirement for growing collections.” —The Library Journal
The Amen Sisters, Book 3, Genesis House Series
http://www.angelabenson.com/theamensisters.html
" . . . Kudos to Ms. Benson for dealing with one of the last remaining taboo topics in today's church in such a straightforward and compassionate manner. " -Fallen Angel Reviews
Enduring Love, Book 4 (coming November 2014)
http://www.angelabenson.com/enduringlove.html
Book 4 in the Genesis House series features the long-awaited romance of Daniel and Vickie, who were first introduced in Abiding Hope (Book 2)
Single Title Inspirational Family Drama
The Summer of Me (coming January 2015)
http://www.angelabenson.com/summerofme.html
The nationally bestselling author of Delilah’s Daughters and The Amen Sisters returns with a moving story about a single mother who discovers the woman she can be in one unforgettable summer.
Delilah’s Daughters
http://www.angelabenson.com/delilahsdaughters.html
"...instead of Samson’s secret, it’s Delilah’s that threatens to destroy the spiritual foundation she and her late husband, Rocky, build for their three daughters...Delilah’s Daughters is a captivating story from the beginning to the breathtaking end." 4.5 stars (out of 5 ) — Romantic Times Magazine
Sins of the Father
http://www.angelabenson.com/sinsofthefather.html
“Sins of the Father is a powerful story of revenge, betrayal, and forgiveness. Benson uses three-dimensional characters to prove that regret, shame and hatred can give way to acceptance, forgiveness and love. The storyline will surprise you while the outcome will increase your faith in God. If you love reading about real life issues, this is a book that will keep you glued to the pages.” –Real Page Turners
Up Pops the Devil
http://www.angelabenson.com/uppopsthedevil.html
"Angela Benson writes a commanding and enthralling story on the power of salvation and how temptation works to unravel it. . .Benson’s writing is fluid and demonstrates her ability to incorporate biblical principle in everyday living." – RAWSISTAZ Reviews
Showers of Blessings, a novella in A Million Blessings
http://www.angelabenson.com/amillionblessings.html
Assistant pastor Ronnie has a shameful secret: he's a compulsive gambler. And just when it seems he's run out of luck, he finds salvation in a miraculous win. But nothing can keep Ronnie from recklessly betting his family's future. His only way out is through renewed faith–and a desperate act of redemption.
Nonfiction
Telling Your Tale: The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction for Print and eBook
Telling Your Tale Workbook: The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction for Print and eBook
http://www.angelabenson.com/tellingyourtale.html
“[Benson’s] writing advice is constructive and sincere; writers would be well-advised to follow her advice and practice their craft by completing the exercises in the book.” —WritersWrite.com on Telling The Tale (first edition)
Sweet Passion Contemporary Romance Series
Friend and Lover
http://www.angelabenson.com/friendandlover.html
“. . . a sham engagement between two longtime attorney friends leads to the real thing just in time for New Year’s Eve in Angela D. Benson’s funny and engaging ‘Friend and Lover’.” —Library Journal
The Nicest Guy in America
http://www.angelabenson.com/thenicestguyinamerica.html
Angela Benson, a veteran romance writer, has earned her “stars and bars” with this sensational, subtle and sensual battle of the sexes. —Romantic Times Magazine Top Pick! 4.5/5 stars
The Way Home
http://www.angelabenson.com/thewayhome.html
“ . . . with THE WAY HOME, [Angela Benson] emerges as a writer of great depth, sensitivity, and unparalleled talent.” —Romantic Times Magazine Top Pick! 4.5/5 stars
Bands of Gold (coming August 2014)
http://www.angelabenson.com/bandsofgold.html
Ch
ristina’s ambition has taken her to the top of her profession, but new employee Jackson makes her wonder if she’s sacrificed too much for her success.
For All Time (coming September 2014)
http://www.angelabenson.com/foralltime.html
"FOR ALL TIME will touch every woman's heart with its pathos and passion as Ms. Benson takes a heartrending look at the stark realities of marriage after the honeymoon is over." – 4 stars –Romantic Times Magazine
Between the Lines (coming October 2014)
http://www.angelabenson.com/betweenthelines.html
"BETWEEN THE LINES is author Angela Benson's latest romantic confection, with the heady flavor of an Amaretto Liqueur and the rich sensuality of smooth, sweet cream!" – 4 stars –Romantic Times Magazine
Table of Contents
About this Collection
About the Author
Author Booklist
Book 1 - Awakening Mercy
Book 2 - Abiding Hope
Book 3 - The Amen Sisters
Author Bio
Other Titles by Angela Benson
Genesis House Inspirational Romance and Family Drama Boxed Set: 3-in-1 Page 80
