“I’m not trying to tell you how to run your church over there,” Reverend Walker had said, “but you need to put her on the usher board or have her join the choir. As the pastor, you need to set a standard when it comes to church and what people who have a past like hers should be allowed to do when it comes to the Lord’s work and His house.”
Pastor Landris couldn’t believe how someone who had done what he knew Reverend Walker to have done in his own past could be such a hypocrite about others serving in the “Lord’s house.” But then again, Reverend Walker wasn’t aware of the envelope in his possession that spoke to his own past secrets and misdeeds, secrets and misdeeds Reverend Walker believed long buried and now buried for good with the final interment three years ago of his friend (and the only person who knew) Poppa Knight.
Pastor Landris continued with his sermon. “Apparently, some folks didn’t get the original memo, so allow me to text you a message real quick. Let me IM you. Allow me to send you an e-mail. ‘You’ve got mail!’” he said. “Before you accepted Jesus, you were a sinner. In layman’s terms, that means you sinned. Now, I know some of you want to dress up your own personal sins. You want to put lipstick on yours, put yours in a nice Armani suit with some classy Stacy Adams shoes. You want to stick a pair of Prada shoes on your sin . . . let it strut around like a male peacock. Now, I’m not saying that you’re proud of your sins. It’s just most of you think your sin was not so bad as someone else’s. You know, I might have been a thief, but at least I didn’t kill anybody—that kind of proud. Well, a sin is a sin. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: There are no big sins or little sins. Sin is sin. This means if you’re saved right now, then you were once a sinner. And if any of you are working in the church, then that means we have former sinners working in church. No ifs, ands, or buts. Former sinners working in the church.”
Pastor Landris paused for effect, then continued. “This is the place sinners are supposed to be able to come to get help, to get saved, to be forgiven. This is the place we come to get built up. But the way some of you have acted over these past few weeks, you have been walking in sin. And quite frankly, you need to come . . . No, you need to run up here when I open up the floor for people to come after I finish this sermon. Jesus came for the lost. Do you understand what that means? Jesus left Heaven and came to earth to save the lost. It means this is the place people should come for help. Not come to hear you running your mouth as you try to put them down. And when we have someone who has done exactly what Christ asked each of us to do, which is to repent, to turn from what you were doing wrong and to go in a different direction, what do you do? You run your mouth about them. Jesus said those who are well don’t need a physician. It’s those who are sick that need a doctor.
“We have people right here today in this church who have heard the Word, they came forth, confessed their sins, believed Jesus died on the cross for their sins, believed that God raised Jesus from the dead. And you who think you know more than God have the nerve, have decided to still condemn them for something that Jesus has brought them out of? That Jesus has forgiven them for? That’s a disgrace! It is.” Pastor Landris nodded.
“Some of you think you’re something, when in truth, you’re not any better than the person you’re trying to put down,” Pastor Landris continued. “God forbid, if some of your past secrets, and for some of you here, your present secrets ever see the light of day. Oh, yeah, I said it. God knows about them. Don’t be fooled, don’t be fooled. God knows.
“But, it’s verse seven of Galatians six that you really need to be mindful of. People use this one for money all the time, but it’s more than about money. It says, ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.’ What you sow, that’s what you’re going to reap.” Pastor Landris shook his head slowly as he frowned.
“I’m not fussing at you if you were one who participated in this nonsense these past few weeks. If you were carrying this garbage or somebody brought it to you, and you allowed them to lay it down at your feet without making them pick it up and take that mess out of your sight, then you need to ask for forgiveness. We’re running people out of the church, away from doing the Lord’s work, because we’re wrong in our thinking, because of a spirit of tradition. And I am telling you right here, right now, this needs to stop. The harvest is plentiful but the labors are few, and you’re still acting like children all excited about a bunch of ‘he said, she said’ mess. Now, will we as Christians miss the mark sometimes? Yes. But when you know better, you need to do better.
“Church is not a clique. Church is not a social club where the goal is to keep out all the undesirables. Quite the opposite. We’re recruiting sinners to give up their old ways and come over to the side of Jesus. I’m going to say this once more. Church houses . . . congregations are full of former sinners working, working. So, if you have a problem with that here, then you’re in the wrong place. I’m not mad at you. If you don’t like this fact, then you’re more than welcome to leave here. Because we’re not going to change it. Not this congregation of believers. Not this congregation.” Pastor Landris paused as he began to wind down.
“There’s somebody sitting here today, right here today, who’s been hurt by Christians . . . Christians. They’re sitting in this congregation. Sure, they may have been hurt by people in the world before, but these folks quit the congregation . . . left the church body because of Christians—people claiming to be followers of Christ. These folks have moved on because of something Christians have done to them. Such a loss, and for no reason. God’s heart is hurting right now. When we do these things, we’re hurting the cause.
“God, forgive us. Forgive us. Forgive us, Lord.” Pastor Landris looked upward. “We didn’t know what we were doing. We didn’t realize we were doing the work of your adversary by running our fellow sisters and brothers away. Forgive us, Lord. We didn’t realize we were breaking Your heart when You were speaking to that man, that woman, that boy, or that girl, telling them to come to You. That lost child may have been on his way to You until we started acting just like, if not worse than, the world. It’s supposed to be different with us. We’re supposed to be different. We’re called to be representatives of You and Your love. But instead, we’ve been selfish. Thinking only of ourselves—our needs, our wants. Forgive us for those we’ve hurt or run away. Please, give us another opportunity, Lord. We want to do better. We’re striving to be a better people. Please, help us to be more like You.” Pastor Landris stopped speaking. He couldn’t continue. He was full now. He merely stepped forward and held out his arms.
After a minute, and finally able to pull himself together, he said, “If you’re here today, and you’re one of those who have been hurt, won’t you come today? I may not have been the one who hurt you, but please accept my apology for the one who did. Forgive them, for they knew not what they were doing. And if you’re here and you’ve hurt someone and you know you have: Maybe you didn’t know what you were doing at the time. Maybe you did. Maybe you got swept up in the moment. But you realize it now, and you want to ask God’s forgiveness. Won’t you come as well? If you want to be saved, reconciled, forgiven of sin, to rededicate your life, or you’re looking for a church home, won’t you come now? Please come. He’s waiting on you. God is waiting on you. He’s waiting on you.”
Clarence jumped up and almost ran to the front. He was wiping his face when he got up there. Gabrielle started crying. She stood and started praising God. She had prayed for Clarence, but seeing it happen—she found herself overflowing with joy. It was the joy of the Lord. He’d actually gone up there. “Thank You, Jesus!”
Gabrielle then saw Queen get up and go forth and Fatima and Sasha, and she started shouting even more. The front was full, and people were still coming forward. Some asking to be forgiven, some asking for acceptance, some to become part of the ministry, too many to even begin to count—on their knees, praising God, standing solemn at the altar. There w
as something special taking place. Gabrielle could feel it. It was a joy that words couldn’t formulate or speak. Dance! Dance! Dance! She heard that word bubbling up inside of her like a nice cool spring.
So, dance she did!
Chapter 42
For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.
—Zechariah 9:17
Gabrielle waited outside the area of the conference room where they’d taken Clarence and the others who had gone forth to be saved.
“Hi,” Zachary said, surprising Gabrielle when she saw it was him speaking to her.
“Hi,” she said, unable to be mad with all the joy she now felt.
“I’ve missed you.”
She ticked her head a little to the left without responding to that statement.
“I saw your friend go up today,” Zachary said. “I know how you must feel.”
“Words can’t even begin to express how I feel,” Gabrielle said, smiling.
“Is that why you didn’t call me back? Because you found someone else, and you didn’t want to tell me?” Zachary said.
She looked at him, disbelieving he was calling her on being with someone when he was married. “I saw Queen go up there. I’m sure you’re happy about that as well.”
He smiled. “Yeah, I really am. I told her about the church that Sunday I came. She wasn’t interested. She’s one who’s been burned by church folks. I can’t tell you what that sermon meant to so many today. Goodness, that was a powerful message.” Zachary touched her hand. “Listen, I’d like to talk to you. There are things I need to explain.”
“You don’t owe me any explanations, Doctor Morgan. A doctor.” She shook her head.
“Oh, but I do,” Zachary said. “I don’t want to cause any problems with you and your friend. But you and I really need to talk.”
“Come on, now. You’re married, Zachary,” Gabrielle said, allowing her frustration to shine through. “We’re here in church, and you’re still trying to talk to me?”
“Married? Who told you I was married?”
“Excuse me, but I’ve been to your house. I’ve met Queen. Queen Esther. I worked at your house for four days. She and I talked at great length. You know, Queen . . . your wife?”
He started laughing.
“Oh, so that’s funny to you, huh?” Gabrielle began to walk away.
He quickly came up behind her and grabbed her by her arm and spun her around. “Gabrielle, please don’t go.” He was now chuckling. “Is that what’s been bothering you? You met Queen Esther?”
On cue, Queen walked up and immediately fell into Zachary’s arm for a hug. She turned to Gabrielle as she continued hugging Zachary. “Well, I see we meet again,” Queen said, letting Zachary go to hug Gabrielle, then settling back comfortably in Zachary’s arm, now around her shoulders. “I tell you, this must be divine intervention,” Queen said. “So, I see you two have finally met. I’ve wanted you both to meet for so long. And then, that powerful message today from Pastor Landris, my goodness! I do believe I’m about ready to take wings and fly at this point. Wow, is all I can say!”
“Yes,” Gabrielle said, not nearly as enthusiastically as Queen. “Well, I suppose I need to go find my friend. This is his first time here. I would hate for him to get lost wandering around this place. Queen, it was good seeing you again.” She hugged Queen.
“Before you go,” Queen said, grabbing her by the forearm. “I’m curious. What do you think of my brother?”
“Your brother?”
“Yeah. My brother.” She smiled. “What do you think of him?” She looked over at Zachary. “I admit, he doesn’t know how to talk to a woman. Say something, Zachary.”
“This is your brother?” Gabrielle said, almost laughing as Zachary stood grinning. “This is your brother?” She pointed. “Him? Zachary is your brother? The brother you were saying you wanted me to meet? That brother?”
“Yes. When I told him on Saturday you’d been to the house, his house actually, and how you knew Aunt Esther, he was more than surprised, to say the least. Have you two not spoken yet?”
“No,” Zachary said with a fake attitude. “But it hasn’t been for a lack of trying. Apparently, there was some misunderstanding. Hopefully, Gabrielle will give me a chance to discuss things, now that we’ve cleared up that little misunderstanding.” He looked at Gabrielle as he waited for her answer.
Gabrielle thought about what had happened. She started chuckling, then couldn’t hold back a full laugh. “Yes, I believe we’ll be hashing out a few things soon.”
“Great. So I can call you later?” Zachary said to Gabrielle.
She smiled. “Sure. I’ll be home. You can call me later.”
Clarence came out of the conference room. Gabrielle waved so he would see her standing there. When he came over, she hugged him. “I am so happy for you,” she said.
“God is good,” Clarence said. “I wish I could express what and how I’m feeling right now.” He shook his head and wiped his eyes. “Whew! I’m ready to get back to work in the service of the Lord.”
“Clarence, I’d like you to meet Queen Esther . . .”
“Mabry,” Queen said.
“Queen Esther Mabry,” Gabrielle said, thinking that had she known her last name instead of assuming it was Morgan, she might not have jumped to the wrong conclusion.
“And this is her brother, Doctor Zachary Morgan.”
“You can call me Z. W.,” Zachary said.
Clarence shook Queen’s hand, then Zachary’s.
“And this is my friend, whom I’d like to say I am more proud of today than I’ve ever been since I’ve known him, Clarence Walker,” Gabrielle said.
“It’s nice to meet you. Any friend of Goo”—he stopped himself after almost slipping and calling her Goodness—“Gabrielle’s is a friend of mine.”
“Thank you for that,” Zachary said.
“I’m just glad to be back on the battlefield for the Lord. I’ve not only decided to be baptized again, but I’ve also decided to join here. I’m excited about what God is doing in my life,” Clarence said.
Clarence now knew he had to follow where God was leading him. And this is where he was being led. There was much in his life that would require changes. But he was grateful that Gabrielle had shown him not only that change was possible and could be done with integrity but just how it could be done. No matter how difficult, one had to be totally sold out for the Lord and trust Him completely. Clarence felt assured that God has a way of working things out.
Chapter 43
And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the Lord their God, and will hear them.
—Zechariah 10:6
People came up to Gabrielle and either hugged her or apologized. They didn’t tell her what they’d done to need her forgiveness, but she knew Pastor Landris’s sermon had hit home. She smiled, and to those who asked her to forgive them, her response was, “Of course, just as my Father in Heaven forgives me of my trespasses.”
Darius walked over to Gabrielle. He appeared almost to drag Tiffany with him. At the time, Clarence wasn’t standing next to Gabrielle. One of the ministers of music, having already been told of Clarence’s beautiful singing voice, had pulled him off to the side to talk to him about possibly joining the choir after he officially became a member. As Clarence started back toward Gabrielle, he thought he detected hostility coming from Darius. When he walked up on them, what he thought was going on was indeed the case. Darius was telling Gabrielle, in a quiet but disrespectful tone, that he was not the source of the gossip being spread, in spite of what other people might be attributing to him. He felt that the entire situation was making him look bad when he’d had nothing to do with what was running rampant throughout the congregation.
Gabrielle wasn
’t interested in arguing with Darius. She told him she didn’t know who had done it, but she was thankful Pastor Landris had handled it and hopefully put it to rest. But Darius kept repeating that he wasn’t the one who had tried to start anything, and he wanted her to know he was innocent. And that if she happened to be the one telling people he’d been the one who began spreading that information about her, then she needed to put a stop to it and quit tainting his reputation and hurting his family.
“I don’t have a clue what you did before you came to this church,” Darius lied, “other than what I’ve heard myself. And this kind of gossip with my name attached to it is hurting my wife and children.” He glanced over at Tiffany, who seemed uncomfortable and looked as though all she wanted to do was leave.
“Hey, man,” Clarence said as he walked up and slapped Darius on his back. He grabbed his hand and started shaking it vigorously, even though Darius was trying hard to take his hand back. “Good to see you again.”
“I’m sorry, but you must have me confused with someone else,” Darius said, finally able to yank his hand out of Clarence’s big, strong hand. He took a step back.
“It’s Darius, right?” Clarence said. “Darius Connors? Man, don’t be trying to front me like you don’t know me.”
“Yes, Darius is my name. But I-I-I don’t know you.” Darius stammered as he spoke. He began to cut his eyes over to Tiffany, a well-designed signal for them not to say anything more. He was praying Clarence would pick up on the signal and not continue in front of his wife.
“Of course you know me,” Clarence said. “Why, you practically live down at my establishment.” He chuckled. “In fact, truth be told, you have pretty much kept my place in business. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration on my part.” Clarence leaned in as though they were the best of buddies. “But you’re a regular, that’s for sure. Of course, with me going up today to be saved and all and giving my life over to the Lord, I’ll be closing up my little dance place. Yep. Yep, I just gave my life to the Lord for real this time around. I even plan on being water baptized again next Sunday night. Mostly because when I went up the first time to shake the preacher’s hand, back when I was young and was made to go up by my father, it didn’t come from my heart. And salvation is about the heart more than some empty action. Anyway, things are about to change big-time in my life, big-time. But I’m glad to see you here. So, did you go up front today to ask for forgiveness, too?”
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