by Judy Candis
“Billups? Our Ernest Billups, the snob?” Jael leaned farther back, completely flabbergasted.
“The one and only. He may have seemed like a bigot to you because of his ideas about racial intolerance, but he was straight across the board each way. He had little in common with Captain Slater, but because of his outspoken feelings about you, the Captain slipped a few times around him, trying to feel him out. When Billups got a whiff of what he suspected, he notified our agency, having serious qualms about how the earlier internal investigation had turned out. That’s why you saw him sneak out of the Captain’s office—he was hoping for more evidence. Evidence you finally gave us.”
“Wow, I would’ve never believed it. Billups of all people.” Jael shook her head in disbelief. “But then again, the Captain had me fooled too. Did you know he was planning to use me as the fall guy for the murders?” she asked, gazing back into his adoring eyes.
“We had our suspicions—that’s why I had him watched and followed right after I left his office. As I suspected, he went straight to the Klan’s campsite, so when we lost your signal we already knew where they were taking you.”
“Why didn’t you tell me any of this?”
“You know why, Jael. You were under a lot of strain just trying to get Ramon back. There was no telling what you might have said out of fear.”
With a slight nod, she concurred. “I’ve learned a lot about fear these past few days. But I think it’ll take a lot more to frighten me in the future.”
“You took more than a normal person could handle this time, and came through it like a champ.” Grant touched her forehead gently, then placed another kiss on her brow.
“Yeah, we literally went through fire, didn’t we?” She smiled and patted Grant softly on his chest. Man, she was glad just to be able to touch him again, she thought. When all this was over, she’d not act the fool she had before.
She thanked God for the umpteenth time for His mercy, while reluctantly stepping away from Grant, moving to the window and taking in all the rushed activity outside. “God had my back every step of the way. It may seem as if I had things under control, but that’s only because I learned to completely trust God and hold fast to my faith. Even when I thought everything kept going haywire, the Lord was one move ahead before it even happened.”
“That’s what faith is all about. Trusting in the Lord even when we can’t see the outcome.”
“The Lord has no patience with double-mindedness. I’ve learned my lesson the hard way. I thank the Lord for His enduring mercy.” Turning back toward Grant, who stood watching her with his hands in his pockets, she added, “The adversary plays mean and hard, though; you always have to be on your toes.”
“And prayed up and armed with the Word.”
“You said a mouthful there, brother!” Jael laughed. “And now we understand why Jasper dropped all those anonymous tips to the press and gave me the note. He couldn’t risk going to the police, the very heart of the problem. It seems you guys had everything figured out from the start. What happens now?”
“Well, for one, since there won’t be a captain around the station for a while, Lieutenant Reynolds will be in charge of putting things back together.”
“Wow, that sounds great: Lieutenant Jael Reynolds.” She smiled.
“And since Lieutenant Reynolds was smart enough to get a copy of Jasper’s phone book, which can identify certain individuals, before everything went up in smoke . . .” Grant stepped closer, a look of concern on his face. “That was the main purpose of burning down that old barn, you know—to get rid of evidence that might lead back to the Captain.”
“So I was an afterthought?”
“No, the Captain had every intention of eliminating you along with any incriminating evidence, but thankfully God had another plan.”
“God always has a plan,” she said, then added, “Hopefully, you’re in the plan He has for me.”
Grant reached out, placing his hand on her shoulder. His smile was huge and promising. “Let’s speak the positive on that one, shall we? You know, name it and claim it and all that.”
“Yeah, let’s do just that.”
As the two of them headed out the office door, hand in hand, she felt stronger than ever before, having endured so much and understanding that through this trial she was a much stronger Christian. It seemed as if she had gone to hell and back, but during all the moments of wavering doubt, God had been steadfast and faithful. She’d learned an enormous lesson that would carry her through the rest of her life. And whatever plan God had for her life, she had every confidence that He would see it through.
Today is your day for a miracle. Take it by faith!
About the Author
Judy Candis is a native of Detroit and resides in Tampa with her two daughters. She received her BS degree in black studies from Florida A&M University and graduated with the titles Miss Famu and Miss Kappa Alpha Psi. She was a full-time journalist for seven years and currently teaches writing at the University of South Florida. She also helps run the family business, BAR-B-Que King, a legacy in the bay area for fifty-five years. All Things Hidden is her first nationally published novel.
Reading Group Guide
Chapter 1
Jael, the main character in this novel, obviously believes in listening to the voice of God. What does the Word say about our ability to hear the voice of God? 1 Corinthians 2:14-15; Ezekiel 44:23
Chapter 2
It’s clear that Jael is not ashamed of her faith nor is she afraid to share it on the job. How does she use her faith in the workplace to glorify God? What challenges do believers face when witnessing in a workplace setting? Psalm 31:1; Luke 9:26; Romans 1:16
Chapter 3
Can you relate to Jael’s antagonistic coworker? Have you ever had a similar situation at your job? What do you think about the way she’s handling him? In the past, how have you handled your personal difficult work situations? What does the Bible say about handling our enemies? Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27
Chapter 4
There is a volatile relationship between Jael and Virgil, her ex-husband. As Christians we’re called to live at peace with all men (including family) as much as possible. What steps should Jael, as a Christian, take to improve their interaction, especially for the sake of their child? Proverbs 20:7
Chapter 5
Jael explains to her unsaved cousin, Rhonda, that it is God who sustains her so that her physical needs don’t get the best of her. Discuss what the Word says about handling temptation. 2 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:13; James 1:12; Matthew 26:41
Chapter 6
In this world Christians are in enemy territory. What precautions can we take when life necessitates that we be in a situation like Jael, where it’s clear Satan is busy working overtime on the job? Matthew 5:14, 13:22; John 1:10, 17:16, 17:18, 18:36; Romans 1:12
Chapter 7
What is the spiritual benefit of the relationship between Ramon and Terrell? Explain. Matthew 5:13-14
Chapter 8
What do you think of Jael’s reaction to the death of TeeTee? Is she too focused on finding the killer or should she have been showing more godly compassion? Matthew 9:36, 20:34
Chapter 9
Jael tells a “white lie” when trying to get information from Booley. Is lying acceptable in some situations? Acts 5:4
Chapter 10
Is TeeTee dead because of choices he made or because of the hand “society” dealt to him? Philippians 2:12
Chapter 11
Jael’s vendetta is revealed. What do you think about her underlying reason for becoming a police officer? What does the Bible say about revenge? Psalm 94; Hebrews 10:30
Chapter 12
Mr. Watson seems prepared to take up arms to defend himself. Do believers have that option? Explain. Deuteronomy 1:42; 2 Chronicles 20:17
Chapter 13
As the violence and mystery builds around the murders so do Jael’s fears and doubts about how God
is moving in the situation. How can she quell her emotions and focus on God, despite what she’s experiencing? 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18
Chapter 14
Captain Slater is an intimidating boss, but still he has authority over her. Is she showing him the proper amount of respect? Proverbs 29:2; Matthew 20:25
Chapter 15
Jael is clearly attracted to Grant, the FBI agent. At one point she prays for God to not let her make a foolish mistake, but do you think her feelings are harmless at his point?
Chapter 16
Concentrating on the case is becoming increasingly difficult for Jael, and at the end of the chapter she blames the “adversary fighting against you from all sides, looking for vulnerable spots.” Is this an attack from Satan? Job 2:3; 1 Peter 5:8
Chapter 17
When Jael lets William David Jasper go and agrees to follow him to his house, she’s taking a risk. Do you believe the Holy Spirit is guiding her dangerous actions in this case? What is the evidence from the story that backs up your belief? Psalm 32:8; John 16:13
Chapter 18
Racism rears its ugly head in a most blatant way and Jael struggles to react rationally to it. What is the root of racism and how should Christians respond to it? Romans 5:12
Chapter 19
Grant and Jael have discovered that white supremacy is at the root of the murders. Some are not aware of its evil because of Satan’s lies—including that he doesn’t exist. Many white supremacist groups operate under the guise that they are fulfilling the will of the almighty God. How does scripture refute this claim? 1 Timothy 4:2; Proverbs 11:9, 6:19; 2 Peter 2:1
Chapter 20
After Jael is shot, she calls on Jesus. Why does she believe that Jesus will come through for her? Proverbs 10:21, 17:24; Ecclesiastes 1:13
Chapter 21
Jael hits the captured man after he makes repeated racial slurs. Would you have done the same? Proverbs 22:26
Chapter 22
Jael observes positive interaction between Grant and her son. As a parent, what traits should she be looking for in Grant?
Chapter 23
Has Jael forgiven herself for her past drug addiction? Is this somehow impacting her moving forward with Grant?
Chapter 24
After praying for peace, Jael is still confused. Has her faith weakened? Matthew 7:22; James 5:15; 1 Peter 4:7
Chapter 25
Now that Jael has admitted her feelings to Grant and knows it’s mutual, is she free to indulge her emotions? Explain. Colossians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 10:8
Chapter 26
The horrific discovery of Peoples’s dead body is a compelling example of the effects of a sinful world. What can or should the church be doing to stem such violence? Is spreading the gospel enough?
Chapter 27
Like Peoples’s death, there are senseless deaths every day. How can we reconcile the fact that God is all-loving even in the face of such violence? Matthew 28:19
Chapter 28
Grant and Jael talk about their first marriages and what went wrong. Do you believe remarrying is acceptable in each of their cases? Luke 16:18; Matthew 19:9
Chapter 29
Understandably, Jael begins to unravel once Ramon has been kidnapped. What should be her response when there appears to be nothing she can do? 1 Peter 1:7; Matthew 13:21; Romans 2:9; Acts 14:22
Chapter 30
What is the biblical response to our “why me Lord?” Romans 5:3
Chapter 31
Jael believes she is involved in spiritual warfare at this point. Do you agree? Explain. Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4
Chapter 32
Clearly Jael’s facing the biggest test of her life. Do you believe she is truly holding to her faith or is she crumbling? Psalm 62:11, 106:8
Chapter 33
Paranoia and fear are affecting Jael because of Ramon’s kidnapping. As human beings can we expect to have power and control over such emotions? 1 Chronicles 25:8; Romans 16:20; Isaiah 40:29
Chapter 34
Should Jael obey the kidnappers’ orders or should she simply trust God? What would you do?
Chapter 35
Grant tells Jael to pray. Has she relied on the power of prayer during this ordeal? What can prayer still do? Genesis 20:17; 1 Samuel 1:10, 1:27; Acts 6:4
Chapter 36
Even though she has prayed, Jael is still full of doubt and worry about everything. What Godly counsel would you give her? On what scripture would it be based?
Chapter 37
Can you explain what Grant meant when he quoted Deuteronomy 32:33?
Chapter 38
Jael is beginning to find peace and strength amidst her storm. How is that possible? Romans 8:6; John 14:27, 16:20
Chapter 39
Virgil calls at a crucial time. Should Jael have tried to let him know what was going on? As Ramon’s father, does he have a right to know? Explain.
Chapter 40
With her cell phone out the window and her wiretaps gone, Jael is completely vulnerable. What biblical character can you compare her to? What should be her prayer now? What scripture should she be standing on?
Chapter 41
Jael compares her despondence to what Jesus may have felt on the Cross. Is this a good analogy? Luke 11:42
Chapter 42
Even though victory is in sight, Jael alludes to being capable of killing someone. What is the biblical view on this? Exodus 20:13; Mark 10:19
Chapter 43
Deceptions are revealed from various police officers. Should Jael have been more aware of these signs? Matthew 16:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:9
Chapter 44
Much to Upton’s surprise, he’s now a victim of the same sin and hate he perpetuated. Discuss what happens to those who sin against God’s people. 1 Samuel 12:23
Chapter 45
When death appears to be imminent, the Holy Spirit intervenes in a mighty way. Jael and Ramon literally go through fire. What promises of God are demonstrated here? Genesis 32:11; Psalm 50:15; Proverbs 11:8
Chapter 46
What spiritual lesson(s) do you believe Jael and Grant could and should have learned through this ordeal?