The Heart of Stone

By Micah Black

Joshua Stone is settling in as the associate pastor of Franklin Community Church. His world is about to change as two beautiful women enter his life.

Alice Jones has a past blackened with sin. Can this new church crowd see her for who she is, rather than the woman she's been?

Lindsay Hart is the typical good girl who has hardly lived outside the influence of a church.

Which of this two women will ultimately capture the heart of Stone and partner with his ministry?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Micah Black
• Release date: Dec 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310206221

Micah Black

Micah Black graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. He studied Professional Writing and minored in Philosophy. He is currently the author of Political Faith, The Revenge of Remus, The Heart of Stone, and Meaning in Tragedy.

Book preview

Prologue

Police sirens and street lights illuminated the path for Alice Jones. It was the dead of the night and the streets were alive. She had grown used to the night life. The men adored her, and wanted to be around her, at least, that's how it was at first. She was waking up to the sad reality that they all reeked of sweat and alcohol. They paid for their time, and she had to give them what they paid for. She was getting tired of it.

She could always find some man to buy her enough drinks to forget her night, but this night was a slow one even for Alice. Just a few shots in the club, enough to get her tipsy. She found it hard to balance on her heels. The boots she wore ran up to her knees and her lace skirt was barely long enough to cover any portion of her thighs. A gentle breeze came through and Alice shivered. Her thin cotton jacket was more for looks than protection from the chilly night air.

A police car cruised by. Alice straightened up and tried to act sober. She held her head up and walked forward. She slammed her foot down and nearly lost balance as she put her next foot forward. She glanced down. Something was stuck to her heel. Ugh.

Alice reached down and retrieved the piece of paper from her heel. Instead of just discarding it as garbage, she examined it more thoroughly. It was some kind of miniature pamphlet decorated with poorly illustrated drawings. The writing on it said:

Are you alone?

No need to feel helpless in this life.

There is someone out there who cares.

The front side intrigued her enough to look inside. There was something that appealed to her about what was written in this pamphlet. She had been feeling alone. No matter how many guys she had been with, the emptiness in her heart just wouldn't go away. She opened the pamphlet, and read the inside:

God loves you.

He sent his only son to die for your sins.

And He wants to have a relationship with you.

There were some Bible verses on another side that she just skipped over. She felt like she had heard this all too many times before. She almost threw the pamphlet in the wind, but something inside her wouldn't let it go. She read the back, where it had phone numbers to call and an address for a church. She paused, reading that address several times and stuffed the paper in her purse.

Chapter One

Joshua Stone sat at his desk as the associate pastor of Franklin Community Church. It was the third largest church in a city where the believers and non-believers rarely mingled. They would interact as much as they needed to, but Josh was starting to see a problem with that. He remembered the church putting on picnics and block parties, but all those events only seemed to attract other believers or friends and family of church members. He had been at this job for nearly a year and felt like the church was doing very little to reach out to the community in need. He often wondered about what went on in those improvised divisions he seldom visited downtown.

The phone rang. Josh placed his hand on the phone and gave it another ring before answering. Franklin Community Church, this is Josh. How may I help you?

Hey, Josh. This is Eugene Spencer. The senior pastor. I just wanted to let you know that I'll be in later this afternoon. I've got an appointment with a doctor. While I'm at the hospital I may visit some folks.

All right. I'll keep an eye on things in the meantime.

Thanks. You're a real pal.

They both said good-bye and the call was over. The familiar chime of a door being opened echoed through the halls of the church, resounding in his office. Josh was not used to having very many unannounced visitors. He didn't have any appointments scheduled. He expected this day to be slow, for the most part.

Hello? Josh called out. He ventured out of his office to find out who might be lurking around the church.

Josh turned the corner and found a woman who seemed to be searching for something. She wore high-heeled boots that zipped up to her knees, a lace skirt that barely covered the essentials, and a top that left little to the imagination, guarded by a thin jacket. If she hadn't been wearing such bright make up smeared across her face and these clothes that seemed to make a certain statement about her, Josh might have found her to be quite attractive. As it stood, he was shocked to see someone like that standing right there.

As much as he wanted to grow the church his instincts told him to escort her off the premise and inform her that this was not the place she was wanted. Josh was glad he didn't act on those instincts, because he knew that she was here for a reason. It was his job to help her. He wanted a better chance to reach out to the community at large, and couldn't think of a better way to express his concerns than by reaching out to a girl like this.

May I help you? Josh asked.

This is Franklin Community Church, right?

Yes.

She dug through her purse. Well, I found this yesterday. She pulled out one of the tracts Josh had seen several times before.

Josh smirked when he looked over the tract. Yeah, the church prints these out and it's up to our members to distribute them as they see fit. Did you have any questions about it?

I've got some issues with the whole idea of church. So, yeah, I'd like to talk to someone about it. Is the pastor in today?

I'm afraid I'm the best you could do for now. If you follow me back to my office we could discuss these concerns.

Josh had no idea what was happening. He didn't want to judge her for the smell of alcohol and cheap perfume that stained her revealing clothes, but he couldn't help wondering what desperate things she did to earn a living. As he led her back to his office he kept thinking she was only there to criticize Christianity as a whole. He was prepared to listen to what she wanted to say and provide as many counter objections as he could conjure, but he also wondered what would happen if another church member happened to see this woman in the church. What would they think?

Josh led her into his office and was mindful to keep the door open so that no one would get the wrong idea.

He took his seat behind the desk. I'm Joshua Stone. I'm the associate pastor here. So, tell me what's been on your mind?

She looked around the room as she fell into the couch against the wall. I've been to church before. She said it like she was making some bold, unexpected statement about herself. And I just never understood it.

Well, tell me... uh... what was your name?

I'm Alice Jones.

Well, Alice, what issues have you had with church in your past?

I just don't get why people need somewhere to go to act phony all the time. It's like some big loony bin where all these people come wearing these smiling faces. I've been going through some things lately, and yesterday when I saw your flier on the ground, I thought it might have some answers. I'll admit, sometimes life seems really pointless. It's like there's an emptiness inside that just won't go away. No matter what I do, sometimes I still feel lonely. But I don't think this Jesus thing is the answer I'm looking for.

Why do you say that?

I know where to go for a good time, and I can tell when someone else is looking for the same thing. The truth is, I see a lot of people who live like you want them to on Sundays, but the rest of the week, they are out there doing the same things I'm doing. I know there are Christians who feel the same way I do. The only difference is they will never admit it. I'll speak freely. There may be a void in my life, but I don't think it's one that can be filled with an imaginary friend.

So you think that just because you see some people who say they're Christians doing the same things you do, that having a relationship with Christ will not fill this great big void in your life?

I think if the answer was in church, then they wouldn't be out there where I am too.

Maybe they've missed the point. Do you think the void comes from doing these activities you've been involved in? Have you thought about giving them up, doing something else with your life?

It's not that easy. Besides, I get some benefit from doing the things I do. It's just, the fulfillment wears off after a while and is less effective overtime. I'm here to say that I just don't think Jesus is really the answer. People come here each week. They're obviously looking for the same kind of temporary high I get on the streets out there.

May I'll just add that there's a monumental difference between those who truly believe, and those who just say they do.

I've heard all that before. Doesn't change what I see week after week, day after day.

And I've heard people take your position in life too. You were obviously motivated enough to come all the way down here. I don't think you just want to tell me how ineffective my belief system is. There's something more isn't there?

Her face went red. She grabbed her purse and made her way to the door, then paused as though she were frozen. You're right. I didn't just want to tell you what I think about the people in the church. She turned around and resumed her seat on the couch. I feel so lonely and disgusted with myself at times. She was nearly whispering. I've gotten to the point where I'm willing to try anything. I'm even willing to give this whole Jesus thing a try. If you'll have me.

Of course. We don't make a habit of turning away visitors from this church.

But how would your church react if I showed up looking like this on a Sunday? She pointed to her outfit and widened her eyes.

Joshua thought carefully about how to answer that question. He knew the congregation well. Some members of the church might approach her and tell her she was dressed inappropriately. Others might stare. But he knew this would just be their surface reaction. I think the congregation would be grateful to have someone like you visit our church. They might be appalled at first, but when they truly think about what it means for you to show up in a church, they would be honored.

Then maybe I'll swing by on Sunday. She relaxed her posture.

I'll look forward to it. I feel I should say that going to church isn't what makes the difference.

What do you mean?

If you feel your life is a mess and you need a fresh start, just showing up isn't going to change anything. It doesn't matter whether or not you'll be accepted by the congregation. Jesus wants a relationship with you. Do you think you're ready for that kind of commitment?

She gripped her purse tighter and glanced at the door. I think I better just give the church a try first. I don't really know where my life is headed right now. I need to be sure whether or not Jesus is right for me.

Another set of footsteps pounded down the hall of the church. Joshua knew the sound of those shoes. He had gotten used to that finely tuned echo those shoes made in that very precise rhythm marching down that hall.

Josh stood up. Well, if you'd like to speak with the pastor about what you're going through, then I think you're in luck. I hear him walking down the hall right now.

Her foot was tapping at a hundred beats per minute. All right. She followed Josh out of his office.

They caught the pastor right outside the door of the office. He had thin gray hair just beyond his receding hair line. His suit, much like his wrinkled skin, reflected the years of experience he had on this planet. Hey Josh, He said in a friendly tone. Who's your friend? Sincere concern entered into his tone of voice.

This is Alice Jones. Josh introduced her. They shook hands. She has some questions about faith and the church.

Okay. He said hesitantly. I'm Pastor Eugene Spencer, the senior pastor here. Would you like to step into my office? We can discuss the matter more thoroughly if you'd like.

She looked from one man to the other. It wasn't very cold, but she shivered. Uh, actually, I was just leaving. Maybe I'll come by Sunday though, and see more of what you actually do here.

All right. Feel free to drop by whenever you'd like. Eugene spoke as she walked hurriedly down the hall.

Josh was puzzled. That's odd.

What?

Moments ago, she seemed like she was starting to open up and feel more comfortable discussing these matters of faith. But she seemed to get uncomfortable when I introduced her to you.

Well, you just gotta give it some time. Who are we to say when someone is ready? All in God's time. Am I right?

Yeah, I suppose so.

They started to go their separate ways again when Eugene spoke. Unless.

Unless what?

Unless you think she's just uncomfortable talking to me. Maybe you're the key. Perhaps she needs you to guide her in whatever process she's working out.

I don't know about that.

God gives us all unique tasks. Far be it for me to fight the big man on any of them. Look, whenever she visits the church I'll try to talk to her. But if she gets shy on me I want you to be there to try to get her to open up. It may work out where you'll end up having to counsel her.

If you say so.

You've been saying how much you want the church to reach out to members of the community. I think God may have just provided you with the perfect opportunity.

So it was settled. Josh was given the task for which he had been praying. He just never expected it would come in this form.

Chapter Two

Joshua watched the congregation gather on Sunday morning. His curiosity got the better of him as he was constantly spying into the crowd searching for Alice Jones. He didn't know if she would show up, but he hoped she would. A part of him wanted her to show up just so he could shame the church for turning her away. More importantly he wanted her to hear the word of God. He wanted her to grow in fellowship with Christ, because she was the kind of spokesperson he believed the faith needed. She was a woman who could have the same redemptive testimony as Mary Magdalene, a woman who was healed of her demons by Christ himself and followed Him through his death and resurrection.

Through every part of the service Joshua scanned the crowd to see her face. Finally, as they were collecting the offering, he saw her slip in through the back door. Her clothes were not in the best shape. She wore a dress and her hair was at least somewhat groomed. She was still wearing boots that went up to her knees, but she was clearly trying to dress like a recently tamed church girl by throwing on a trench coat to make herself seem slightly more classy.

Josh was relieved for her sake when no one gasped or spent too much time staring at her when she sat down. She seemed confused and out of place. She kept looking around the room for some kind of hint about what to do next.

The sermon began and Josh tried to look out into the crowd on occasion, as part of his usual routine. But he kept glancing over to Alice, trying to see how she was taking to the church atmosphere. She said she had been to a church before, and she went about the routine like someone who was experienced. She at least tried to pay attention. There were a few moments where she would glance at her watch or stare at the exit signs on the doors. Josh was hoping the Lord would make a change in her heart. More than hoping, he was praying.

At the end of the service Josh took his usual position at the doors shaking hands and saying farewell to the congregation and guests in attendance. In the midst of the crowd he sought out one face, Alice Jones. Josh rushed through conversations with regular attendants and long-term members. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he found her talking to the pastor.

Josh went over and shook her hand, neglecting to reintroduce himself or make any small talk with the pastor. And how did you enjoy the service?

She inhaled slowly, showing a real thought process going into answering his question. Well, it was different than what I remember church being.

That's good. Do you think Christ is the new direction your life needs? Josh felt embarrassed for just coming right out with the question, but he was eager to see a change in this girl's life.

"It's quite possible, but there's a lot going on in my life right now. I just don't know if I can clean up my act."

It's not about what you can or can't do. It's about the power of Christ. If you are being called to start a relationship with him, then he will do the cleaning.

I don't know... maybe I'm just scared, or something.

Josh felt the pastor nudge him, like this was his cue to say something really profound. I'll be praying for you. If you need to know, you can always pray too. God's listening. You just have to speak to him, out loud or even in your mind. He's always there.

Thanks.

She started to walk away, then Josh remembered why the pastor would be nudging him along. And you know you can always stop by the church if you want to discuss these things in any more detail. You may speak to the pastor... or me if you'd like.

I'll keep that in mind.

Pastor Eugene Spencer pulled Josh aside. That's what I'm talking about.

What?

I was over here trying to strike up a conversation with her for several minutes, but she won't open up to me. It's you... you're the one who needs to help her open up her heart, and guide her along in her salvation and new relationship with Christ.

It didn't strike Josh as odd that God could've given him such a task. However, just as anyone might feel when God gives an assignment, Josh had a sense of unworthiness. He wondered why, of all of God's chosen, he would be given this particular task.

"Are you sure? It has to be me. Not anyone else?"

This isn't just some assignment coming from me. Sure, I'm the one who noticed it. Maybe she responds to you because you're closer to her age. But I know this is something God must've chosen you for. You're always wanting to reach out to the community at large. This could be your first big step towards a larger goal.

I suppose you're right. God does have something to do with it. I just need to do what he's chosen me to do. Perhaps it will lead to something more.

Chapter Three

All week Josh was praying for Alice like he'd never prayed for anyone