The Meaning of a Laugh

From Merriam Webster Dictionary

Laugh:

verb

:to show that you are happy or that you this something is funny by smiling or making a sound from your throat.

:to think or say that something or someone is foolish and does not deserve serious attention or respect.

:to not be bothered by something.

     We laugh at comedians or sitcoms.  We laugh at movie comedies.  We laugh when we get great news because we found exceeding joy in it.  We laugh at children playing or doing something for the first time.  When we enjoy things and people, we tend to laugh.  Harry Ward Beecher coined the phrase, "Mirth is God's best medicine".  This may have been where we got the phrase, "Laughter is the best medicine".  And according to HELPGUIDE.ORG, "Humor and laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts energy, diminishes pain, and protects you from damaging effects from stress".

     There are times when we laugh at things that are ridiculous or foolish, in a manner of disrespect.  We may mock or ridicule someone for being different, or we do so because they seem stupid to us.  God laughed at wicked fools in the Bible, not because they were funny, or that He was amused.  He scoffed at them because of their sin.  On the other hand, God does delight in us when we obey, so I'm sure He laughs with joy.  God does give us a sense of humor.  After all, we are made in His image, and you know He has to have a sense of humor to have created us.  We are funny people at times.

     To laugh something off is another way of dealing with something that has happened to you.  You laugh it off as if you weren't bothered by it.  Maybe it just didn't mean anything to you, or maybe it bothered you so badly, you couldn't handle it any other way.  In my life I would laugh or use humor when I was uncomfortable, sort of to break the ice.  Laughing is very contagious, so spread it around when things are humorous in a tactful way.  Be careful if it is a mocking laugh.  We have all had our "stupid" moments.  And if you are dealing with pain in your life, laugh it off, but appropriately.  But please beware.  Don't laugh to death.  That's not good medicine! 

The Final Chapter-Psalm 27:14

Psalm 27:14

"Wait for the Lord;

Be strong and let your heart take courage;

Yes, wait for the Lord".

     Pete Bartholomew talked with the group after the entire fiasco.  Miranda came and met up with them.  The group thanked Pete for the help in saving their lives.  The families were immediately notified and all were relieved.  They were all flying home the next day.  Though there were mixed feelings in leaving Pastor Manuel and Ben, Drew, Sheila and Kyle were ready to go home.  Pastor Manuel had mixed feelings, but couldn't wait to get back home to his family.  All Ben could think about was Julio.  He knew he had to have faith that God would open Julio's eyes and heart.  And Ben could not wait to share his experience with his believing mother and more importantly, his unbelieving father.

     Ben also knew he had to tell the truth to the others.  He gathered them around the table at the Bartholomew's home.  He was frightened that they might judge him.  He was still young in his faith.  "I have a confession to share with you all", he said.  They were all eyes and ears.  Ben didn't have the nerve to tell them but silently asked God for the words.  He paused as they looked at him with anticipation.  "The plan that night before I accepted Jesus, was to...", he tried to explain.  Pastor Manuel spoke up.  "Was to kill us, am I right?"  Another pause from Ben.  "Yes, you, Drew and Sheila.  Will you forgive me?  And will God?", Ben pleaded.  Drew spoke up.  "We knew we were going to be killed, and we all forgive you, and better yet, God had forgiven you the second you gave your life to Him".  Ben gave a sigh of relief.  "Did you really think we wouldn't love you, knowing this"?  Pastor Manuel asked.  Ben was at a lost for words and felt so much joy that he wept.

     It was later that night and they were all staying at the Bartholomew's for their last night together.  Pastor Manuel called Sylvia, his wife.  Her mother, Rebecca answered and spoke erratically and excitedly.  All his kids got on the phone, all wanting to know how he was and when he would be home.  Pedro talked for awhile, and then they all motioned for Sylvia.  She shed tears of joy, hearing the news.  They all thought that everyone was dead.  Tears of joy ran rampant.  "I love you, my Sylvia, and I will be home for dinner tomorrow night", Manuel said, then broke down, weeping, saying, "Finally, it's over".  Amelia, his youngest, grabbed the phone again, unaware of the danger he had been in.  "Papa?  Do you still love us"?, she inquired.  "Why do you ask my darling?  I will always love you all with all my life".  "I always love you too, Papa".  He knew she didn't understand, and hoped she wouldn't remember this moment in her life, a decade from now.  He suddenly felt extremely homesick.  He said his good-byes to his family and went to his room the Bartholomew's accommodated him with.

     Kyle thought of his dad.  He called him to tell him the good news.  Kyle's dad also thought they were all dead, just like the others and he had been grieving heavily for a time.  When he heard Kyle's voice, his knees buckled and he gasped for air in disbelief.  His son was coming home and he felt grateful and praised God for the gift He had given him.  Kyle told him all that happened and how God had worked in even Ben, their one-time captor's life.  "Dad, tomorrow we'll all be home, safe and sound", Kyle exclaimed.  Kyle was proud of his best friend and thankful to God for how He worked in Drew's life.  He also saw the change in Sheila's life and was glad.  He felt peace and was reassured by his dad that all things work together for good, for those who love God.  He hung up with his dad and chatted with the Bartholomew's while Sheila and Drew called their families.  

     The news came on just before Sheila's parents got her call.  Their girl was alive and safe.  Hope had finally come to their family and all was not lost.  Sheila asked for forgiveness for the mess she got everyone in.  Her parents looked past that.  As long as they had their "little girl" in their lives, nothing else mattered.  Sheila didn't even know how she got to where she was.  She remembered the night she told her parents she was going to Freda's house.  She even lied about Rhonda.  She remembered back on how she started into drugs with Rhonda.  It wasn't that Sheila had a terrible childhood.  Her parents gave her everything, including love.  It was experimenting that started it all, and one thing led to the next.  Rhonda later, after Sheila's disappearance, was devastated.  She then, cleaned up her own act and started going to the church Kyle and Drew went to.  She gave her life to Jesus because of what Sheila was going through.  Mr. and Mrs. Wharton shared that with her daughter, and they cried together, anticipating Sheila's arrival home.  Sheila shared the love of Christ with her parents.  They did notice the change in their daughter, and thought about what she shared.

     Drew was talking with Aunt Rita.  Aunt Rita was beside herself with joy.  He also shared Jesus with her in telling her about their ordeal.  She tried to argue the point but couldn't come up with a legitimate argument.  Drew reflected back on the journey.  He remembered the note he got in the mail about not following the rabbit trail and it being signed in blood Peter Rabbit.  He wondered about that for awhile after getting off the phone with his aunt.  He remembered the story vividly.  Sheila was Peter Rabbit, who went where she wasn't suppose to go.  Hernandez signed the note in blood as a warning.  Drew reflected on this and was thankful that this rabbit story ended differently.  He really loved Sheila and Sheila loved him.  They sat together holding hands.  They waited.  All that time they all waited.  Waited for the Lord.  Jesus gave them the strength and courage through it all and they waited...In the end they were redeemed and rescued in many more ways than one.

     Short Epilogue

     Drew, Sheila, and Kyle were on the same flight home.  They went back newer people.  Drew and Sheila found salvation in Jesus, and Kyle had a deeper understanding of Who God was.  More than that, they knew.  They knew that God's Word was not in vain, but real.  As they walked through their journey, they walked through Scripture as each piece fit perfectly.  None of them would ever be the same again.

This story was a story of redemption and promise.  I hope it gives people meaning in their lives.  Psalm 27 is one of my favorite passages.  My next several blogs will deal with laughter and humor.  I hope you continue to follow and enjoy them.

Sabrina

   

  

Continue on with Fearless Trust in God Part 13

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living".  Psalm 27:13

     Julio was right.  Ben and the rest would eventually meet up with him today.  Rick held Sheila tight, with a gun to everyone, while the supposed Pastor Charles drove the van to a deserted area in the middle of a Canadian forest about 100 miles north of where they were.  Drew wanted to reach out and grab the gun from Rick in attempt to save Sheila, but Kyle held him back.  Kyle sensed the danger that would cause.  Ben and Pastor Manuel held silence.  Pastor Manuel prayed as they went.  Ben prayed and contemplated what to do when they got there.  Pastor Manuel, Ben and the rest had their weapons taken away just before the trip in the van.  They were helpless in their own right.  It was up to God to save them.  They had about a half an hour to get there and the drive to all of them seemed like they were riding straight to their deaths.  They were all terrified.

     Hernandez wanted Julio to handle this matter, and his orders to Julio was to "make them disappear".  Julio had known Ben a long time.  Julio was 15 and Ben was 16 when they were initiated into the gang.  Ben looked after Julio and once or twice saved Julio's life.  Now, Julio was ordered to take Ben's life.  Were they just orders from the leader or did Julio really believe that Ben was a traitor, and want him dead?  Julio was on his cell with Hernandez discussing the business at hand.  He seemed determined and willing.  Julio's mother and father died tragically in a drive-by shooting, while sitting in their 2-bedroom house, watching TV with him and his 3 little brothers.  All 4 brothers shared their small bedroom together.  Julio's father was a carpenter and his mother stayed home and watched the boys.  They didn't have much, but they had each other.  After his parents died, Julio quit school and went to work where his father worked, but couldn't feed his brothers, so a man by the name Hernandez gave him "a job".  He was able to make ends meet, but the State still took his 3 brothers away a year later, and he never saw or heard from them again.

     The van drove up and stop.  Charles turned off the engine and the men took all of them to Julio and the goons who were with them.  There were 3 others.  Ben and Julio came face to face.  Ben looked at Julio with courage and strength.  No anger shown on his face.  Julio cocked his head to one side, noticing Ben's courage.  "You betrayed Hernandez, and you betrayed me, your best friend", was all Julio said, in a very quiet voice.  Ben said nothing.  Julio looked at Sheila for a moment and said to her.  "You shouldn't have gotten involved with us, now look at all your friends".  There was a spark of fear and guilt in her eyes, but she stayed silent as well.  They were all scared, including Ben, but they believed God.  "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living".  Psalm 27:13.

     Pete and Miranda Bartholomew had a secret, that no one in town knew.  They lived in town most of their lives, got married 30 years ago in the church they are attending now, and raised 2 kids.  They opened up the bookstore and coffee shop 15 years ago.  They opened up at 5:30 a.m., and closed it up by 3 p.m. everyday but Sunday.  What Pete Bartholomew did after hours, no one had a clue, but his wife.  His kids, Jen and Adam, who were now 29 and 25, didn't know where their dad went out on nights, while they were growing up.  Miranda kept quiet and kept everything to herself on that matter.  She knew if people found out, it would be the end for Pete.  He was in his "Study" when an urgent call came.  He went to his wife, kissed her, got his coat and keys and left.  Miranda prayed today, like she always had before, when he ventured out secretly.  She knew what he was up to, but that was about all she knew.  She never knew the circumstances or where he would be, or with whom he would be with.  She just had to trust...God.

     Julio decided that Drew, Kyle and Pastor Manuel would be the first three to die.  He wanted Sheila to watch her friends die, and he also wanted Ben to suffer the most and watch them all die, then he would kill his best friend.  They were all tied to poles in a circular form, where they all could watch each other die.  There deaths would be by a firing squad.  One shot to the head of each.  None of them spoke...except Ben.  "Julio, my friend.  Do you really want to do this?  I am so sorry I lead you astray all those years.  Will you forgive me"?, he asked.  "Wait!  What?, are you serious?  Shut up!", Julio shouted.  "Kill the pastor first, then Kyle, then the boyfriend"!, he ordered the men.  "Wait"!, Ben pleaded.  "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing"!, Ben prayed.  Julio glared at Ben for a long time.  They next sounds that were heard were five shots and screams.

     The FBI and INTERPOL came rushing in.  Five shots went off.  The three goons who were ready to kill the group of friends, and Pastor Charles and Rick were dead.  Julio was on the ground weeping, "I'm sorry"!  The agents untied them all and Ben went over to Julio and prayed with him.  "How can you still stand by me?  I was going to kill you", Julio asked while still weeping.  The agents were going to take Julio in handcuffs, but Ben put his hand up for them to wait.  He shared briefly about Jesus and hugged his long-time friend.  The agents took Julio into custody, and Ben had no idea if his short testimony worked.  Would Julio accept Christ in prison?  Ben would have to fearlessly trust God.  The coroner examined the dead bodies and took them away.  An agent by the name of Julie Stockman assured all of them that Hernandez and all his men were taken down in every international city they occupied.  She told them that there was one person in particular to thank for that.  Pete Bartholomew came in.  He had been working undercover for INTERPOL for 30 years, and no one knew, except his wife.  He told the group he knew who they were when they arrived in town and knew what was going on at his church.  He apologized for putting them in more danger and thanked God they were finally safe.

No it's not over yet.  Part 14, the final chapter will wrap up the story.  Until then.  God bless.   

          

     

Psalm 27 : 12-Continued Story of Fearless Trust in God

    Psalm 27:12
"Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence".

     Ben knew exactly who was on the other end of the phone...Julio, his "best friend".  He panicked and asked, "Who is this"?.  There was a pause between Ben and Julio.  "Hernandez will get what he wants.  I'll see you tomorrow.  That's my warning, my friend", Julio warned, then hung up.  Ben scurried in his mind frantically, thinking how they could have found them.  They changed their identities, their vehicle, their phones.  Still, in the back of his mind this whole trip, Ben knew the outcome.  What he couldn't figure out is how they found out.  His mind turned with paranoia, thinking someone they had met in town was working for Hernandez.  He knew Hernandez had people everywhere.  He also knew that even his best friend, Julio, would turn on him for Hernandez.

     Drew, Manuel, Kyle and Sheila were still out, and that worried Ben.  He knew he couldn't call or text any of them to warn them.  They were definitely under Hernandez' surveillance.  He didn't even know if he could safely go out and find them.  He prayed.  God, what do I do now?.  He knew he had to risk his life for his friends, but he didn't know what good it would do if he was harmed and thus, the others might be harmed.  God was silent on this one.  He let Ben decide which was best, so that Ben would truly trust Him fearlessly.  Ben paced the floor and continued to pour his heart out to Jesus.  He grabbed his Bible and turned back to Psalm 27 and read down to verse 12.  Then he prayed that verse and asked God to deliver him and his friends.  He also asked God what he could do next.  Just then he heard the door opened.  Uh oh, he thought.  He looked and gasped with relief when he saw his group of friends come back from sightseeing.  They saw the look on his face and asked what was wrong.  They sat down and he told them.

     Worry crept upon their faces as he told them about Julio's call and the warning.  Ben wasn't sure how long they could stay or who to trust in town.  They all wondered what the next step would be.  Pastor Manuel didn't have an answer either.  God was still silent.  Ben wondered why He was so silent.  The Pastor spoke up.  "Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wing. ~Selah".  That's all he said at the time.  Drew looked at him.  "In Psalms"?, Drew ask.  "Psalm 61:4", is all he answered.  Sheila realized then, that they could always rely on God's Word, even in the worst distress.  That comforted her a little, but she still was terrified of what might happen.  Drew spoke up, "'He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.  Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary'.  Isaiah 40:29-31."   Kyle spoke up.  "We can get through this".  So they planned their next step.

     They weren't sure who to trust.  Was anyone in town trustworthy?  They carefully went out into town the next morning for coffee and breakfast, carefully looking over everyone in town.  Paranoia crept into their minds.  Do they trust the Bartholomews?  Do they trust the pastor of the small town church?  Mr. Bartholomew came up to them as they sat down for breakfast.  He looked at them intently, asking them for their orders.  They briefly spoke to him.  Mr. Bartholomew asked how they liked the church service.  Sheila answered for them and told him it was great.  He went and got their orders and they quietly prayed.  The news came up again and fear flashed on their faces.  Mr. Bartholomew darted a look their way.  He seemed very suspicious to Ben and Pastor Manuel.  They ate, paid, left and went to talk to Pastor Charles.

     He seemed honest enough and true to the Gospel.  They felt comfortable with him.  They went into the church and entered his office, and sitting there with the pastor was Rick Hickory, the pastor's head deacon.  They abruptly stopped what they were discussing when Pastor Manuel and the rest walked in.  It seemed as though Pastor Charles choked his words when he told them to please come in.  "We have to talk Pastor", Pastor Manuel spoke.  "Privately...please".  He looked over toward Rick.  

     

Fearless Trust In God-Part 11

This story continues with Psalm 27:11

"Teach me Your way, O Lord,

And lead me in a level path

because of my foes."

     The day started out great.  It was the best sleep anyone had gotten in awhile, and Sheila had not one nightmare.  Everything seemed to be going better for all of them, as far as coping with the situation.  They were still in hiding.  They were still either thought dead, or kidnapped, and they still couldn't contact anyone...not yet.  They had their morning coffee and devotions in Manuel and Sheila's room.  Pastor Manuel opened up Psalm 27, and read verse 11.  "Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a level path because of my foes".  Ben had an uneasy feeling after reading that verse.  He really didn't understand why he had the feeling either.  He started thinking about Hernandez and how he and his men could find anyone, at any time, in any place.  Ben thought to himself, "But what if they thought we were dead"?  That didn't help because he knew the answer, and it wasn't a good answer.  He kept his thoughts to himself, but was on guard for his friends' sake.

     They all thought this verse over.  They all wanted to know God's way.  They prayed for one another and their families.  They prayed for the people of the church the Bartholomews attended.  They got ready for Sunday School and church.  They met the Bartholomews in front of Wilderness Baptist Church.  It was a small church of about 60 people.  They met Pastor Charles Winslow and his wife, Patty.  They had 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls, ages ranging from 27 down to 12.  They shook hands with many people, who were very nice.  They also met a deacon and his family, Rick and Nancy Hickory, with their 3 children, a boy and 2 girls, ages 25 down to 16.  The Sunday School was led by Rick and his wife, for the ages of 13 and up.  Mrs. Kelly Parker had the small children in her Sunday School class.  There were 5 children there.  

     Rick talked about David in the Bible and all the struggles he went through and the temptations that overcame him.  He talked about how he was "a man after God's own heart", despite the fact that he committed adultery, lied and murdered, to get what he wanted.  Ben knew the meaning of that.  He killed, lied, stole, and did things that was unpleasing to God, and yet now, he was a man after God's own heart.  He felt a peace come over him.  Ben was searching for God's direction, and he wondered if they were to get out of this situation alive.  He had betrayed Hernandez and he knew the consequences of that, if he were caught.  Drew sat by Sheila and were holding hands.  Drew loved her, and wondered if Sheila loved him as much.  She did.  He wanted to know God's way also, and was terrified of the possible outcome of the trial they were in.  Pastor Manuel prayed silently for things to go well for them.  For them to go home safely.  Kyle listened and wondered about the tribulations they have faced and were going to face.  After the lesson, a man named Joe prayed.  Then they went into the church service.

     The church service started with prayer and songs.  It lifted everyone's spirits to sing praises to Jesus.  The sermon Pastor Charles spoke on was James 1:2-4.  How we need to have joy in our troubles.  He went on to say that God allows trials in our lives to bring us closer to Him, and that the various trials we do endure will strengthen our walk with Jesus.  He referred to two references in the Bible: Psalm 27:11 and Jeremiah 29:11-13.  He pointed out that we needed to be taught the way to go, and that God has His plan for our lives.  None of them knew how to be joyful through all of this.  Not even Pastor Manuel.  They all struggled that day, but they knew they had to and could endure this trial, but, it was difficult.  After the service they all gathered for fellowship for a few minutes.  They were invited to lunch, but declined.  They didn't want to get too close...not yet.  They needed to decide what to do next.

     All but Ben went out sightseeing just to relax and get their minds off of their situation.  Ben kept to himself and went back to his hotel room.  He got his bible out and sat and prayed.  He was gripped with guilt of all the crimes he had done.  Why now?  He didn't know.  He knew in his heart that all that he had done was forgiven by Jesus and he didn't have to hold onto his past mistakes, but he still felt overwhelmed, considering he was responsible for his new friends' kidnapping.  He still couldn't believe that Jesus could love even him so much.  He cried and read through the Scriptures.  He knew the truth, that Jesus gave up His life for all sinners.  That was comforting to Ben.  He was interrupted and stunned by a familiar phone call.  He panicked and didn't know what to do.  He decided to answer it...it was one of Hernandez' goons.  "Hello?".  The goon answered with a warning.  He spoke in a thick Spanish accent.  He said, "Hey my friend, we know where you are now.  You and the others are as good as dead"...

I'm finally back writing again and hope to finish this story soon.  Stay tuned and find out what will happen to them, now that they have been found out.  The question is who gave them up?  Was it one of the towns people?  We will see...

      

     

             

Number 10 in My Story

     Part 10---Fearless Trust in God

     Sheila had finally woken up at around noon.  She felt sluggish and saddened by the fact that no one back home knew she was alive.  They all went down to Turn The Page and went in the back for some coffee and brunch, after saying hello to Mrs. Bartholomew.  Mr. Bartholomew was a bit cheerier today.  He still had gruffness in his voice, but at least he smiled.  "Good afternoon.  How are you young people today?", Mr. Bartholomew asked.  They all greeted him back with "good" and "fine", and asked the same.  Mr. Bartholomew told them he was having a great day and asked them what they wanted.  Sheila tried to hide the fact that she felt alone because of the thought that no one back home knew she still existed.  Drew cocked his head towards her, with a questioning look.  Sheila ate quietly, then excused herself to the bookstore.  She loved old books and went browsing in the antique books.  Drew let her go, without a word.  The others didn't notice at first.  Pastor Manuel looked at Drew, then toward Sheila, and kept silent.  Drew and Manuel didn't know what was bothering her, but they knew she needed time alone...to think.  Sheila looked at all the books in awe.  As she was looking, she got tears in her eyes.  She remembered Psalm 27:10, "For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me up".  There was no abandonment issue as far as her parents leaving her, but they had no clue where she was and it seemed they gave up hope of her being alive...and it hurt.  But then she thought of Drew and how, because of drugs, his parents did abandoned him.

     She saw Mrs. Bartholomew coming up to her and she smiled at her.  "Hey, Mrs. Bartholomew, these books are amazing!"  She tried to hide her tears, but Mrs. Bartholomew saw right through Sheila.  "Can I help you with something?  Anything...at all?", she asked Sheila.  Sheila tried to hide her feelings, but it wasn't working.  "What is the oldest book in your collection?", Sheila asked.  She carefully looked through her books and found the oldest she had.  "Here it is.  1599 Geneva Bible", Mrs. Bartholomew showed Sheila.  Sheila looked astonished at her and opened it carefully and turned to Psalm 27.  Mrs. Bartholomew noticed and smiled.  "The Psalms are my favorite.  My husband and I read them together every night before going to sleep", Mrs. Bartholomew shared with Sheila, hoping to open her up and talk about what was bothering her. "Is this the original?", Sheila asked.  The lady nodded.  Sheila's eyes widened and she smiled.  "I've been studying Psalm 27 for some time", Sheila admitted.  Sheila read Psalm 27 from that Bible.  She was amazed at verse 10.  In this verse it said, "Though my father and mother should forsake me, yet the Lord will gather me up".  Sheila was comforted to know that the Bible was indeed timeless, and God has not changed.  "Thank you, Mrs. Bartholomew".  Sheila couldn't very well confide in Mrs. Bartholomew about what was really going on, but she knew that the lady would listen.  And it was good to know that she was a Christian.  Mrs. Bartholomew spoke again.  "We go to the little Baptist church right there on the corner", as she pointed down the street on the west side of her shop.  "Come join us Sunday", she invited.  Sheila smiled.  "We will, thank you".

     Sheila went back to the coffee shop.  The guys were just about ready to look around the bookstore, when Sheila arrived at the table.  Drew asked, "Are you OK?"  Sheila smiled.  "I'm better", she told him.  Sheila shared with her friends of Mrs. Bartholomew's faith.  Then she looked at Drew with compassion and asked him, "How do you go on, knowing that your parents have abandoned you?"  Drew was surprised at the question.  He thought for a minute, and remembered Psalm 27:10 also.  He quoted it to her, then asked, "What is this all about?  You haven't been abandoned".  She told them what she shared with Mrs. Bartholomew.  Drew had not thought about the abandonment in a couple of years, but he was all of a sudden saddened.  They drove to the motel and talked about it.  Drew wondered about the fact that his parents didn't care enough about him to stop doing drugs.  When he was younger he wondered also and his aunt counselled him.  The pastor asked him, "Have you forgiven them Drew"?  He didn't know for sure.  But Drew also didn't understand why Sheila felt abandoned, even though she explained.  Anger welled up in him, that Sheila or Kyle had never seen in him.  "How can you feel abandoned, when your parents took care of you?  They haven't left you"?!, he shouted.  He then realized what he was doing and began to sob.

     The pastor and Sheila held on to him, as Kyle and Ben watched with compassion.  "I'm sorry Sheila!  Why would anyone choose something, other than God, over their children?  Aunt Rita and I have talked about this, but I really still feel very angry.  I don't know what to do"!, Drew admitted.  Pastor Manuel shared with all of them about forgiveness at that time.  Sheila also mentioned that she wanted to stay until Sunday, and go to church with the Bartholomews.  They all agreed.  Drew realized he needed to let go of what his parents had done and forgive them.  Pastor Manuel went straight to the source.  "The cross".  He told them all that had happened leading up to being nailed to the cross.  The bloody beatings, the accusations, the spitting and the mocking.  And what did Jesus do?  He forgave them.  They all laid hands on Drew and prayed.  Drew cried like he had not cried since he was little.  He struggled with it and continued sobbing.  Sheila wept too because her situation was not like his, but she felt like he feels and empathized with him.

     Drew stopped sobbing and praying.  He got up and paced around the room, as they all carefully watched him.  "OK, Lord!  You think I should forgive a person or people who treat me like I'm nothing?  Fine!  But I can't do it without You!  Please help me to forgive"!, Drew cried out.  Everyone was looking at Drew, concerned.  They waited for his sobbing to stop.  A few minutes later, Drew stopped crying, looked up to Heaven and thanked God.  He smiled at all of them and they hugged him.  It was such a great relief to know that he could forgive and feel the release of pain, through His Lord.  They had to sit down and make a plan.  It was Saturday.  Tomorrow they were going to visit the Baptist church with the Bartholomews, then they had to decide what to do next.  The news was buzzing loudly around town about the missing kids.  They discussed whether to stay in the happy hollow until they could fix the situation, or run again.  They were all tired of running, and they all wanted to call home.  That night, everyone slept soundly, knowing Jesus was taking care of them and showing them the way.

Part 11 will be coming soon.  Thank you for your patience.  I am writing when I am able, though not as often as I'd like.  God bless.  

  

     

     

PART 9---FEARLESS TRUST IN GOD

Based on Psalm 27

     They drove to another small town, to another small and homey motel.  They were all getting tired of running and were very discouraged.  It was 1p.m. and they hadn't eaten lunch yet.  They had to wait a couple of hours to check in at the motel, so they went to get a bite to eat and sight-see a little, for a little bit of relaxation.  They went to a sandwich and ice cream shop for lunch and a little dessert.  The town looked like something out of the Old West.  There were few cars parked on the street and even less people on the sidewalks.  They ate their meal and went looking in the bookstore next door.  Turn The Page was the name of the store.  They had antique collectible books to new and modern books.  You could take books in and sell them to the store.  The lady was very nice, a Mrs. Bartholomew.  She was about 50 years old and very soft-spoken.  Kyle thought she must have been a librarian at one time, because of the hushed voice she had.  "How may I be of service to you?", she practically whispered.  Sheila answered, "Thank you.  We're just browsing".  There were books, still in rather good condition from the 19th century.  They were all amazed to carefully browse through them.  "If you have any questions, just ask", Mrs. Bartholomew told them softly.

     In the back of the bookstore, there was a coffee shop, and Mr. Bartholomew ran that part of the store.  Sheila, Drew, Kyle, Ben and Pastor Manuel got a table and ordered their favorite coffees.  This coffee shop had exquisite service.  Instead of standing in line, Mr. Bartholomew and his waitress, Kelly came to the tables and took their orders.  "What would you like to drink today?", Mr. Bartholomew asked in a pleasant but gruff and booming voice.  He was a total opposite of his wife, though, both were very friendly.  "Are you new to the area?", Mr. Bartholomew asked.  "We're just passing through", Pastor Manuel answered.  "Oh!  Travelers!  Wonderful!  Welcome to our neighborhood!", Mr. Bartholomew greeted them.  They were kind of uncomfortable because he came over and wanted to talk.  They didn't want to give him too much information, but they also didn't want to seem rude.  They all ordered something to drink and Mr. Bartholomew, in his booming voice, want to chat with them.  "Where are you from?", he asked.  They all said, "California".  He told them all about the town and how long him and his wife lived there, and how long they had the store, then asked, "How long will you be staying in this fine town?"  They had no idea, so Drew came up with an answer.  "We're all taking a road trip through Canada.  We're all friends who had vacation time.  We have three weeks to travel, so we're only staying the night", Drew lied.  They all were conversing with him, then he had a few more customers to tend to.

     They left and continued down the street, looking at all the different shops.  It seemed as though people were staring at them, and their suspicion arose.  They were hiding and felt like everyone knew it.  At 3p.m. they went to the motel and checked in.  There was a big screen TV in the lounge, across from the front desk, that had on the international news.  They froze at what they saw.  All of their pictures were plastered on the screen.  Though they changed their appearances to some extent, they still had panic inside.  Drew remembered Psalm 27:9, and prayed that verse to himself.  Do not hide your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation".    Drew asked Pastor Manuel, "What do we do?"  Manuel had no answers, except to trust God.  They again got rooms and grouped up as usual.  The rooms were like the old country look.  They had all kinds of toiletries and towels and supplies at arms length.  They had a coffee pot, microwave and refrigerator.  Two beds in each room.  They again gathered in Manuel and Sheila's room for devotions and prayer time.  "Father, grant us safety, that we might further Your gospel", Pastor Manuel prayed.  They continued in Psalms, chapter 27.  Verse 9 came up, and Drew smiled.  He was relieved to know that God was listening.

     They discussed the Bible passages and discussed how to work out their plans to stay away for awhile, but they soon had to return.  Manuel called his wife a day ago and the kids and her were worried.  Drew thought his Aunt Rita would be beside herself by now.  Kyle didn't know how his dad would handle this, with losing his wife, now Kyle, his son missing.  They grieved together.  Ben also grieved for his family, even his dad, and especially his Christian mother.  He had hoped that when this was all over, he might have the chance to bring Christ into his dad's life.  The faith in all of them grew each day, and they knew that without this trial in their lives, it wouldn't have been possible to have this much faith.  Pastor Manuel even knew that his faith was very weak until he met Drew.  They talked for two hours.  It was now around 6p.m.  They turned on the news and found that the story was still being told, and all of them had a little bit of fear.  The newscaster for CNN now claimed that they all, including Sheila, who they still think is dead, were kidnapped by the same people, but didn't know the connection with the pastor and the rest.  Drew, Kyle and Manuel were still presumed alive and the FBI were looking for some kind of connection with all of these victims, to find them soon.  The Puerto Rican police were investigating this as well and questioned Pastor Manuel's family.  They were terrified they would end up telling the truth, just out of fear.  Thankfully, the police left their home with no idea.

     Sheila was afraid, but not terrified like she had been, and that was thanks to the rest of her friends, especially Pastor Manuel and Drew.  She didn't know if she could have survived without them...and Jesus.  She might not have.  They all took a walk around the town after dinner.  There was snow of about 6 inches, but they didn't care.  It was cold, but crisp, and they enjoyed the scenery.  Nothing could be better than this, they thought...except to be with their families again.  They went to Pastor Manuel and Sheila's room again for a bit.  Pastor Manuel, Drew and Ben had all thought to stay a couple of more days here.  It was pleasant at this motel, the town was nice and the people were very friendly.  They still weren't certain why they all got stares from people, but Pastor Manuel pointed out to them that it just might be they were curious about tourists in their small town, and nothing more.  They all sighed in relief at that.  They watched a little TV together, before going to sleep for the night.  Sheila missed her parents and had another nightmare during the night.  She woke up screaming, which she hadn't done in a few days.  Drew, Kyle and Ben heard her, and of course, Pastor Manuel got up to console her.  It was around 1a.m. and Drew was knocking at Sheila's door.

     Pastor Manuel went to the door and let them in.  There were several people who peeped out their doors, not very happy.  Sheila was crying out for her parents.  It had been over 3 months since she had seen them, and now Sheila was presumed dead.  She told them she had to call her parents.  Ben wasn't sure.  He knew Hernandez, and if he found out, they would all be dead.  Pastor Manuel knew that as well and discouraged it, but they also saw how upset Sheila was.  No one knew what to do, including Sheila.  "They have to know!", Sheila pleaded.  The rest of the group looked at one another with concern.  Drew looked at Pastor Manuel, then took Sheila's hand and reassured her.  They went inside the room, while the other motel guests calmed down and went back into their rooms.  "Sheila, we have to be brave and hold out on telling anyone right now.  When your parents find out you're alive, and all this is over, we will all celebrate!", Drew calmed her.  She shook in his arms and sobbed.  They all stayed up with her that night until 5:30a.m., when she fell asleep.  Drew wondered how they would get out of this.  He wondered how they would finally let the authorities know, without retaliation from Hernandez and his gang.  They needed to be put to justice, but how?  No one had the answer.

     *I will continue with Part 10 soon.  My blogging and writing life has been cut back a lot due to health issues.  I will, from time to time, catch you up on how things are going.  Hopefully Part 10 will be done this coming week.  God bless you all!

Sabrina