by Pat Simmons
Shae didn’t say a word but wore a faint smile all the way to the church entrance, where two men opened the double doors for them. Inside the foyer, a welcome committee greeted them with a hearty “Praise the Lord” and “Welcome to Bethesda.”
Rahn received a few double takes, and they weren’t all from the men. The females’ expressions were that of wishful wonder, but none approached him, thankfully. An usher directed them to a pew, and Rahn helped Shae out of her coat.
As he took his seat, Shae knelt briefly to pray, then sat down next to him. “I’m glad you’re here,” she whispered, with sincerity in her eyes.
“I am, too.” He held her gaze.
Their private moment ended suddenly with the click of two drumsticks. Cymbals clashed, horns blew, and the organist blended the instruments into an orchestra. Immediately, all of the people around him, Shae included, were on their feet, clapping their hands. Rahn didn’t budge as he scanned the auditorium. It was a big church—not mega-sized, but he estimated a couple thousand members.
His foot caught the rhythm, and soon he was clapping along. The repetitive chorus seeped into his soul, and Rahn found himself singing the words to an unfamiliar song.
Cast aside your cares because I care for you.
Rahn caught his breath. In the midst of the music, he clearly heard the voice of the Lord, quoting one of his mother’s favorite Scriptures. He bowed his head, acknowledging God’s presence. It was the same feeling he experienced the night of the carjacking. Rahn shut out everything around him, his status, his family name, the money earning interest in his bank account, and the beautiful woman at his side.
If you don’t praise Me, the rocks will cry out. I have created all things for My glory, God scolded him. Have you not read Luke nineteen, verse forty?
Rahn shivered. He remembered his mother sharing Bible verses along those lines, but he’d never read them for himself. And God knew it.
Without a defense, Rahn closed his eyes in shame. His hands seemed to lift involuntarily in praise—a gesture utterly foreign to him. He recalled the scary night that had set off the chain of events that had brought him to the place he was now.
As the music faded, Rahn seemed to float back to reality. Whew. He needed a few seconds to regain control before he let his eyelids flutter open.
A dark man of average height, wearing glasses, stepped to the microphone and introduced himself as Bishop John Archie, the pastor. “Welcome to Sunday worship at the Temple. Will our guests stand?”
Along with many others of the same status, Rahn complied. He was thankful he wasn’t singled out as the congregation applauded heartily.
Bishop Archie waited for the auditorium to quiet, and then his voice boomed. “Your life will change today because the Word of God is aiming at your soul, and its precision is on the mark—not inches off its target but a perfect bull’s-eye.” He flipped through the Bible on the podium. “My sermon today comes from Isaiah fifty-five, and I want to focus on a public invitation. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘Come as you are.’ It’s just a saying. It’s not Bible-based. Don’t kid yourself into believing that God will accept whatever you want to give Him. Cain and Abel are an example of that. What offering will Jesus accept once He extends the invitation? Nothing less than a complete surrender. The Bible says there is a time and a season for everything. Consider this the place.”
Was God speaking to him only, Rahn wondered, or was this a generic message? His questions were endless as the minister’s sermon drew him in.
Bishop Archie leaned on the podium, but he didn’t seem out of breath. “Now is your appointed time for salvation; then, at an appointed time, the door will close. Don’t let your own righteousness tell you you’re okay. All of the ten virgins in Matthew twenty-five didn’t think it was important to have the oil, or the Holy Ghost, as they waited for the great feast. Not to be prepared is foolish. Won’t you come today and let the Lord fill you up? Time is not on your side. Won’t you come?”
Rahn’s heart pounded at the unknown and the what-ifs in his life.
As if in tune with his confused spiritual state, Shae touched his arm and whispered, “This church is a saving station.”
“I believe it.” Rahn shifted in his seat.
The pastor continued, “The Bible doesn’t make any false promises. It says in Isaiah fifty-five, verse eleven, ‘So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.’”
Twelve minutes later to the second, Bishop John Archie closed his Bible. “It’s time to get into position. If you choose God, He has your back; if you decide to stay with the devil, he will continue stabbing you in the back.”
He urged everyone to their feet. “It’s time to pray, saints. Somebody in here needs Jesus. If you want Him, repent where you are standing—there are no words for you to recite. This is a private confession between your soul and God. Then, step out and make your way to the altar, where ministers are waiting to pray for you, or help you prepare your body and soul for the water and fire baptism, in Jesus’ name…”
Bowing his head, Rahn pieced together a genuine prayer of repentance. Lord, what can I say but “I’m sorry”? It took a gun pointed at my face to make me realize that I’m not in control. Thank You for not allowing any of those thugs to pull the trigger. I’m honest in my intentions. I want a change.
He was physically shaking as he felt Shae lean against him. She prayed softly until he made up his mind. “I can’t leave here today without making a commitment.”
“I feel that in my spirit.” Her eyes were misty.
Taking a deep breath, Rahn disengaged their hands and began the journey down the aisle to the front. “Whatever it takes, I want the works to be saved,” he told one of the ministers waiting for the baptismal candidates to come forward.
The man appeared old enough to be Rahn’s father, and though his expression seemed stern, his eyes were filled with kindness. “It takes a complete surrender of your will. There is no guesswork with the Lord. After the baptism in Jesus’ name, the evidence of His presence is revealed in a spiritual language. The power of the Holy Ghost didn’t cease in the book of Acts. That was just the beginning. The Lord will complete the course. Have you repented?”
“The best way I know how,” Rahn replied, feeling foolish.
“God is the Judge.” Nodding, the minister laid hands on Rahn’s forehead and earnestly prayed for God to forgive him. Then another man escorted Rahn through a side door to a room where he was instructed to change out of his suit into a white T-shirt, pants, and socks.
Afterward, he joined other candidates in a waiting room, and together they began their journey to the pool. When it was Rahn’s turn, he descended into the water. A short, stout man told him to cross his arms. With a firm grip on the back of Rahn’s T-shirt, the minister declared, “My dear brother, on the confession of your faith and the confidence we have in the blessed Word of God concerning His death, burial, and grand resurrection, we indeed baptize you in the name of Jesus for the remission of your sins. Acts two says God will fill you with the Holy Ghost with evidence.”
Rahn was dunked under with a force that surprised him. When he emerged, he was praising God uncontrollably, until he felt his mouth move like it never had before. His lips uttered a language he had never learned. What was going on?
10
Shae quietly shed happy tears. For the most part, the sanctuary had emptied following the benediction, after the last candidate was baptized, but there were still pockets of groups hanging around. She had moved to a vacant seat near the side door where new converts would emerge after prayer and praise, and would remain faithfully at her post until Rahn came out.
It had been years since someone close to her surrendered to Christ. She never would have thought Rahn would walk down that aisle, wanting salvation—not on his first visit to Bethesda Temple. That’s what she
got for having an opinion about who God drew to Himself. Then again, she wasn’t surprised. Rahn had said he wanted a change.
When Rahn reappeared in his suit, Shae dabbed her eyes. He displayed the same confidence in his stride, but his dazed expression was a sign that he had experienced something almost indescribable. They exchanged smiles, and she scooted over for him to sit. They both remained silent, as if waiting for the other to speak first.
“The Holy Ghost is really real,” he finally said, with amazement, as if he was still not quite convinced. “I heard it…God’s language, spoken through me, just like the Bible said.”
“I know.” Shae spoke softly, with reverence. Her hand trembled, and she refrained from brushing it against his jaw. Despite the attraction, they weren’t a couple; plus, they were in a sacred place. “Congratulations. You are now a card-carrying member of Team Jesus.”
“Thank you.” His voice was tinged with emotion.
She was about to ask why he was thanking her, but she noticed the line of people that had begun to form behind him. She stood, letting him bask in the limelight. “You have company.” She smiled.
He took her hand, restraining her gently. “Don’t. Stay right here.”
“Okay,” she finally agreed, unable to deny his simple request. Shae took her seat again and discreetly checked the time as Rahn stood and greeted people. Although she didn’t want to rush him, she had to return to her condo, get her car, and grab something for dinner—all before reporting to work. If they left within the next half hour, she could accomplish all that.
But this was Rahn’s rebirth—a onetime event—so Shae prayed for patience while the other church members welcomed him into the body of Christ with hugs, handshakes, and a couple of pats on the back. A few of them requested a picture and an autograph.
The scene was touching, even as he switched gears into celebrity status. When his well-wishers and fan base scattered, Shae gathered her Bible and purse.
Rahn lifted her coat off the pew. He smiled but didn’t say anything, instead regarding her with such intensity that she wanted to let down her guard and flirt with him.
“What?”
“I didn’t get a hug from you.” He opened his arms wide.
After a moment’s hesitation, Shae walked into them. She indulged in a short snuggle, then stepped out of his embrace.
“Ready?”
She nodded and then led the way out of the sanctuary. In the lobby, Rahn was swarmed with more hero worship, mostly from young boys. “Do you mind?”
That he’d asked her permission was appealing. Most men would have been cocky and expected her to deal with it. He had moved up a notch in her esteem.
Shae shook her head. He’s so natural with children, she thought, watching their interaction.
A few female church members strolled up to her. “Praise the Lord, Sister Carmen,” one woman greeted her. Shae smiled at the unfamiliar but pretty face. She would even call the woman beautiful, with her hair, makeup, and clothes worn to perfection. “Was that the ballplayer who got baptized earlier?” She didn’t hide her apparent infatuation with Rahn.
Suddenly Shae felt territorial. Was it because she wanted the crown God had promised for those who drew others to Christ, or was it because she was curious to explore a dating relationship with Rahn? In either case, it wasn’t her call.
They had only shared cake, a brief conversation, and a church pew—and a hug. That definitely didn’t qualify as a committed relationship, even if he had pursued her with flowers and notes. Trying to keep her expression unreadable, she answered slowly, “Yes.”
“Praise God.” Her sister in Christ seemed elated. “Is he seeing anybody? I mean, if you two aren’t a couple.”
“Sugar, it’s sure good to see God bring men into the church,” said an elderly woman who butted into the conversation with apparent indifference. Shae could have kissed her.
Leaning on a cane, she reminded Shae of Mother Stillwell—the false prophet of romance in Philly—with her vintage attire and pillbox hat, which had probably been stylish back before Shae could digest solid food.
As if on cue, Rahn came unexpectedly to her side. “Hello, ladies.” He squeezed Shae’s shoulders. “Sister…” He paused and glanced between the two women holding court with Shae.
“Alicia Davis,” the younger woman filled in the blank.
“You can call me Mother Ernest, baby. Mother Mable Ernest.” The older woman stretched her neck to make eye contact.
Mother Ernest? That was too close to Mother Ernestine Stillwell for Shae’s liking. She gritted her teeth, bracing herself for the woman’s personality.
“Mother Ernest,” Rahn repeated, dazzling the senior citizen with a perfect smile, “and Sister Davis.” His smile for her wasn’t quite as engaging. “Shae and I are in the beginning stages of our relationship, just as I am in my walk with Christ. Will you pray for us?”
Whoa. That caught everyone off guard, including Shae. She didn’t know what surprised her more: his keen hearing or his public statement. Evidently, he meant business about wooing her.
“Ready?” he asked her.
Still stunned, she could only nod.
With a wave to his newfound fans, Rahn escorted her out the door to his car.
“I wasn’t expecting you to say all that back there,” she confessed. “As a matter of fact, I’m surprised.”
He shrugged as he disarmed his car alarm. “I know women. I wanted to make it clear I can’t be tempted away from you. As of today, I’m officially in the body of Christ. I’m up for the challenge of keeping you from being disappointed by another church man.”
Shae adjusted her hat and slid into the passenger seat, processing what Rahn had said. Lord, did You save this man just for me? If so, I am loving Your choice.
11
God blew my mind today.” Rahn shook his head as he drove out of the parking lot. He was as exhausted from his up-close-and-personal experience with the Holy Ghost as if he had endured extra innings. “It’s so hard to describe. It’s almost mind-boggling.” He released a hearty laugh because he was genuinely happy. “I’m glad I don’t have to try and explain it to you. You already know what I’m feeling.” He glanced at Shae, grateful to have her as his confidante.
It was funny how God had turned things upside down in his life. Just that morning, Rahn had needed all of his self-restraint to keep his eyes off of Shae, so that he wouldn’t lust. Now, his eyes weren’t a problem. His attraction was more than physical. “I’m convinced that I can live as a changed man after experiencing something so tangible yet so indescribable.”
Removing her hat, Shae closed her eyes as she relaxed against the headrest. “The Holy Ghost is real. In order to walk with Him, you have to study God’s Word, just as you do the game, and model your lifestyle as closely as possible after His stipulations. At Bethesda, we have Bible studies and new convert classes to help with that.”
“I don’t have a problem with learning the craft to be a sincere, practicing Christian.”
Shae opened her eyes and glanced at him, then patted her chest. “You made my heart flutter with that statement.” She grinned. “And my stomach just growled. You can drop me off at home, and—”
“You can’t be hungry on my watch.” He gripped the steering wheel. After what he’d experienced today, Rahn wanted her in his presence as long as possible. He would even go as far as to claim he’d started falling in love with her. Stranger things had happened. But he would rather wait and see where the relationship took them before he made such a life-altering declaration—one he had never uttered to any woman before.
“You don’t have to do that,” she protested.
“Shae,” he said softly as he exited the interstate to Kingshighway, passing the route that would take them to her condo, “let me drive this. And I’m not talking about my Audi.”
“Do I have to?” She puckered her lips in a mock pout.
It was an alluring gesture, but he checked
his hormones and laughed. “Yes, madam.”
It wasn’t long before Rahn drove into the semicircle lane in front of The Chase Park Plaza on Kingshighway near Forest Park. The place had an impressive history, originally built as two separate buildings—The Chase Hotel and The Park Plaza. Besides its stately architecture, it could boast that the staff had hosted every United States president from the 1920s to the 1990s.
Now, the landmark housed executive apartments with an attached movie cinema and four restaurants. The Bistro was once a hot spot for national broadcasts of Big Band concerts, and Rahn thought it would be ideal to take Shae there, since Marcus and Yvette had raved about the service at Eau Bistro.
Valets opened their car doors as soon as Rahn brought his car to a stop. Shae turned to set her hat on the seat behind her when he stopped her.
“Don’t. Please wear it. I’ve never seen a woman look so sexy in a hat. I hope I didn’t offend you by saying that.” He might be able to tame the testosterone from lusting, but his eyes could appreciate her beauty.
She blinked rapidly, then blushed. “You didn’t. But I definitely need to be on Ashro’s payroll. First the viewers, then my producer, and now you all like for me to wear them.”
Shae reached for the sun visor to use the mirror.
“May I?” Rahn touched her chin and guided her face back to him. She trembled, and he was just as affected.
When she consented, Rahn studied her. In the briefest moment, he memorized everything about her, from the beauty mole near her left ear to her slight dimple on the right side. Then he positioned the fashionable headpiece to his satisfaction. “Perfect.” He grinned.
“Okay.”
He took that as a small sign that Shae trusted him on one more thing. Coming around the car, he escorted her along the carpet to the entrance.
The doormen bid them welcome, then pointed to the bank of elevators when Rahn mentioned where they were headed. During the ride to the top floor, Rahn was content to hold Shae’s hand and keep his thoughts to himself. God, help me to be a good Christian man for Shae and You.