<< Go Back

As Angels Sing

By Linda Buice

Order Now!

Chapter 1
Life’s unexpected turns can bring a real test of faith, especially when fear makes you doubt your decisions.
Robin glanced in her rearview mirror at Tina in the backseat. She looked so cute wearing the headphones Marcy had given her as a parting gift. She sure loved her music, and her body moved to the music as she colored on her drawing pad—so innocent and happy for now.
Robin’s hands tensed as she saw the familiar highway marker. Twenty more miles until the Lima exit. The thought of moving back to her hometown to begin living with her mother after all these years filled her with anxiety and doubts.
Her phone’s ring and Marcy’s familiar voice coming through the speakers interrupted her thoughts. “Hey, Robin, checking in on you. I’m worried about you and Tina. Are you sure you need to live with your mom?”
“I’m having doubts already, but my dad wanted me to try to have a relationship with her again. I can’t make it on my own now that Dad’s gone. This job doesn’t pay enough to live on my own.”
“I know you need that job, but I watched your mom at your dad’s funeral. She hardly spoke to you, and she sure wasn’t warm and loving to Tina, either. How could she be so cold?”
“I can’t talk now, Marcy. Tina might hear. I’ll give you a call after we’re settled. Okay?”
“Sure thing. Remember—call me anytime day or night. I’m only an hour away. I’ll be praying for you two.”
“Thanks. We need all the prayers we can get. Talk to you soon.”
Just as Robin finished the conversation, Tina took off her headphones and asked, “Are we almost there, Momma?”
“A few more miles, sweetie.” Robin looked back in the mirror. Tina smiled and returned to the drawing, which was probably for her mother. She was so loving and affectionate.
Apprehensive thoughts returned to Robin’s mind. Life without Dad left a void. I don’t understand why all this is happening, God. Why did I have to lose my job too? Is this part of your plan? Why do I feel like the prodigal returning home? Wasn’t it my mom who turned her back on me? Help me, please. I feel so alone.
Robin’s mind thought about the last time she felt like this. Having a Down syndrome child at the age of twenty-five had put her life in turmoil. Her husband and mother had pushed for an abortion. The decision not to abort was only supported by her father but was the right choice. What is it you want, Lord? Haven’t I forgiven them and moved on?
Being a single mom was a challenge, but her dad had always secretly helped and supported her. He not only accepted Tina with his whole heart, but he also appreciated just how special she was and cherished the times he spent with her. Before his death from cancer, she promised him she would try to reconcile with her mom in the near future, but unexpected unemployment forced her to face the issue now.
Tina missed her “poppy” and drew pictures of him every day. Tears always ran down her face when she drew, but she never asked questions.
Lord, why are these feelings coming back?
“Tina, we’re here, honey,” she said as she pulled into the driveway. Lord, give me the strength to do this. Please let her love my little girl. Help her to see her through your eyes.
The outdoor light was on. Your will, Lord. I know you are with me.
***
Pastor Chris looked at the calendar hanging on the wall in his office and sat back in his chair. Advent, a time to celebrate God’s greatest gift ever to humankind, would be here in three months. How many people would look at Jesus as a gift this year? The community was in crisis due to local job losses. Church attendance was shrinking, and they might need to consider closing because of the financial shortfalls and needed building repairs. The session needed to be made aware of these possibilities.
A miracle would be needed to keep going in the next few years. Chris knew he needed to remember to keep hope alive during difficult times. His twenty years as a pastor had been a great walk with the Lord, and the Lord always came through in his own way and timing. Twelve years ago, when he first moved here, the congregation was much bigger and more active. He knew this year’s Christmas service would be splendid, no matter how many people attended or how many children participated. Worshipping God was always beautiful, no matter how simple, because he would be in their midst. Now he needed to remind his staff and session members to trust in God’s faithfulness in all things.
Closing his eyes, he prayed. Father, thank you for all the love you gave me over these past years. This congregation loves you but is struggling. Help us find a way to make a difference in this world and the lives of those around us. Our hope is in you, Lord. Give me words to lead our session during this troubling time. We need you. I’m trusting you and you alone to get us through this.
A knock at the door startled him. “Come in.”
Marilyn, the church secretary, came in. “Pastor, John just called and asked me to remind you to look at those budget cuts before the session meeting tomorrow night. This is the last meeting to talk budget until the stewardship presentation. Also, Ruth Henderson has been moved to the senior adult home because her dementia made it too difficult to stay alone anymore. Her daughter called and wondered if you could fit a visit in.”
“Ruth? Oh, how hard that must be on Wendy and her family. They are so close. But how is that possible? Ruth was fine when she played at the youth concert in June.”
“I know. Wendy said it happened quickly. The symptoms appeared early summer and just escalated. It’s so sad. I understand Ruth is depressed. She really has been independent and loves her home. Wendy was just worried about her because she was so disoriented. The doctor said she had classic dementia symptoms and that it would only get worse. This was the only option right now.”
“I’ll stop in later this week and try to cheer her up. At least I can pray with her.”
“She’ll be happy to see you. Maybe you could bring some music CDs with you. Music has been her life.”
“That’s a great idea. I happen to know her favorite songs.”
“Did you realize that Robin Anderson was moving back to live with her mother?”
“Actually, I didn’t know that. I haven’t seen Betty since the funeral, and she wasn’t very talkative then. They were both so emotional, but I didn’t see them interact. I did notice Robin’s daughter there with a friend of the family. Something seemed off. Nate has been attending services here since I first arrived. He was always alone.”
“There’s a long story I’ll share at another time. I have an appointment I need to go to now. Here’s your mail. Anything else you need before I leave?”
“Thanks, Marilyn. I didn’t mean to keep you. Have a good evening.”
“See you in the morning.”
He added the dates and notes to his Google calendar. Marilyn gave her heart to her work and kept everything organized and running smoothly in addition to caring deeply for the members of the congregation. He didn’t know what he would do without her. She was not one to gossip and only shared information he needed to know.
The beep from his cell phone was a reminder of his meeting in the library with the youth director in thirty minutes. Time to start talking about the Christmas program, he thought. He reached for his Bible and looked up verses on hope and God’s provision. It was best to go in there prepared to encourage Molly.
 

Order Now!

<< Go Back