You haven’t said anything to Guy.
But she couldn’t. It was obvious he was still grieving the death of his wife. Michelle put the cans of pop on the counter and grabbed some bottled water. “Are we about ready?”
Evan shook his head. “No, we need to wait for Guy. He said he was coming.”
Her mouth dropped open. She had been so sure he wouldn’t be coming back. Then again, maybe he would look less tortured if he started speaking to God again. Chloe always said God was the bringer of peace. So far, she felt He only brought silence. Then again, she didn’t consider herself a Christian so maybe that was why He wasn’t vocal.
The doorbell rang and Michelle froze. How could she face him? She hadn’t seen him since the park and that had been awkward. She had just meant to say hello, but then Bekah had asked her to push her on the swings. For a moment, it had almost seemed like they were a family unit, but that was ridiculous. She wasn’t cut out to be in a family, not after what she’d done. Besides, it didn’t take her long to figure out people who loved you would leave you. Whether by choice or circumstance.
“Hey Guy,” JoJo said.
She faced forward, trying to ignore him, but the scent of his cologne announced his presence. Why are you acting like this? She’d had dinner at his place and hung out at the park.
Maybe because it feels like you’re dating without labeling it.
She blinked.
“Hey, Jo, Chloe, D man.”
A flicker of movement edged into her peripheral and she turned her head slightly. Guy and Darryl slapped backs in a greeting that was as old as the sport of football. Hoping to avoid a greeting, she grabbed a drink and headed for the dining table. Would anyone suspect the thoughts running in her brain?
Soon the others followed and took up seats, grabbing food and filling their paper plates. Michelle pulled out her phone and clicked on the Bible app. Who would have ever thought she’d be at a Bible study?
You’re maturing. She wanted to agree, but Michelle knew she still had growing up to do. Maybe the Bible study would point to one of those areas.
After the majority of them finished eating, Jo cleared her throat. “Thanks for giving me a chance you guys.”
They smiled at her. Michelle couldn’t wait to hear her girl lead them today. It almost inspired her to take the plunge and pledge her life to God. Almost.
What’s holding you back?
“Okay, today we’re going to be talking about comforting others. Turn to First Corinthians, Chapter One. We’re going to look at verses three and four.” Jo cleared her throat and then read the passages in a steady voice. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Michelle’s mouth dried.
All she could picture were Tanya’s tears when she admitted to the abortion. She knew what the young woman was going through. Was God trying to use her to comfort Tanya? She shook the thought away. That was absurd, she wasn’t spiritual enough to be used by God.
“This passage struck a chord with me” Jo stated. “All I could think about was the death of my father and Nana’s heart attack. I’ve had many people come up to me, who have been in similar situations, offer comfort. So when I read this a few days ago, that’s what I thought of.”
Jo took a sip of her pop. “How many times do we complain about the trials we go through instead of thinking God will be able to use this one day?”
Michelle stared blindly at her phone.
“That’s a load of...”
She looked up to see anger brimming in Guy’s eyes. Death was a tough pill to swallow and Guy looked like he wanted no part in it. She certainly didn’t blame him. When Chloe suggested God could work her parents’ death for good, she’d flipped. She could guarantee he was having a tough time swallowing the fact that the death of his wife was supposed to comfort someone else.
“We’ve all lost someone, Guy,” Jo said softly.
Michelle blinked again and looked around the table. Jo had lost her father to a heart attack. Chloe had lost her mother to drugs and a father through abandonment. She didn’t know Darryl’s story, but knew he grew up with his grandmother. Evan was the only one whose parents were still alive; however, he had lost a leg in a car accident.
What was wrong with them that they’d all had a traumatic experience? Better yet, what was wrong with God that He would allow it?
Chapter Twenty
“I have to agree with Guy.”
He turned to Michelle in surprise.
She continued on. “It’s a bit much to swallow that we’re just supposed to accept the losses and comfort someone else who is dealing with it. Wouldn’t it be better if we never had to experience these things in the first place?”
Guy met Michelle’s gaze. Her eyes reflected exactly what he had been thinking. Why would he want to follow a God who could allow a young woman to lose her family all in one night? Why would he want to follow a God who would deprive children of their mother? His girls would never know the sound of their mother’s voice.
It seemed needlessly cruel. It was why he refused to darken the church doors. It was why he had thrown his Bible away.
Then why are you sitting here?
He swallowed, unsure of the answer.
Jo shifted in her seat. “I can understand why you’re angry. I lost my father and it felt way too soon, so I can only imagine how you felt Michelle...and you,
