Society of the L.A.M.B.

by DuCharme, Judy;

  Soon they arrived at the beach where a small boat with a single driver waited, doodling in the sand with a stick. As the pair approached, he casually drew three concentric circles next to his doodling. Josiah stooped and drew a smiley face in the center before even making eye contact with the stranger.

  “Good to see you again, sir,” the young man addressed Grandfather. “I’ll keep an eye on Josiah. We so rejoice that this day has come. Perhaps the inner man again will take precedent.”

  “It’s our earnest prayer,” replied Grandfather. “Josiah, meet my good friend, Zach.”

  “I have two boxes of supplies and groceries for you. Josiah, perhaps you and I can get them up to the house for your grandfather.” The two young men each grabbed a box and trudged up the steps and path. After depositing them in the kitchen and the refrigerator, they returned to the boat.

  “Zach, thanks for being there for Grandfather and helping him with supplies.”

  “It’s no problem. It’s what we do as LAMBers.” He paused and looked at Josiah. “I know your studies prevented you from being here.”

  Josiah nodded. “That’s partly true, but I almost got pulled into the colony. In fact, they think I’m an outward man. I was so focused on trying to decide what to do that I just didn’t consider Grandfather’s needs.”

  Zach grinned. “Well, this is the right time, and we will use your connection to them to rescue as many as we can.”

  Grandfather placed his hand on his grandson’s shoulder before he climbed into Zach’s boat. “Now, Josiah, may the Love, Authority, Mercy, and Boldness of the Great Lamb, King Glory, be upon you and go with you. Zach is a good friend. He’ll take of you.”

  Humbled, Josiah threw his arms around his grandfather—his mentor, his teacher. Almost overcome with emotion, he simply nodded and said, “Yes, yes,” as he went to the boat and motored off with Zach.

  The air was warm, the water calm. Birds called, and insects skittered across the water’s shimmery surface. Josiah saw a few fish off to the side.

  Yes, Jajireh, the Great Creator, made all this, and He made me too. Not only that, but He lives in me. Everything is possible as I let His thoughts dominate me and His voice lead and guide me.

  Josiah closed his eyes and drifted off to a restful sleep.

  * * *

  Upon opening his eyes, Josiah saw an enormous white dove perched on the bow of the boat. Its eyes bore straight into his own. Wait—a bird’s eyes look to the side, don’t they?

  Then he heard, “But I’m not a bird. I am Chesed, the angel of mercy and lovingkindness, come to teach you.”

  The dove morphed and grew, transforming into a huge, bronze-skinned man with golden hair, a white, shining tunic, and flashing yet gentle eyes. “You must understand the power of love, Josiah.” Chesed’s voice was melodic. It was musical yet clear and distinct.

  How could a voice have such warmth and clarity?

  “Because of the love of Jajireh,” answered Chesed, obviously knowing Josiah’s thoughts. “Love is not a weak, mushy, or lustful thing. It is strong and freeing. Jajireh’s love is not conditional, and it has great power. Josiah, this love will make you the master, the one in charge, because it keeps the anointing upon you. If Jajireh’s love controls you, nothing anyone else says or does can penetrate or bring harm to you. It keeps you from failing at your task. It enables you to fulfill your purpose. Love keeps you from being distracted.”

  Chesed talks with his hands, like Grandfather. Josiah found himself watching the muscled, bronze arms and large hands gesture with each word he spoke. Maybe it’s because it flows out of him almost like a song.

  “The Logos tells us no weapon formed against you will prosper. That is possible because of love. You have heard of the armor of Jajireh. The shield of faith stops the arrows of the Twisted One.”

  Josiah remembered the little incessant being, the demon of the Twisted One, when he talked with Rhema.

  “Faith works by love, Josiah. When Jajireh’s love rules you, nothing can stop you.”

  Chesed’s eyes were as blue as the water. And probably deeper. Josiah wondered momentarily where Zach was and who was driving the boat.

  “Because of His love, Josiah, you will be quick to forgive, resist offense, and stay focused. You will fulfill the plans that King Glory has called you to do. Be strong and of good courage because of the love, the ‘L’ of LAMB.”

  “Yes,” whispered Josiah.

  * * *

  “Finally waking up?” Zach laughed. “You must have been tired. You were out almost before we were out of the cove.”

  “I’m awake? I mean, I was asleep?” Josiah was confused.

  “My mother always reminded me how confused I sounded whenever I awoke from a nap.” Zach chuckled. “We still have a short way to go. It’s been a peaceful trip.”

  “It certainly has,” Josiah responded dreamily, recounting in his mind and spirit all that the angel Chesed had revealed to him. Then he focused on Zach. “So, have you been a LAMBer for long?”

  “Yeah, since I was a little kid. I’m probably one of the few who has not lost his parents, if they’re LAMBers, to jail or death.”

  He had an easy smile. His wide forehead creased easily when he grinned. He was average height but thicker than Josiah, like a log. Not much body fat, though. Probably works out, Josiah guessed.

  “So your parents didn’t know King Glory.” Josiah gazed across the water. It was so inviting to him when it was glassy and blue, reflecting the clear skies above. The water’s glassiness always made Josiah feel like he should take a drink or get out of the boat and walk on its surface.

  “Oh, they knew Him. They were strong LAMBers. When things got heavy here, they decided to leave the area as they were well known and would have been arrested quickly. They do what your grandfather does about two hundred miles from here. They put me in your grandfather’s care. I wasn’t little or anything, but they trusted him to keep an eye on me. He’s been like my own grandfather. So you’re like a cousin to me.”

  “Cousins are great. Grandfather always made being together a great thing. He really is an amazing man.”

  “So you don’t mind sharing him?”

  “Not at all. I’m an only child, so the cousins were always like my siblings. I mean, I truly like having Grandfather all to myself, but I love having everyone around. He’s funny. He’s a great teacher and even a good cook.”

  Zach pointed up to a flock of geese overhead. As they watched, one came out of formation and moved to the lead point. “I always am impressed at how they fly in formation and how they take turns being the point man. They are nasty, though, when you encounter them on a dock or when they have young ones. I like them in the sky, not on the earth. That’s probably what the watchers think of us.” Zach shook his head ruefully.

  “I think the watchers prefer us underwater and deep. You know, retrain…”

  Zach finished the saying. “Or down the drain.”

  They both rolled their eyes and watched the geese disappear from their range of vision.

  “You mentioned the geese on the dock. Did you grow up on the water and around boats? I see you’re very comfortable handling a boat.”

  “Actually, my parents owned a marina not far from here, and they were very involved in the community. They sponsored all sorts of LAMBer concerts and fund-raisers and such. That’s why they had to leave, and up here is far enough away that people don’t remember me.”

  “So you love the water and boats, too.”

  “Totally. And I learned how to operate all kinds of boats in all kinds of conditions from a young age. I also learned how to work on the engines. Being on a boat is home to me.” Zach shifted in his seat, checking their location. “Josiah, are you a runner? You have that lean look.”

  “I ran a lot in competition when I was younger. And I’m studying Physical Education in college. Still run in the woods, but you have to be careful now wherever you are and whatever you’re doing.”


  “Got that right, and this is our destination, so we need to be on guard.”

  Zach expertly secured the little skiff amongst some trees that hung out over the rocky shoreline.

  * * *

  “All right, Josiah, the colony meeting is at seven p.m. Remember we go as casual friends, and I’ll have your back. However, as the Logos says, ‘The weapons of our warfare are not of the outer man, but mighty through Jajireh so we can pull down strongholds and everything that exalts itself against King Glory.’ I won’t be throwing punches to protect you. I’ll be shouting within the whole time. I’ll be responding and acting in Jajireh’s love while I’m discerning the inner motives around me and listening to the Voice. I’ll be in the anointing of Jajireh, and you better be as well.”

  “Thanks, Zach. We are rooted and grounded in King Glory’s love. We are the righteousness of Jajireh, and we can do all things through King Glory who strengthens us.”

  “Excellent,” said Zach. “Let’s pray. O Great Jajireh, we ask You to keep us guarded and wise. May we detect without being detected, and may we find those who feel Your stirring and awakening within.”

  Zach double-checked the boat, looked around, and shook Josiah’s hand. “Okay, keep your shades on, and let’s go get something to eat before the meeting.”

  About a mile past the colony building, a small town area boasted three small restaurants. Most who frequented them wore their bizarre OGs and shades. Loud talking emerged from each eating spot. Only a few customers kept their heads down and their voices quiet. Watchers were evident and eyed the quiet ones with contempt. Josiah and Zach laughed and slapped each other on the back as they ordered food to keep up their ruse of outward men. After paying, they found a place outside to eat where they could talk without intrusion.

  * * *

  “Where do you think you’re going, Lamer?” Nathan grabbed Lily’s arm, spinning her around.

  No fear! Lily shouted to herself inside as she fought to not even grimace at the pain of Nathan’s grip.

  Lily and Timmy were out by the pond again. The sky was overcast, but it was always more pleasant to see green bushes and grass and feel fresh air. Inside the building was stark, and it either smelled medicinal or sour. The rooms and halls were mostly clean, at least bare, with occasional dust and dirt clinging to the surfaces. Whatever they used to clean left a stale, chemical odor. Fresh air never entered as all windows were barred or nonexistent.

  Lily planned to meet with Lijah and find out about the other LAMBers that Halal wanted her to help.

  “Isn’t there a colony meeting tonight?” Lily asked, careful to not look directly at Nathan even with her shades on.

  “I don’t think your retraining is quite complete,” Nathan snarled, tightening his grip. “I don’t know where you’re getting your little water tricks, but that won’t stop the retraining.”

  Lijah lumbered up. “Retrain or down the drain. Hey, Nathan, are you the drain? You were splashing water the other day. How’d you do that?”

  “Shut up, you creep! Nobody leaves, just those fully retrained. Get back inside before I put you all in isolation.”

  Quickly, they all obediently turned and filed inside.

  Timmy glanced back as Nathan gave them an obscene gesture before heading out to his colony meeting. “He sure is mad.”

  “Nathan is often mad, but he’s really just sad,” explained Lijah. “Sometimes King Glory lets me see the inner man even when they have their shades on. He’s very hurt inside. I pray a lot for Nathan.”

  “That’s great, Lijah. Are there others here who don’t want to be retrained?” asked Timmy.

  “Oh, sure.” Lijah smiled. “That’s why you’re here, Lily, right? The shimmery one said I could help you find them. You know, I can go almost anywhere, ’cause they don’t think I understand anything.” Lijah adopted a silly grin. His eyes twinkled. “But I remember things really, really good. And,” he chuckled conspiratorially, “I hear really good, too. King Glory told me it was okay if they think I’m stupid, ’cause He knows I’m really smart.”

  “What do you know about the LAMBers who are here?” Lily looked Elijah in the eyes.

  “Why do they call them Lamers instead of LAMBers?” interrupted Timmy.

  “They think we’re lame, losers, and because of that, weak, and because of that, sneaky and subversive.” Lily’s eyes remained on Lijah.

  “Well, Miss Lily, I know where the LAMBers are who aren’t retrained and not down the drain.”

  “Everyone else has gone to the colony meeting,” said Timmy. “Let’s find them.”

  “Not everyone. They always leave a few watchers, but, like I said, they don’t pay me much attention. So we can go visit.” Lijah’s eyes lit up, and his smile filled his face. Lily and Timmy couldn’t help but smile and start to laugh, feeling Lijah’s joy.

  After walking toward their rooms and surveying the emptiness in the halls, Lijah led them down a long hallway into a wing of the building that was up a small set of stairs and then off at an angle to the left. Unless one was carefully observing, the hallway was not noticeable.

  “Hmm, this is so hard to see.” Lily spoke softly as she looked all around. The hall was narrower than the others but had the same bare, tiled floors and walls. Lily noticed a distinct, rather putrid smell. They must not clean here at all. Maybe they’ve forgotten this hallway exists.

  “This is cool, Lijah. Thanks for showing us.” Timmy was skipping.

  “Ssshhh, it’s a secret. But you know what else? They don’t keep watchers down here ’cause it’s so hidden and they can’t get out.”

  They came to another corner and turned left to head down a few steps. At the base of the short stairwell was a door on the right.

  “Well, how do we get in?” Lily asked.

  “I can pick the lock, that’s how.” And that’s just what Lijah did. He extracted a nail file from his pocket and swiftly unlocked the door, tapping what was probably his code before opening the door.

  As soon as the LAMBers on the other side saw Lijah, they smiled and congregated. But when Lily and Timmy stepped into the doorway, all fell silent. Eight scrawny youngsters looked down and turned back toward their rooms. Dressed in rags, they shuffled rather than walked. Lily wondered when they last ate.

  “Wait, wait!” Lijah closed the door. “These here’re two LAMBers, Lily and Timmy, not retrained or down the drain but pretending pretty good. And Lily talked to my shimmery friend. I think he’s going to get us out.”

  The bedraggled youngsters looked at each other expectantly. Then the oldest walked over to Lily and drew three concentric circles in the dust on the floor. Lily responded by drawing the smiley face and immediately all started to dance, though weakly, sure to scuff out the identifying symbol. Lily smiled to see a small demonstration of life in this place where it looked like death was winning.

  “Lily, Lily, they don’t have to do that with me. I am the smiley face. I just twirl three times, and we dance.” Lijah laughed at his own joke.

  “Have you been beaten?” asked Lily, noticing bruises and welts on arms and some faces. More than that, they all looked hopeless. Their smiles were shallow, revealing a deeper sadness than she had seen even in some of the watchers. Maybe it’s because the watchers don’t realize what they’ve lost. These people do.

  “They beat us a couple times a week. We’re almost ready to get retrained just to survive, thinking we can return to Jajireh later. Some here wouldn’t submit. They simply disappeared.”

  “Down the drain,” chimed in Lijah.

  Lily looked around. They stood with drooping shoulders and limp hands. I can feel their sadness. I see glimpses of life in their eyes, but it is fading. Their fire is almost gone.

  “We don’t know if the ones who disappeared are dead, in jail, are being tortured, have gone to another retraining facility, or what. Whatever it is, it’s not good. Please tell us about the angel.”

  “He’s a watery guy, and he’s really messin
g with Nathan.” Lijah twirled while he related this fact.

  The older prisoner spoke again. Lily could sense there had once been strength in his voice. “Nathan is the one who beats us the most. He’s terrible. Are you saying that the angel is protecting you from Nathan?”

  The others looked at Lily. It was the first time she sensed any hope in the room. “Yes.” She stood straight and strong. “And he’s here to lead us out, but I don’t know when. I was ready to go as soon as he told me, but he said there were others. Lijah helped me find you. Are there more besides you?”

  “Here there are only the eight of us. Like we said, there were more. We’ve all lost contact with our families. We’ve become each other’s family as best we could.” The oldest one was probably not much older than Lily, and he reached out a fatherly arm and placed it around a young man about Timmy’s age.

  “Do they feed you?” Timmy asked.

  “Not much.” The answer came from three girls huddled closely together, who looked a couple of years older than Timmy. Each had short hair.

  Lily shuddered. Probably easier to keep clean when it’s short. These are deplorable conditions.

  “We sometimes get more from two of the watchers who are nice to us. Whenever they come, they bring us extra food.” The young man who spoke looked just a little younger than Lily.

  Two young ladies about the same age added together, “Alex and Jeremy.”

  Lijah nodded. “They’re the two I told you about.”

  The older one said, “We wonder if they might be thinking about becoming LAMBers. They act mean like the others, and then they’ll whisper something like, ‘Don’t forget to shout. It will help you out.’”

  “Oh, the shout,” cried Lijah, “it is the way out!” He jumped up and down.

  “Tell us, please. We’ve forgotten. Will King Glory forgive us?” The young woman who appeared a little younger than Lily walked up to her. Her green eyes pleaded with Lily’s.

  “Always,” Lily responded. “His love is forever. His mercy endures forever.”