“Still when someone tells you they spent time with Jesus, you’d think they’d want to hear about it. No matter what your beliefs are.”
“I’d think so. But that’s just me.”
“He didn’t stay around long enough for me to tell him that I wrote a magazine article about my experience.”
“Did you decide on a title yet?”
“I was thinking ‘A Visit With Jesus’, but I’m not sure. If this column goes long-term, I can’t just talk about that one experience forever. Can I?”
“Probably not.”
“Any ideas?”
“’The Healing Journey’, then you can talk about your own medical condition. Or maybe ‘Journey with Jesus’? That gives you a lot of options.”
“Ooh, I like that. ‘Journey with Jesus’ has a nice ring to it.”
“And then, of course, your first column could be ‘A Visit With Jesus’. I think you should lay it out right from the start. So readers know where you’re coming from.
“Sounds like a plan to me.” She picked up a cookie. “I really wish I’d remembered to tell Dan about the magazine, but I guess it doesn’t matter. There’s no reason it should interfere with my job.”
5
“I told you I didn’t care if you had tea and crumpets with Jesus as long as it didn’t interfere with your job.” Dan tossed the magazine with her first column from her ‘Journey with Jesus’ column—‘A Visit With Jesus’.
An artist’s rendition of Jesus stared up at her from the page. Jesus had a slight smile on his face that she hadn’t noticed before. Almost as if he was saying, I told you so.
She met Dan’s glare. “It’s not interfering. I wrote that on my own time from my own computer at home. There’s nothing in the article that even links me with Global Entertainment.”
“No, but I’m sure you used your contacts here to get the magazine space. How do you expect the people you work with here to react to something like this? It’ll make them uncomfortable.”
“I don’t know. I’m hoping they’ll want to take their own journey with Him, I suppose. Or at least think about it.”
His face flushed red.
Apparently that hadn’t been the answer he was looking for.
“You’re a vice-president. I can’t have people thinking you’re some sort of religious nu…religious fanatic. It’s not the way we do business around here.”
“Dan, I told you my visit with Jesus changed me. Changed my life. I’ll not pretend it didn’t happen.”
“It’s the brain tumors. They’re doing weird things in your head right now. Trust me, once they get fixed, you’ll forget all about this Jesus thing.”
“It’s not the brain tumors, Dan. It was real. Jesus held my hand. We talked. He told me how much he loved me. Then Jesus gave me a gift of healing. A gift I plan to use.”
He glared. “What are you even doing here? Your procedure is tomorrow.”
“I needed to catch up on a few things so I’d be ready to hit the bricks hard when I get back on Monday for the Faith Now conference.”
“Maybe you should take a little more time off than that. You’ve been through some really traumatic events recently. The accident. Then the tumors. I don’t think you’re ready to come back quite yet.”
Was he firing her? Was that even legal? Of course, it wasn’t. “What are you saying, Dan? Are you firing me because I wrote a religious article for a religious magazine?” She stood up and met his gaze.
“I’m saying I think your accident, and then the brain tumors, have taken more of a toll on you and your health than you realize. Take the rest of the month off and then we’ll talk about when would be a good time for you to come back after that.” He smiled. “Believe me, it has nothing to do with that.” His finger jabbed at the magazine in her hand.
“I’ll be ready on Monday.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Dan, let’s not play games. You can’t fire me for writing a magazine article on my own time. Especially since it deals with religion and my religious freedom. Something guaranteed by the Constitution.”
A flash of anger was quickly replaced with a fake smile. “Is that what you think? That I’m firing you? Not at all. I already told you I love your work. You’re doing a great job. You’ve been invaluable since you got here. I’m just worried about your health. I want you to be in tip-top shape if you…” He paused. “I mean when you come back.”
“Monday, Dan. I’ll be back Monday.”
“I’m still the boss, I’ll call you in a month to discuss it. Marcus can handle the Faith Now conference for you. Please give him your materials.” He headed away, but then turned back. “Of course, you’ll have full pay and benefits while you’re out sick.”
She stared as he closed the door, not believing what had just happened. It was more than ridiculous, it was… unfair.
The moment Rachel got home she went in search of Cooper. She paced around his office as she explained what happened. “He can’t fire me for this, can he?”
“Of course not. There’s nothing in your contract that prohibits it. And he knows that. That’s why the threat was veiled in so much concern about your health. There’s no way he wanted to open his company up to a lawsuit. Some of his best clients are televangelists and religious concerts.”
“It wasn’t all that veiled. I knew exactly what he was saying. Stop talking about Jesus or you won’t have a job. I don’t understand why it bothers him so much. I’m good at my job. That’s all that should count.”
“Real life isn’t all about the shoulds. I’m sure his plan is to give you a nice severance package and have you go away quietly.”
“I don’t see that happening.” She paced around Cooper’s office once again, then stopped. “What do you think I should do? Should I stop writing for the magazine?”
“I’m certainly not telling you what to do. But I will tell you that it’s not always easy or comfortable following Jesus. Vocal Christians have always been persecuted. It’s really up to you.”
“I sort of figured that’s what you’d say.”
“We can live on my paycheck without a problem so do what you want. Don’t worry about the money.”
“Aren’t you sweet?”
“I try. I try.”
Later that afternoon, she walked back into Cooper’s office. “I just sent my second column to the magazine. I talked about the fact that Jesus gave me a gift. A gift he wants me to use. And I have no plans to disappoint him.”
He grinned. “Good for you. I want you to use that gift, but you have a lot going on right now with your treatment. Maybe you should concentrate on that for the time being. Let the rest happen naturally.”
“I can’t exactly do that. I’ve been busy since I got home. I talked with one of my contacts at one of the networks who put me in contact with Mark Matthews.”
Cooper arched his brows. “The expose guy on TV?”
“He loved my idea for a show. In fact, we’re working on them being present at my treatment. The idea is to pick three people for me to heal and follow them as well. This could turn into something amazing.”
He sat back in his chair. “Wow. I didn’t expect this. But then again I shouldn’t be all that surprised. When you decide to do something, you don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it. Or the ramifications.” Cooper didn’t sound excited. He sounded…worried.
“What do you mean? Ramifications?”
“I’m not sure, sweetie. But TV for your first attempt at healing? I don’t know if that was the best idea you’ve ever had.”
“Don’t you believe in me? Don’t you believe Jesus gave me the gift of healing?”
“Absolutely, I do. All I’m saying is TV might not have been the best idea. But you are who you are and I love you for that very reason. So if you think it’s a good idea, I’m all for it. Take a little time to think about it before you decide if it’s what you want to do.”
“I don’t need any time to think abo
ut it. I wouldn’t have started the ball rolling if I hadn’t thought it was a good idea. It’s all about faith. So I’m stepping out in faith. You can’t walk on water if you don’t get out of the boat.”
“I doubt if Dan’ll like a TV show that features you.”
“Probably not, but a woman’s got to do what a woman’s got to do.”
*
Nia had found a few more pieces that went together as Rachel talked, but the puzzle remained disjointed. “Wow. When you make a decision you really go for it.”
“That’s not always a good thing. But I’m definitely a doer, not a wait and see-er.”
“I guess it all worked out because here you are, right? With your own little healing house.”
“Not a healing house, the Puzzle House.” Rachel touched a few puzzle pieces. “God is the healer. All I do is help you put the puzzle together.”
“You keep talking about this puzzle like it’s a miracle, or my life, or something. And God ain’t got a miracle for me. I already told you that. When it comes to me He’s all out of them.” Nia touched her almost-bald head. “As you can see. But you know what? Go ahead and try to heal me. Do your thing. Let’s see what happens.”
“It doesn’t work that way.”
Nia’s internal struggle played out on her face. She wanted to ask something but didn’t want to give Rachel the satisfaction. Finally she spoke. “Then how does it work? How do you heal people?” Her voice was sincere this time. Apparently hope had won.
“I don’t heal people. God does. Jehovah Rapha. It’s one of God’s many names. It means the Lord your Healer.” Rachel struggled up, then weaved her way to a tall floor lamp by the chairs. She turned toward Nia and lifted the cord. “Healing is a lot like this lamp. I’m just the cord. God is the power source. The light comes from the source, not the cord. If you don’t turn the light on, there’s still no light. You have to be the one to flick the switch if you want to see the light. Otherwise all that power sits there. Waiting for you to turn it on.” She tapped the bulb.
Doubt flickered in Nia’s eyes but hope shone, too. “How do I do that?”
Light flooded the room as Rachel turned the switch. “Faith.”
“You’re talking about faith in God, right?”
“Not just faith in God but faith in His love for you. Faith that He can and will heal you. Faith opens the way for miracles. Matthew 13: 58 even says, ‘And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith’. God is God, of course, and can do anything He wants in spite of us. But that verse shows us how important faith is. Especially when we want a miracle. Need a miracle.”
Hope flickered in Nia’s eyes. “God’s never done anything for me and He ain’t about to start now.”
“God’s done all kinds of things for you. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize them. For instance, you have an amazing aunt who loves you very much. And you’re here, aren’t you? That’s a start.”
“A small one.”
“Do not despise small beginnings.” Rachel smiled. “That’s in the Bible, too.”
“You sure talk about the Bible a lot.”
“That’s because it’s not just a book. It’s the sword of God. And a sword is what we need when we’re in a battle.”
“I don’t know about all that. I mean it was written so long ago. What’s it got to do with my life now?”
“Remember when Jesus told me I had all I needed for my journey?”
Nia nodded.
“He meant the Bible but I’ll tell you all about that later.”
“Why not now?”
“Because it’s out of order. I have to tell the story in the right order or I get confused.” She tapped her head. “Brain tumors, you know. Gotta do it my way.”
Nia giggled. “Go for it.”
6
It was the day of her Gamma Knife treatment. Before they walked into the tiny building on the huge medical campus in Cleveland, she stopped in front of the small camera crew.
“Morning, Mark.”
Mark Matthews was a well-known TV host for one of the leading networks. He did all sorts of stories, but his stories on the supernatural were his fans’ favorite. When she’d contacted him, he’d jumped at the chance to tell her story on his show.
She’d had positive feedback from her magazine articles. People wanted to know more about God and about her experience. People needed healing. She’d wanted to help every one of them, but had to put it on hold for now.
Until she had her own treatment. And finished the show. Then she’d figure out how the best way to help other people. She’d thought about it, but nothing was coming to her yet.
Of course, there was so much she didn’t know. But she had no plans to stop writing for the magazine. Dan would have to deal with it. Or not.
Mark walked up to them. “Morning, Rachel.”
They’d already done two pre-treatment interviews about her visit with Jesus. She’d tried to get the hospital to let her be filmed for the entire process. They’d refused, but had agreed to Cooper taking still photos inside the treatment area.
“How are you feeling today?” Mark asked.
“A bit nervous. It’s not every day, someone puts screws in my head.”
He laughed and pointed behind him at the tiny brick building. “I didn’t expect the place to look like this, did you?”
“Not really. But they assure me it’s a world-class treatment center. Another blessing that God placed me in a city where I could get the best treatment available.” After several more questions, she took Cooper’s hand and they entered the building. She had a few jitters, but nothing like she would normally have. God had answered her prayers.
She was surprised at how tiny the place was on the inside as well. Her gaze swept the room. Two other patients and their companions sat in the chairs. There were only two chairs left for her and Cooper. Now she understood why they’d said no to a camera crew—the place was too small to allow for more than one visitor with each patient.
She smiled at the others. They all had to be worried.
As if reading her mind Cooper squeezed her hand and she gave an answering squeeze. She walked up to the receptionist. “Rachel Summers.”
“Good morning, Mrs. Summers. I need your insurance card and a picture ID.”
Rachel pulled them from her coat pocket.
A few minutes later, she sat beside Cooper. “I’m the last one in line. She wasn’t sure how long of a wait it will be.”
“Not a problem. We’ve got nothing else to do today, right?”
“Very funny.”
He kissed her cheek. “That’s my job. Keeping you calm and relaxed.”
A nurse came out and called the first name of the day. The man stood up, gave his companion a thumbs up. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
The door shut behind him with a bang.
Please God, keep me in your peace. I can do this. The butterflies in her tummy settled and she was able to breathe again. Rachel smiled at the woman next to her.
“Is this your first treatment?” The woman asked.
Rachel nodded. “I’m a little worried about them putting the screws in my head.”
“Yeah, but it sounds worse than it really is.”
“How do you know that?”
“It’s my second treatment. And hopefully my last.”
“I have to have two treatments as well.”
“So, you have NF2?”
“That’s what they tell me.” Rachel grimaced.
“Welcome to the club.”
“From what I understand, it’s a small club.”
“That’s what I hear, too.”
“So…I don’t mean to get personal or anything but how are you? Did the other treatment work?”
“Oh, it’s OK to get personal. We should share information with each other when we can. I’m doing pretty good. I had some issues with my first treatment and had to be put on steroids for a short time. I lost a little more of my
hearing and have some balance issues, but all in all, I’m not too bad.”
Cooper asked a few of his own questions.
They introduced themselves and by the time the nurse came out for the woman, they were chatting like old friends.
When it was her turn, Cooper was told he could accompany her to her MRI, then he’d be booted out.
“Another MRI?” Rachel asked.
“Procedure. Just to make sure there aren’t any surprises when the doctor gets here.”
They walked from one tunnel to another until they ended up at the MRI department on the other side of the clinic. After the MRI, they hurried through the tunnels once again. “I guess I did my workout for the day.”
The nurse laughed. “Tell me about it. I do this six times a day. Twice for each of the three patients we have.”
“Time to go.” The nurse told Cooper as they entered the surgical area.
After taking a few pictures Cooper kissed Rachel on the cheek. “I’ll be praying.”
The nurse smiled. “So, I hear we’re about to be famous. Some TV show or something?”
“Mark Matthews.”
“Wow. That’s pretty cool. Now you’ll put on the halo. Then you’ll have to wait for your turn to get the mapping done.”
“Mapping?”
“That’s what they call it. The computer will make an exact map of your brain and the tumor from every angle. After that, the doctor comes in and programs exactly what the Gamma Knife treatment is supposed to do. Depending on what they program in, your treatment should last anywhere from forty-five minutes to an hour and a half. sometimes, it takes up to two hours for the treatment. After that we take the halo off and you can go home after an observation period.”
“Piece of cake.” Rachel said with a nervous laugh.
The nurse patted her hand. “It’s understandable to have the jitters—even to be afraid. But it will all be over in a few hours, and then the healing starts.”
Healing. Rachel had chosen to be a healer instead of being healed. Did that mean the treatment wouldn’t work? Was she going through all of this for no reason? Maybe, she shouldn’t have agreed to the treatment so quickly. But the doctor hadn’t acted as if she had a choice.
Puzzle House Page 6