Silent Praise

by Michelle Lindo-Rice

  “I’d be honored, friend. How many did you make?” Judd asked.

  “I made six of them. I hope to give them to Melanie as an engagement present.”

  “Engagement …” Judd trailed off.

  Chase stole a glance his way. Judd had a wide smile on his face. Chase refocused on the road. “Before talking to you, I wasn’t sure what I would do. But I’m putting God on the job.”

  “You should wrapped them up real nice and put the ring on the dancer’s hand.”

  “What a good idea,” Chase said. “Don’t tell me you’re a romantic.”

  “Don’t tell anyone. If you have any ideas for Nadine and myself, swing it by me.”

  “I do know what you have to do,” Chase said, turning into the Best Buy.

  “Then why you making me fast and pray and all that. What do I have to do?”

  “Grovel.”

  Judd scoffed.

  Chase executed a smart turn into a small spot. “Trust me. It works.”

  “How am I going to look groveling at her feet? I can’t go out like that.”

  “Grovel,” Chase said again, with much more force.

  “All right. I hear you.” Judd groaned. In a conspiratorial tone, he said, “If you tell anyone …”

  Chase shook his head. “I wouldn’t.”

  Judd shoved him. Chase held his arm. “What did you do that for? Groveling doesn’t make you less of a man. So ease off on the testosterone.”

  “All right. Nadine’s got to marry me. I definitely don’t want two baby mamas. I need a wife.”

  “She’s the one,” Chase said. “Do what you have to do. I know what’s better than groveling. If her son fell in love with you …”

  Judd rubbed his hands together. “I love Steven already, so that’s easy.”

  “That’s the way to Nadine’s heart. Give her son a real man to look up to. Pursue Steven. Nadine will follow.” Chase patted Judd on the back. “Now, let’s bring my father into the present with a high-def television.”

  29

  Melanie held her orange and brown faux fur blanket in her hands. If she was to spend another night with Tricia on that couch, she was coming prepared. She used her spare key to enter Tricia’s home.

  Tricia was laid out on her chair watching the Real Housewives of Atlanta.

  “You’re killing brain cells,” Melanie signed as she wiped her feet on the large welcome mat.

  Tricia turned on the subtitles. Melanie held up her Bible. “We have a date with God, remember?”

  Tricia clicked the OFF button.

  “Where’s Emory?” Melanie asked. He was supposed to join them.

  “He’s been called in to work so he’s happy you’ll be here. Ever since I’ve been on bed rest, he’s been packing up his overtime hours. He plans on taking Family Medical Leave once this little guy arrives.”

  “Little guy?” Melanie smiled.

  “I think so,” Tricia said. “Just have a feeling.”

  “I intend to spoil him or her big time,” Melanie said.

  “I’m counting on it, Auntie Melanie.” Tricia pointed at the rose pink Bible on the couch. “Can you reach that for me? Let’s get our minds in the place for prayer.”

  “Thanks for praying with me, sis,” Melanie said, handing Tricia the Bible. She had called Tricia and set up the Friday night prayer vigil. Her sister had readily agreed. Melanie had been on fasting all day.

  “No worries. I’m sorry I couldn’t be on fasting with you. Remember when The Tres Amigas went on all night-prayer-fest when Emory proposed. I’m returning the favor.”

  Melanie nodded. “I miss Rachel,” she signed.

  Tricia’s eyes saddened. “We’ll pray for her but Rachel’s on a different track. Maybe God needs her behind bars so she can find Him again.”

  “I hope so,” Melanie said.

  Melanie and Tricia leaned into each other for support. Melanie remembered Rachel’s parting words. Her chest heaved with pain.

  Tricia read her mind. “God’s got Rachel. We’ll leave her in God’s hands and then as far as I’m concerned it’s handled. Let’s focus on why we’re here.”

  Melanie nodded. “The other night God spoke through Dad. He told me God has slain my monster. I don’t have anything to fear when it comes to Unc—I mean, Ted, ever again.”

  Tricia nodded. “But there’s a wedge there.”

  Melanie touched her chest. “Yes. A wedge of pain mixed with anger.”

  Tricia flipped through her Bible pages. “Let’s read Romans 8.”

  Goose bumps rose on Melanie’s flesh. “God gave me a word from that very chapter.”

  “Good. So we know He’s leading.” Tricia recited the words.

  Melanie whispered along with her. When Tricia was finished, they joined hands. They sang songs and read Psalms for the next hour. Melanie felt God’s presence. She knew angel’s surrounded them. They prayed for Rachel. They prayed about the dance studio.

  “I’ll pray for you, now,” Tricia said. As usual, Melanie kept her eyes open so she could ‘touch and agree’ when necessary.

  “Lord, we come before Your presence because You’re a deliverer. You’ve brought Melanie this far. You’ve made her prosper and rise above her childhood. Now, Lord, we come before You asking You to complete the healing in Melanie’s life. She knows You’ve already fought her battle and won. She knows she has nothing to fear in Ted Lawson but God the enemy has crippled her with fear. Right now, as a child of God with all the authority You’ve given me, I bind all the pain and fear of the past. I bind it in the name of Jesus.”

  “Hallelujah,” Melanie said. “Yes, Lord.”

  “You said whatever I bind on earth is bound in heaven, and I’m standing on Your word. I ask God that as You’ve forgiven Ted and thrown his past sins in the sea of forgetfulness, You will help Melanie to do the same.”

  Melanie gulped. Tears streamed down her face. “Help me, Lord,” she whispered.

  “Help her realize she’s standing on top of her past and her future is above. Help her look up unto the hills. Help her press toward a higher calling and forget everything that is behind. Right now, in Your name, Jesus …” Tricia broke off and began to speak in a heavenly language.

  Melanie lifted her hands. “Help me, Jesus.”

  “Pour it out,” Tricia said. “Forget about me being here and talk to God.”

  Melanie nodded and lifted her hands. The women shouted praises and paid homage to God. Just before daybreak, Melanie prayed. The words burst out of her mouth.

  “Lord, I thank You for the man You’ve sent into my life. I love Chase with all my heart. Just as I was able to admit that, I find out his father was the reason I’m deaf.” She doubled over. “For years I wondered who Uncle was. Then when I saw his face … Jesus help me,” she wailed, “Everything came flooding back. I know Ted Lawson is a changed man. I know he’s been made new but there’s no going back for me. There’s no do-over. I’ll be deaf for the rest of my life. Never hearing again … I’ve never heard Chase’s voice. I’ll never hear my children …”

  Melanie sobbed. Her shoulders shook unable to carry the burden of her pain.

  You can hear me.

  Melanie straightened. “Yes, Lord. I can hear you,” she said.

  Give me all.

  She wiped her face and looked at Tricia.

  Tricia held her arms open. “Release it. God wants you to let it go once and for all so you can move on.” She opened her Bible. “I’m going to paraphrase Revelations 21 verse 4 for you. God shall wipe away all tears from your eyes. There will be no more sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

  Melanie fell to her knees. Her curls framed her face and her body was wet from sweat. She lay on the floor and cried to God, knowing His Spirit would make intercession for her.

  “At this I put Ted Lawson before you. I ask God that You will help him get over any guilt he’s holding as well. Help us both move forward
.” Melanie sat up with a start. Her eyes were wide. Had those words left her mouth?

  Her eyes connected with Tricia. Tricia face was red and swollen. “Won’t God do it?” she said.

  Melanie rolled her eyes and said, “You’ve been watching too much reality TV.” She looked through the blinds and saw the sun peeking through. “Thanks, Tricia, for tarrying with me all night.”

  Tricia waved her hand. “It was a pleasure. I slept through the day and my spirit was thirsty for a night with God. Now help me up. I’ve got to use the bathroom.”

  Melanie helped her sister stand. “After all that praying we did, you’ll have one blessed baby.”

  “You know it,” Tricia said. “And, you’ll have a blessed husband.”

  ***

  “I know God is here,” Chase said. The men were gathered on Chase’s patio. It was enclosed and insulated so they were cool. Chase had played Chris Tomlin, Mandisa, and Tasha Cobb. But it was Nicole C. Mullen’s voice that ushered God’s presence inside the place.

  Ted tilted his head upwards. “Lord, I worship You. You are worthy to be praised. I thank You for Your blood which washed away all my sins.”

  Chase worshiped with his father before looking over in Judd’s direction.

  Judd’s body hung off the lounge chair. His head bobbed as he struggled to stay awake.

  “Judd,” Chase whispered. He went over and shook his friend awake.

  Judd wobbled to his feet.

  “It’s right before dawn. Time for you to pray.”

  Judd yawned. “I’ve prayed so much tonight, I’ve made up for my teenage and college years. I’m hungry.”

  Chase stifled a grin at Judd’s mumbled words. “Get serious. God is here so make your request known.” He crooked his head to where Ted stood praising.

  “Why didn’t you say so?” Judd’s facial expression changed. He lowered his head. Chase closed his eyes and touched Judd’s shoulder.

  Judd began. “Lord, I’ve been avoiding You for most of my life. I’m making a mess of everything without You. I’ve decided it’s time I put myself in Your hands. Amen.”

  Chase’s eyes popped open. “Hallelujah!” he shouted.

  Judd lifted his head.

  “Did I hear you right?” Chase asked.

  Judd nodded. “I’m ready. I need God in my life.”

  Chase ran for his Bible and found I John 1. He read verse 4. “If we confess ours sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

  Judd’s eyes widened. “You mean I’ve got to tell God all the bad things I’ve done. We could be here for days.”

  Chase chuckled. Ted must have finished his praying because he came and joined them.

  “You can sum it up by confessing you’re a lifetime sinner and you’re sorry,” Ted said.

  Judd nodded and closed his eyes. “God, I’m sorry for all my wrongs. I’ll be a sinner in this lifetime and the next if you don’t save me.”

  Chase’s body shook with laughter. “In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

  “Amen. So let it be,” Ted said.

  Chase held up his hands. “Heavenly Father, I approach you on Melanie’s behalf. Like Isaac with Rebecca, I loved her at first sight. I know she’s the one for me. I ask You to clear the path for the both of us. Help us find our way back to each other. I pray this prayer, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

  When the sun rose, the men praised God. Judd clapped his hands and danced in the Spirit. Chase watched his friend and marveled. He planned to dance as well, with Melanie by his side. And, he would.

  Chase prayed a final prayer of thanksgiving. When he opened his eyes, his father was gone.

  30

  Melanie pulled into her driveway a little after 10 a.m. that Saturday morning. There was a black F-150 in the space where her mother’s minivan was usually parked. Her parents were probably at church already. She planned on sleeping and going to church for the evening service. Right now her bed was calling.

  The owner of the vehicle got out but his truck was so high all Melanie saw was a pair of lean legs wearing light blue jeans and boots. Boots with silver tips.

  She grabbed her purse, opened her car door, and exited. Maybe someone needed directions. She stuck her hand inside her purse and clutched a pen, just in case.

  “Hello? Can I help you?” Melanie’s tone was sharp as she rounded the vehicle with caution.

  “Hello, Melanie.”

  Her eyes widened. Uncle stood before her. No. Not Uncle. Ted Lawson.

  He stepped forward but the glare of the sun made his face hard to see. She could see he held up both hands. “Don’t be alarmed. Please. I just needed to talk to you.”

  Sweat lined her armpits and Melanie took short breaths. God, You testing me already. “Ted, why are you here?”

  “I wanted to talk to you. That’s all,” Ted said.

  Her heart hammered in her chest. She clutched her purse close to her and looked down at her sneakers. The one time she did not wear heels …

  Melanie willed her feet to stand still. The urge to run inside her house was strong. Her shaky hands would not obey the simple command of putting the key inside the door.

  God has slain your monster. Gary’s words came back to her. Melanie relaxed before a troubling thought occurred.

  “It’s Chase, isn’t it?” she asked. “Something happened. That’s why you’re here. Is he all right? Tell me what happened?” Melanie fired questions at Ted. Concern for Chase’s health superseded her own fears.

  Ted shook his head. “Chase is fine. I left him a couple hours ago. We spent all night in prayer.”

  “You did? So did I? I was praying all night with my sister. What a coincidence,” Melanie said.

  “That’s no coincidence. That is God at work.”

  Melanie tilted her head. Ted was right. She stepped into the shade and gestured for Ted to step closer so she could see his face.

  He looked tired and worn. This man standing before her was no monster. With a gush of air, Melanie released her fears to the wind. She squared her shoulders and turning her back to Ted, unlocked her door.

  Melanie took a brave step inside and faced him. She opened her mouth, and was attacked with doubt. No. Don’t let him in. He’ll hurt you. Melanie rebuked the thoughts. Lord, I’m trusting in You. I’m delivered. Ted’s delivered. We are free.

  “Come in,” she said.

  With a nod, Ted entered Melanie’s living space and she closed the door. She beckoned for Ted to take a seat. Seeing him curl his frame to sit on her sofa, Melanie offered a silent praise. God was still in the miracle business.

  “Thank you for allowing me into your home.” Ted’s eyes were suspiciously wet.

  Melanie’s heart melted. She slid into a seat across from him and whispered, “As you said, God is at work.”

  Ted wrung his heads. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. If I could undo what I did to you, I would. I was a worthless human being before God got to me. I wish I had the right words to say to you that would make you understand just how sorry I am.”

  Melanie nodded but tears streamed down her face blocking her view. She wiped her face with her hands so she could read Ted’s lips.

  “I’m here because Chase loves you and I love him. He’s suffered these past months without you and to know that I …” Ted gulped, visibly holding back tears. He touched his chest. “To know I’m contributing to Chase’s pain is too much to bear. I’ve thought about it and if my leaving will mend your relationship, I will. If you want me to confess and do the time, I will. I’ve got to make this right. You and Chase belong together. I’m sure of that and I can’t be the one standing in your way.”

  Melanie’s shoulders shook. After all the crying she had done the night before, Melanie did not understand how she could produce more tears. Her body trembled but Melanie held out a hand.

  Ted eye’s widened.

  “Take my hand,” Melanie said. Her hand quivered but she was not going to back d
own.

  With a nod, Ted reached out and placed his hands in hers.

  “I forgive you,” she whispered.

  Ted squeezed her hand. His body vibrated. Though she could not hear it, Melanie knew Ted wailed. She waited for him to pour out before she said, “I love Chase. I want to be in his life, if he’ll still have me. You and I will take baby steps.”

  “Thank you.” Ted rose to his feet.

  Melanie opened the door and came face-to-face with Chase.

  “Melanie!” Chase searched her face for any signs of distress. “I didn’t know he was coming. Are you all right?”

  “Everything’s fine, son,” Ted said, stepping around Melanie and coming outside to tap him on the shoulder. “I had to talk to Melanie myself. There were things that needed to be said.”

  “Why didn’t you say something?” While he asked his father the question, Chase kept his eyes pinned on Melanie.

  “I knew you’d try to stop me,” Ted said.

  Melanie’s smiling face put Chase at ease. It had been too long since he had seen her. He scanned her from head to toe. His wood impressions had not done her justice. She was airy, breathy, like a butterfly.

  “I missed you,” he said.

  “I missed you, too,” Melanie replied.

  “I’ll leave you two to talk,” Ted offered, before going to his vehicle.

  “Can I come in?” Chase asked.

  Melanie nodded and stepped back. As soon as she closed the door, Chase pulled her into his arms. He kissed her with all the passion he had. When her arms snaked around his waist, Chase wished he could stay in that position forever. But he needed to take a breath. He was weak in the knees. Chase ended the kiss but held onto her.

  Melanie licked her lips. He zoned in those pretty pink lips and groaned. He had to taste her again. Chase crushed his lips to hers and closed his eyes.

  Melanie broke the kiss and pulled out of his arms.

  “I love you, Chase.” Her eyes served as a mirror to her heart.

  He cupped her cheeks with his hands. “I love you, too,” he said. “These past months have been torture. I’m not letting you go ever again.”