Chapter Eight

Chapter 8





Have you ever had the sensation that you would love if the floor swallowed you up right then? Well, I’m there. Seeing Pa’s face I knew I was in for it. I release Will’s hand and start to walk towards Pa.
“Stay right there Elizabeth Marie.” Pa ground out through gritted teeth. I see Pa’s jaw clench and his hands clench and unclench. I knew I was in trouble; he used my full name and middle name. I stop walking and hang my head. “William Duncan what on earth is going on?” Will looks at me and then stares at Pa.
“N-Nothing Sir.”
“Then why do I find you holding my daughters hand, leaning towards her, alone in the barn?” I look at Pa again and feel like I need to do something. I slowly walk towards Pa.
“Pa, nothing was going on. He was just coming to get me. He knew the service started soon, and he knew I was in here.” I smile hoping to get Pa to forget it and smile as well. Pa glares at me and looks again to Will. I see Will hang his head in shame. He should not need to hang his head in shame. We did nothing. I summon up enough edge and courage to face Pa. “Pa, stop looking at Will like he’s, like he’s scum. Pa Will is one of the most respectable men I know. Nothing was going on, I promise Pa.” I grab Pa’s arm. Pa glares at me again.
“No more of this Elizabeth. We’ll talk later.” He glares at Will again then stomps out of the barn. I feel tears behind my eyes and blink rapidly to avoid crying. I look to Will. His Adam’s apple bobbed and he clenches and unclenches his hands. I hate that this is upon him. I walk towards him and he backs away. He slowly shakes his head and stalks out of the barn. I collapse on the barn floor. How could Pa do that? We did nothing and nothing was going to happen. I was going to make sure. Shudders rack my body. I realize I left my shawl on the porch swing. I stand up and run to the porch. Might as well put on a happy face and get through the night.





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“Here are some key scriptures on loving your enemies….” I jerk, trying to listen to Pastor Franklin’s sermon. I sit next to Anna and Ma. Anna is fidgeting in the pew. Ma is sitting straight and erect.
“’A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.’ That’s John 13:34. What does that tell us? Well Jesus says to love everyone as He has loved us. Because what did He do that was the ultimate sacrifice to show us His love? He died for us to forgive our sins. That’s pretty big. Now I’m not saying you die for your enemies, but just show them love like Jesus does.” He walks to the podium and sifts through the Bible and looks up.
“Now this verse I hold close to my heart. ‘This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ That’s John 15:12-13. It’s about saying the same thing the other did, but now He’s saying to lay down your life for your friends.
“Our highest calling is to spread the Word of the Gospel and help others grow in Christ. We should be passionately concerned about introducing people to Jesus. Along the same lines, we should be passionately concerned about other believers' spiritual welfare. Jesus loved His enemies. Make Him your example on how to live. I know none of us are perfect, there was and only is one perfect person. Jesus.
“Realize that your enemies may just be acting like that to you out of something within. They do not necessarily hate you. They might just be going through something and are lashing out on you. However, if someone insults you or dislikes you, respond in a Christ-like manner. Don't take things personally or give in to hurt feelings and let your emotions control you. Instead, see the other person as someone with a problem who needs God's help and your prayers. Forgive even if your enemy does not apologize. Follow Jesus' example: ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ Follow Stephen's example: ‘Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.’
“Pray for your enemies. When you feel irritated about someone: Pray for the other person's needs. Pray that God will help you forgive. Pray that God will help you love him or her. Remember Paul’s words about love. ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.’”
Pastor Franklin ended with a prayer then I hear a round of amen’s. I raise my head and see Charity Cook. I vow to use this sermon in practice with Charity. I realize I have not been really nice to Charity over the years and I need to change that. I think back to all those years and see when I had a chance to be nice I retorted back at her. I stand up with everyone else. I look and see Charity talking with a guy. I did not recognize him, but he’s probably new to the town. I decide I’ll reconcile with her later. I follow my family out to shake hands with Pastor Franklin. When I reach him I shake his hand. “Pastor it was an amazing sermon. I realized I need to be more like Jesus in this area. Thank you.” He smiles.
“You’re welcome Elizabeth. I hoped to reach people. I’m glad I did.” He squeezes my hand and releases my hand then reaches to shakes hands with Arthur. I walk out and feel the cold mountain air on my face. Looking up to the mountains I always feel God with me. Looking at the mountains I feel like I can do anything. I breathe a prayer of thanks to God for everything in my life.

God bless!