C H A P T E R
E I G H T

The rest of the week continued to fly by and before anyone knew it Friday had came and Armoni's first game as captain of their school's drill team was a true success. She showed everyone exactly why they chose her to be captain and her parents along with her family and Nolan could not have been more proud of her.

She effortlessly lead her girls through the entire routine and smiled as big as she could the entire time simply soaking in that moment of the crowd dancing along to the band and admiring all their hard work.

After the game Ahmad decided to treat everybody to dinner at Texas Roadhouse knowing that it is Armoni's favorite place to eat ever since she was a kid, in which DeVante agreed to go half on the bill as well so everybody was living it up.

Now dressed in only a pair of sweats that the school gifted the team along with a shirt with her name and year of her graduation, Armoni sat at the end of the table right beside Nolan scanning her eyes over the menu already knowing she was just going to order the samething she always does.

Closing the menu she leaned closer to Nolan laying her head on his shoulder causing him to look down at her as he rubbed his eye due to it being irritated for some reason."You good?"

Nodding her head, she watched as he lifted his arm and wrapped it around her so she could lean in closer to him. "I'm fine, just tired. I spent all week stressing over this day and now that it has finally come and passed I just feel drained." She admitted.

"Well I'ma be the first to say it paid off big time! Y'all killed that shit forreal even Malaysia bow legged ass." Hitting his arm he threw his hands up laughing. "I'm playing chill, but forreal y'all really did good even had my ass up in the stands doing the damn routine with y'all since I don' watched you rehearse it so much." He joked making her laugh and smile big as she stared up at him.

"Whatever shut up."

"But you looked really good out there on the field and I'm proud of you." Kissing her forehead, Armoni scooted closer to him watching him still continue to rub at his eye. "But shit at least now you can finally rest this weekend, if you want I can come through tomorrow and chill with you before I go to practice."

"I want, are you coming to church with us Sunday?"

"Fasho, but aye can you look and see if its anything in my eye this hoe itching like crazy."

Leaning forward alittle Armoni got super close to his face looking into his eye to see an eyelash, reaching her hand up she opened his eye wide and blew into it a few times causing him to blink repeatedly before the irritation went away.

Still close in his face making sure the eyelash was gone, Nolan admired her face taking in all her features that just enhanced her beauty before quickly sneaking a kiss from her causing her to laugh and peck him on the lips again before laying her head back on his shoulder.

On the other end of the table sat Alisha and Cali who were watching their kids with smiles on their faces. "They are just too cute, I knew she liked him. She kept tryna lie like they were just friends, but I already knew." Cali admitted laughing. "But I'm happy for my baby forreal, they look so happy."

"They do, girl you should see how he is at home. If he ain't talking about boxing or that damn game, Armoni is always gon' be the topic. He just be like me and Armoni this, me and Armoni that, but I find it so cute because he loves to act so tough at times but when it comes to her he softer than a new born baby ass." They laughed knowing it was true.

It was very evident that Nolan had a soft spot for Armoni, he never yelled at her or ever let her see that angry side of him and planned to never let her see it either.

"Ugh to be young again man, things used to be so simple seemed like back then. You could just be young and in love without a worry or care in the world." Cali smiled as she took a sip of her drink and glanced over at Devante who was in deep conversation with Ahmad and Shaun.

Nodding her head, Alisha eventually turned her attention away from them and focused on Cali peeping who she was looking at.

Nudging her should, Cali looked back confused. "What?"

"You tell me what? I been waiting on you to spill the tea ever since you and DeVante arrived at the damn game together like nobody would have noticed." She whispered-yelled. "When did he even get back in town?"

"He only flew down from New York to surprise Armoni at her game." Cali shrugged.

Alisha playfully rolled her eyes. "Okay and what else because I know you Cali, you ain't telling me something."

Letting out a sigh, Cali looked down. "He proposed to me the other night after we went out to dinner."

Choking on her drink, Alisha covered her mouth before standing up and dragging Cali to the bathroom with her confusing the guys from how fast she shot up.

The minute they entered the restroom, Alisha screamed. "That nigga did what!?"

"He proposed Lisha." Cali sighed.

"Okay and did you say yes!?" She questioned excitedly.

Frowning, Cali shook her head. "What? No."

"What? Why?! You know how much I loved you guys together and how I been rooting for you two to work things out." She whined.

"I know, but we still have issues we both need to resolve before even considering marriage. I love DeVante very much, but after how things ended between us and how we haven't even talked in years I couldn't accept that proposal, because we are not at that point anymore." She expressed in which Alisha agreed understanding what she meant.

"So what did you say?" Alisha questioned curiously since it was clear the vibe between them didn't seem tense.

"I just told him I was willing to work things out with him, because I would honestly be lying to myself if I said I did not miss him. Hell the years we spent apart were rough and I just felt like apart of me was missing and the moment he returned and we hugged at that moment it was like I found exactly what I had been craving and longing for and it was him." She half-smiled.

Alisha grinned, happy for her. "What about Kim though?"

"Kim and I have always had a very transparent relationship between one another, so I just told her the honest truth. Plus with Kim we looked so many things differently. I always wanted to get married again, Kim doesn't nor does she ever plan to. She was content with just doing what we are doing right now and I wanted more, she didn't want to live together or nothing."

"Well damn." Alisha mumbled.

"And I want to be able to wake up to someone I love everyday again, I miss that feeling. But don't get me wrong though I love her and we have shared some great moments together, but I knew we were not made for eachother. Then with the kids not really liking her, I just felt it was time because it was clear we just simply wanted different things and were wasting each others time just because neither of us really wanted to be alone." She explained.

"That's understandable, well you already know I am team Cali so whatever happens you know I'll be right here as always." Alisha smiled as she embraced Cali into a big hug. "But hopefully we'll be hearing churchbells ring soon." She whispered in Cali's ear making her laugh as they left out of the restroom together.

The following day Nolan parked his car outside the gym before hopping out and grabbing his gym back from the backseat. He usually didn't practice on the weekend, but for some reason Kris scheduled for them to and he just hoped he actually got in the ring this time.

Walking inside Nolan made his way towards the locker rooms, where he spotted Kristina already punching a bag with her headphones on. He figured she hadn't seen him yet since she usually greets him with a wave or something, so he used that time to change real quick.

Coming out now fully dressed and ready he saw she was now in the ring so he hopped up on it as well startling her. "When did you get here?" She questioned throwing a towel at him making him laugh.

"I been here bout fifteen minutes."

She stared at him for a minute before nodding. "Okay, well are you ready to get started?"

Nolan shrugged. "We been doing the same shit everyday, so I guess I am."

Looking him over, Kris frowned. "Okay and your point?"

"My point is when am I gon' actually practice fighting in the ring, we been jumping rope, punching bags and shit for the past three weeks and honestly it's getting old and tired." He expressed dryly causing Kris to nod her head as she dropped the jump rope in her hand to grab a pair of boxing gloves.

Tossing the gloves his way along with the protective gear and a mouth piece, Nolan grew excited. "You forreal right now?"

"You said you ready to fight, so let's fight." She shrugged placing her mouth piece in her mouth before getting in her stance.

Quickly putting his gear on, Nolan was slightly confused on how to stand without looking awkward so he just followed her lead. Circling the ring a few times Nolan frowned not sure what was suppose to happen next, since he really didn't want to take the first swing.

Noticing the look of confusion and uncertainty in his eyes, Kristian slightly smirked before swinging hitting him dead in the face causing him to stumble back a little since he wasn't expecting it.

Feeling his anger slightly rise, he looked up at her and began charging towards her swinging in which she ducked and swung hitting him dead in his side causing him to hunch over from the impact of the swing.

Shaking it off, Nolan adjusted his mouth piece and squared up again wasting no time in swinging only for her to weave it and move to the side quickly dodging the second punch he threw causing him to kinda fumble forward.

As he repeatedly swung towards her Kristina began running circles around him sneaking quick hits either in his face or side, while dodging all of his swings. Nolan simply could not keep up with how fast and swiftly she was moving around the ring, while still managing to get punches in.

Kristina could look at Nolan and see he was wore out, frustrated and angry. He was no longer mentally here he was fighting purely off emotion at this point and was just too mad and too prideful to admit that he wasn't ready.

When Nolan swung one last time in which Kristina weaved and came back with a punch dead in his face sending him flying back.

Kristina took one glove off and walked towards him as he laid on his groaning in pain and breathing hard as ever. Reaching her hand out he smacked it away causing her to laugh and shrug as she walked off to take a sip of her water.

"This is exactly why we do what we do. You have to first build your endurance so you can actually last in the ring without getting burnt out quickly." She explained while grabbing the jump rope. "It's steps you have to take before you touch the ring, you're rushing the process."

Walking back towards him she handed him a water along with a towel as she squatted down by him. "Boxing is more than just getting in the ring and fighting Nolan, its a mental thing and its about technique." Helping him stand she motioned for him to take a seat in the little chair before sitting beside him.

"You first have to learn how to control your swings so you aren't just throwing your whole body in one swing and secondly you have to like basically get into your opponets head and watching their every move to the point where you know exactly what move they're gonna make before they even make it." She explained while wrapping her hands.

"You let me get in your head to the point that you weren't thinking straight and just swung off anger not evening paying attention and everytime that happens they already won. You gave up without even really trying and if you actually want to win you can't be doing that."

Fixing her ponytail, Kris pointed to a poster hanging on the wall. "Every friday night we have a few boxing matches and I highly suggest you should come to a few of them to actually see a match in person." She suggested glancing over at him.

Nolan nodded taking a sip of his water. "I'll think about it." He mumbled.

Laughing, Kristina shook her head. "Nolan, why are you here? Like do you even take this shit serious at all? Or is this all just a joke and something you find fun to do?" She questioned getting serious.

She was so sick of Nolan and his attitude at times, boxing was a passion of hers and she took it very serious and she hated training arrogant folks that just all of this as a joke and not serious enough.

"What? Of course I take this serious and I'm here because I'm interested in learning." He replied back growing offended.

"Then act like it, everyday you come walking up in here with this attitude like you can't be touched and that you're better than everybody. We are all the same and we all have the same passion for boxing, if you're really interested in this I expect to see you here next friday." She stated sternly before standing to her feet.

Watching as she stepped out of the ring, Nolan looked down sighing taking another sip of his water.

Soon Kristina returned with a book confusing him as she took a seat beside him. "This is our book of accomplishments, any match we win or goal we acheive gets placed in here." Flipping to her very first match she won, they both stared down at the picture of her younger self with her hands over her head smiling big as day.

"I started boxing right after the passing of my grandma who raised me, I was just so angry and kept lashing out and getting in trouble at school to the point I got kicked out and due to me being pissed that I was letting my grandmother down by getting kicked out I reverted my anger onto others and used fighting as a way to release it." She expressed opening up shocking Nolan since this was really the most they have ever talked.

"It wasn't until my uncle took me in from my cousin's and introduced me to boxing and helped me find something to use to release my hurt and anger." Flipping the pages showing everybody's achievements, Nolan smiled thinking that this was actually cool that they do that.

"For a while I felt alone without having my grandma here with me, but being here I gained a new family and I don't feel so alone anymore and Nolan we want you apart of this family as well." She stated glancing up at him. "My uncle wouldn't have given you a chance if he didn't see something in you. It's just time for you to show that you actually want to be here and stop feeling as if you're above everybody because that will get you nowhere in here or in life."

Taking in her words, Nolan nodded knowing she was right. "The way I act is a defensive method I created to protect myself." He mumbled looking down.

"Protect yourself from what?"

"Growing up I was bullied throughout elementary up until my seventh grade year in middle school, because of where I came from and how much money my family had. It was easy to target someone like me who had no confidence in themselves and they used that against me playing on my insecurities. It wasn't until I attempted to commit suicide and my mom ended up walking in on me attempting to hang myself that I knew I had to do something." Getting choked up, he wiped his eyes thinking back to that horrific day in their lives.

"I'll never forget the look of fear and sadness she had on her face as she ran over to me stopping me from kicking the chair. I just remember her holding me and rocking me back and forth as she cried and that shit broke my heart seeing her cry and hold onto me like this was going to be her last time. I was so far gone mentally that I didn't even sit and think how me killing myself would have effected my parents and at that moment I just knew I had to do something to stop the bullying." He continued.

"So the following week after being released from the hospital I returned back to school in full rage. I had stolen my daddy gun from his closet and walked right in that classroom and held the gun right at that nigga temple ready to end his shit." He admitted now full on crying causing Kris heart to break at all he was telling her.

"I just remember everybody around me screaming and yeling for me to put the gun down, but I was too far gone and only saw red. Whole time ole' dude was just crying like the bitch he truly was and at that moment I felt powerful. I had him feeling exactly how he made me feel everyday of my life and vowed to myself I would never allow anybody get me to that point so now I'm always on go."

"I'm sorry you had to go through all of that Nolan," Kris replied looking up at him meaning it.

Nolan half-smiled. "It's cool, I know I can be an asshole at times and let my anger get the best of me but its all for a reason."

Kris nodded understanding what he meant. "I get it, but you gotta learn to accept what happened and let that hurt go Nolan. I know its hard, but with you walking around with all this anger built up you're still letting those kids still have that hold and control over you and its time you break free of that."

Looking down, Nolan nodded in response not expecting to be crying today but here he was reliving those memories and opening up about something he hasn't really talked about in years.

"We're all family here and we'll do all that we can to help you succeed here. It's just time to release and use that anger you have to your own advantage and this is the perfect place for that, but its all up to you if you're ready for that and actually want to be apart of the family." Standing up Kris closed the book and watched he stood as well.

"I want to be apart of the family and I'm ready."

Smiling big, Kris grabbed his jump rope handing it over to him. "Well let's get started then."

          The strong smell of cut grass that could possibly mess up somebody's sinuses along with the sweet smell of honey-sickles could be smelled from a mile away as Ahmad and Crystal walked the sidewalk up towards the entry way of their church holding hands; Which caused the sun to reflect and shine brightly off her beautiful diamond ring Ahmad gifted her on their ten-year marriage anniversary.

Waving at a few church members, Ahmad moved his hand to the lower part of her back as they entered in together being escorted to their seats by one of the young usher's by the name of Vincent. Who is also the preacher's youngest son and although he was barely touching the tender age of ten, he was very wise and intelligent and had the biggest crush on Armoni.

Giving him a quick hug, Crystal stepped by him so she could sit down while Vincent took this time to talk to Ahmad and ask a few questions.

"Is Armoni coming today?"

Taking his seat, Ahmad laughed. "Yeah your lil girlfriend gon' be here today I'll be sure to tell her to save you a seat right beside her." Smiling big showcasing his missing teeth, Ahmad shook his head as he ran off before he got in trouble by one of the elders for not being at his post.

Placing his hand on Crystal's thigh, she scooted closer laughing. "He is the cutest thing," She cooed.

"That little cute face is a trap to get you sucked in, the boy may be smart but he bad. He be running around with Patrice and them little boys and you know they all bad and don't even get me started on Patrice little girls." He explained gossiping like always.

"Oh I already know the oldest one is Mariah's age and Cali told me how that night she let her sleep over she tried to invite two little boys over." Frowning Ahmad became confused since he never heard about this story.

"And why am I just now hearing about this?"

Touching his arm she smiled, "Because it has already been handled."

When he went to speak the feeling of a thump on his neck made him look back to see Shanice and Dave with their grandbaby Kinsley. "Sup ugly," She greeted before turning to Crystal and leaning forward to give her a hug. "Hey friend, I see you with the peach color on looking all pretty today."

Laughing Crystal waved her off, "You always gassin' me when you miss lady is the aspiration right now, body snatched, hair laid, edges on yass, skin on poppin'." She joked making them both laugh together. "But what is this glow that you have? I feel like something is different about you."

Shanice shrugged, "Dave said the samething this morning, but I honestly don't know. I've been a lot happier these days though, not as stressed as I used to be so maybe that's it."

"Maybe so, but that's good to hear though. I'm trying to reach that point in life. I'm happy of course, but just beyond stressed with everything and tired." She sighed. "I need a vacation with just Ahmad and I to relax and unwind for a week or so, that would be like heaven."

"I hear that, but girl I need to actually run out to the car and grab something, you wanna come with?" Shanice asked standing to her feet.

Shrugging her shoulders she stood up along with Shanice, "Baby, Shanice and I are finna run outside real quick. I'll be back."

Standing so she could get out of the pew, she kissed him on the cheek real quick as he retook his seat and went back to talking with Dave. "So how you been holding up man? You lookin' good." He pointed out.

Ahmad smiled. "I been doing alright, still have my days but I know its only up from here and I'm just trying to remain positive and prayed up through it all."

Dave nodded. "That's all you can do man, you know if you ever need anything Shanice and I got you no questions asked."

Slapping hands with him, Ahmad thanked him. As the two talked amongst themselves Dave eventually excused himself to go change Kinsley's diaper before service, while Ahmad used this time to think and silently pray to himself.

The sweet sound of Tamela Mann's voice singing Change me made Ahmad smile, due to this being one of his favorite songs by her. Closing his eyes and letting the sound of her voice sooth his ears, he lowly sung along to the words.

Outside in the car Shanice applied some lip gloss, while eating on some snacks becoming hungry. "Hopefully service don't run too long today, Kinsley had us up all night and I am tired."

Crystal cooed. "Aww that poor baby, would she just not sleep?"

"Yeah basically, she wasn't even crying or anything she just wouldn't go to sleep and Dave and I was tryna get our freak on in our room but baby girl decided to be a cock block last night instead." Shaniced laughed making Crystal do the same.

"You so crazy,"

"Girl we sometimes forget the freedom we have now that Blessing is out of the house, so now with us keeping Kinsley to give the kids a small break I forgot how needy kids can be and those random times to have sex is limited." She stated shaking her head. "Like how do you and Ahmad make time for it? Like I know the kids alternate every two weeks back and forth between y'alls and Cali's house, but even then Santana, Avery and Aspen still be there cock blocking."

Crystal shrugged. "That's because we don't do it anymore, well at least not lately."

Shanice frowned. "What? Really?"

Crystal nodded. "He doesn't want to nor has he really been in the mood for it and I understand with everything he's been going through sex would be the last thing on my mind too." Crystal half-smiled.

Shanice looked over at her knowing it was more going on, touching her shoulder she gave her a reasurring look that she could tell her anything. "He's just so different now, still just as loving and caring but this whole situation has really changed him and it just hurts seeing someone you love so much go through all of this and its only so much you can do to help."

"I can only imagine the toll all of this has taken on you guys, but hopefully with his cancer being in remission things will soon turn around and get better for the both of you." Shanice stated nudging her shoulder.

"Hopefully, I just want all of my husband back." She mumbled sadly before kissing her ring.

"You'll get him back sis."

After standing outside for a few more minutes Shanice and Crystal both made their way back inside. Retaking her seat by Ahmad, Crystal grabbed a hold of his hand and laid her head on his shoulder.

Looking down at her, he kissed the top of her head. "You alright?"

Nodding her head, she locked their fingers together. "I'm fine baby."

As the choir began to sing on stage, Crystal frowned realizing the kids had yet to show up. Looking around wondering where the kids were, she tapped Ahmad catching his attention. "I know we let them drive themselves to church but they were literally driving behind us, where are they?" She whispered.

"I know Santana went and picked up his friend Malcolm, but I'm not sure where Armoni and the girls are but just relax baby they should be here shortly. I'm sure Armoni probably went and scooped up Nolan since they act like they can't spend a day without each other." He scoffed.

Laughing at his attitude change, she hit his arm. "They're young and in love, remember we used to be inseparable like that when we first started dating too."

"Nah, I'm still like that when it comes to you. Can't function without seeing you for five minutes, be bout to lose my mind." He joked making them both laugh, but his laugh soon turned into a dry cough.

Handing him a tissue to cover his mouth, he excused himself and quickly went towards the restrooms. When he finally entered he thanked God he was alone and hovered over the sink to catch his breath. Glancing down at the tissue in his hand he cursed in his head when he saw blood and quickly balled it up tossing it in the trash.

Using his hands to scoop up water to toss in his mouth to get the taste of blood out, he let out a deep sigh and quickly got himself together before stepping back out and walking back to his seat to see all of his kids along with Malcolm sitting in the row behind them.

Watching Crystal and Shanice talk amongst themselves and seeing the kids laughing and smiling, Ahmad tried his best to ignore the wave of sadness that was trying to take over not wanting to ruin today's vibe.

Retaking his seat beside Crystal being sure to speak and slap hands with Malcolm, Crystal touched his thigh making him look down at her. "Are you okay baby?"

Nodding his head, he cleared his throat and soon focused on the choir who were singing their hearts out, not wanting to dwell on what happened since that was something new. However, he made a mental note to contact his doctor immediately after service to tell him about that.

Grabbing a hold of his hand, Crystal locked their fingers together being sure to kiss the back of it making him smile.

In the row behind them sat Santana, Armoni, Malcolm, and Mariah. With her phone out texting her friend Malaysia, Santana nudged her shoulder making her glance over at him wondering what he wanted. "Where's Nolan? I thought he was coming."

"He's at practice supposedly, he said he's gonna come over tonight for Sunday dinner instead." She briefly explained. "Anyways though whatchu doing after church?"

"Going out with Malcolm probably, you tryna come with?"

She shrugged, "I guess why not, its been a minute since we actually chilled anyways. Mind if I bring Malaysia?"

"That's fine with me, but excuse me I'm finna run to the bathroom real quick before pastor gets on stage I ain't tryna miss nothing." Standing to her feet so he could go by, Armoni made sure to straighten out her dress before sitting back down and looking around the church at everybody.

Armoni missed coming to this place, this has been their church home for years and Armoni adored their pastor for all that he has done for their family and especially her father.

Glancing towards Malcolm who was sitting basically right next to her just an open space keeping them apart she smiled, "I like your suit, never thought I'd see the day you and my brother not be seen in anything other than basketball shorts and wife-beaters." As she erupted into laughter, Malcolm had every intention to laugh at the joke too because it was indeed funny but that one comment struck a nerve.

Noticing that he only half-smiled which wasn't really like him, she figured she said something wrong and just decided to sit back and shut up for the rest of their time in Church.

Once Santana returned and the choir sung their songs beautifully as every one stood to their feet clapping and singing along, Armoni became so happy when the time for their pastor to hit the stage came, she knew he was about to preach a good message and she was ready to receive it all.

"How is everybody doing this morning?" He questioned into the mic causing a wave of people to yell out, "Blessed and good,"

Smiling from ear to ear, he took a sip of his water and just shook his head. "I'm so glad to hear that and to see all of you guys faces here on this beautiful Sunday morning. I know it so much going on in the world today, but if we don't use this time to get our lives together and use this time to seek out the one man who has helped us time after time, giving us second to third chances to get it right we will be doomed ladies and gentlemen." He started.

"Amen," a few shouted nodding their heads in agreement.

"How many of you guys out here today are grateful for God's glory? Grateful for God's mercy? Grateful for all the battles he has gotten you through? And for never once giving up on you even when you didn't appreciate his blessings?" He questioned as everybody shouted and began praising the lord for his love.

Wiping his face with his towel, he sat it back before clearing his throat. "I don't know about y'all but I have a testimony and if anybody told me thirty years ago that today I would be up here praising God and living by his word I would've thought they lost their mind, but see even back then when I was running around doing everything I had no business doing, knowing it was wrong God always had a plan for me."

"Amen,"

"And just like he had a plan for me, he has a plan for each of y'all to people of God, but what we fell to realize that the good that we have in us is strictly the power of God working through us and I know this journey to salvation isn't easy trust me I know, but always know you are not alone during it all. God is always there to help you fight those urges of sin and any other battle you will face on this walk. If God truly sees you are trying to live right he will do his part by helping and making sure you stay on track you just have to have faith and let him work."

The church was silent as they all listened to him talk, his words were empowering and always gave you hope and as Armoni looked around she knew almost everybody was feeling everything he was saying.

"I want you guys to please open up your bibles and flip to Phillipians chapter 2, verses thirteen through sixteen and read with me and prepare for opening prayer. Say Amen when you have it."

Once he received enough amen's he began reading.

13 "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

14 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings:"

15 "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;"

16 "Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain."

"Last week we discussed the power of God working through us to do good and to help us on our journey to Christianty, but due to us running out of time last week it was so much that I wanted to cover that I didn't want to rush and not deliver the message properly so today's title of my sermon is You Are Not Alone, part two," Recieving a few claps from his church members, he smiled before bowing his head and saying, "Let us pray,"

"Dear heavenly Father, would you come and take your stand behind this desk and edify this body to speak your truth unto your people, fore it is in the name of Jesus that we pray and ask it all and for his sake, amen."

Opening his eyes he smiled brightly, "Every Sunday morning I stand up here and see you guys I can't express how blessed and grateful I am to see most of you healthy and living when its so many in this world that aren't so lucky. The world is changing right before our eyes and the devil is working overtime to corrupt this place we call home and people of God I'm sorry to say this but time is ticking. No one knows exactly when God will return, but I want my people to be ready for it rather than fearing that day to come."

"Real quick go back and read verse thirteen and fourteen for me."

His bible reader, held up his mic and began reading. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure and to do all things without murmurings and disputings."

"That scripture really speaks to me at times because its often times when we think God doesn't hear our cries, doesn't see our struggles but meanwhile God is right there already coming up with a plan to help you. When things just don't seem to be going our way first thing we do is complain and that's one thing God doesn't like for us to do. We just have to let God do his part and remain faithful, somethings may not happen when you want it to or how you want it. However if it is in God's will it will happen the way you need it to and right when you need it the most."

"A story comes to mind when I think of this scripture about a man back in 1985 way before a lot of you youngin's time." He laughed a little. "The story starts with a man who had a flight to catch for a business trip and that morning everything just kept going wrong delaying him from being on time."

"Now with him being five miles down the road from the airport with only like thirty minutes to catch his flight before it takes off, he catches a flat and has to pull over on the side of the road in the blazing heat. I'm sure at that moment his level of frustration and anger was so high, he was probably cursing and mad that he had to fix this flat in the heat and was gonna miss his flight as anybody would be."

"However in the midst of him changing his tire about thirty so minutes passed he got a call from his mama and when he answered he could tell she had been crying, but the moment she heard his voice she just began praising God and of course by now the man is confused, frustrated and wondering what's wrong."

"What the man didn't know though was that the reason his mama called was because she just heard that the same flight he missed crashed due to the engine failing, killing every single last person on the plane, not one survivor." Everyone eyes went into total shock as they listened to him tell the story.

"I'm sure at that moment that man probably had a million and one thoughts running through his mind and probably was now grateful that he did miss that flight. But this is what we mean when we say God always has a plan for us that we may not see or understand at the moment, but in the end its always for our best interest." He stated looking around at all of his church members.

"I'm sure while he was on that side of the road mad and cursing here God was protecting him from a plane crash. So people of God please always remember that no matter what is happening and what you are going through God is right there with you. You may not see him, but he is there working hard to keep you safe." Looking directly at Malcolm as if he was speaking right to him, Malcolm felt a wave of something come over him and soon began crying.

He didn't understand the situation he was currently in at the moment, but he had hope in the end things would soon get better. He just knew he had to keep his faith in God and let him lead the way of the path he wanted him to follow in order to reach that destination of salvation.

-

So sorry for the long wait, but I can say this year has been crazy and I just recently got over having Covid-19‼️ I must say it was a very scary experience for me with me being admitted to the hospital for three days and having trouble breathing and catching Covid-Pneumonia, I wouldn't wish that on anybody and I hope you guys are being safe!

I didn't go out much and wore my mask faithfully and I still got it, so if you're one of those people who still think all of this is a joke, I promise you its not.

But other than that I am back to my normal self and I pray no one else has to suffer through that and if you currently already is I pray you push through and beat it.

As always thanks for the love & support, I love you guys and I wanna wish you guys a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year❤️

- Denise🥀