“Okay, Chloe, tell us what it means.” Evan smiled at her, offering encouragement.
“The Greek word for grace is charis which has many meanings. Let me read this one definition “of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues.”
“Wow,” Jo breathed. “So, it’s like an ongoing thing, right?”
“Yes,” Chloe beamed.
Michelle wanted to laugh at the look of pride on Chloe’s face. She was such a mother hen. God love her.
“I want to read a Scripture I think we all need to know. It’s Romans 5:20.”
Michelle typed it into her phone and read the words. What? Her heart picked up speed as she reread the words.
“‘Moreover, the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.’” Chloe’s soft voice filled the silence.
What does this mean? Was it possible grace could cover her sins?
“How many of us have ever felt we had a sin that couldn’t be forgiven?” Chloe raised her hand. “I know I have.”
“You have?” Michelle couldn’t prevent the words from escaping.
“Of course I have, Chelle. I’m not perfect. But this right here, says I don’t have to be, because God will cover me with His grace. The greater the sin, the greater the grace.”
Michelle quickly looked down, praying the tears that had suddenly appeared would not escape. How could this be possible?
“What if...” Guy cleared his throat as he stared at the table. “What if you didn’t necessarily do something, but had a thought so horrid, it’s etched in your mind forever?”
The soft lilt of his voice washed over her. His Haitian accent remained the same as it was ten years ago, only accompanied by a deeper tenor. The tremors in his voice raised her curiosity. What could he have possibly thought that would have him questioning God’s grace?
“Well, Scripture teaches us some thoughts lead to sin, so if you feel it was a sinful thought, then it’s covered by His grace.” Chloe stared at him solemnly.
Michelle wanted so badly to ask him what was wrong, but they had long since stopped being confidants.
She blinked at the sudden sadness filling her heart. When was the last time she had been in a relationship that allowed her to confide her deepest thoughts and secrets? Michelle looked around the table surrounded by her friends. How would they treat her if they knew her secret? The thought sucked all the moisture from her mouth, leaving her feeling like she had just run a marathon.
“What about other people?” The words tumbled from her mouth as her heartbeat pounded in her ears.
“What do you mean?” Evan asked.
Guy stared at her. “She means will others offer grace so freely.”
She nodded, amazed he could still read her. Then again, maybe he was projecting onto her.
“We’re called to behave like Christ. Unfortunately, people are fallible and may not offer grace so freely. But that’s their sin and not yours.” Chloe met her gaze.
A tear slid down Michelle’s cheek before she could stop it. “Excuse me,” she scooted her chair back and walked as calmly as she could to the restroom, but she knew they were watching. Her back felt the heat of their gazes as strongly as if Superman had used his x-ray vision.
GUY HAD TWENTY MINUTES to kill before he had to pick up his girls. He waved to Evan as he climbed back into his SUV. Part of him felt obligated to pick the girls up and give Nana a much-needed rest. The other part of him, the tired part of him, yearned for a few minutes to unwind and digest what he had heard tonight.
Evan had wanted to know his thoughts, but his mind was too convoluted with information to have a coherent conversation just now. Instead he’d promised to call his friend once his mind finished processing. It would buy him a few days before Evan came knocking.
His vehicle made its way around Freedom Lake, all the while his mind raced. To think God’s grace would cover anything was a little hard to swallow.
Why, because you can’t forget what you thought?
He scowled. What kind of man hated their kids? Even if it hadn’t lasted long? Even if he made the effort to be the best father he could be. Despite that for a few agonizing months, he had hated their very existence. Hated that Charlene had died to give them life.
Like Christ?
A shudder rippled down his body as the hairs on the nape of his neck stood at attention. His wife had loved their daughters before they even drew their first breath.
Guy parked the car near his favorite bench and got out. He gulped in the fresh air. Why had she given her life for theirs?
You know why.
Guy steeled himself against the images rolling through his mind like a marquee. But it was no use. He could still see Charlene singing “You are My Sunshine,” to her belly. He could see her as she labored. He recalled the whispered plea before they raced her off to the operating room, “Don’t blame them. Love them well.”
He rose from the bench as a tortured yell tore from his lips while tears spilled down his cheeks. “Why did You take her?!”
“Guy?”
He whirled around, his chest heaving. Michelle walked closer, hesitant in her steps. It was almost as if she appeared out of the night’s shadows.
“I didn’t realize anyone was out here.” His voice came out low and raw.
She stepped closer to him and he eyed her warily. “I take it Bible study got to you.” She folded her arms across her chest, studying him.
It had been more statement then question. A bitter laugh erupted. “Something like that.”
Her eyes shifted back and forth as if searching for a question. “Would you like to talk about it?” she asked softly.
In
