Continued from September 4 Blog
Then, almost as a moment of grace, there was a cackle of laughter as a small five-year-old boy broke through the legs of his parents. He was followed by another five-year-old who squealed in delight, “You come back here, Sammy. We’ve got to go to Sunday School and learn about Jesus.”
This time it wasn’t a gasp but a titter of laughter and a slight reduction of tension. The voice of an embarrassed mother worked her way free and called out to the children. “Sammy, Barry, both of you settle down. There should be no running in church.” She took both of their hands, and with an embarrassed apology to those standing there, she ushered them out of the sanctuary.
Fred and Victor both looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Victor turned towards Fran. “I should never have said that young lady. I apologize.”
“Wow, you have more guts than I figured.” Fran still had her eyes fixed on him, but there was a look of growing respect. “Apology accepted, but we do need to talk more. Don’t you understand that is why so many of my generation reject the church?”
Elder Elizabeth Clifford spoke up. “I think the proper quote is, ‘And a little child shall lead them… .’ Perhaps we do need to learn about Jesus in this situation.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have said what I said, but he,” Victor shoved a finger at Fred’s chest, “has no business spouting his wrongheaded politics in this sanctuary.” As he spoke, he seemed to regain some strength in his stance but with more self-control. “We’re here to worship God, not some socialist crap.”
“Mr. Bellinger,” Fran spoke, I’ve heard about you, and everyone is always saying, ‘He’s that big rich businessman. If you want something done in this community, get Mr. Bellinger on your side.”
Victor turned towards her, trying not to sound too prideful. “I try to help where I can.”
“You help,” Fran continued, “but you don’t listen. The Reverend here is just trying to apply the Bible to what is happening in our neighborhoods. He’s not perfect, but at least he tries. My generation sees the church as full of a bunch of hypocrites who play with the faith but don’t put it into action.”
Fred stepped forward between them. “Victor, I’m not aware of you backing away from strong challenges in business negotiations. Let’s you and I, and Fran,” he nodded towards her, ” find some time and create an open conversation with the membership of this church. Maybe it’s time we evaluate how faithful we are as a congregation, and if we can’t focus on listening to what Jesus would say to us in this situation.”
“I don’t mind talking,” Victor said, standing straight but leaning in,” but I don’t want you to bang me over the head with all your Bible quotes. As my dear departed grandmother used to say, ‘You can prove anything with the Bible.'”
“My dad used to say something like that, too,” said Fran. “He’d say, ‘Give honkies the Bible and they can justify anything. They just never listen to Jesus.'”
Fred glanced at the faces. He knew that only some of them understood the term honkie. “Uh, Fran, I’m not sure . . .” Fred began.
Fran looked down and shuffled her feet. “I’m sorry, Mr. Bellinger. I shouldn’t have used that word.”
Victor chuckled. “I guess we both have found our tongues ahead of our brains today. That’s ok, young lady. Maybe if we had some more honest conversations, we’d learn not only how to speak,” his eyes twinkled, “but also how to build respect all around. You’re clearly a strong lady. I respect that.”
“My name is Fran–Fran Smith. I think I need to explain to my daddy that God does work in mysterious ways.”
Fred cleared his throat. “I think we have worshiped today, right here in the receiving line.” He turned towards his young associate standing beside her husband with a look of wonder on her face. “Karen, would you lead this gathered people in prayer and a benediction.”
“Uh, sure, can we all join hands and bow our heads for prayer.”
After the prayer, people all began to move through the door. They left with a nod, some a smile, others with a frown, but all realizing that a significant moment had occurred.
Fred knew it too. He understood people would be looking to him for leadership. He just wasn’t sure what those next steps should be.
“Call me,” Victor said but with more calm in his voice. “I need to think about this more, but I will participate. And,” turning towards Fran, “make sure it’s a time when Ms. Smith can be present.” He smiled, I don’t think she needs any support, but she should also bring someone else if she wants.”
Can’t wait to read it! Been waiting on another novel!