Blessed Trinity

by Vanessa Davis Griggs

  “Rock-the-boat?”

  “Yes. You never rocked the boat as a child?”

  “No, I don’t think so,” Sapphire said.

  “You sit down and wrap your arms and legs around each other, then rock back and forth like a seesaw. There are so many things couples can do that will allow them to spend time together and keep the home fires burning. The man doing his pushups while she’s lying on the floor with her face turned to him…peck, peck. He can’t be weak, though, and do that. That’s the major theme in this workbook: Couples should not get married and stop dating. Things should heat up even more after they become one. But it’s hard with so much more responsibility, and most times, the work lands on the woman. Home-girl is too tired for loving; men have to see this if they really want to ‘get it’.”

  “Like Thomas and I have stopped dating,” Sapphire said suddenly.

  Johnnie Mae stopped shuffling papers and looked directly at Sapphire. “Sapphire, I’m sorry. What’s going on with you two?”

  “Let’s not talk about it now. We’ll talk later.” She flipped through more of Johnnie Mae’s notes. “Tell me more about this section: Dating Your Mate While Mating Your Date.”

  Johnnie Mae smiled. “When the seminar begins, we’re going to give the couples homework.”

  “Of course. What would marriage be without homework and playing house?”

  “Exactly. Each couple will have to date each other during the thirteen weeks. They’ll have to bring in something for show-and-tell regarding their date, but keeping it holy. I want them to remember why they wanted to marry that person in the first place. Men, especially, act like their work is over after they’re married. They want to sit at home while the wives now wait on them. For these thirteen weeks, if anyone was doing this, it will have to cease,” Johnnie Mae said. “They’ll be graded on their homework assignments, with each—unknowingly—grading the other.”

  “You’re making this into a serious seminar,” Sapphire said.

  “Yes. Those signing up will also have to sign a contract.” Johnnie Mae showed Sapphire a copy of what the contract will look like. “And there will be a graduation ceremony and celebration for those who successfully stick with and complete the course.”

  “That sounds so nice.”

  “The ceremony is going to be really special. They won’t know this when they begin, but the final ceremony will be a wedding-like setting where each will ask their spouse to marry them on that day…again. Those who say yes will get to renew their vows.”

  “That’s really beautiful.”

  “I need help getting that all set up. I want the arch and candles, maybe a ring bearer and a flower girl to serve for all the couples. It’s going to be a blessed event.” Johnnie Mae took all the papers and stacked them back together. She put the ones she had, along with what Sapphire had given her, and placed them inside an expanding folder in her briefcase.

  “Now that’s done,” Johnnie Mae said. “So, let’s talk about you and Thomas. That’s if you want to.”

  “What’s to talk about? He and I aren’t together anymore. And quite frankly, there’s something going on with him that I probably should let Pastor Landris, or at least you, know so maybe y’all can get him the help he really needs. Especially since it appears that I’m not the one.”

  Chapter 36

  And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

  (Luke 5:31)

  “Johnnie Mae, I believe Thomas is bipolar.” Sapphire said it in one breath.

  “Bipolar?”

  “Yes. He has many of the symptoms of bipolar disorder: episodes of depression, difficulty sleeping, mood swings…He’ll go from thinking he’s all that and being extremely talkative to being antisocial and depressed.

  “He thinks people are out to get him and that he’s being followed. It doesn’t matter that you tell him differently; he thinks the things he’s seeing when he’s hallucinating are real. I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but Thomas spends money like crazy. He doesn’t have much, but as soon as he gets some cash, he has to spend it. He’ll spend every dime he has, and most times, has absolutely nothing to show for it. I really believe Thomas has been going through what professionals call ‘rapid cycling,’ meaning he’s had quite a few bad episodes in one year. I’ve personally witnessed a few myself in the past twelve months.”

  “Why haven’t you said anything to us before now?”

  “Thomas doesn’t like people talking about his business. I thought I could convince him to get the help he needs, but I couldn’t. He doesn’t believe anything is wrong with him. Truthfully, I believe one of the reasons he left our church was his disorder. He’s not thinking logically. There is medication available he can take once a doctor has officially diagnosed him and prescribed it. It’s not a cure, but it does help the part of his brain that’s having problems.”

  “I had no idea, and I’m sure Pastor Landris doesn’t, either,” Johnnie Mae said. “I knew something wasn’t right with him. Just didn’t know what. I’ll let Pastor Landris know what you said, and see what he thinks we ought to do. If he would like to talk with you personally about this, will you?”

  “You know you don’t have to ask. Thomas is going to be upset when he finds out I’ve said anything to either of you. But he’s not my patient, so I’m not under any doctor/patient confidentiality agreement. He needs help, and soon.” Sapphire fidgeted with her necklace. “He’s going to totally lose it soon, and I don’t want to see that happen if it can be avoided. It’s so hard on families. And it can take weeks to get the right medication.”

  “Could you also give me his new home address? I’d like to give it to Pastor Landris just in case he needs to go over there. From what you’re telling me, Thomas might not even respond to his own brother. Pastor Landris will do whatever is necessary to get Thomas some help.”

  Sapphire wrote down Thomas’s home address and handed the slip of paper to Johnnie Mae. “One more thing: if Thomas won’t voluntarily agree to get the help he needs, there is one other option for a family in a situation like yours.”

  Johnnie Mae looked up. “What’s that?”

  “Go to probate court and file a petition to have him involuntarily put in the hospital.”

  “Have him committed?” Johnnie Mae’s mind immediately went to thoughts of her mother, and how much she’d fought against putting her mother in a place she didn’t want to go.

  “They don’t call it that anymore. Hospitals are legally obligated to protect the patient’s right to privacy. No one has to know he’s even in that section…the psychiatric ward, I mean. A person has to have a pass code to get in to see those patients. But the doctors there can help him get right before it’s too late,” Sapphire said. She looked away as she wiped away a few tears.

  “Thanks, Sapphire. I know this is hard on you.” Johnnie Mae touched her hand.

  “It’s terrible watching someone you love deteriorate like Thomas has been doing. Knowing there’s help for him, but not being able to get him to accept that help. Do you know what’s really sad, though?”

  “What?”

  “People on medication will inevitably decide to stop taking it because they think they’re okay and can manage their disorder on their own. They end up worse off than before and have to start from scratch, taking their medicine.”

  “I’m almost speechless. I’ve learned so much about something I’ve only heard about in passing. I had no idea the depths of something like bipolar disorder. I’ll speak with Pastor Landris today, and we’ll try, as much as possible, to keep you out of this. I don’t want to ruin anything you and Thomas might still have once he gets the help he needs. I’m sure there’s a way to handle this.”

  Sapphire hugged Johnnie Mae. “Thank you. Please get him some help. I probably should have said something sooner. I thought I could get through to him—I was wrong.”

  Chapter 37

  Therefore to him that knowe
th to do good, and doeth it not, to him, it is sin.

  (James 4:17)

  “Pastor Landris, this is Reverend Knight.”

  “Yes, Reverend Knight. How may I help you?” Pastor Landris said.

  “No idle chitchat for me—just straight to the point. I won’t keep you—I know you’re extremely busy these days, with the new sanctuary. And I hear you’re also building a new house,” Reverend Knight said.

  “Nothing gets past you, I see.” Pastor Landris changed the phone to his other ear so he could type on the computer easier as he talked. “What’s up?”

  “You and I need to talk.”

  “About?”

  “About your future plans, your growing number of enemies, the work of the Lord…”

  “I don’t think there’s much for us to talk about there,” Pastor Landris said. “My plans are God’s plans, so any changes, additions, or disagreements you have should be directed to my Father in Heaven. As for my enemies, you know what the Bible has to say about them…we will have them with us always, as long as we’re doing the will of our Father, and the work of the Lord. I have plenty of assignments to keep me busy, but if there’s anything I can do to help you, all you need do is ask.”

  “I appreciate the offer,” Reverend Knight said. “I must admit, I’m a little surprised. I would think I’d be the last person you’d want to help. Personally, I believe you have me pegged all wrong. I think you feel I’m your enemy. Pastor Landris, I assure you, I am not.” There was a certain sadness and sincerity evident in his voice.

  Pastor Landris softened a bit when he heard it. “I meant every word of it.”

  “I believe you. But again, you and I still need to talk. If not about your plans, enemies or work for the Lord, then about your brother.”

  “What about my brother?”

  “He’s working for Reverend Walker.”

  “Yeah, I know. For the past three months or so,” Pastor Landris said.

  “I take it you and he aren’t talking much these days,” Reverend Knight said.

  “Is there a point you’d like to get to?” he said, feeling impatient.

  Reverend Knight coughed hard and cleared his throat. “There’s something going on with your brother and Reverend Walker.”

  “Exactly what are you implying?”

  “I’m not implying anything. I’ve known Marshall Walker most of my life. I know his good points and bad. Reverend Walker doesn’t care much for you. And I know he’ll do anything when he wants something or somebody out of his way bad enough. You recall Matthew chapter 16, verse 6? Let’s see if you’re really as good as people claim. You wouldn’t happen to know that scripture right off the bat, would you?”

  “‘Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.’ And for the record, I don’t appreciate being put to the test about how much scripture I can quote off the top of my head. I know scripture because I study, and because I desire to plant scriptural seeds in my heart,” Pastor Landris said.

  “Well said, Pastor Landris. Point taken. But as you’ll recall, further in that passage, Jesus emphasized that people should beware of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees, the religious sector of the body. Interestingly, I find that Jesus would focus so much on the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who should have been the ones the lay folks could truly look up to,” Reverend Knight said. “There are so many instances where Jesus pointed out problems with the religious folk, especially those having the most authority. It’s no wonder they wanted to rid themselves of him. ‘Crucify him’ indeed.”

  “Reverend Knight, I’m certain there’s something you’re trying to tell me in all of this. I appreciate your concern for me and apparently for my brother. But Thomas is an adult. He’s capable of making his own choices and decisions. I can give him my input, but ultimately, he’s the one who will decide.”

  “Granted,” Reverend Knight said. “I just don’t know if you know how much trouble your brother may find himself in if he doesn’t get out soon. Or at least, break ties with someone who has had an agenda against you from the very start. This time, Reverend Walker is playing for keeps. I respect you more than I ever believed I would.” He was suddenly laboring hard, just to speak.

  “That’s fine,” Pastor Landris said. “Reverend Knight, are you all right?”

  He paused and regained control of his breath. “Pastor Landris, I have one request of you, and I’ll be happy to answer that question.”

  “What is it?”

  “Could you and I meet to talk for once without there being anything between us?”

  “I’m sorry?” Pastor Landris asked. “What do you mean, ‘between us’?”

  “In the past, there always seemed to be something happening between us. I met you the very first time because of the building you were interested in. The second time, for that same building which you, incidentally, were offered, and wisely turned down.”

  Pastor Landris started laughing.

  “What’s so funny, Pastor Landris?”

  “Forgive me. I was not laughing at you. I was actually laughing because, until this moment, I never really knew for sure if I had made the right decision or not. Now, it seems you’re confirming that I did.”

  “God is truly on your side,” Reverend Knight said. “Even right now. I shouldn’t be talking with you, and I definitely shouldn’t be warning you about Reverend Walker. The man is powerful and relentless. You must be vigilant and continue to listen and respond to the voice of God.”

  “When and where would you like to meet?” Pastor Landris asked.

  “I know this is probably an inconvenience, but if you could come by my home, anytime that’s good for you, I’ll be here. Tomorrow…later this week. I’m not planning on going anywhere soon,” Reverend Knight said.

  “Give me your address.”

  Pastor Landris wrote down Reverend Knight’s address and directions to his house.

  “One last question before I hang up,” Reverend Knight said. “How much longer before the new sanctuary is completed and ready for the first service?”

  “It’s going to be really cutting it close, and the sanctuary section will be the only part completely ready for use by then, but the builder is promising by the first Sunday in December.”

  “Do you think I might be able to finagle an invite?” Reverend Knight said.

  “I happen to know the pastor pretty well,” Pastor Landris said. “I believe we can arrange that. Reverend Knight, I’ll probably be over tomorrow.”

  “Thank you for agreeing to come.”

  After Pastor Landris hung up, Reverend Knight dialed another number.

  “Hello,” the male voice said.

  “Reverend Grant, I just got off the phone with Pastor Landris.”

  “Did he agree to come see you?” Reverend Grant asked.

  “Yes. He said he’d be here tomorrow.” Reverend Knight began to cough. He took a swallow of the water he kept beside him.

  “Would you like me to be there when he comes?”

  “No. I can handle this one fine, but thanks for offering. You’re a good man.”

  “If you change your mind, or if you need me, just call. I’ll have my cell phone on.”

  “I won’t need you, but I appreciate you. You truly are a good and loyal friend.”

  Reverend Knight hung up, took a pill out of his medicine bottle, and chased it down with water.

  Pastor Landris called Thomas on his cell phone after Sapphire told Johnnie Mae what she suspected. Basically, Thomas told Pastor Landris to mind his own business. And he meant for him to do just that.

  “Thomas, I want to help you,” Pastor Landris insisted. “I’ve read up on bipolar disorder. You really do have pretty much all the symptoms. But there’s medication available that can help you. A good therapist can talk with you and help you learn to cope—”

  “I’m doing fine.” He sighed. “Have you not heard a word I’ve been saying
? And I’m doing it without you or your help, George. That’s what’s eating away at you right now. I don’t need you, or your church—or your wife, for that matter—doing anything for me.”

  “Thomas—”

  “Listen, man. You’re just jealous because you thought I would fall on my face and you could continue looking like the good Landris. Yeah, ‘Thomas is the one who screws up. Thomas is the one who’s always looking for a handout. Thomas is the one who’ll never amount to anything.’ Well, guess what? Thomas is proving everybody wrong. In fact, Reverend Walker thinks I’m a great asset. He trusts me, George.”

  “I trusted you. Remember?”

  “See, that’s what I mean. Everything you define me by is in my past. That’s the old man, George. He’s passed away. All things have become new. I’m a new creature in Christ, but you’re just like the devil: You always want to bring up my past when we’re talking about my future. I have great ideas, George. You know that. Okay, so I make some missteps in the process. But if you don’t try something, how will you ever know if it will work? That’s what life’s all about—trying so you can learn.”

  “I’m sorry, Thomas. I don’t mean to make you feel I bring up your past like that. But I also don’t appreciate the way you act like I’ve not been supportive and trusting when you know that’s not the truth.”

  “Yeah, okay. You trusted me. You said you forgave me. That’s the past, George. Where you and I parted ways was in the present. I needed something in the present, and you based your decision to help me or not on my past.”

  “Thomas, if you need me, will you promise to let me know? I mean it. You call me, and I’ll be there.”

  After Pastor Landris hung up, he ran things over again in his mind. This was Thomas’s life, and if he chose to go this route, who was Pastor Landris to disagree? If Thomas really was bipolar, what could Pastor Landris do to help him? Did he even have a right to interfere? Maybe he was feeling a bit slighted because Thomas had gone to another church and seemed to have found a place there.