Ethics of a Thief
Page 24
“I’m glad they included that.”
“Frankly, so am I,” he said.
“Well good for you. They must have seen you as redeemable.”
“Yep, but I’m not good enough for you, am I?”
“Stop that,” she ordered. “I refuse to let you make me feel guilty.”
“It’s true. You are too good for me, but don’t feel bad about it. It took you years to become you. But for me, I’m just getting started. However, I’m determined to become the best edition of myself possible. That’s a commitment I made to myself.”
“That’s wonderful Matt. Things are looking up for you. I’m glad.” Abigail felt warm inside. Perhaps there is some hope for us after all. “So what are you going to do?”
“For starters, I found a church near home. I want to meet the pastor and visit their Men’s Bible Study. Tomorrow I’ll attend Sunday morning service. They’re teaching about the book of John.”
Suddenly Abigail felt flush as her blood boiled. At least as a thief, you told the truth, she wanted to yell. Why are you lying? No one changes that much over night. I’m not that dense, but instead of saying anything, she silently bit her tongue.
While talking, he was unaware she had stopped listening.
“I’m actually looking forward to studying about John. It’s the book my aunt inscribed in my Bible as a kid.”
Abigail was now holding the phone away from her ear. I don’t believe a word you’re saying. You’re only telling me what I want to hear, she wanted to yell. Her head was reeling, she wanted desperately to hang up, but couldn’t.
Finally he said, “What’s going on? You seem preoccupied. Should I call back?”
“No. That won’t be necessary! I’m truly happy for you and hope you move forward as planned. But please, never call me again. It’s inappropriate now that the case is closed.” Her face was red as she slammed the phone into the cradle.
*
After hanging up he was in shock, What just happened, why the coldness? Isn’t she happy for us? He repeatedly shook his head in disbelief, not knowing what to think. When he glanced down, he saw a brochure with the phone number of the church. He dialed and spoke with the pastor. After making an appointment for later that evening, Matt tried to make sense of her reaction to the best news he could possible give.
After parking his car, Matt walked to the front door, but it was locked. So he followed the sidewalk around to the parking lot. When he saw a door marked Administration, he entered the building. While waiting, he noticed that the furniture was old as if donated. He thought, Someday, I’ll do something about that. After hearing footsteps, he turned and watched as a grey-haired man came toward him.
“You must be Matt?”
“Yes.”
“I’m Pastor Thomas Wright, but call me Pastor Tom.” His handshake was firm. His smile was warm and friendly.
“My office is this way.” After the man pivoted, Matt followed.
The sparse office had a few old filing cabinets, a desk and three chairs. The opened window blinds let in the flood lights from the parking lot. The tan colored walls held his credentials. There was a painting of Jesus leaning on a large rock while praying.
“What can I help you with, young man?”
Matt slowly gave an overview of his criminal past, his family history and how his relationship with Abigail developed into love.
“When she rejected me last week, I became despondent. After days of agony, it finally came to me that I needed God. So I asked for forgiveness. Afterward, I felt clean inside. Suddenly it came to me to turn myself in and pay restitution. But I did hope that I would get a lighter sentence because I didn’t have any priors.”
“That was a big step in the right direction young man.”
“Well. The next morning, while listening to a T.V. news reporter, I discovered that an Iraqi was found on the Yacht. It was my first glimpse of God’s love and help.”
“Well good for you. I’m glad you’re acknowledging God in this.”
“One thing lead to another resulting in working out a deal with the FBI in return for immunity. Part of the deal was if I ever commit insurance fraud again, the agreement is void.”
“Good for you young man, I’m happy for you.”
“Everything’s great for me, except with Abigail.”
“So why are you telling me this young man?”
“For one, I plan on attending this church and wanted you to know about my past.”
“Son, everyone here has a past. We are all sinners saved by grace. You’ll be in good company. I’m proud of you for repenting.”
“Repenting?”
“Yes. That means you no longer want to steal, right?”
“Oh yes.” Matt said while leaning forward. “I need to understand something.”
“What?”
“When I told Abigail about wanting to meet you, and to attend your church, she became distant. She told me to never call again and hung up. Does it offend other Christians when someone becomes a believer?”
The man laughed hardily. When he stopped, he said, “No son. We’re elated when someone becomes a believer.”
“So why did you laugh?”
“Son, the woman thinks you’re conning her, that’s all.”
“But why? I was telling her the truth. Besides, we hit it off so well and have great chemistry.”
“Is she a believer?”
“Yes. She’s a strong Christian woman, why?”
“If that’s true she would never want a man who didn’t share her faith.”
Matt sat with his head low as he glanced up, “If that’s the case, she should be happy for me and for us.”
“She would, if she believed you, but she doesn’t.”
“I’m confused,” Matt said while staring at the pastor.
The man leaned forward, “To her, it’s too good to be true. Within a week after rejecting you, you became a Christian and have a clean slate, and want to attend church. She just isn’t buying it. It’s as simple as that.”
Matt slumped further into his chair.
“If the lady thought you were telling the truth she would be elated. If she pulled away, she must have felt manipulated.”
“What should I do to convince her?”
“You won’t like my answer,” he said while leaning back with hands folded.”
“Try me.”
“Young man you need to adjust to your new life. Forget about her for a while. First you must make some significant changes. Attend church, and our men’s group.” He looked at Matt for a while. “You must find a new career, and make new friends who support your direction. Those are some tangible signs of a redeemed life. You must stay firm in your faith for months or even a year before dating anyone.”
“What should I do about her?”
“Put her on hold. If you’re meant to be with her, she’ll wait. Are you willing to trust God?”
“Yes. I’m willing to do that. Where do I start?”
“I recommend you get some good Christian Counseling.”
After Matt leaned forward he said, “Can you recommend someone?”
“That’s the right attitude. Take actions now, don’t wait.” The man handed him a business card for a therapist.
As Pastor Tom and he were standing and saying goodbye, he leaned forward, and gave Matt a long bear hug. He said, “I’m proud of you son. You’re making all the right decisions. If you need help, my door’s always open. You’re now a child of the living God, so welcome to our family.”
“What do you mean family?”
“At the moment you accepted Christ you became part of one big Christian family. We need you as much as you need us. At times you will inspire someone here, and other times a person will encourage you.”
As he choked back tears, he said, “Thank You.” I have never felt so loved and supported, not even by my own parents.
About the Author
Dr. Mary Gale Hinrichsen
Writer, Speaker and Life Coach
Dr. Hinrichsen is known as, “The Trash Talking Therapist.” She specializes in finding our mental trash and helping us to recycle it by accepting a more accurate belief. Our unconscious is unable to determine fact from fiction. It will automatically support what we believe and help it come true. Therefore, if we think we can't, our subconscious will assist that belief. Likewise when we think we can, our subconscious will help us find a way to make that become a reality.
Dr. Hinrichsen is a self-made-millionaire, has a PhD in Christian Counseling, and holds three Master's Degrees. She has co-authored several non-fiction books, and authored Ethics of a Thief, which is her favorite. Her hobbies include oil painting, sculpting and golfing, but her passion is spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Visit her author website at marygalehinrichsen.icrewdigital.com
and trashtalkingtherapist.com