The Calling

By Jennifer Wills

Elizabeth Walker, the Parker High School counselor, thought it was just a normal day at work. Little did she know that the storm that was about to hit her life would shake her to her very foundation. After a student accuses her of religious harassment, Elizabeth is suspended and may lose her job. But this was her calling and her path in lifewasnt it? And what will Marc say?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781490808611

Jennifer Wills

I've always loved writing. I graduated from Texas State University - San Marcos with a degree in Psychology with a minor in English. My friends like to call me a grammar nazi, and they know I love words. Languages have always fascinated me, and that is why I took to writing so quickly. I was born and raised in Texas, and graduated with honors from Hutto High School. I am an only child, but have many cousins that were like siblings. My parents raised me as a Christian, but also gave me the freedom to search and discover for myself. My Mom has helped me in my writing. From before I was in school, she was always encouraging my interests in reading and writing. Both of my parents have encouraged me to never quit. I loved writing this book. I hope you fall in love with the characters the way I did. It is never to late to find your calling in life. Just remember, sometimes God has different callings for different people.

Book preview

Copyright © 2013 Jennifer Wills.

Edited By: Kim Webb

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-0860-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-0861-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013916708

WestBow Press rev. date: 09/30/2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Dedication

1. Carrie

2. Angela

3. Kara

4. The Conference

5. Visiting Hours

6. Antonio

7. Facing Giants

8. James

9. Reasons Unknown

10. The First Wave

11. Arguments and Truths

12. Doctor Spiedy

13. Falling Apart

14. The Calling

15. Set the Record Straight

16. New Beginnings

17. 6 Months Later…

About the Author

Dedication

I dedicate this to my loving parents, Darlena & James, who have always encouraged me in writing and taught me to never give up on my dreams. I praise God every day for them.

CARRIE

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I sat at my desk with a pen in my hands, and my eyes fixed on one of the chairs across from my desk. In the chair sat a young sophomore girl dressed in comfortable clothing that was slightly ripped, her hair was a tangled mess, and her make-up was a little smeared. She was 14 years old, but looked to be about 18. She had bright blue eyes, short dark brown hair that framed her face, her lips were pursed, and her eyes were narrowed as if she were preparing to fight some unknown opponent. She was telling me her side of the story from the fight that happened earlier this morning.

. . . And as I sat down in the church pew I realized that I was lost. I mean I knew where I was, but not who I was. I guess everyone can go through that, but you never expect it to actually be you. I mean, the preaching was good even though I couldn’t see how it really applied to me, and the music was awesome… but missing something. Afterwards, I met some people in the youth group, and realized that some of them even go to this school. In fact, those same people were the ones that made fun of me and called me ‘Fatso’, ‘Moby Dick’, and ‘Bubble Butt’. Which are just stupid insults. I mean I’m sure that if I really wanted to I could completely devastate them with way better insults, she paused for a moment pondering the ‘devastating’ insults she could have come up with, Anyways, I tried to avoid them, but they came over anyway. And the weird thing was… they were actually really nice. I was really surprised considering I was ready for a fight. They welcomed me to the church and complimented my clothes and everything! They even asked me if I lost weight, she finished excitedly.

Alright, I breathed in deeply trying to understand what could have caused the fight this morning, From what I hear you were all getting along well. So, what happened between then and now? Tell me about the incident that occurred earlier this morning that led to the fight. From what I understand with your story so far what happened this morning shouldn’t have occurred. Is that right?

Well, yeah, you would think, but… , she got quiet, gulped, furrowed her brow, looked down to the floor, and continued, Ok well, it was just yesterday that I saw them at church, right? I nodded in agreement, Well, this morning, just one day later, not even one day! Within a matter of hours, you wouldn’t even think they knew what a church was much less go to one! When I walked by they called me ‘tub-o’ and ‘lard lover’. Again, just stupid insults. They were ragging on my clothes too. These are the same people who complimented me yesterday! she took a deep breath, and sat towards the front of her chair.

I’m only here today because I decided to stick up for myself, and told them off. They should not, I repeat not, pretend to be Christians at church, and then come to school and act like total jerks. That, in my book, is considered lying, she shifted slightly angling herself in her seat, her eyes burning with pride, and a smirk playing on her lips, So I let them know what happens to liars. It was really more of a fair warning of what was to come. If you ask me… I did them a favor in warning them.

And what exactly was the intended warning… ?

You know, don’t you have it in your little report from the teachers that busted us up? She relaxed back into her seat wincing slightly from the bruise that was forming on her shoulder.

Well, yes I do, but I would rather hear it from you.

Why?

Well, if everyone just went around listening to what other people said about a situation without getting their facts straight we would all be following a rumor. Don’t you agree?

Well, yeah, she nodded slightly, I guess… all right so I told them that liars go to Hell, and gave them a taste of how it would probably be down there, she leaned forward to the edge of her seat again, Oh, and I was not using it as a cuss word I meant the actual fire and brimstone Hell. You know the one with the red guy with the pointy tail and fork-lookin’ stick.

Yes, I had to keep myself from smiling at her description, I am aware of the place. Now why did you feel the need to do that?

Well, I guess I was upset. I’m held to a higher standard than them, and they get away with a lot more than I do. It isn’t fair. I guess the only comfort I take is in knowing I’m doing the right thing and they aren’t. It just isn’t enough anymore. I’m sick of getting pushed around and made fun of.

Alright, well, the first thing. Your feelings are valid. Not feeling that life is fair is a common feeling among all human beings, and you shouldn’t be ashamed that you feel that. It just means that you are growing, and learning more about your mistakes, I took another deep breath, Secondly, you can’t tell someone they aren’t Christian because they do not act the way you expect them to. Though I personally do agree it is somewhat hypocritical of them. Three, in all honesty there are people out there like that. Unfortunately, it is not our place to tell others they aren’t ‘good Christians’ or to even call them liars. Technically, that is considered judging, and I don’t want you to get in trouble for it. In the real world, when you graduate and get a job, you will run into this problem a lot. Not everyone will be of your like faith, I sat back in my chair for a moment, Now this is off the record okay? She nodded, God is the only one that can judge us, and even He offers mercy and forgiveness, I picked up the pen on my desk and began to write, I want you to go home and if you would like to learn a little more about the Bible. Read Matthew 7:3-4, and then think about how it applies to today’s situation. If you have any questions you can always come and see me. Also, my husband is a youth pastor so here is the church number in case you can’t reach me. I’m only doing this because we have the same views on faith. Please don’t feel that I am pressuring you. I only want to give you some resources to help with your curiosity. Now go ahead and get back to class.

But Mrs. Walker aren’t you supposed to call my parents and the police, and ya know tell them what a bad kid I am? And then, like, give me detention, or suspension, or something?

Well, first Carrie, you are not a bad kid, you are simply that, still a kid. You have to learn, grow, and make mistakes. I will talk to both your parents and the police about the incident. However, I think you’ve learned from this experience, and there is no need to go forward with further disciplinary action. As far as detention goes, it won’t help if you have already learned your lesson it will only frustrate and stress you out more. I’m here to help with the stress and frustration, and not to cause it.

Wow! she said incredulously, Thank you! You’re awesome!

Stay out of trouble, Ms. Shields.

Carrie Shields nodded, got up, and walked out of my crowded, little office. I took a breath, got up from my oak desk, and walked out of my door to the main office of Parker High School.

I am the guidance counselor for the freshmen and sophomores of the school, and occasionally I will get some upper classmen in my office. I am also the wife to a wonderful husband and youth pastor at my church, First Love.

I love both of my jobs, but could do neither without God. I love helping students because I once was one, and I know what it feels like to tackle peer pressures, parental expectations, and grades among other things. I went into this line of work because I knew my experience would help others going through similar experiences. I originally wanted to start a private practice, but the Lord led me in a different direction. While I was in college, God brought my husband and me together. We both had a heart for youth, and soon after we started dating God called my husband to pastor in the youth ministry field.

We decided to get married shortly after I graduated, and have been happily married for 3 years. We had it rough at first don’t get me wrong. Youth pastor positions don’t pay much, but it wasn’t about the money. Though we sometimes have our problems, I know we can work through them with faith. I deal with problems like Carrie’s every day, but unfortunately I can’t always tell someone to read The Bible or pray due to my school being publicly funded. In fact, I could get in a lot of trouble simply for giving Carrie the advice I gave her, but sometimes you have to follow your heart and trust in God to keep you sheltered.

It was March 21st, and the first day back from spring break. We will usually have a few small altercations, but nothing like this. I looked to my left and saw Alaina Chavez and her boyfriend, Cody Klempt, sitting in wait for their ‘session’ with me. Alaina was a 14 year old Latina girl, a sophomore, and had dark black hair that accented her dark green eyes. Her boyfriend, Cody, was 17 years old, a senior, and had sandy blonde hair that matched his stunning blue eyes. From what I had heard from the faculty, they had only been together for about a week, and had been caught for public displays of