Discovering Grace 2 - Young Leaders

By Doug Fowler

Grace and Jimmy have allies helping them cope in their somewhat dysfunctional home, but even more struggles as they try to follow Jesus & share His love. And, that's not counting Jimmy being distracted by his first crush. There's Davey from one of their new dad's prior relationships. His mom is very sick, and their mom's general attitude causes six-year-old Erin to act out her frustration. There's Grace's battles with a very liberal Christian club and attempts to share Christ's love with Muslims, facing sometimes stiff opposition, even as one of those Muslims tries to break away. There's also Jimmy's crush's concerns about whether she's good enough since she doesn't look like a supermodel. Then, their new dad's health problems and several decisions regarding God's will for peoples' lives also cause confusion. Through it all, Jimmy and Grace learn what it means to be real leaders - not always having things easy or knowing the perfect solution, but still trusting Jesus to get them through.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781312839489

Book preview

Discovering Grace 2 - Young Leaders

Discovering Grace 2: Young Leaders

By

Doug Fowler

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior and Redeemer. He had given me the ability, through writing, to do so much, just as through the other skills He’s given me.

Not every child is blessed with a wonderful home. But every child has the chance to have God give them unconditional love, comfort, guidance, support, and so on. His love never ends, and He will always be the same.

He gives us blessings we don’t expect, too. Since I can’t see well and wanted a good depiction of what I thought Grace and Jimmy’s home looked like, I searched the Internet and found the perfect fit at www.homeplans.com. So, they deserve a mention. It’s very easy to imagine someone having it built and then moving for work, letting the family move in around 1998 or so, a dozen or so years before this story takes place. It may not be exactly like this, http://www.homeplans.com/house-plans/hp/styles/new-american-home-plans/homepw16769.html, but it’s close.

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously

Copyright © 2012 – All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-1-312-83927-4

Chapter One

Grace and Jimmy Clark passed each other compassionate looks. Each seemed to say, This stinks sometimes, huh? It was hard to tell who was more frustrated.

Guys, break it up, Jimmy pleaded as he tried to get between two scuffling teammates. We’re learning to play football, not box.

Coach Warren Williams intervened. I know it’s rough; you try too hard at times, he told the aggravated eleven-year-old.

Jimmy nodded slowly, as he plodded back to the huddle. He glanced at two now vacant sideline chairs. Grace had a vice grip on their super-fidgety six-year-old sister, Erin.

His friend Martin looked in the same direction. Your mom doesn’t make it easy, huh?

Nope. He frowned. School starts tomorrow, too. What if this happens again and Grace isn’t at practice?

Grace understood Jimmy’s fretfulness. She had her own worries about school and the spiritual battle she might face. She pushed that aside, though. Instead, she quietly yet firmly scolded Erin. "Remember, you can play nice at the swings or stay here and watch or play here. I can read to you. There are many things you can do, but running out there while they practice is not one of them." At least three-year-old Ray was with their older brother and sister’s dad’s parents, known as Meemaw and Papaw.

Erin sighed. Her upset, defiant look melted as she leaned back and Grace cuddled her. Why won’t Mom pay attention?

Grace didn’t know if their mom, Jen, and dad of five months, Blake Hall – only Jen had changed her name when they married - had fought or what. She only knew it bugged Erin, too, when Jen ignored them and went off scouting guys.

We’ve said God gave me a special job, the young teen said tenderly as Erin turned and Grace stroked her waist-length auburn hair. You know to come to me if Mom’s not paying attention. Mom’s said that, too, huh?

Or you’ll come get me and make me behave, Erin said with a slight blush. Mom said even at school.

Grace agreed for Erin’s sake, although she had no clue how that would work. I know you’ll be good in first grade. You’ll make good friends, and you can help like Jimmy and I do because we follow Jesus.

Jimmy overheard the sisters during a break. Remember that girl at the school open house? he asked excitedly, referring to when Erin had gone to see her first grade classroom. Helping Erin seemed far easier than trying to be a team leader. That one girl’s one of the ones who couldn’t stop watching TV when Grace and Abby tried to visit.

Grace smiled thankfully at him. The girl had been so engrossed in a video game at open house, she hadn’t even noticed Erin. Grace prayed that they could share Jesus, but she wondered at times how anything positive could get done. Their mom’s attitude took a toll on her and Jimmy. Give us strength, Lord; being the only Christians at home is so hard, she prayed.

The strain showed as Grace rode to school. She didn’t enjoy the clean, fresh air streaming through the car windows. She simply gazed outward and muttered.

Her friend Abby Wilson smiled warmly beside her. It’ll be fine. We’ll get to know the new ninth graders from other schools pretty fast, and we’ll see our classmates. We’ll have lots of time to show and explain God’s love and forgiveness, Abby reminded her.

It’s a lot easier when you walk with confidence. You both know Jesus; He lives in each of you, Abby’s brother Ted, a senior, assured them. You can handle it. Be examples of Jesus’ love, and let God do the talking in the rough spots.

I worry high school turmoil will be even worse than my family’s, Grace mourned, shifting her backpack. Especially with Jessica’s stories, the fourteen-year-old said of her older sister, a junior. Talk about spiritual warfare. Oh, thanks for the ride. See; I couldn’t even remember to say that, she lamented as she turned away from the window.

Abby tried to encourage her to forget her insecurity. You still said it. Let’s think about good stuff. Does Jimmy still like football? You said his old coach moved ‘cause of work, Abby asked to distract her best friend.

Yeah, she murmured as they arrived. She didn’t want to get into his concerns. This is a whole new world, Grace considered as Abby’s reminded her to pray.

Jimmy rode to school with Erin. Their parents had said Erin shouldn’t ride the bus to protect others’ sanity. The sixth grader held Erin’s hand as they entered the school. You’ll behave better than Mom and Dad think; right? he asked.

You bet.

Jimmy knew his leadership was crucial. Jen and Blake got too wrapped up in their own problems sometimes. So, he prayed, Lord, Erin needs Grace and me. We’re the only ones at home who follow you. I’m thankful you live in me, Lord, and for your unconditional love. Show me what to say.

We love you no matter what, and more than you can imagine. You know we’ll help you behave like you should.

Erin nodded sheepishly. She behaved well at school; her mom’s issues led to problems outside, though.

Still, Erin had not only begun to want to be really good, she also wanted to help others. Once Grace grew closer to Jesus, she – and, through her example, others – had given Erin many more positive messages than before.

She looked expectantly at Jimmy and whispered, Can I really help teach people about Jesus like Grace and you?

Sure, Jimmy said with a smile. It takes a while for people to trust Jesus to save them, though, he cautioned.

Like a few days?

Jimmy laughed. No, more like with Craig. It had been months before he trusted in Christ. He was now in college. Just be a good friend. Remember, Craig saw we were different and wanted to be like us, The warning bell rang. I love you.

They embraced warmly as Erin said, I love you, too. She heard it more from their mom than she used to; Grace and Jimmy had encouraged Jen to show it. She also heard it from her new dad, who was husband… what number was it again? Still, she sensed Grace’s and Jimmy’s affection was special.

Ted ran into Grace and Abby after school. Say, can you guys wait? I’ve got a quick baseball team meeting.

Sure, meet us in 131. He nodded and left. I want to see that Christian club the one kid mentioned, Grace said as they gathered books and closed their lockers.

I knew students could run those if there was no staff help. But, I thought Jessica would have mentioned it, Abby said.

You know her, Grace said of Jessica. If it’s not about boys, fashion, or celebrities, it’s not important to her.

Abby understood. I just thought she’d taunt about it, or make fun of it somehow.

Grace mulled it over as Abby looked for and found a paper she wasn’t sure she’d gotten from her locker. I guess she could. Still, Jessica and her friends are so inactive it’s not likely they’d know about activities.

True, they kid us when we say activities are important for college, huh? Abby said as they walked. Isn’t Kenny’s party today after practice?

Yeah. He doesn’t have much family support; they’re nice but I’m glad Jimmy’s got him coming to learn about Jesus.

How do you think Erin will behave? She noticed Grace’s somber sigh. That bad, huh?

She’s using Mom and Dad fighting to get her way. Abby compassionately patted her shoulder. It’s like she has to be sure this sister, Grace spouted, pointing at herself, who she called ‘Mommy’ once will always love her unconditionally. She could have been testing my reaction by calling me that, like your parents say. Still, she sees I’m different than Mom. She should know from other times how I’ll be. Unless Jessica’s teasing has her convinced I’ve been harsher. Grace smiled apologetically. Sorry, I ramble about that, huh?

You have every right to. Your mom makes it hard. But, you’ve said she’s a lot better. Not as negative, showing more love, making sure others sense it even when she disciplines, stuff like that, Abby consoled her. Some unsaved people are really nice. She’s improving. She hasn’t trusted Jesus to save her from her sins so she doesn’t have that personal relationship with Him to help her. But, God’s at work.

Grace smiled as they went down a corridor. I know we help, but part of me still wants Mom and Dad always there for us emotionally. When they married, it seemed okay. Now? They do whatever they want at times. With Jessica’s love for celebrities she might enjoy thinking she’s in some confused one’s family, Grace quipped, but I wish they were better.

Abby chuckled at the joke, glad her friend wasn’t as aggravated as she’d have gotten before meeting Jesus. You’ve always got mine to lean on.

Thanks. There are hints of it getting like with Mom’s long string of guys, when Erin drove Mom crazy at times to get attention. Mom ignored so much good, while trying everything to get her to behave. All I know is, I worry it’ll hurt Ray a lot more than it did then. Although, even if Mom got carried away a bit a few tiems, it was never much. And, if she felt out of control she let one of us handle Erin and Ray, Grace finished in an attempt to focus on the good things about her mom.

And, she was willing. Abby stopped near a door, which forced Grace to copy. Sure, it’s frustrating, but you’re right. She knows when she needs help, like when Jimmy encouraged her not to allow something bad at Craig’s graduation so she’d be sure to say ‘no.’ She always turned to someone else if she felt out of control. She’s good otherwise, too, Abby concluded.

Thanks. You’re right; I should see the positive. Plus, I can help a lot more because we’re so proactive now. Grace was grateful. Abby had always helped her see good in things, even before Grace trusted Jesus to save her. Being proactive means more work, and I wish I could relax with no problems. But, now that I know the Lord, He helps me through it all when I trust Him to. Even before I knew Him, He lovingly worked and put me where I could learn to call on Him.

Your mom was so nice with Davey, too, Abby related. He’d visited Blake and the others from California in July, and come with his mom for a weekend before then.

True; if she worries… They’d arrived, so Grace gladly forewent further discussion of that concern.

Once they got inside, they were hit with another problem.

This is a Christian club? Grace asked rhetorically. Did we hear the wrong room number?

Another student overheard. We’re trying to draw more people than if we were just Christian.

Abby saw a statue that didn’t seem to belong in a Christian club. I can see if you invite others for Bible study, but a Christian club should be led by followers of Christ; that’s the Biblical definition of a Christian.

That is one popular definition, a boy conceded.

Grace spoke candidly. That’s like saying an animal with four legs that moos is a popular definition of a cow. A Christian club is where you focus on Jesus.

The boy introduced himself. My name is Hassan. We wish to promote unity.

Grace scrunched her nose a bit; something seemed wrong.

Abby explained their goals. We want to pray and tell others about Jesus and His great love. You might see Jesus as a good man. We believe He is the Son of God.

She noticed their unease, so she explained.

Sonship is not physical, like the Arabic ‘Walad.’ In the Bible Sonship is like the Arabic ‘Ibn’ – Jesus is God, He became flesh and dwelt among us, fully God and fully man. Have you read the New Testament? Abby spoke respectfully.

No; that is very interesting, Hassan said politely.

As Abby and Hassan spoke, Grace felt miles out of her comfort zone. Talking with Barb and Kyle – Blake’s kids from a previous marriage who stayed every other weekend - had been one thing. They hadn’t believed in anything, so they believed, albeit reluctantly at first, after a while of sharing and showing Christ’s love. But, here? She really wanted to discuss this with Abby and her family before saying anything.

What is your name? Fatima asked.

Sorry, Grace Clark; this is my friend Abby Wilson.

Fatima said, Nice to meet you. We are interested in Chrislam; a merging of Christianity and Islam.

Lord, this doesn’t feel right. It’s a time I see how much I must rely on You. Please give me discernment about what to say, Grace prayed. To Fatima, she inquired, Do you believe in a personal relationship with God? Like, I prayed to Him this second about what to say, since this is so new to me.

No; I can’t see God wanting a relationship with us, Fatima explained.

That’s sad. Grace caught herself; she sensed the Spirit warning her to build up her relationship with Him, not tear others down. Sorry, I’m not putting you down. It’s just if I didn’t have my relationship with Jesus, who lives in me, I wouldn’t know what to do. My family has lots of turmoil. He gets me through so much; He’s always there for me.

I’m sorry you family has such turmoil, Fatima added.

It’s nice that you have a way to help you, the first student said. I suppose our ideas are rather different.

Grace agreed completely.

As they discussed other things, Grace began to worry. Would they be able to do any good here? And yet, could they form their own club or, if they did, get any member?

Ted came for them, so Grace and Abby said goodbye and left to do homework before going to Kenny’s party. Grace hoped things were settling with Erin; she feared a big battle here.

I know you want to be a leader; and that’s great, Coach Williams remarked, looking Jimmy in the eye.

I just want our team to stop fighting, Jimmy mourned.

His mom scouting guys during practice didn’t help. He wanted to keep an eye on Erin and Ray with jen preoccupied. Yet, a number of things distracted him. One in Los Angeles – despite assurances – really unsettled him, in fact.

Why should we listen to you? one boy yelled angrily as Jimmy tried to separate him and another scuffling teammate.

Jimmy almost defended himself, but he recalled that God resisted the proud, and gave grace to the humble. He was so glad to have God’s Word in his heart to use anytime.

I’m not saying it for myself. God’s Word says we should never take our anger out on others, Jimmy said pointedly.

Williams appraised Jimmy as he tried to reason with his teammates. He was still getting to know these kids after the old coach had moved away. He sensed courage, which he found important in an athlete. Plus, Jimmy was polite in asking to help, so much better than the way some demanded things. He hadn’t made it personal, either. True, the coach wanted to talk to these kids; it seemed like there was a lot of fighting on the team. Still, it was good to encourage Jimmy’s leadership.

That’s the kind of standing up to someone I like, he told Jimmy once he’d made his point to the others. Although, you should offer a solution when you can. I hope you show that much guts on the field, he declared. There’s where they’ll believe you; once they see you’re genuine, the coach said.

Jimmy complied, but during their next water break, two other distractions surfaced. Erin got rowdy during the time when younger kids were allowed on the practice field for a short time. Not only that, but who was this pretty girl?

Jimmy grinned. He’d never seen… wait. Had she been at recess? He’d been pretty busy playing kickball.

He walked a few steps toward her. Hey, he said shyly. Are you watching someone?

Sophie giggled. Yeah, you, she said. Jimmy was dazed. Your little sister invited my sister and me to the party.

I’m glad. Jimmy tried to get his mind off her intensely dreamy gaze. He thought she looked nice, and, she clearly thought he did. But, who was she? And, why would Erin invite them? Do you like football? he asked.

Kinda. You’re cuter with your helmet off.

Jimmy wasn’t sure how to react to having a fan; having such a pretty one was even trickier. So, he resorted to humor. I’d hate to see a guy who looked better with his helmet on. Her joyful laugh delighted him. What’s your name?

She answered, Sophia, but I go by Sophie. She was a year behind him, and would be eleven in October.

Suddenly a cacophony of noise erupted, leaving him no time to talk. However, it lacked the familiar whistle signaling the resumption of practice. He turned his attention to the field, frustrated. Erin, what are you doing? he clamored as he thrust on his dark green helmet.

Erin was using bottled up energy – partly from candy and pop - to tackle and throw things like crazy. Ray had joined her. She insisted on playing like the other kids – kids who were a lot bigger and in pads. It reminded him of the chaos in their house just after he’d trusted Christ as Saviour. Lord, what do I do?

Coach Williams was irritated. Who are those kids? he shouted. He thought he’d seen them a time or two, but he didn’t see Jen, and others had been with them at times..

Mom got distracted; I’ll get them, Jimmy hollered from the field. He hid his frustration, realizing that this was what their coach had meant by showing leadership. And yet, he wasn’t sure how he could stop her. She was quite elusive.

The young players were shocked – why was he chasing Ray? Hey, your sister’s the more powerful one, one teammate cried out. Another screamed, You have to catch the leader!

I know what I’m doing, Jimmy retorted as he chased Ray amid exasperated shouts. He hoped it was true.

He called toward Erin and Ray, Remember, I said we play too rough. It’s not like in the yard. He was far less physical roughhousing with the younger ones.

I don’t care. I want to play, Erin said as she plowed into another player using her shoulder. She vividly recalled Jimmy’s stern warnings never to use her head to hit.

Even with no pads, she was getting more muscular. She knocked the off-guard player over. Hey, you think you’re a pro or something? he shouted as he rose.

The nuttiest pro wouldn’t wear hair to their waist like her, his friend said.

The boys tried to remain calm as Erin’s adrenaline rush drove them crazy. Some tickled her, but most glared while trying to avoid her in what became a disorganized game of tag. Those who didn’t know were told it was Jimmy’s sister.

The team was united in calling on him to end the mess quickly. He knew they’d be very upset if he couldn’t deliver.

Jen turned from where she’d been flirting and growled. I told you to play nice while I check out guys, she screamed as she suddenly noticed the commotion.

Coach Williams rolled his eyes and told an assistant, "I see what he