The screaming child and the forceful nurse made the decision for them. She opened Anna’s gown, and before Anna could blink, the child was placed at her breast and sucking madly. Anna could feel her milk come in and the baby relax into a rhythm.
“Ah, this one’s not fussy, she’ll be just fine.” The nurse nodded with satisfaction. “Some little ones won’t allow a change in nipple, but your little girl is a fighter. And with that kind of personality, she’ll give you two a run for your money in the years to come.” Chuckling, she made her way to the door.
“I’ll leave you, Anna, in Dr. Carmichael’s excellent care. He can bring the baby back to the nursery when you’re finished.” She exited with a march to her step.
“Well, Dr. Carmichael,” Anna said, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, “we have a beautiful daughter and a very bossy nurse.” Gazing down at baby, contentment filled her soul, and she felt an odd emotion she had not felt for a very long time. Happiness.
“Welcome, Melody Joy. Welcome, my love.”
Matt chucked and asked, “Was that second endearment for me? Because I’ll take it.”
The only answer she gave him was a jab in his side with her elbow.
A small reprieve, a window of peace, and a sliver of joy fell between the pages of Anna’s life before the daunting task of disclosure became necessary. Anna didn’t want to show up at church with little Melody and have people fawn over the baby referring to Steven’s child. Nor did she want the ladies to organize a baby shower without the truth. The final chapter had to be told, and she was in total agreement.
Pastor Harry and Eleanor entered the church office where they had agreed to meet and pray beforehand.
“Anna, if there was another way to handle this …” said Pastor Harry. A troubled light stole into his eyes.
“I know, Pastor Harry. I thank you for your consideration, but as you pointed out, this is a rather public affair. Besides, I want to be free from all lies, and this final admission of guilt will finish the deed.”
Eleanor patted her shoulder. “You’re a brave girl, my dear. May God grant you the strength.”
Matt sat in the back of the church that Sunday morning. As the music played, his mind drifted to their conversation the night before. He had offered to stand beside her, but she would have none of it. A heated discussion had ensued.
“No, Matt, you didn’t lie to these people.”
“But without me, there wouldn’t have been a reason to lie.”
“Matt, you’re not a believer. You don’t have the accountability I have, especially after all the years I’ve been a part of these people’s lives. I let them down, and I, alone, need to ask for forgiveness.”
Matt longed to tell her that he had called out to God and become a believer that day in the hospital but held back. He didn’t want her to think that the only reason he came to the Lord was to try and win her affection. He hoped and prayed his life would reveal a new Matthew Carmichael.
Pastor Harry cleared his throat and picked up his Bible.
“Congregation, today I want each and every one of you to pay special attention. How many of you brought your Bibles or have the Bible on your phone?
Hands went up all over the sanctuary.
“Good. Because I want everyone to turn to John 8:7-11, and we’re going to read together. And no turning on any games …” The congregation laughed, and a rustling of pages and beeping of phones filled the sanctuary as he waited patiently.
“First, I’ll set the stage and give the background of this short reading.”
“A woman is brought to Jesus accused of adultery by a pack of angry men with rocks in hand eager to stone her. I always wonder where her partner in crime was? The men in that culture sure did get away with more than the women.”
Matt squirmed in his seat.
“But let’s read together how Jesus wisely responds to this dilemma.”
“If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go and leave your life of sin.”
He paused, took the Bible in his hand, and held it up. “We’re going to have a little interaction today. Tell me, what is the key point of this passage?
“Come on now, I’m waiting. Give me your thoughts.”
Short answers came from all over the sanctuary.
“Human failure.”
“The sin of adultery.”
“Forgiveness.”
“The fact we all sin.”
Pastor Harry encouraged. “Okay that’s basic, but let’s drill down. How do you think the woman felt? Give me some words that convey her possible feelings.”
“Fear.”
“Shame.”
“Guilt.”
“Embarrassment.”
“Condemnation.”
Pastor Harry nodded. “Good, good. And how do you think she felt after her accusers left and Jesus said He did not condemn her?”
Matt could tell the congregation was not used to this kind of message, but was catching on.
“Relieved.”
“Free.”
“Loved.”
“Forgiven.”
“Inspired to live a better life.”
“Ah, beautiful answers, and I have one more question to ask. What do you think Jesus was writing in the dust with his finger while He waited for the mob to drop their stones and leave?”
Silence filled the room. No one had an answer.
He waited so long Matt thought it awkward. People began to shift in their seats.
Pastor Harry spoke with authority. “The answer to this question is worth dissecting, and I
