“Satan is a roaming lion seeking whom he can devour, and there are masses and masses whom he has consumed since the very day the woman ate of the fruit and Adam stood there with her just watching it happen.
“We can try to stop the darkness, but Christ Himself tells us that there will always be war and rumors of war. He said, ‘in this world you will have trouble. But, take heart, I have overcome the world.’
“We are going to have trouble. It’s unavoidable. But it’s what we do with it, how we react, how we process it that determines if the darkness is going to suck us in and devour us, or if we’re going to continue to be followers of the light.”
Valerie found herself wrapped up in every word he said. She held her breath, waiting to see what would come next. Her heart pounded as if she’d run a mile, and she felt sweat on her temples. Around her, people murmured in agreement with the things he said. Occasionally, someone clapped one or two loud claps, or shouted, “Amen!”, or “Uh, huh!” It took all her self-control to sit still and not lean forward, trying to get as close to his words as possible.
Danny continued. “The Bible is wrought with strife and death, pain and despair. Humans on this fallen earth are not immune to the darkness. Followers of God, Christians, still suffer, still grieve, still hurt. And we still die in ways that are violent, in ways that seem unfair, in ways that leave the living grieving and wounded and deeply hurt. It is part of the human experience.
“But church, none of it is for naught. Romans tells us that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. All things. Not just good things. He can take all your experiences and turn them to good if you embrace the love He has for you. If you let Him love you the way only He can.”
Valerie’s forehead tightened in a frown. She did not seek this answer! Bad things happened and nothing could explain them because some man who supposedly lived thousands of years ago didn’t protect his wife from a talking snake? That didn’t resonate with her.
Even as she thought the words, she felt an ache in her heart. She clenched her fists, refusing to give in to the well of emotion that surfaced. She told herself that she only reacted to the day, the memories, the pictures, and it had nothing to do with the preacher Danny’s words.
He concluded his sermon. “Today, we’re dedicating a building to these two who loved God with all their hearts and served Him with everything they had. Their deaths left our church hollow for a long time, orphaned a little girl who was just a few years older than my infant daughter, and launched a bachelor brother into unplanned parenthood.
“Dr. Flynn went on a mission to heal and the very sinners he wanted to help cut him down. But he knew the Great Physician, church. Nurse Flynn went on a mission to comfort and nurture and nurse those who were in pain. She left this world clutching her husband’s fingers. But she left this world and went on to glory, church. It is well with their souls. How’s your soul doing today? Is it well? Is it hurting? Is it broken? I know a mighty healer who can make you whole. He made the lame to walk again. He made the blind to see. He loosened the tongues of the mute. He cleansed the disease from the lepers. He can heal you. He can make it well with your soul. You just have to let Him.”
Music started somewhere behind him. In the shadows, Valerie could see Madison standing still, microphone in hand, head bowed, no baby in sight. When she started singing, she sang softly. “When peace like a river, attendeth my way….”
People around Valerie sang along with her, softly like her, letting her set the tone. Danny spoke above the music, finishing up his sermon, walking up and down the stage as he addressed different sections of the congregation. That lasted about ten minutes longer, as people sang, went forward to pray, and Danny occasionally spoke.
Finally, the service ended. Valerie didn’t realize how tense she’d gotten until her neck muscles started to relax. Danny announced lunch in the new building. She picked up her purse, anticipating following the Dixons to where she needed to go. Buddy appeared at her arm. “We have a table set up as a head table at the lunch,” he explained.
Inside, she recoiled at the thought. But, outside, she smiled and said, “Great. Lead the way.”
Soon she had a plate of potluck sampling and she sat between Madison and Buddy. Danny joined them late, carrying baby Miriam. “Lila said she ate all of the banana you left her in the nursery.”
“Good,” Madison said, smiling as she took her, “maybe she’ll let me eat in peace.”
Valerie smiled at the little chubby face with the dark chocolate eyes. “How old is she?”
“Six months tomorrow. Hard to believe.”
Miriam reached for Valerie, lurching toward her and almost launching herself out of her mother’s arms. Madison laughed and said, “She loves darker skin. I swear if anyone darker than me is around, she won’t even look at me. My mother-in-law has spoiled her.”
Valerie took her, but didn’t quite know how to hold her. She wiggled around and clutched at Valerie’s collar. After a few clumsy moments, Valerie felt confident as the baby settled against her shoulder and fingered the lace collar of her shirt. “She’s so sweet.” She put her nose against the bald little head and breathed in the smell of baby. “How do you get anything done with her around to distract you?”
“Easy. I just don’t get it done.” Madison laughed. “Actually, that was only true for a couple months. We’ve got a rhythm now, don’t we Miriam?”
Brad approached the table carrying a plastic cup of tea. “You’re a natural,” he said with an enigmatic smile.
Valerie felt her heart rate speed up as she stared at the light in his gray eyes. “I’ve never held a baby before.”
“See? Natural.” He looked at his watch. “Ken and Jon wanted to go fishing today on Lake Oconee. Care to join us?”
Despite her plans otherwise, she was tempted. “I wish I could. Sincerely. But I’ve not been home much this weekend and I have a full week. I need to go home and work some this afternoon.”
He nodded and looked at Buddy. “How are you? That was rather an emotional service.”
Buddy cleared his throat and Valerie glanced over at him, surprised to see the shimmer of tears in his eyes. How had she not asked him? He must have been wrecked by that sermon and the music and the pictures! Suddenly, she felt very sorry and very selfish for going into her own head the way she had. “I thought it was beautiful. I know Cecil would have been pleased. Alison would have, too.”
Valerie reached for his hand. “I’m glad they would have been pleased. And I’m especially glad you liked the service.” She turned and handed the baby back to Madison, then turned her body to face her uncle. “You are so important to me. I don’t think I express it enough.”
“I don’t doubt it, child.” He patted her hand. “You being here was just the icing on the cake. Thank you.”
She stood, hoping to walk out with Brad. “I’m going to go.” She bent and kissed Buddy’s cheek. “Have a good afternoon.”
