Chapter 16

On Thursday, Joy had the unique opportunity to work from home. Mrs. Thomas still insisted on babysitting so she could get something done. Since she hadn’t seen Christian all week, she decided to call and invite him to dinner

Joy smiled when he greeted her. “How’s my Joy to the world?” Since their prayer and fast day, Joy had begun to focus on the good in her life and not materialistic things.

“How about dinner? I miss you. Your adoring fans asked when Mr. Christmas is coming.”

“Woman, do you have any idea how much I would love to? But I’m visiting at least two hospital emergency rooms and giving out prayer cloths.”

Joy put her PowerPoint presentation to the side. “Okay, do I need to ask my niece about prayer cloths, or are you going explain it to this dummy.”

“Sweetheart, you’re far from being a dummy. In Jesus’ absence, He gave His power to His apostles to heal the sick and perform other miracles. In Acts 5:15, people waited for Peter’s shadow to pass to receive healing and deliverance. That was faith on their part and the power of God working those miracles in His absence. The woman with the issue of blood didn’t touch Jesus, but the garment He wore. My pastor has anointed and prayed over them to have the same Biblical power to whoever believes on Jesus, so can I get a rain check?”

She didn’t answer right away. “I know I’m nuts for asking, but do you mind if I tag along? It’s for selfish reasons to be with you and curiosity.”

“I would love for you to come with me, but babe, are you sure? We might be out for hours. It’s not just a matter of dropping off the cloths, but praying for people who ask for it.”

Nothing could talk her out of it. She was sure Mrs. Thomas wouldn’t mind the children spending the night at her house in case it was late when she returned. Her neighbor thought Christian was a jewel anyway. “What time are you picking me up for our date?”

Christian laughed. “Woman, this is not a date, although you could save a kiss for me. I’ll see you about six.” Disconnecting with a smile, Joy felt akin to Susan Boyle, a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent who admitted she had never been kissed. Something told her when Christian kissed her, she would forget about her past failed relationships.

***

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Christian recalled James 5:16 as he showered. His spirit was like a pit bull and couldn’t wait to be let loose in the emergency room, especially since Joy was coming with him.

As he dressed, Christian continued to sing praises to Jesus for whatever he was doing in his life, Joy’s and others. He wasn’t about to kill Joy’s enthusiasm by mentioning the doom and gloom news about her pending foreclosure. It was in God’s hands, and His will was perfect.

En route to her house, Christian stopped by the local grocer and picked up a bouquet of flowers for Joy and treats for the children. When he walked in the door, the children almost knocked him to the ground with hugs and kisses. What person wouldn’t cherish this much love?

When Joy walked toward him, Christian held his breath, taking in her beauty. “Ready?”

Christian helped Joy bundle up the children and escorted them a few steps next door. Minutes later, alone in his SUV, Joy took a whiff of the aroma coming from the backseat as he inhaled her perfume. “Surely prayer cloths don’t smell that good.”

Christian snickered. “No. Jesus not only ministered to people’s spiritual and physical deficits, He often fed them. My mother baked bread and cookies. There’s also fruit.”

“This should be an interesting first date,” she teased him.

“Our first date as an official couple will be interesting, but this isn’t it.” Gazing into her eyes, Christian regretted this night wasn’t it. “We’d better go.” As Christian was about to drive off, Joy waved frantically. Christian saw the children were waving from Mrs. Thomas’ window. Christian honked the horn, which made them wave more furiously. “You’ve got to love them.”

“I really do.”

During the short drive to DePaul Hospital, Christian shared more inventions his company supported.

Joy opened up about her disgust for her brother-in-law’s behavior. “I can’t understand Langston. It’s like his life with my sister never existed.”

In no time they reached the lot and parked. Christian got out then helped Joy. Once he opened the back door, he handed her the small box containing prayer cloths. Christian heaved a food basket, leaving two more for the other hospitals they would visit that night.

“Do you do this every year around this time?” she asked as they walked to the emergency room entrance holding hands. There was strength in his grip that somehow was able to administer soft caresses.

“My brothers and I have done this a few times, but it depends on how God leads us. I don’t want to come off as boasting because God is behind all that we do, so I’ll leave it at that.”

“I admire that.”

Inside the emergency room, Christian scanned the waiting room looking at the cluster of families. The age, race, or sex didn’t matter. Every one of them shared a look of anxiety. He began his mission of working the room. “Hi. Are you hungry? I have warm bread and cookies.”

A weary mother came alive with a smile, which added layers of wrinkles to her aging face. “Oh, thank you.” The two boys sitting beside her perked up as Christian pulled food from the basket and handed it to them. “Would like prayer or a prayer cloth?” She wanted both.

Another group accepted the food, but declined prayer and a prayer cloth. The most heart-wrenching story was an older woman with her grandson. She had been there practically all day.

“When his parents died, we just had each other. Now Jeffrey’s sick,” the woman, identifying herself as Gladys, rambled between sniffs. “The doctors say he needs surgery to repair his knee.” Gladys glanced away. “Since we have no money or insurance, there’s not much they can do, but write him a prescription every time I bring him here after he falls or can’t walk. We can’t pay for that either. Jeffrey’s in so much pain.” Covering her face, Gladys sobbed in her hands.

Joy reached out and hugged the woman with tears in her own eyes. Christian held her hands until she composed herself.

“If he misses one more day at work, he’ll be fired,” Gladys added. “I try not to ask God for much, but I sure need him now.”

Jesus, what should I do for this lady? Christian asked silently.

Pray for her without ceasing, the Lord whispered in the wind. Christian nodded, then God spoke again from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Tell her to give thanks in all things for this is My will.

“Ms. Gladys, do you mind if we pray for you?” He glanced at Joy who nodded. “Jesus told me to tell you to give thanks. We’re going to believe God for all things.” Bowing his head, Christian closed his eyes.

“Father, in the name of Jesus, we come to Your throne to thank You for Your mercy, goodness and grace. Lord, You see the trials Miss Gladys and her grandson are facing. Increase her faith in You and pour her out a blessing in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

The woman echoed her amen, then gave him and Joy a hug. As they stood to leave, Gladys bid them good-bye with “God bless you, too.”

Leaving with an empty basket, Christian wrapped his arm around Joy’s shoulder. “You okay?” he asked, noting she was reserved at first, but quickly warmed up to people.

“I feel ashamed that I’ve complained about copay and prescription deductions. At least I do have health coverage for myself and the children.”

“Yes, we are blessed,” he said, helping Joy inside his SUV and starting his engine. “Lock the doors. I’ll be right back.” Christian jogged through the emergency doors and walked straight to patient admitting. He advised the representative to have her supervisor call his office the next morning for Jeffrey’s expenses.

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Christian remembered the scrutiny his company was under because of one person who was greedy enough to steal from the needy. Just like his hands were tied to rescue Joy, Christian was in the same situation with Jeffrey and Gladys. But he had connections within non-profit organizations and social services to cut through red tape and help pay medical bills.

On his way out the door, Christian reached into his pocket, and pulled out the Christmas envelopes. He gave the envelope to the three families that asked for prayer. To Miss Gladys, he placed two envelopes, kissed her cheek, and left again.

When he got back in the vehicle, Christian apologized if he took too long.

“I needed the quiet time to reflect on tonight. I’m overwhelmed.”

Christian reached out and lifted her chin. “Are you okay? Do you want me to drop you off back home?” He enjoyed her company, but the outing was taxing, and she had to work in the morning—they both did.

“I can hang. I like being a part of what you’re doing, so we’d better be going, Mr. Christmas. Someone needs you.”

“Since we’re speaking on what people need, I need you,” he whispered, pulling her closer for their first kiss.