TWENTY
Savvy
The Redeemed Saints Baptist Church choir swayed in unison in purple and gold robes. Their voices belted out in harmony the gospel song, For Every Mountain, which brought the congregation to their feet. People cried out, “Hallelujah” and “Thank you, Jesus,” in response to the singing stirring the spirit.
Savvy swayed in her seat to the music, singing along with the alto line. People often complimented her songstress talents. She’d considered joining the choir if there was time available to do so. Olivia stood next to her with eyes closed and hands raised in total praise.
A lady sitting two rows in front of them began shouting, “For every trial, you’ve seen me through. Thank you, Jesus.” She repeated the same words until her voice sounded raw. Church members attempted to calm the woman by fanning funeral home paper fans around her until she crumpled to the pew with tears pouring across her face.
Savvy turned to Olivia and noticed wetness on her cheeks. She reached into her purse and offered a pack of tissues. Olivia grabbed them and lowered herself onto the pew where she continued rocking to the music. She dabbed her face and the flow of tears slowed as the song ended.
Savvy hadn’t seen Olivia cry this hard in church. She hadn’t stopped crying since the choir sang their first song. Concern about what could be wrong grew in her mind.
Savvy patted her friend’s hand. Olivia peered at her with red-rimmed eyes and whispered, “Thanks.” She blew her nose and crumpled the tissues into her fist.
Savvy dug into her purse again and produced a church program and pen. On the back, she scribbled, Are you okay? Or is the Holy Spirit washing over you right now? She passed the note to Olivia.
Olivia sniffled and read the message. She extended her hand for the pen to scratch out a few words before handing it back.
The note read: I’m a mess.
Savvy took the pen and jotted; I see. Do we need to step outside for a breath of fresh air? She passed the items to Olivia.
Olivia read it and shook her head. She scribbled on the paper and handed it back to Savvy. I can make it through church. I need this sermon today. You won’t believe what happened last night. We’ll talk.
Savvy burrowed her eyebrows and crinkled her nose. She stared at Olivia for a second before tucking the note and pen away.
Pastor B. stood from his chair in the audience to walk up the stairs to the pulpit. He opened the Bible on the podium and greeted the congregation with, “Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy name.”
Several people responded, “Amen.”
Pastor B. continued, “Saints, the name of the message this morning is ‘Team Ratchet or Team Righteous’.” Members of the congregation snickered at the title. “You heard me right. ‘Team Ratchet or Team Righteous’. Which side are you on? You may be seated.”
“Preach Pastor,” a member yelled out.
Everyone settled into the pews for the sermon. Savvy noticed Olivia had a pen and paper ready for notetaking as if she were a student again. She appeared prepared to catch every word from the pastor’s mouth today.
Pastor B. adjusted the microphone before speaking again. “Everybody plays a fool, sometimes. God will set you up, to hook you up. Your setback is a setup for your comeback.”
Various members of the congregation agreed by yelling, “That’s right,” and “Teach the Word, Pastor.”
Pastor B. continued, “Let me tell you about what righteousness means. It means right or moral conduct. The power of the Gospel provides and reveals the righteousness all of us need. Can I get an Amen?”
Olivia and Savvy each said, “Amen,” along with others in the congregation.
Pastor B. paused before making his next point. “Now let me tell you about this word, ratchet. It is to be uncouth, ghetto, gutter, or nasty. It also means being overdramatic or promiscuous.” The audience laughed at his definition.
“Listen up, y’all. I need you to make a choice today. Are you on ‘Team Righteous?’ Or ‘Team Ratchet?’ You need to pick a side. The fruit of the Spirit I want you to focus on today is self-control. After I give you the scripture, we will break it down with some serious expository preaching. Follow me into this lesson and pay close attention.”
Pastor B. preached a colorful sermon. By the time the invitation to salvation was extended, ten people ran down the aisle declaring their desire to be on ‘Team Righteous’.
Olivia squeezed past Savvy to sprint toward the altar yelling along with the group of runners. Savvy stared in disbelief at her friend marching around the church shouting ‘Team Righteous’.
The choir closed out the service and the congregation flowed from the sanctuary into the vestibule. Out of breath, Olivia returned to the pew to gather her purse. Her cheeks flushed from the exertion of spiritual energy. Savvy shook her head and led the way out. After telling other members goodbye, they headed to the parking lot.
“Alright, Missy. Get to ‘splainin’ what is going on with you?” Savvy questioned and studied her friend’s face for clues as they walked toward Olivia’s car.
Olivia shifted her eyes downward to avoid Savvy’s gaze. She mumbled, “I messed up. I’m trying to be on ‘Team Righteous’. I don’t have any self-control and can’t seem to get my life together.”
Savvy positioned herself in front of Olivia with her hands planted on her hips. “You messed up? How? When I talked to you before I went to Pharrell’s house, you were fine. What happened?”
Olivia made eye contact with Savvy. “Girl. Pastor B. preached his sermon for me. I’m on Team Ratchet,” Olivia exclaimed and waved her arms in the air for emphasis.
“What else is new?” Savvy replied without surprise. “We’ve all done some things which fall into the ratchet category. So, what did you do? It
