by Pat Simmons
The first order of business when Christian returned to his office was to pray, then contact the bank on Joy’s behalf. After a half hour on the phone with the bank president, it didn’t look good. His lady—he liked the sound of that—had only made partial payments for the last several months. Under media scrutiny already because of the non-profit scandal, Christian knew it wouldn’t look good for him to shovel out a large amount of money—although it would come out of his personal bank account—to a single mother of four. If someone got wind of that, Joy could become a target. Thank the Lord He was still reigning on the throne and performing miracles and He would take care of Joy like he did for the sparrows in the air. Wanting to hear her voice, Christian called to check on her.
“I did it!” She sounded so ecstatic that Christian laughed. He definitely wished he had a bit of her energy. “I didn’t think I could do it, but I made it. When Bethani learned that I was fasting for the first time, she put back her apple and prayed for my fast day. Wasn’t that sweet?”
“Uh-huh. I’ll take two little girls just like her. I’ll call you when I get home, and we can pray and break our fast together.”
“Great. I can’t wait.”
Christian released a laugh after they disconnected. He couldn’t wait either—to talk to her again, pray, and finally eat!
Chapter 16
On Thursday, Joy had the unique opportunity to work from home. Mrs. Thomas still insisted on babysitting so she could get something done. Since she hadn’t seen Christian all week, she decided to call and invite him to dinner
Joy smiled when he greeted her. “How’s my Joy to the world?” Since their prayer and fast day, Joy had begun to focus on the good in her life and not materialistic things.
“How about dinner? I miss you. Your adoring fans asked when Mr. Christmas is coming.”
“Woman, do you have any idea how much I would love to? But I’m visiting at least two hospital emergency rooms and giving out prayer cloths.”
Joy put her PowerPoint presentation to the side. “Okay, do I need to ask my niece about prayer cloths, or are you going explain it to this dummy.”
“Sweetheart, you’re far from being a dummy. In Jesus’ absence, He gave His power to His apostles to heal the sick and perform other miracles. In Acts 5:15, people waited for Peter’s shadow to pass to receive healing and deliverance. That was faith on their part and the power of God working those miracles in His absence. The woman with the issue of blood didn’t touch Jesus, but the garment He wore. My pastor has anointed and prayed over them to have the same Biblical power to whoever believes on Jesus, so can I get a rain check?”
She didn’t answer right away. “I know I’m nuts for asking, but do you mind if I tag along? It’s for selfish reasons to be with you and curiosity.”
“I would love for you to come with me, but babe, are you sure? We might be out for hours. It’s not just a matter of dropping off the cloths, but praying for people who ask for it.”
Nothing could talk her out of it. She was sure Mrs. Thomas wouldn’t mind the children spending the night at her house in case it was late when she returned. Her neighbor thought Christian was a jewel anyway. “What time are you picking me up for our date?”
Christian laughed. “Woman, this is not a date, although you could save a kiss for me. I’ll see you about six.” Disconnecting with a smile, Joy felt akin to Susan Boyle, a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent who admitted she had never been kissed. Something told her when Christian kissed her, she would forget about her past failed relationships.
***
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Christian recalled James 5:16 as he showered. His spirit was like a pit bull and couldn’t wait to be let loose in the emergency room, especially since Joy was coming with him.
As he dressed, Christian continued to sing praises to Jesus for whatever he was doing in his life, Joy’s and others. He wasn’t about to kill Joy’s enthusiasm by mentioning the doom and gloom news about her pending foreclosure. It was in God’s hands, and His will was perfect.
En route to her house, Christian stopped by the local grocer and picked up a bouquet of flowers for Joy and treats for the children. When he walked in the door, the children almost knocked him to the ground with hugs and kisses. What person wouldn’t cherish this much love?
When Joy walked toward him, Christian held his breath, taking in her beauty. “Ready?”
Christian helped Joy bundle up the children and escorted them a few steps next door. Minutes later, alone in his SUV, Joy took a whiff of the aroma coming from the backseat as he inhaled her perfume. “Surely prayer cloths don’t smell that good.”
Christian snickered. “No. Jesus not only ministered to people’s spiritual and physical deficits, He often fed them. My mother baked bread and cookies. There’s also fruit.”
“This should be an interesting first date,” she teased him.
“Our first date as an official couple will be interesting, but this isn’t it.” Gazing into her eyes, Christian regretted this night wasn’t it. “We’d better go.” As Christian was about to drive off, Joy waved frantically. Christian saw the children were waving from Mrs. Thomas’ window. Christian honked the horn, which made them wave more furiously. “You’ve got to love them.”
“I really do.”
During the short drive to DePaul Hospital, Christian shared more inventions his company supported.
Joy opened up about her disgust for her brother-in-law’s behavior. “I can’t understand Langston. It’s like his life with my sister never existed.”
In no time they reached the lot and parked. Christian got out then helped Joy. Once he opened the back door, he handed her the small box containing prayer cloths. Christian heaved a food basket, leaving two more for the other hospitals they would visit that night.
“Do you do this every year around this time?” she asked as they walked to the emergency room entrance holding hands. There was strength in his grip that somehow was able to administer soft caresses.
“My brothers and I have done this a few times, but it depends on how God leads us. I don’t want to come off as boasting because God is behind all that we do, so I’ll leave it at that.”
“I admire that.”
Inside the emergency room, Christian scanned the waiting room looking at the cluster of families. The age, race, or sex didn’t matter. Every one of them shared a look of anxiety. He began his mission of working the room. “Hi. Are you hungry? I have warm bread and cookies.”
A weary mother came alive with a smile, which added layers of wrinkles to her aging face. “Oh, thank you.” The two boys sitting beside her perked up as Christian pulled food from the basket and handed it to them. “Would like prayer or a prayer cloth?” She wanted both.
Another group accepted the food, but declined prayer and a prayer cloth. The most heart-wrenching story was an older woman with her grandson. She had been there practically all day.
“When his parents died, we just had each other. Now Jeffrey’s sick,” the woman, identifying herself as Gladys, rambled between sniffs. “The doctors say he needs surgery to repair his knee.” Gladys glanced away. “Since we have no money or insurance, there’s not much they can do, but write him a prescription every time I bring him here after he falls or can’t walk. We can’t pay for that either. Jeffrey’s in so much pain.” Covering her face, Gladys sobbed in her hands.
Joy reached out and hugged the woman with tears in her own eyes. Christian held her hands until she composed herself.
“If he misses one more day at work, he’ll be fired,” Gladys added. “I try not to ask God for much, but I sure need him now.”
Jesus, what should I do for this lady? Christian asked silently.
Pray for her without ceasing, the Lord whispered in the wind. Christian nodded, then God spoke again from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Tell her to give thanks in all things for this is My will.
“Ms. Gladys, do you mind if we pray for
you?” He glanced at Joy who nodded. “Jesus told me to tell you to give thanks. We’re going to believe God for all things.” Bowing his head, Christian closed his eyes.
“Father, in the name of Jesus, we come to Your throne to thank You for Your mercy, goodness and grace. Lord, You see the trials Miss Gladys and her grandson are facing. Increase her faith in You and pour her out a blessing in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
The woman echoed her amen, then gave him and Joy a hug. As they stood to leave, Gladys bid them good-bye with “God bless you, too.”
Leaving with an empty basket, Christian wrapped his arm around Joy’s shoulder. “You okay?” he asked, noting she was reserved at first, but quickly warmed up to people.
“I feel ashamed that I’ve complained about copay and prescription deductions. At least I do have health coverage for myself and the children.”
“Yes, we are blessed,” he said, helping Joy inside his SUV and starting his engine. “Lock the doors. I’ll be right back.” Christian jogged through the emergency doors and walked straight to patient admitting. He advised the representative to have her supervisor call his office the next morning for Jeffrey’s expenses.
As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Christian remembered the scrutiny his company was under because of one person who was greedy enough to steal from the needy. Just like his hands were tied to rescue Joy, Christian was in the same situation with Jeffrey and Gladys. But he had connections within non-profit organizations and social services to cut through red tape and help pay medical bills.
On his way out the door, Christian reached into his pocket, and pulled out the Christmas envelopes. He gave the envelope to the three families that asked for prayer. To Miss Gladys, he placed two envelopes, kissed her cheek, and left again.
When he got back in the vehicle, Christian apologized if he took too long.
“I needed the quiet time to reflect on tonight. I’m overwhelmed.”
Christian reached out and lifted her chin. “Are you okay? Do you want me to drop you off back home?” He enjoyed her company, but the outing was taxing, and she had to work in the morning—they both did.
“I can hang. I like being a part of what you’re doing, so we’d better be going, Mr. Christmas. Someone needs you.”
“Since we’re speaking on what people need, I need you,” he whispered, pulling her closer for their first kiss.
Chapter 17
It was late when Christian walked Joy to her door. “I couldn’t have planned for a better night. Thank you for including me.”
“You look tired. Are you going to be okay home alone?” Christian asked, concerned.
“Yes, silly. The children are right next door, I have an alarm, and after all our praying tonight, I hope I’m included in there somewhere.”
“You have no idea, Miss Knight, how long I have been praying for that special woman to come into my life,” Christian said, leaning forward for their second kiss of the night.
The kiss ended as quickly as it started. Leaning against his strong chest, she closed her eyes. “So where are we going next?”
“I don’t want you to feel you have to go on every mission to be with me. After the holidays, we’ll enjoy some one-on-one time. Sunday afternoon, I’m going to the nursing home. The Humane Society will bring some of their animals. The seniors love the little dogs and children.”
“I doubt if the residents would appreciate my busybodies, especially Shane—whew.”
“They are the best kind of company. We’ll talk tomorrow. Goodnight, babe.”
Joy thought she would have been too tired to pray. She actually was excited to repeat some of the prayers Christian said, but replaced people’s names and circumstances for herself. Moments after she uttered the last “in Jesus’ name, Amen”, Joy was amazed she had been on her knees for more than twenty minutes—a record—and she didn’t run out of things and people to pray for. With a sense of accomplishment, Joy climbed in the bed, snuggled under the covers, and immediately fell asleep.
The next morning she called her mother and recapped her night with Christian.
“He sounds like a good man,” Francine told her daughter.
“Christian is sweet and is attracted to me,” Joy said in awe before she rushed off the phone to get dressed for work and the girls off to school.
When Mrs. Thomas arrived to babysit, Joy raved about the night with Christian and his suggestion to take the children to a nursing home.
“Maybe I can teach the darlings some Christmas carols. If Christian doesn’t mind, I’ll go too.”
Joy agreed, hugging her neighbor, then ushered the girls out the door and to her vehicle.
***
Christian sat daydreaming as he looked out of his office window from his firm’s twelfth-floor suite. Who would have thought a woman he found in a checkout line who didn’t attend church would want to spend a dinner date praying with strangers. “God, Your sense of humor is remarkable. Please bless her to refinance her house.”
His musing ended when his cell phone rang. “Well, good morning, Joy to the world.”
She laughed. “Hi, I’m still pumped after last night.”
Cocky, he hoped the kiss had something to do with it.
“I can’t explain it, but my troubles don’t seem as life shattering. Of course, I never thought I would lose my home, but it’s not the most important possession to me anymore. The children will always be my priority. I’ll start apartment hunting after New Year’s.”
“Hopefully, you won’t have to do that.”
There was a long pause before Joy responded. “I called to tell you that Mrs. Thomas is going to try and teach the children some Christmas carols to sing at the nursing home, and she might tag along, too.” She paused to catch her breath. “I hope that’s okay.”
“That should be entertaining.” He snickered. Their conversation was cut short when she had to go. “Bye, baby.” Each day his feelings for Joy were intensifying. Her willingness to be a part of the Christian work in this season was endearing. Before leaving work, his intern advised him she had gotten a bit creative with the second baskets sent to Joy by finding gifts to match the scriptures. Christian grinned.
The following Sunday, Christian sat in his pew next to his family, still a happy man even without Joy there. Although he had invited Joy and her family to church again, he understood—thanks to his mother—the chore it was to get the children ready. But there was this afternoon.
To his surprise and Joy’s, Mrs. Thomas had indeed taught the small children some lyrics to a few Christmas carols. He couldn’t wait to see their antics later at the nursing home. Plus, they would also get a kick out of seeing the small dogs.
“We are complete in Jesus,” Pastor Peyton said, shaming Christian for his reverie. “Whatever we need, it’s all in Him. Let us trust Him today to supply our needs according to His riches in glory as stated in Philippians 4:19. Jesus is the King. His riches are the real thing.”
Christian reflected on the people in the emergency rooms he and Joy visited. When he prayed, Christian believed God was going to supply their needs. In Gladys’ grandson’s case, when the hospital called his office the next morning, Christian was ready with the name of the person at the agency who would be responsible for Jeffrey’s bills.
When the morning sermon was over, several had walked to the altar for prayer, and a few asked for the baptism in Jesus’ name. Before Christian and his family left the sanctuary, it was announced that a teenager had received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in an unknown—unlearned—language. The congregation went wild with praises to God for salvation.
Afterward, Christian drove to Joy’s house where he received a hero’s welcome—of sorts—from the children and Mrs. Thomas. The most anticipated greeting came from Joy away from prying eyes. He wanted more than the brief soft kiss and powerful hug they shared, but God gave him the Holy Ghost to control his raging hormones. He needed to exercise that power around her.
As they separated from their embrace, Christian took her hand and squeezed it at the same time the children burst through the kitchen door.
“Mr. Christmas, come see the presents for Baby Jesus.” Jada said as she and Darla latched on to his hands and dragged him back to the living room.
In his eagerness to see Joy, he had overlooked the display. Mingled in with the glossy gift-wrapped boxes were the children’s toys. Christian squatted in front of the empty manger.
“I gave Baby Jesus my ’ruck,” Shane stuttered, meaning truck and pointed. “Jesus and I play with it every morning.”
Rubbing the boy’s head, Christian smiled. When Shane leaned into him, Christian hugged him. Darla’s gift for the day was three cookies on a saucer.
“You are the one who quoted that Jesus said not to forbid the children. Thank God we don’t have bugs or mice and we only have ten days before Christmas.” Joy shivered.
Coming to his feet, Bethani gave him a hug and pointed to her gift. “Auntie said I could take some of Shane’s unused diapers and color designs on them for Baby Jesus.”
“Good idea,” Christian said, encouraging the girl. The children indeed had pure hearts. He silently praised God for Joy’s willingness to focus on Christ. She hadn’t said another word about Santa and the children seemed more curious about Baby Jesus’ whereabouts than Santa.
“Okay, are we ready to go?” Christian clapped his hands.
“Yeah,” everyone shouted, including Mrs. Thomas and Joy.
Everyone piled into Christian’s van. It was a tight fit with the giveaways for residents packed in the back, but Christian made it work.
The nursing home was near one of the poorest areas in the city. The building was newer than most of the homes on the block, but it needed some minor repairs. Maybe that would be next year’s project with volunteers. Workers from the Humane Society were already on site and visiting residents. They had brought along three dogs and two cats.