Try a Little Tenderness

by Isaiah David Paul

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Back at Home

  Mateo got up and started what had become his Sunday morning ritual. He took a shower and handled all of his bathroom needs. Then he turned the television on to BET to listen to one of the televangelists give a sermon. While the sermon played, Mateo would iron two sets of clothes: One set was for what he wore during service, and another set was street clothes he wore when he, Sonic, and Marvel hit the streets to spread the Word.

  “You go to church every Sunday?” Julio groaned when he got up.

  Mateo was starting to regret letting Julio stay with him. Sure, he’d agreed to a couple of days here and a couple of days there to help their mother, but Julio was taking the stay to a whole other level. Julio was slowly trying to take over the room. It wasn’t that he didn’t like being around Julio, but he had outgrown his brother’s immaturity. Mateo wasn’t the party animal that Julio loved to hang with.

  “I try.” Mateo applied starch to his dress shirt. “That’s one way I get the Word in.”

  Julio sat up. “You do a lot of studying of the Word. What do you get out of it?”

  “I get basic instructions before leaving earth. I get a chance to find out what God wants, what Jesus has to say. I feed my mind and the spirit of God in me, so that the Holy Spirit can continue to apply the Bible’s applications to me. It is by studying the Word that I find ways to solve problems that are more godly.” Mateo looked at his brother to see if he understood.

  Julio nodded his head. “You know some of those people were just in the club last night, or they were partying hard with other sinners the night before.”

  Mateo put down the iron. “I am accountable for my salvation. That’s all I can work out with myself. I was once told that the church is like the hospital. God is the doctor. We nurse each other to health by working together to find the solutions God has for our problem. For some people, that solution may be as simple as going to God for the answer. For others, it could be Him working through me to accomplish something for someone. Either way, I allow myself to be used.”

  “And you said Pastor Cummings was some biker dude?” Julio got up. “Mom would flip if she knew that the man wasn’t wearing a shirt and a tie. Which reminds me—why do you dress that way?”

  “I dress because it’s the only time in the week I get to dress up.” Mateo chuckled. “No, I’m playing. I dress up to give my best presentation to God. Even when I don’t wear a shirt, tie, slacks, and dress shoes, I make sure my clothes are presentable. I can’t walk in there butt naked. I might cause a distraction.”

  “Or let someone know you’re tempted.” Julio laughed.

  “But seriously, all jokes aside, I realize church is not a fashion show. I dress up sometimes because on nights where I have to work at the front desk, like tonight, it’s easier for me to just change my shirt and go from church to work. Also, I do want Hammer to take me seriously when I tell him that I want to drive for the Christian Cab Company. I think of it as an opportunity to show that I am serious about the job I want to have. One day, I’ll ask him to drive the cab and he’ll say yes.” Driving for the Christian Cab Company was so significant to Mateo because it would mean that Hammer saw that he was maturing and could be trusted.

  Julio thought about what Mateo said. “How long before service starts?”

  Mateo picked up his phone and looked at the screen. “I got about thirty minutes before I leave.”

  “Well, let me go with you.”

  This was a first for Julio. Mateo watched as Julio got out of the bed and made it military style. “You serious?”

  “Of course, homes,” Julio replied. “I wouldn’t have gotten out of bed if I wasn’t serious. I want to see this old biker dude preach.”

  “Oh, gosh,” Mateo said. “Please don’t let that man hear you call him some ‘old biker dude.’”

  Julio grabbed his personal bag, some towels, and got his clothes ready. In the time it took Mateo to get dressed, tie a Windsor knot, and brush his hair down, Julio was in and out of the shower, freshened up, and put on his slacks.

  “Now, are we listening to Wiz Khalifa after service? I brought my CD,” Julio said as he pulled out the CD from his carrying case and put it on the bed.

  “No.” Mateo smirked. “They is going to have 21:03 or somebody crunk that we can listen to on the way back. Hammer and a few of the other stewards transport us back and forth to service. Normally, he rotates one of the WOW Gospel or Gotta Have Gospel CDs. Every now and then we get to listen to a rap CD. We may end up going to Corner Stone or David’s Table.”

  “Wait a minute. There’s such a thing as gospel rap?” Julio asked.

  “Yeah, we listen to LeCrae or Trip or The Revelation. The Revelation is Hammer’s son.”

  Julio finished getting dressed and both men left the room. As they stepped outside, they could see Emilio pulling up with the church van. Michelle Williams’ “If I Had Your Eyes” was blasting from the stereo.

  “I could get used to this,” Julio said as he stepped inside the van.

  “Today, we are going to have a special guest speaker,” Pastor Cummings announced. “He is a man who some of you have met before. After serving time in the state prison, Rahliem Victor founded the Street Disciples Ministry group that some of our members work with.”

  Mateo didn’t remember seeing Rahliem walk into the church. He missed the men’s Sunday school and normally, when Rahliem visited, he stopped by and participated. Mateo didn’t see Rahliem or his wife and family in the front row or in any of the guest sections.

  “Rahliem has been a role model and a leader and continues to expand his ministry, as he’s looking to do programs in Tennessee and South Carolina at the beginning of the year. Ladies and gentlemen of God, it would be a great pleasure to introduce you to Rahliem Victor.”

  The audience clapped as Rahliem made his way from the back of the church to the stage. Rahliem wore a Carolina blue button-up shirt, some black slacks, and work boots—definitely not typical attire for a pastor or leader of God to wear.

  Rahliem’s message was short and effective as he spoke about the full armor of God. Rahliem reminded them that they were supposed to remember their salvation at all times, to live righteously, and to share truth. He also talked about how they had to carry their faith and let it be seen even in the direst of circumstances. Staying in the Word would be their weapon and their mission as they continued to spread the gospel to all they met.

  Rahliem also shared a personal story about a young couple he met near the start of his ministry. They were a young married couple who decided they wanted new experiences within their marriage. Rahliem talked about how one of his bravest street disciples ministered to them without thought of what they were doing or how he was dressed. He pointed out how Abednego always answered the call and was ready to serve, and while on the outside, he looked like the street pharmacist he used to be. Abednego showed his true clothing in his work with God.

  Mateo felt the message was for him, because he didn’t always feel comfortable wanting to share the Word of God. He was still getting to know God and trying to be a good shepherd himself. Listening to Rahliem speak made him feel like he had nothing to be afraid of.

  After service, Mateo introduced Julio to Rahliem.

  “I’ve never met a minister quite like you before.” Julio shook Rahliem’s hand. “I always thought preachers like you couldn’t exist, but after hearing your message and your story, you make it seem like anyone can go into the streets and spread the Word.”

  “Everyone is supposed to. The question is whether or not we choose to do it, and what determination drives us to save souls,” Rahliem responded as he continued to shake hands with other parishioners.

  Mateo let Julio and Rahliem have their conversation. He was happy that his brother was getting along with someone he’d looked up to. The thought crossed his mind to invite him to a Street Disciples meeting, but he wasn’t sure Julio was ready for it.

  �
��I didn’t know you had a brother until he got in the van with you this morning,” Hammer said as he caught up with Mateo.

  “I’m the middle child between the three of us.” Mateo volunteered the information. He didn’t talk much about his family but felt comfortable enough with Hammer. “My younger sister is sixteen.”

  “You’ll have to invite your sister and the rest of your family to our services. Do you and your brother need a ride home?” Hammer asked.

  “Naw, we’re good, but thanks.” Mateo turned down the offer. “I’ll see about getting my sister and mother out here. Remember, she’s Catholic.”

  “And she’s still welcome to our services,” Hammer reminded him.

  Mateo was glad that Julio came and enjoyed himself at service. He looked for Amirah, but after not seeing her, he decided he’d go home. He figured she went to her home church this week and that they’d catch up another time.

  Chapter Thirty-two

  Secrets and Lies

  Aja and Marjorie walked into Amirah’s classroom as she was getting straightened up for the day. Copies of Secrets and Lies by Rhonda McKnight were in their hands.

  “Hey, ladies,” Amirah responded excitedly as she hooked up the projector to her computer monitor. Soon, they could see the author’s Web site and Skype being pulled up so they could do a live chat with her.

  “Hey, Amirah.” Aja and Marjorie greeted her as they gave her hugs.

  Mrs. Ingle walked in with a copy of the book in her hands as well. “Ladies, I appreciate you allowing me to participate in this meeting.”

  “We appreciate you allowing Amirah to host this meeting in her classroom.” Marjorie set up some of the items for the book club on the table next to Amirah’s desk.

  “I love supporting Christian works and ministry, and I can’t wait to Skype with an author.” Mrs. Ingle took a seat near the front. “I missed the one y’all did with Shana Burton, and I said never again.”

  The other ladies from Essence of Prayer Book Club found their way inside. One of the older ladies brought a meat and fruit tray, and another had drinks to serve.

  Marjorie made her way to the front so she could start the meeting. “While we wait on everyone to finish setting up, I want to get feedback on the His-Love.com Web site. How is that working out for you?”

  “I’ll go first,” Aja said. Amirah noticed how everyone got excited when Aja volunteered information. “All right, all right—it’s nothing juicy, but Terrell and I have been spending a lot of time together. We went to service at The Lord’s Church of Asheville a few weeks ago and really enjoyed the pastor and the sermon on remaining fully committed to God.

  “Terrell is taking Alyssia to a birthday party this weekend and keeping her at his place for a while.”

  “Y’all managed to stay away from mistletoe this go ’round?” Marjorie put her business out there.

  “Yes, we have.” Aja tried to hide the fact that she was blushing. “Terrell and I are really working on making sure we build a strong and solid foundation before we walk down the aisle. He’s picking up extra hours at the nursing home he works in, and I’ve been busy with some of the corporate accounts that I manage.”

  “That’s really good,” Marjorie said. “Amirah, tell us about Mateo.”

  “Marge, you are so messy.” Amirah shook her head.

  “Well, I don’t have a man right now. The older gentleman and I didn’t work out, so I get to live through you guys for the moment. So come with it. Tell us about your bad boy.”

  “Oooh.” Some of the women chuckled.

  “Mateo is not a bad boy.” Amirah confided, “Not exactly. I think like most people who are new to Christ, he is on his way toward making a relationship with Him. He has great mentors in place, and when you look past his hardened image, you find that Mateo is really kindhearted and gentle.”

  “I’m glad you saw that in him,” Mrs. Ingle spoke up. “My husband wasn’t always on the straight and narrow. When he came back from Vietnam, we had a fight to get him clean and off of drugs and alcohol. Once we got over that hurdle, he went back and finished school, and now he’s an administrator for Henderson County Schools and a pastor. So you hang in there with Mateo if that’s who you were meant to be with.”

  “I appreciate that.” Mrs. Ingle’s words of encouragement warmed Amirah’s spirit. She knew that Mateo wasn’t exactly who many people had in mind when it came to suitors for her heart.

  “No problem. I know Hammer and Pastor Cummings. One of the things I’ve liked and respected about Guiding Light Ministries is that they really reach out into the community and go after those whom some would say are undesirable, and they bring them to Christ and let God show out in their lives,” Mrs. Ingle continued.

  “And that’s the way it should be,” Marjorie encouraged. “Anyone else?”

  Some of the other ladies talked about some of the dates they’d had or their networking with some of the other men and women of God to find jobs or socialize platonically.

  “Hello?” they could hear a young woman say on the screen. Amirah made some quick adjustments on the Skype program and soon, they were face-to-face with Rhonda, but even she enjoyed listening to the ladies talk of their experiences with His-Love.com. More than an hour had gone by before they got back on track and began discussing Rhonda’s debut novel.

  Chapter Thirty-three

  Stop

  The sun was beaming brightly as Mateo and Julio sat on the lawn chairs they put on the parking space designated for his room. Mateo didn’t have to work the front desk of the motel for a few more hours, and he was enjoying the scenery. Cars sped up and down Tunnel Road, and he had nothing better to do than to text Amirah on the His-Love. com app and try to figure out what he wanted to do with the rest of his life.

  Julio had brought back some Mexican food from Papas & Beer down the street. Mateo could smell the enchiladas, nachos, and other delicacies. Ever since his visit back home, he had developed a taste for more authentic Mexican food. He was craving all the foods he grew up with that Madre and Abuela cooked.

  Mateo could also see the blunt Julio had rolled up and put behind his ear.

  “If I were you, I’d put that away before Hammer sees you with it and flips,” Mateo warned as he took out his food.

  Julio looked at him and shook his head. He lit up the blunt, took a few puffs, and blew out some air and admired the smoke he was able to produce. He passed the blunt to Mateo, and when he saw Mateo put his hands up indicating that he didn’t want any, Julio took the blunt back and smoked on it some more.

  “I can tell you are really becoming a Christian.” Julio blew out some more smoke and inhaled deeply.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Mateo looked up from the chicken quesadilla that had been occupying his mouth and his time.

  “You praying before meals now, thanking God when you wake up, and saying prayers when you go to sleep.” Julio continued to indulge.

  “We used to do that before we grew up to be hardheads.” Mateo wiped his hand on the napkin and took a sip of the soft drink.

  “Y’all need to get back to doing that,” Hammer warned. “How y’all gonna come to my house and blow some trees and not leave some for me?”

  Mateo was surprised when he saw Hammer take a few puffs, blow out some smoke, and then put out the tip of the flame with his fingers and put the rest of the blunt in a gum wrapper he had in his pocket.

  “You just going to steal my blunt?” Julio quipped as he kicked back on the chair he was sitting in. “If I had known you wanted some, I would’ve brought enough for you to have your own.”

  “Number one, I don’t allow smoking of any kind in my establishment. Number two, back in the day, the rule was puff-puff-pass. You’re supposed to bring enough to share if you are going to smoke out in the open.”

  Julio conceded and exhaled. He knew he couldn’t argue with what was right.

  Mateo thought back to a year and a half ago when he and his boys were caught smoki
ng at one of the city park playgrounds after hours. In addition to being arrested and charged with loitering, Mateo served a few days in jail, paid a fine, and attended a few drug abuse classes.

  The three men heard a fire truck blaring down the street, and they all rushed up to see where the truck was going.

  “Man, just think: this time next year, I’m gonna be hanging off one of those trucks and I’m going to be putting out fires and all kinds of stuff.” Julio’s voice drifted in the air as he watched the firemen speed by with pride. His dream to be a fireman burned just as brightly as it had when he saw firemen putting out a fire at his old neighbor’s house when he was five.

  Hammer gave him the side-eye. “You ain’t gonna be no fireman. I’m going to be a rapper before that happens.”

  “You always trying to clown somebody’s dream, man. That’s why I don’t even mess with you like that.”

  “Young man, you don’t even know me,” Hammer replied. “I’m not trying to clown, but look at you. Nothing about you says fireman.”

  Mateo could see that Julio was uncomfortable with the eyes being on him. He wasn’t exactly overweight, but he wasn’t the cut-up army man Mateo remembered. Julio talked about it, but in practice, he didn’t hit the gym like Mateo and Hammer did. Julio wasted his days drinking and smoking and talking to women he wouldn’t have entertained before he fought in the war. Plus, he was bumming off of his mother and brother. Nothing said trifling more than that.

  “So,” Julio retorted as he snatched the weed from Hammer when he pulled it out of his pocket. “All this weed smoking and lounging around that I’m doing now is temporary. In fact, I’m counting down to about five months from now to do everything I want to do . . . then I’m going to get serious, give up smoking and excessive drinking, and I’m gonna lose this beer belly and get down to business.”

  “Why don’t do you it now?” Hammer pressed the issue.

  Mateo could see where this was going, and because it was for Julio’s good, he did nothing to stop it.