by Pat Simmons
On the other hand, Kami’s younger brothers didn’t seem to have any boundaries as they constantly argued who Victoria liked better. She had no idea Chance and Paden could be so mischievous with their antics to impress her. Kami would roll her eyes and say, “They’ll test you.”
Finally, they made it to the Hyatt Hotel and followed voices to a designated ballroom. After Papa P officially welcomed his family, he gave thanks to the Lord for the food. “I know you’re hungry after our fast on yesterday, so eat up.”
The children scrambled to the buffet table, followed by their eager parents. Victoria joined Kami in line. Once the returned trips to the buffet slowed, Kami’s grandfather called the meeting to order. “Our gathering is about more than fun and games. It’s about strength, integrity, and love, so I want to hear from our next generation of Jamiesons. Tell us what is on your mind.”
Victoria swallowed. Oh, the stories she could tell him. Yet, growing up, no one listened about what was on her mind.
The younger children weren’t shy about taking center stage to express themselves. It was as if they were trying to out tell the other.
“Papa, Amber at school says my hair is nappy,” Lauren, who was about four, said, twisting one of her long, thick braids and rolling one of her shoes to the side. “She says I’m ugly.”
Gasps filtered through the room, especially from Lauren’s parents, Ace and Talise, who looked shocked and mad. Victoria thought toymakers would love to model a baby doll after this cutie.
Lauren’s grandfather didn’t dismiss the child’s concern.
“We belong to God and He created us. Don’t let anyone change your mind, okay?” He smiled and Lauren ran up to him and squeezed his neck, then smacked a kiss on his cheek.
Kennedy, about the same age as Lauren, skipped up to the front and complained that her parents, Kidd and Eva, wouldn’t let her have a puppy. Victoria didn’t miss Papa P hiding his smile, but he listened patiently. “I’m sure your mommy and daddy will know when you’re ready for a puppy.”
It wasn’t the answer the girl was hoping for because she pouted and folded her arms. “I’m ready now.”
“Maybe, one day when you get older, you can buy your own,” Papa P suggested as Kennedy’s frown changed to a smile. “Okay.” She beamed, then skipped to the table and kissed her grandfather too.
When no one else stirred, Papa P thanked the children for sharing. “Now,” he grinned, “is everybody ready to play twenty questions?”
The shouts of “Yeah” were deafening.
Looking around the room, Victoria shook her head as everyone was poised to ring the bell to answer the questions about African cultures and history, then Bible quizzes. She sighed in contentment. She thrived in this kind of environment where brains over beauty mattered.
“In the 1940s, two psychologists conducted experiments with small Black children to determine the effects segregation had on their perception...”
Without realizing it, Victoria tapped the bell. Her adrenaline was pumping. “You’re referring to the Clark Doll Test. Doctors Kenneth and Mamie Clark were disappointed with their findings that Black children consistently said the White doll was prettier, better, and the one they wanted to play with. The same experiment was repeated in 2006 by Kiri Davis with almost the same results.”
Papa P’s eyes seemed to sparkle as he nodded. “That is correct, Victoria.”
Beaming, she wasn’t finished. “May I give my thoughts?”
“Of course you can.” The elder leaned forward.
“I think the Clark Doll Test was flawed both times. Blacks are different shades and hues. Perhaps, if they had performed the tests with a diverse selection of skin shades between fair to rich ebony skin, the children would have seen their beauty and had given different answers.” When she took her seat, families released whistles and hearty applause. It was embarrassing and thrilling at the same time.
By the end of the night, #TeamKidd won the challenge to break the tie with #TeamParke. Kidd and his family leaped from their table and danced in place.
“Are they serious?” Victoria chuckled. “What do they win?”
Kami giggled. “Bragging rights.”
Pace stood from their table and with his booming deep voice commanded silence. “If the floor is still open to share, something’s on my mind.”
Hush descended around the room. His grandfather nodded. “Go on, my eldest grandson.”
“Living on campus, I’m out of my comfort zone of being under my parents’ spiritual covering. This is different from high school, and I’m trying to find where I fit in with a new set of friends at the university. I don’t want to make God ashamed with my actions, but how do I blend in without feeling ashamed because I’m not interested in sleeping around and underage drinking? I know it’s deep for tender ears, but it’s been on my mind, sir.” Slipping his hands in his pant pockets, Kami’s older brother stood tall and confident, which was in contrast to his question.
Leaning back in his chair, Papa P folded his arms and seemed to give some thought to Pace’s question. “You will always be God’s light. Never try and dull it.” He paused. “Be a witness whether with your words or deeds. God will send you likeminded friends to encourage you to stay in God’s will.”
“Thanks, Grandpa.” He strolled to the table and shook his hand before returning to his seat.
Victoria admired Pace’s quiet conviction while revealing his vulnerability. She had been vulnerable most of her life.
Next, to Victoria’s surprise, Kami walked to the front. What had she been holding back? She and Kami had become close, and her sister hadn’t hinted at anything earth-shattering was wrong. Victoria grew concerned.
“Hey, family. It’s the former drama queen.” She grinned and waved. “I know I’ve apologized for my behavior at the last family meeting, but I want to say I need prayers as I try to walk with Jesus forever. I acted out with Tango because I thought my family was smothering me, but around my so-called friends, I felt isolated. I’m going to need help to find my balance.”
Wow. Victoria swallowed. She loved her sister for her honesty. Getting on her feet, she hugged Kami when she returned to the table. Since she was already standing, Victoria took cautious steps to the front. She would take this moment to be transparent.
“If I can say something...”
Papa P and everyone in the room encouraged her to speak.
“For children and teenagers who have experienced what I have, how do we trust adults again?” She didn’t wait for an answer as she mentally tapped something deep within her, and a volcano of emotions spilled out. “I just wanted a family.” She sniffed. “Ever since I was a little girl, I kept hoping each foster home would be my family with a mom and dad.” She sighed and covered her face to shield herself against the tears that were coming.
Kami rushed to her side and began to rub her back. “You have me,” she whispered.
“Victoria,” Cheney said, walking up to her. “Parke and I already discussed adopting you, so you’ll officially have a family and become a Jamieson.”
The cheers made Victoria smile.
“Hold it! Wait just a cotton pickin’ minute.” Grandma BB performed some type of dance step toward her, careful not to scuff her Stacy Adams shoes as she leaned on her designer walking cane. “You Jamiesons ain’t getting nobody else. I had planned to adopt her myself.” She pointed her cane in the air. Her balance was steady. “And don’t say I’m too old. You know I’m seventy-something, and will be seventy-something until the day I die, which I hope is not today, Lord,” she added quickly. “I’m a childless widow and I have to leave my money to somebody.” Wound up, it looked as if Grandma BB was bracing for a fight to win this round. “It was supposed to be a surprise for Christmas that I wanted to adopt her...”
Kami nudged her, then they both giggled. Never in Victoria’s fourteen years did she feel so wanted and loved that someone would fight for her as her neck whipped side to side, watching the
match between Grandma BB and Cheney.
Through the noise of Grandma BB’s arguments, Victoria heard Papa P’s faint prayers. Suddenly, as if there was an explosion, God’s presence filled the room. Heavenly tongues erupted mingled with praises.
Victoria surrendered to His spirit and worshipped the Lord Jesus. Not one person seemed unaffected by the time quietness settled in the room. Even Cheney and Grandma BB had called a truce. Victoria couldn’t believe what just happened. It was as if they were in the midst of a church service, because God came to them instead of them going to God at church.
“Woooo-wee.” Papa P clapped his hands. “Looks like we had a taste of some Azusa Street Revival tonight right here in St. Louis. I can only image the scene in L.A. in the early nineteen hundreds.”
I’m going to do a new thing in your life, God whispered. Read Isiah 43:19. I am not a man that I should lie. Study My Word in Numbers 23:19.
For Victoria, everything was already new, but she couldn’t wait to see what else God had in store for her.
THE END...for now, but there is always more in the Jamieson Legacy.
Author’s Note
Game night is over. I hope you have enjoyed catching up with the Jamiesons. If you couldn’t tell, there are a couple of love stories brewing, and you won’t want to miss any of them, including Grandma BB’s. Since she’s getting up in age, someone has to tell her love story so generations to come will know what true love is.
Younger generations today are dealing with tough issues: suicide, sex trafficking, date rape, molestation, bullying, and other oppressions. We can’t let them lose all hope. God will raise up an army of young believers who will not fall prey to the darkness of this world. They will be mighty in prayer and praise the name of Jesus for forgiveness of their sins.
When it comes to children in crisis who are placed in foster care, there are two realities. While some are nurtured in loving, safe home environments, others are violated, and their trust is forever broken. They are our future. Let’s pray that God will dispatch His angels to protect them.
If you’ve enjoyed catching up with the Jamiesons, please post a review and spread the word about The Guilty Generation.
Until next time, happy reading!
Book Club Discussion
1. Discuss some of the problems the younger generations face today.
2. Who was your favorite character and why?
3. When do you think Parke really forgave his daughter? Why was it a struggle?
4. Talk about Kami’s transformation in the story from first boyfriend to finding her sister.
5. What do you think Queen is looking for in a mate?
6. Discuss Philip’s ministry, focusing on outdoor evangelism.
7. Pace sacrificed his desire to attend Tuskegee in Alabama to stay in St. Louis to be there for his sister. Share a sacrifice someone made on your behalf.
8. How can society and you personally be more active in the healing process of women and children who have been raped?
9. In your opinion, who had the most growth in the story and why?
10. If your family members come together for a game night, describe some of the things you do.
About the Author
Pat is a celebrated multi-published author of more than thirty Christian titles, and is a three-time recipient of the Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country.
As a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth, Pat is passionate about researching her ancestors and then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as an amazing, unforgettable, life-altering experience. God is the Author who advances the stories she writes.
As an independent contractor, Pat managed the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions for fourteen years. She has a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.
Pat converted her sofa-strapped, sports fanatic husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter.
Read more about Pat and her books by visiting www.patsimmons.net or on social media.
Other Christian titles include:
The Jamieson Legacy series
Book I: Guilty of Love
Book II: Not Guilty of Love
Book III: Still Guilty
Book IV: The Acquittal
Book V: Guilty by Association
Book VI: The Guilt Trip
Book VII: Free from Guilt
Book VIII: The Confession
Book IX: The Guilty Generation
The Carmen Sisters
Book I: No Easy Catch
Book II: In Defense of Love
Book III: Redeeming Heart
Book IV: Driven to Be Loved
Love at the Crossroads
Book I: Stopping Traffic
Book II: A Baby for Christmas
Book III: The Keepsake
Book IV: What God Has for Me
Book V: Every Woman Needs a Praying Man
Making Love Work Anthology
Book I: Love at Work
Book II: Words of Love
Book III: A Mother’s Love
Restore My Soul series
Crowning Glory
Jet: The Back Story
Love Led by the Spirit
God’s Gifts:
Couple by Christmas
Prayers Answered by Christmas
Perfect Chance at Love series:
Love by Delivery
Late Summer Love
Single titles
Talk to Me
Her Dress (novella)
Christmas Greetings
Anderson Brothers
Book I: Love for the Holidays (Three novellas): A Christian Christmas, A Christian Easter, and A Christian Father’s Day
Book II: A Woman After David’s Heart (Valentine’s Day)
Book III: A Noelle for Nathan (Book 3 of the Andersen Brothers)
Caregivers series:
My Rock
In Love by Delivery, Senior Accounts Manager Dominique Hayes has it all money, a car and a condo. Well, almost. She's starting to believe love has passed her by. One thing for sure, she can’t hurry God, so she continues to wait while losing hope that a special Godly man will ever make his appearance. Package Courier Ashton Taylor knows a man who finds a wife finds a good thing. The only thing standing in his way of finding the right woman is his long work hours. Or maybe not. A chance meeting changes everything. When love finally comes knocking, will Dominique open the door and accept Ashton's special delivery?
In Late Summer Love, it takes strategies to win a war, but prayer and spiritual intervention are needed to win a godly woman's heart. God has been calling out to Blake Cross ever since Blake was deployed in Iraq and he took his safety for granted. Now, back on American soil, Blake still won't surrender his soul—until he meets Paige Blake during a family reunion. When the Lord gives Blake an ultimatum, is Blake listening, and is he finally ready to learn what it takes to be a godly man fit for a godly woman?
In Crowning Glory, Book 1, Cinderella had a prince; Karyn Wallace has a King. While Karyn served four years in prison for an unthinkable crime, she embraced salvation through Crowns for Christ outreach ministry. After her release, Karyn stays strong and confident, despite the stigma society places on ex-offenders. Since Christ strengthens the underdog, Karyn refuses to sway away from the scripture, “He who the Son has set free is free indeed.” Levi Tolliver, for the most part, is a practicing Christian. One contradiction is he doesn't believe in turning the other cheek. He's steadfast there is a price to pay for every sin committed, especially after the untimely death of his wife during a robbery. Then Karyn enters Levi's life. He is enthralled not only with her beauty, but her sweet spirit until he learns about her incarceration. If Levi can accept that Christ
paid Karyn's debt in full, then a treasure awaits him. This is a powerful tale and reminds readers of the permanency of redemption.
Jet: The Back Story to Love Led By the Spirit, Book 2, to say Jesetta “Jet” Hutchens has issues is an understatement. In Crowning Glory, Book 1 of the Restoring My Soul series, she releases a firestorm of anger with an unforgiving heart. But every hurting soul has a history. In Jet: The Back Story to Love Led by the Spirit, Jet doesn’t know how to cope with the loss of her younger sister, Diane.
But God sets her on the road to a spiritual recovery. To make sure she doesn’t get lost, Jesus sends the handsome and single Minister Rossi Tolliver to be her guide.
Psalm 147:3 says Jesus can heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. That sets the stage for Love Led by the Spirit.
In Love Led By the Spirit, Book 3, Minister Rossi Tolliver is ready to settle down. Besides the outwardly attraction, he desires a woman who is sweet, humble, and loves church folks. Sounds simple enough on paper, but when he gets off his knees, praying for that special someone to come into his life, God opens his eyes to the woman who has been there all along. There is only a slight problem. Love is the farthest thing from Jesetta “Jet” Hutchens’ mind. But Rossi, the man and the minister, is hard to resist. Is Jet ready to allow the Holy Spirit to lead her to love?
In Stopping Traffic, Book 1, Candace Clark has a phobia about crossing the street, and for good reason. As fate would have it, her daughter's principal assigns her to crossing guard duties as part of the school's Parent Participation program. With no choice in the matter, Candace begrudgingly accepts her stop sign and safety vest, then reports to her designated crosswalk. Once Candace is determined to overcome her fears, God opens the door for a blessing, and Royce Kavanaugh enters into her life, a firefighter built to rescue any damsel in distress. When a spark of attraction ignites, Candace and Royce soon discover there's more than one way to stop traffic.