Until There is Faith

By Debora D Beasley

Faith is a young single African-American mother and social worker, raised in the foster care system. As a single mom, Faith is resolved to go it alone, until an unlikely suitor enters her life. Faith struggles to grasp her mind, heart and spirit around what God has in store exclusively for her. Having just enough to get by, she is hardly ready for the journey. It is not until her redemptive qualities triumph and she tackles the underlying issues of acceptance and worthiness that a real understanding of faith prevails.

Gabriel Isaiah Thomas III appears to have everything going for him, except his relationship with his father—The Bishop. Gabe believes his sole next move after returning from his missionary work is to start his own church, but God has other plans. Gabe immediately has a piercing electric connection to Faith from the moment they meet. Although she doesn’t appear to be a suitable First Lady, Gabe must convince her otherwise and both must determine if they have enough FAITH to endure the insurmountable obstacles ahead.

Although Gabriel and Faith are purposed for each other, it is not until they are ready to surrender all and walk into their co-mingled destiny that they really understand the meaning of faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Micah 6:8 Books
• Release date: Feb 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9780979045837

Book preview

UNTIL THERE IS FAITH

A Novel

By

Debora D Beasley

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2014 by Debora D Beasley

Published by

W.B. Campbell Publications/Micah 6:8 Books

Until There Is Faith. Copyright © 2014 by Debora D Beasley. All rights reserved. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages to be included in a review.

This book is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places and occurrences are either created in the authors’ imagination or are used in a fictitious manner and are not to be construed as real. While the authors may have been inspired in part by actual events, none of the characters in the book are based on an actual person and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Cover Design: Marion Designs

Acknowledgments

First giving honor to the Lord above, thank you! Only You could line up everything to make it come to pass.

To my husband David and son Brandon who put up with my typing away; my never-ending spelling inquiries; constant age-related questioning and for both of you listening to me reality- check my characters and rallying for me to finish this, much love.

With my gratitude and admiration, thank you to my sister girlfriend Wanda Kwomo. You helped me birth this. Thanks for answering ministry and theology questions. I can’t wait to attend your PhD graduation. You are beyond great measure in my book. May the Lord pour you out overflowing blessings. I love you, sis.

To my other great sister girlfriends, thanks for the cheerleading: Colette Cullins- Jackson, Heidi Cabral, Grace Hollis, Kirsten Kane, Mayetta Hall, Gemma George, Shazi Rastegar, Jemise Phillips, Dr. Meschialla Johnson Smith, cousin Tasha Hills, aunt Delores Hill Davis, Pam Scott, my intercessor and prayer warrior, Debra Edwards, Danielle Reyes and Tracey Coleman.

I have the best sister-in-law and love ever, Deborah Martinez. You are the best, thank you for giving me a journal for my birthday last year. It was the catalyst to make we want to write. My sister Cheryl Davis-Watson, thanks for your prayers.

To my cousins: God’s grace is awesome. To K. Renee, cousin Koko Smith, who stepped up the game as my publicist, you are so multi-talented and to my other cousin Tangi-Andrea Davis, you are the bomb.com. Your editing ideas and insight was on time. Our family rocks!

Terryl Martin, who I call my writing partner, your wisdom and insight on writing have been invaluable. Thank for inviting me into the MNBC, what an awesome group of ladies. Special thanks to author Pamela Samuels-Young for introducing us. Your Let’s Write Today blog was so helpful.

Thanks to Wanda B. Campbell, publisher and Brian Sanders of Marian Design for the book cover design, a dream team that worked speedily to make this book available to the public!

To my book club, I’ve been with you for sixteen years. Thanks for sharing the love of reading and some of the best ladies to call on anytime. The WEATLH BOOK CLUB: Andrea Briggs, Bridgett Patterson-Felder, Diane Mandy, Grace Hollis, Kim Braggs, Raine Wilson, Rhonda Brown, Paula Stafford, Terry Clayton and Shirley Hill. A special mention to Sonja Chin, I wouldn’t be in this book club if it wasn’t for you.

Shazi, the attorney who is also a comedian and photographer, many blessings for the research getting my good side for the bio photo. Yeah, you are the bomb.com as well.

If I left someone out charge it to my head and not my heart. Another book is coming and I’ll catch you then.

Prologue

Oh no, not now, and definitely not this morning! As Faith rushed to get dressed, she put a run in her last pair of ultra-sheer stockings and gloomily watched as the tear moved wildly down her left calf. Clear nail polish wouldn’t help. She pulled them off and briefly peered at the digital clock on her nightstand. There wasn’t enough time to make a wardrobe change. Hopefully, the saints wouldn’t be offended by her bare legs. Although the exposed look was common amongst some ladies, especially in the summertime, Faith’s style was more conservative. She never quite adjusted to entering the house of the Lord sporting a dress without a proper slip undergarment and stockings. However, nothing was stopping her this morning.

Frantic, she reached for the lotion on the dresser to at least give her legs a fair chance at looking presentable. She almost fell to the floor as she tripped over one of her bright cobalt-blue patent-leather pumps, which was lying in plain view. Once seated on the edge of her frilly bed, she inhaled and exhaled slowly.

Now in a tranquil state, she became aware of an unusual push willing her on to keep moving at a slower pace. She rubbed ample Cocoa butter lotion onto her legs. She relished the moment for a few seconds, then called into the other room, Isaiah, I hope you’ve finished eating your cereal? We’re running late.

After she finger-combed her hair and brushed on a light coat of Casual Air-Mac lip gloss, Faith admired the finished look. She couldn’t believe six months ago, for the New Year, she was bold enough to cut her hair into a bob. In place of her standard ponytail, Faith now admired her sleek sophisticated hairstyle with a professional appeal. She circled in the mirror and turned around to assure everything was tucked in properly and hanging right.

While she eagerly searched for her keys in the living room, Faith’s phone chimed, indicating a new text message. There will be a big announcement in church today. The text was from her friend and co-worker, Joy. She was always in the know.

Faith replied, k-c u there, running a little late.

She briefly pondered the anticipated announcement. With only a few minutes to spare, she locked up, dashed down the steps with Isaiah, purse and Bible in tow. Excitement enveloped her. She could feel something was up. Something so tangible, she could virtually touch it.

Okay, Lord, I’m on my way, Faith exclaimed. I don’t know what’s about to go down in church today, but whatever it is, it’s got Your blessing all over it.

CHAPTER ONE

Indelible impression; in the natural, this would be the simplest way to explain the impact she made on him. How did that happen? They’d exchanged words briefly, for less than ten minutes over six months ago. Nevertheless, she left a permanent imprint in his mind.

On his first day back on his post in the pulpit at Christian Fellowship Church, Associate Pastor Gabriel Isaiah Thomas III was deep in thought. He’d been summoned home by his father and Senior Pastor, the Bishop, for some big announcement. Being the third generation with the same name as his father, everyone called him Pastor Gabe or simply Gabe; however, his father was always called Bishop by everyone.

Gabe had been in his last week of evangelizing abroad on his first missionary journey. The trip had been a success, preparing him to one day pastor his own church. However, at the moment all he could think about was whether she was still around.

Gabe looked around to see if he could spot her amongst the crowd in the 8 a.m. service. Just when he contemplated whether she still attended CFC, Faith waltzed into the sanctuary wearing a checkered blue and white pleated knee-length dress with bright blue pumps accenting some of the longest, prettiest legs he had the pleasure of viewing. She sat up front next to his god-sister, Joy. Faith was as beautiful as he remembered.

Awestruck, Gabe’s breath caught. He couldn’t stop staring at her. Awareness collided with opportunity and faith kicked in. Gabe had hoped to have an opportunity to get better acquainted with Faith and find out why the Lord destined them to meet before he left.

Son, I’m glad you’re back, the bishop whispered in Gabe’s ear, after motioning for him to come closer, interrupting his enamored staring.

Glad to be back, Bishop.

Good. I hope you had a great trip? The bishop put on a show in front of the congregation by straightening Gabe’s tie and pressing down on his suit jacket lapel. He smiled up at his son.

The trip was wonderful, Bishop. Gabe reached out to give his father a hug.

The Bishop returned the hug and callously added in Gabe’s ear, Good, because if you hadn’t listened and respected my request to come back when I called, you would have likely forfeited your appointment to pastor your own church. I still run this Ministerial District. You know that, don’t you? Don’t forget it.

Before Gabe could respond, Bishop turned and walked to his center spot in the pulpit. Without a backward glance at his son, he smiled before the faithful 8:00 a.m. crowd and clapped his hands dismissively. Gabe realized the bishop never intended to receive an answer to the rhetorical question.

Gabe smirked and then considered the message and the messenger. They had their challenges; however, Gabe had hoped his return and much-needed time away would help them put their differences behind them. Gabe ingested all the sarcasm mixed with pride hurled his way, but he wouldn’t allow it to sidetrack his interest today.

Proud to have kept his wits, Gabe swiftly redirected his thoughts back to what interested him at the moment, Faith. He made a mental list of what he knew about this stunning lady. He knew she worked with his god-sister, Joy, because she told him. She had a young son. Gabe also deduced by the way she greeted those sitting around her, she attended church regularly. From that, Gabe surmised she was saved—at least he hoped so. From what he viewed during praise and worship, Faith appeared to have a personal relationship with the Lord. Her eyes were closed and hands raised; Faith surrendered all, deep in worship. As a pastor, that was very attractive to Gabe.

What made him nervous was what he didn’t know. The most important question being, was she married? He leaned forward to get a better look and didn’t see a ring on her finger. However, these days you never know. Even if she wasn’t married a woman as fine as Faith surely had a man, a fiancé or a baby daddy in her life.

Gabe normally had the confidence and assurance to deal with any obstacle head-on. Yet, this whole situation of why he couldn’t stop thinking about Faith was so foreign to him, leaving him at odds on how to approach the situation. Gabe had made a promise to God a couple of years ago to wait on Him to direct his path when it came to pursuing women. He wasn’t the player type, but Gabe certainly had his share of relationships in the past. He wanted to make sure he wasn’t moving ahead of himself and reacting to his flesh. He prayed his gift of discernment would lead him in the right direction.

In the midst of praise and worship, Gabe’s fraternity brother, Minister Dave Adams, came over and gave him one of those handshake/hugs commonly exchanged amongst close friends and fraternity brothers.

My man, welcome home. It’s good to see you.

Glad to see his friend, Gabe directed his attention away from Faith and smiled at Minister Dave. Good to be seen. What’s up, frat?

Man, what’s got your attention amongst the crowd this morning? Dave set about looking to see if he could figure out the object of Gabe’s attention.

Gabe simply nodded toward where Faith sat. Second row next to Joy. Man, I’m caught-up.

Did you bring her back with you from your trip?

No. I’m sure she attends church right here. You’ve never seen her? Gabe was perplexed at Dave’s comment.

Nope, man I would have remembered her. Dave looked a little too hard for Gabe’s taste, practically gawking at Faith.

I hear you, man. Gabe tried to play it off nonchalantly, but he knew Minister Dave. Dave was undoubtedly the player type and if there was any new lady as fine as Faith on the scene in church he would have likely introduced himself during Gabe’s time away. The fact that Dave didn’t know her had Gabe wondering whether Faith attended church on a regular basis.

Gabe still had some deal-breaker questions to be answered. If he got the green light, Faith would definitely hear from him. He wasn’t even sure he made the same first impression on her as she did on him. He was self-confident, but also aware not every woman was interested in getting to know the pastor.

With only a few minutes remaining in praise and worship Gabe decided to add some interest into the mix. He moved to the edge of the pulpit and directed his attention toward Faith. When he was absolutely sure Faith noticed him, he gave her a distinctive smile that communicated his interest then nodded at her before everyone sat down to hear the big announcement.

***

When praise and worship ended, Faith removed her items she initially placed in the middle of her seat, adjusted them to the side and sat down. She immediately noticed the penetrated stare coming from the man in the pulpit. Is he staring at me, she wondered.

She’d seen the bishop’s son, Associate Pastor Gabe, from the moment she came in and if she didn’t know any better she’d say he was looking directly at her. When they briefly met on her first visit to CFC six months ago, she’d merely heard of him and hadn’t initially known he would be unbelievably handsome.

Today, he was wearing a blue and white gingham shirt, blue suit and tie with expensive blue shoes. She thought he definitely looked debonair and it also appeared as if they’d dressed alike. Lord Have Mercy, Faith inwardly shouted. Faith shook her head, thinking she shouldn’t question God, but why would He make a man so fine?

Maybe he is just looking in my general direction and not directly at me. She squirmed in her seat due to some unexplainable heat, in church of all places, which left her flustered. Faith couldn’t believe it; she had to be mistaken about his stares. She decided to check one last time and deliberately peered his way. I’ll be, he is looking at me.

Her heart began to pound and pure excitement took over her senses. Before she could fully comprehend the extent of his actions, he nodded directly at her.

Well, alright. I am the direct target!

He accompanied his gesture with a stare emanating the most notable grin.

Faith reciprocated by slightly grinning back at him. When their eyes locked, she gave him a clearly defined nob, mimicking his gesture and immediately regretted her actions. She’d moved a bit too fast and took on more than she was ready for. Surely he hadn’t really intended that type of acknowledgment. Faith reverted back to her resolved stoic composure and diverted her attention elsewhere. She pulled out her bulletin from her Bible and waited for the announcements to go forth.

Joy nudged Faith as soon as Deaconess Lydia Hayworth started delivering announcements for the mega church. Wait for it.

We are glad to announce our newly formed Adults Singles Ministry at CFC, Deaconess Lydia Hayworth stated.

The camera panned and Pastor Gabe’s image appeared on the jumbo screen. He stood, smiled and waved at the crowd; identifying him as the leader of the new ministry. The crowd cheered and stood, showing their admiration of Pastor Gabe’s leadership.

The deaconess went on to state the ministry was scheduled to meet after the 8:00 a.m. and before the 11:30 a.m. services on the second and fourth Sunday of each month during the Sunday school hour.

Joy started swinging her arms in the air as if she was in a sports arena at a playoff game. This will be perfect for us to attend, she told Faith. We can find husbands up in here, up in here.

Faith squinted. "Joy, is this the big announcement? You know the Singles Ministry will be for fellowship, not necessarily to get a husband and you also know I have to get Isaiah after church. Getting a husband, of course would be nice, but I can’t imagine having a romantic relationship right now."

Come on, Faith, stop being so uptight. Isaiah can stay in Children’s Church during Sunday school hour. Then I could get an up close look at Minister Dave. Joy called dibs on him a while ago. Her Louisiana French background revealed Minister Dave possessed a certain je-ne-sais-qua—an indescribable quality that made him attractive and interesting and that she found to be irresistibly charming. Joy added, As the old folks say: I’m naming and claiming. Amen!

"Shush! We got to be quiet. Let’s focus on the service." Faith tried to calm Joy’s excitement. Hopefully, she got the hint as Faith turned forward to give her undivided attention back toward the pulpit.

Right, before one of these mean old-school, Brogan-shoe-wearing, feet-hurting-from-standing ushers comes and tells us to leave the sanctuary, Joy teased some more, before adding, Well we’re going. Besides, as you can see, my god-brother, Gabe, will be the leader of the class. We should support him.

Faith’s head tilted toward Joy and raised an eyebrow; surprised that Joy would use her connection to the church’s first family to force her into attending. Viewing Gabe from the pulpit was definitely a glorious sight Faith could get used to.

As Faith turned and looked back at Pastor Gabe, her mind drifted to Bishop Thomas’ sermon last week: Stepping Out in the Deep. He spoke from Matthew 14:22 when Peter’s faith led him to step out of the boat and walk on the deep sea water. The message spoke to her about moving outside of her comfort zone and persuaded her to take inspired risks and exercise her faith. Pastor Gabe Thomas III could be the sea of deep water she could step out toward any day. Thoughts of their brief encounter six months ago flooded her mind.

"Sister, are you lost?" Faith heard a rich deep voice after she’d rounded the corner on the church campus that looked more like a miniature university or compound. He stopped her dead in her tracks. He probably noticed the distress in her eyes, as she gazed around looking confused as to which direction to go.

She stopped and stared at this gorgeous man in awe. Hands down, Faith had never seen a more refined, well-dressed man in her life. He was tall, distinguished and smelled oh-so-good. As she gravitated toward him she sniffed the woodsy, amber scent and got all up in his personal space. This was so unlike her, but Faith couldn’t seem to help herself. She admired his white straight teeth and his smooth delivery. His 6’2" striking features sort of put her in the mind of a taller refined version of the actor Columbus Short who was on the very popular nighttime drama, Scandal. He was fine!

She continued staring and smiling—more like cheesy all-out grinning. Yes. I seem to have lost my directions. I am looking for the Children’s Ministry to drop-off my son.

He looked down at Isaiah holding her hand, extended his hand down. Good morning, young man, and welcome to CFC.

Isaiah, rather talkative and well-versed and polite beyond his four years, said, Good Mornteen, nice to meet you. He smiled up at the mystery man.

He laughed and said to Faith, He must know or is related to Madea.

Faith giggled like a schoolgirl, because that was how he made her feel. Finding the humor in his joke, and ease in his presence, Faith was glad to have met such a great welcome with this fine-looking stately Adonis standing before her on her first day at CFC. However, she had no idea who this man was or if he held a position at the church.

"What is your name?" He looked down toward her toddler.

"I’m Isaiah and I’m four." Isaiah held up four little bronze-complexioned fingers toward the man.

He acknowledged Isaiah by saying, Yes, well, Isaiah is my name too. At least it’s my middle name.

Isaiah smiled and looked at Faith. Mom, we have the same name!

"That’s nice, Isaiah," she responded, still holding his hand.

The man looked directly in her eyes and touched her free right hand and shook it. He smiled and introduced himself. I’m Gabe. Then he politely gave her directions to her destination.

She could feel an unexplainable heat between them.

"Is this your first time visiting us here at CFC, Sister?" He seemed as if he was prolonging the conversation. Well, that was fine with her.

"Yes. I’m Faith. She felt compelled to give her name since he didn’t appear eager to relinquish her hand anytime soon. I was invited by one of my co-workers, Joy Dubois. She’s been inviting me for a while. I finally decided to visit this New Year, you know, starting the year off with new a beginning."

Mesmerized, she wasn’t sure if he was feeling her like she was feeling him. He could just be friendly. All Faith knew was her circuits were going haywire. At this point she could remain imprisoned in his hand until the rapture.

"I’m glad you decided to finally visit. Praise God! he said with a bit more excitement in his voice, as she released another giggle. He shifted the conversation, pulled back and stared piercingly, still holding her hand. So, you know my god-sister, Joy?"

Just then Faith realized she was talking to the bishop’s son, Associate Pastor Gabriel Thomas III. She smiled in amazement once she made the connection. Yes, I work alongside Joy. She’s been a true blessing to me and Isaiah.

Joy never said her god-brother was fine. Not that it would have made a difference in visiting any sooner. It just would have been nice to know. Now Faith had a zillion questions to ask.

Faith finally released her hand from him. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Pastor Gabe. She walked away strutting, with an extra glide in her stride. Just like the song, she whipped her hair back and forth as she felt the heat of his eyes watching her walk away.

The audience’s clapping in reverence of the bishop as he stood to preach, brought Faith’s thoughts back to the present. Although she wasn’t sure she’d ever admit it aloud, the thoughts of how they met were truly the cause of her newfound late-night sweet dreams which had her running late

Reviews for Until There is Faith

[Lauren Ligon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The revelation in this book was so intriguing, amazing and just set my soul free. I thank God for blessing me with this book in my current season. When the book of Esther was presented, I felt like Mary.. because of your belief that’s why God has blessed you. Thank you Mrs Beasley for blessing me and the world with a true faith centered novel that presents many issues Christians, babes in ministry, and overall servants of El Shaddai face daily!! Selah

[vickie harrison · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I so enjoyed this book, I really loved reading how a Pastor entered a spiritual love relationship that lead to marriage. We sometimes forget they are ppl with real feelings/emotions because of their spiritual roll. This book for me was romantic, spiritual, educational , encouraging and funny(that Joy). I’m so glad this book wasn’t filthy or vulgar or sleazy as some do when displaying problems and situations in the church. This was done in very good taste. When I got to the end of the book I screamed NO! Only because I wanted more. Can’t wait for the next book.
Thank you