“It’s just . . . his wife deserves better than he seems to give her, that’s all.”
“Yeah, but if you don’t mind me saying, you seem to be taking it more personal,” Gabrielle said.
“I like his wife. Personally, I think she’s gotten a bum rap from him. Like when he came to my house to pick her up that time. There she was with his three children and all of her stuff. Did he run to take some of the load off of her? No. She had to ask him for help. And I still have to wonder if he didn’t move as quickly as he did when she asked him because he was trying to impress us. He’s just that kind of a man.”
“Sounds like you know what you’re talking about,” Gabrielle said.
“I just know his kind. He’s a snake. And I think it’s awfully suspicious that he happens to decide to go to Bible study on the one night Tiffany would be coming to get you,” Fatima said. “But hey, he’s not my husband, and he’s definitely not my problem. Thank God for that!”
“Yeah,” Gabrielle said.
“Let’s change the subject to something more pleasant. Have you talked to Zachary lately?”
“Last night. In fact, I saw him at Bible study, and then he called me before I went to sleep.”
“Ooh,” Fatima said in a meddling voice. “Did you get him to bring you home after Bible study?”
“No.”
“See, you just don’t know how to work unexpected blessings.”
“What do you mean ‘unexpected blessings’?” Gabrielle asked. After lowering herself to the couch, she sat comfortably on one of her feet.
“You don’t have a car, unless something has changed,” Fatima said.
“Nope, nothing’s changed. I still don’t have a car.”
“Okay, you don’t have a car, so last night you needed a ride to church and back. You get to church and you see your friend who has a car and would have loved taking you home. It would have been a great excuse to spend some more time with him. All you had to say to him was that you’d ridden to church with a friend, then ask if he wouldn’t mind taking you home. See, an unexpected blessing. You get to ride home with him; he gets to spend time with you. He finds out where you live without you having to figure out a way to invite him over later, which is exactly what you’re going to have to do if he doesn’t ask if he can come over to your house again soon.”
“Wow, you certainly have an active mind,” Gabrielle said, chuckling.
“Well, it’s true.”
“How about, I’ll likely be moving soon so it makes no difference whether he knows where I live or not. And if I don’t have a job, I most likely won’t be finding another place to live, which means I’ll either be in a shelter or be living with a friend. Living with my family is out since they’ve made it quite clear that I’m not welcome in their home. You know, the more I dwell on my present situation, the more I think it might be best that he and I don’t start up anything serious yet anyway. I have too many issues.”
“Okay, I would argue with you a little longer, but I need to go back and check on my mother. I just wanted to take a break and let you know what was going on here. If you need me, my cell phone is on twenty-four seven. Just call me.”
“Keep me posted on things there with you. And please know that I’m here for you, and that I’m praying for your mother as well as you and your family.”
“I know, and I appreciate you. Oh,” Fatima said, “would you do me a favor and call the church to let them know what’s going on here?”
“Sure, I’ll be happy to.”
Gabrielle hung up and went to find the church’s phone number. She spoke with the Care Department and reported what she knew so far about Fatima’s mother.
Now, for the hard task: trying to find a job without a car. It was days like these when Gabrielle wished for the city life instead of the suburbs, where she now resided. At least in the city, she could walk to a bus stop and be able to get around. Not so when there’s no bus running anywhere close to your community.
Gabrielle began to laugh. She couldn’t look in the paper for a job because she needed a car to get to a paper box. She couldn’t get to a paper box because she didn’t have a job that paid her so she could get her car back, which would allow her to get to a paper box. She couldn’t access the Internet because she didn’t have Internet access in her house. And she couldn’t get to the library to access the library’s free Internet service because she needed a car to get to the library so she could get a job to pay for her car to get to the library.
And to think: the thing she’d loved most about her house was that it was off the beaten path of everything and allowed her the peace and quiet that city life couldn’t.
Gabrielle kneeled down. Before she could even begin, she looked upward and smiled as she thought about something Pastor Landris had said at Bible study.
“When things seem to be going bad in your life, when it looks like everything that can go wrong is going wrong, stop and see what you can thank God for. If your car breaks down and it was in a good place when it broke down, then thank God for that. If it had to break down, at least it broke down where it did. Learn to praise God under any circumstance.”
Gabrielle began to pray. “God, I thank You that even if I don’t have Internet hookup, even if I don’t have a car to get around in, even if I don’t know what’s coming next in my life, You know all things. I don’t need the Internet to connect with You. Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory. I thank You for a job. I thank You for transportation to my job. I thank You for Your blessings. . . .”
Chapter 27
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
—Proverbs 11:13
Johnnie Mae called Gabrielle on Thursday afternoon. Gabrielle thought she was calling to find out more about Fatima’s mother. Early into their short conversation, she learned that was not the case.
“Is it possible you and I can meet and talk?” Johnnie Mae asked.
Gabrielle’s eyes widened a little as she quickly tried to think, without a car, how to answer that question. She knew whatever she did she would not lie or attempt to fudge the truth. “I’m free to meet with you, but it’s just I’m having some challenges right now.”
“If it’s a problem for you to come here to the church, it’s not a problem for me to come to your house, right now if you’re free,” Johnnie Mae said.
“That would be great. I’m here and I’ll be here.”
“That’s good. It’s important.” Johnnie Mae sounded deathly serious.
“Okay,” Gabrielle said, fighting the urge to ask her for a hint so she could at least mentally prepare for what was coming.
Johnnie Mae asked for her address. “I’m leaving now, so I should be there shortly.”
Gabrielle paced as she waited. When the doorbell rang, she jumped. After she opened her door, Johnnie Mae greeted her with a warm and motherly hug. They went to the living room and sat down.
“I see you haven’t sold your house yet,” Johnnie Mae said with compassion as she pushed the sleeves of her dark truffle-colored jersey knit dress up closer to her elbows.
“No, and it’s not looking promising either.”
“Are you also having car trouble?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Earlier you said you couldn’t come to the church because you were having a few challenges. I thought it might be car trouble.”
Gabrielle tried to smile it off. “Well, I’ve told you a lot of things about what’s going on with me already. I guess it won’t hurt to tell you that my car was repossessed.”
“My goodness. When did that happen?”
“Tuesday, two days after the wonderful time we had on Sunday and one whole day before I lost my job,” Gabrielle said.
“You lost your job, too?” Johnnie Mae reached over and touched Gabrielle’s hand. “I am so sorry.”
“Hey, but that’s life, right? We all have our cross to bear.”
/> “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“I don’t know. Do you know anyone looking to hire a hardworking Christian woman who’s absolutely sold out for Jesus?” Gabrielle said half joking. “I do windows.”
Johnnie Mae squinted her eyes as she thought about Gabrielle’s question. Gabrielle looked at her disbelieving that she was actually taking her question seriously.
“You know, I just might,” Johnnie Mae said. “Believe it or not, I received an e-mail today asking if I knew anyone who was reliable and could professionally clean a house with a Spirit of Excellence. It specifically asked for someone who was a Christian and could be trusted, since no one would likely be home during some cleaning times.”
“Oh, my goodness! Are you serious? Of course I would love to be considered. I would love to do that. It’s good, honest work, and it’s something I know I can do well.”
“Don’t sell yourself short now,” Johnnie Mae said. “You are also, without a doubt, an awesome dancer. I’ve heard nothing but praise reports for the dance ministry, and specifically how much you stood out. Maybe you should check into teaching dance.”
“I don’t know about teaching. I love to dance, but I don’t know about showing someone else how,” Gabrielle said.
“From what I hear, you taught many in the ministry. I received great reports from your associates who spoke on how you went out of your way to help them become the best they could be,” Johnnie Mae said. She coughed. Then coughed again.
“Can I get you something?”
“Water,” Johnnie Mae said, continuing to cough. “I seem to have a tickle in my throat.”
Gabrielle went and got her a glass of water.
Johnnie Mae took several swallows, clearing her throat in between. “Ah, that’s better,” she said as she carefully set the glass down on a brass coaster on the coffee table. “Gabrielle, the reason I wanted to talk to you is because there is a slight rumbling beginning to make its way with some of the members in our church congregation.”
“Really? About what?”
“About you,” Johnnie Mae said. “From what I can tell, it’s not on a broad scale yet. Just a few people calling the church saying they’ve heard some disturbing facts concerning one of our dance members, and they wanted to know whether it’s true.”
“What are they saying?”
“They’re talking about what you used to do before you were saved and became a member here.”
Gabrielle lowered her head. “I don’t know what to say to that.”
“Well, for now, it’s just a few people talking. Hopefully, that’s all it will turn out to be. Pastor Landris spoke a while back on talebearers and gossipers. He just might have to address that topic again soon. I’m sure he will if it becomes necessary. I just wanted you to know what’s going on,” Johnnie Mae said. “You remember when we had our talk that day? What I said to you?”
“That I am forgiven by God Himself. That if God calls me a new creature in Him, then it really doesn’t matter what anyone else tries to call me. It’s not what people call me, it’s what I answer to,” Gabrielle said. “But will you be honest with me? How bad do you think this is? I don’t want to be a problem for the dance ministry.”
“As far as I’m concerned, you’re not a problem. And I won’t hear any more talk like that. An awesome, powerful, and incredible God created you. You’ve been washed in the blood of Jesus. Whatever sins you had before you came to Christ, God has thrown them into the sea of forgetfulness.”
“But somebody out there apparently didn’t get that memo,” Gabrielle said, using comedy to deflect her uneasiness. “About me being a new creature. About my sins being forgiven and thrown into the sea of forgetfulness. They didn’t get that message.”
“I’d love to know who thought it so important they felt it necessary to start spreading something like that,” Johnnie Mae said. “I don’t suppose you would have any idea who the culprit might be, would you?” Johnnie Mae looked at her with intensity.
Gabrielle didn’t say aloud who she thought. Darius Connors had told her he would do this very thing. But to accuse or implicate him without any real proof would be just as bad as what was being done to her right now. However, if Darius wasn’t responsible, then who else could it be? Who else had an agenda against her?
Gabrielle scrunched her mouth and shook her head. “Not exactly,” she said. “Not enough for me to publicly accuse anyone.”
Chapter 28
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
—Proverbs 11:18
Sunday turned out to be worse than Gabrielle ever thought. First of all, without a car, she had to figure out how she would get to church. Zachary had called her Saturday night. They talked. During their conversation, she asked if he was going to church on Sunday. He said he was. At that point, she decided to swallow her pride and ask if he would mind her riding to church with him. He didn’t even ask why she needed a ride. In fact, he was thrilled that she’d brought it up. He viewed it as another step toward the two of them getting to know each other better. He asked for, and she gave him, her home address.
But when they arrived in the church’s sanctuary, she could feel a difference in how a few people, not everybody, were treating her. People who normally grabbed her to give her a hug or made sure when they saw her they shook her hand ignored her completely. Some of them looked right in her face, and when she smiled, they deliberately turned away. She even caught two people in the dance ministry whispering as they pointed in her direction. Again, it wasn’t everybody, probably ten to twelve people total. It was just amazing to Gabrielle how something like that could change the atmosphere without one negative word ever being spoken to her face.
There were many who did speak to her, hugged her, and acknowledged that she had somehow crossed their paths. But the negative always has a way of getting blown out of proportion in a person’s mind. Nine people can pay you a compliment, one can have something negative to say, and for some reason, it’s the negative comment that sticks out the most. The one that ends up causing you to pay more attention to it than you did to the nine and, quite frankly, getting more attention than it deserves.
Gabrielle couldn’t understand why Sasha and Alicia had acted that way. It both surprised and hurt her more than the rest of the people because she’d worked so closely with them. Just last Sunday, they were all one—ministering to the people, giving God the praise. This Sunday, she’d seen them point at her while whispering to each other. Sasha looked as though she was really upset with her. Thinking at first that whatever was going on had nothing to do with her, Gabrielle had walked toward the two of them to speak, bringing Zachary along with her. She’d waved so they would know she was headed their way. They had seen her wave, that much she was certain. But neither of them waved back. And before she could get to them, they left. Childish, she thought. Like middle school children. The way they acted was childish.
An RN named Jackie, also in the dance ministry, did speak to her and gave her a hug.
One person who made an effort to speak to her as well as Zachary was Darius. He had been with Tiffany, who had been another who had acknowledged her with a wave as she dashed off, no doubt to go get her children from children’s church.
“Hey, man,” Darius said. “How’s it going?”
“Wonderful,” Zachary said. “Everything is wonderful.” Zachary smiled at Gabrielle as he said that.
“Well, good afternoon and praise God to you, Sister Mercedes,” Darius said to Gabrielle as he also smiled at her.
She nodded toward him without a smile and without saying a word.
“Goodness,” Darius said, looking at Zachary. “Mercy! Whew! ”—he glanced at Gabrielle—“Pastor Landris certainly did preach today!”
“Yes, that was a powerful message,” Zachary said.
“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Darius Connors,” Darius said when he realized Gabrielle wasn’t
planning on introducing them.
“My name is Zachary Morgan. But most call me Z. W.”
“What’s the W stand for?” Darius asked.
“Wayne.”
“Oh, cool. So, are you a member here?”
“Yeah. I came forward last week after that awesome service.” He looked at Gabrielle again.
“Oh, yeah. You mean with the dance ministry dancing and all. That was tremendous. My wife is part of that ministry, as is Sister Gabrielle here. They were all terrific, although I must admit, this one’s”—he pointed at Gabrielle—“dancing makes you feel something all over. After she finished, I confess: something went all over me.”
Zachary looked at Gabrielle, who wasn’t smiling or even looked glad to be hearing any of this. “Yes. She’s anointed when she dances, that’s for sure. As long as God gets the glory, that’s all that really matters. And I know God got the glory through their dance last week. Many people were affected, as I said, including myself. Couple that with that Word from Pastor Landris. It’s the Word that draws us. That’s the meat . . . the meal . . . the entrée. All of the rest is either appetizers or dessert.”
“Yeah, like what Pastor Landris said today about presenting our bodies a living sacrifice,” Darius said.
“Actually, if you’re going to quote Romans twelve and one, you should finish that sentence out the way Pastor Landris did: ‘Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service,’” Zachary said.
Darius nodded as he grinned. “Yeah. So, I see you know scriptures by heart. That’s good, that’s good. You sound like a serious cat for the Lord. Are you a preacher?”
“No. But all of us should study and care about God’s Word, not just the preachers and the teachers of the Bible,” Zachary said.
“So, you two an item?” Darius asked Zachary, using his head to point at Gabrielle.
Zachary flashed his smile at Gabrielle, who had yet to crack one. “We haven’t known each other long, but you can say I’m working on it,” Zachary said.
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