Secrets Revealed: Banquet of Forgiveness Trilogy

By E.M. Bennett

Every family has secrets. Will Jandra McLain trust the Lord enough to reveal hers to her family, or will she keep silent to spare herself grief and embarrassment?

Secrets Revealed is about a family that endures real-life issues such as anger, assault, and being judgmental. It's about a grandmother, Jandra McLain, who loves Jesus a

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Aug 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781637695272

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Banquet of Forgiveness Trilogy

Secrets Revealed

by

E. M. Bennett

Secrets Revealed

Trilogy Christian Publishers A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive Tustin, CA 92780

Copyright © 2021 by E. M. Bennett

Cover design by: Natalee Dunning

All scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without written permission from the author. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

Rights Department, 2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, CA 92780.

Trilogy Christian Publishing/TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN: 978-1-63769-526-5

E-ISBN: 978-1-63769-527-2

First and foremost, I give glory and praise to Jesus Christ, my Lord,

and to my parents, who made this possible.

Chapter One

It was a beautiful sunny, yet slightly chilly, fall morning when the phone call came, Mom, I need your help. Jandra McLain had heard her daughter’s voice like this numerous times. It was panic, anger, irritation, all mixed into one. Sometimes it came with slurring, but it was a little too early for that.

Good morning, Abby. What’s going on? Jandra knew that was a loaded question. With Abigail McLain, it could be a hundred things. It’s Trista. All she does is back talk to me, and she gives me her attitude. I can’t take it anymore. She fights with her brother and won’t help me with the baby. She does nothing I say.

I see, said Jandra remembering Abby’s stubbornness as a preteen, what would you like me to do?

Take her. Maybe if she stays with you for a while, I can get things done around here.

And there it was. The answer to most of Abby’s problems:

It wasn’t her fault; it was someone else’s. It was usually Doug’s, her ex-boyfriend and only daddy her children know. Abby and the kids lived with Doug and had for years. They all called him dad, but he had never fathered one child. An amazing man who Jandra said had a Hosea heart. Tall, sandy blonde hair, nice looking man, favorably attractive by most women. Yet Abby didn’t see him as most women did. She saw him as someone she wanted to control. He allowed her to take the lead in many areas of their lives, but not when it came to providing safety and security for the children. Surely, he had his own problems, but he loved Abigail so much he provided a roof over her and her children’s heads. He accepted her promiscuity and raised those children like they were his own. Perhaps that was his problem: taking responsibility for the dead-beat men Abby was drawn to.

Sometimes it was Albert, her latest boyfriend, who was the biological father of the newest baby, Paisley. She was not quite a year old yet. Albert was a thin, dark-haired drunk who brought out the worst in Abby. But she vowed her love to him. Their relationship was toxic, a train wreck about to happen. Everyone could see it, except for Abby. Albert had no morals, no values, just his drive to consume his next drink. And if he was irritated by anything, he easily became angry, and it was Abby’s fault. No job, no Christian values, no future goals, not many friends, and no family anyone knew of—he was a loner with a grudge. Against what? No one knew.

Or Rus, (Rusty Arnold), the biological father of Trent. Trent was a smart boy, almost eight years old, and Abby was in a child custody war with Rus. How many times were her problems about old Rusty? Too many to count.

No, this time, it was about Trista, Abby’s nearly sixteen-year-old daughter. Her biological father was unknown, just a random stranger. The only daddy she had ever known was Doug, and she was daddy’s girl.

Jandra, an obvious older image of her daughter Abby, quickly allowed images of Abby’s past mistakes to run through her mind. Letting out an obvious sigh, she considered her daughter’s request.

Okay, Abby, let’s say I take her. What does that really mean? She visits me for a month, then goes home?

No, she’ll live with you. I can’t deal with her anymore.

Jandra knew there was more to it. There always was. But no matter what, she loved her grandchildren and would do anything for them.

Okay, Jandra agreed, I’ll come to pick her up in about two weeks. But once I pick her up, I’m not driving back. I’m too old to be driving 1,100+ miles alone. Call me next week to confirm this is really happening.

Okay, Mom. Thanks. I love you.

Of course, Abby did this day. Jandra offered to help her out without any argument.

I love you too, Abby. See you all soon.

Jandra hung up and prayed. That, she realized, was the only answer to any problem. Not blame, but prayer.

Jandra went into one of her spare rooms, which she used as her prayer closet, noticing the changes she would have to make prior to Trista’s arrival. She sat down on the chair she had ordered to complete this room as an office. Change is inevitable, she thought as she grabbed her Bible. Silently, she prayed, asking the Lord for wisdom.

"Lord, how many mistakes and bad choices have I made?

How many tears did my parents cry for me? My daughter’s a mess, Lord. Like You did for me, turn her mess into a message for Your glory. In Christ’s name, amen."

Jandra’s parents were both still alive, each claiming they were close and ready to go home to Jesus. At least they would be able to spend time with their first great-grandchild. Jandra decided to keep them from Abby’s truth of not being able to handle Trista anymore. Jandra didn’t want their last thoughts of her daughter to be a letdown. There was already too much disappointment they had all suffered through. This was going to be positive no matter what. God had not let her down in the past, and she didn’t believe He would start now.

Sizing up the room, she decided she would turn it into a bedroom with a studying area for Trista. She was still in school, and ever since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, she did her schooling online. This had been promising for a lot of school-age children once they found the most productive homeschooling. Jandra would turn her desk into a computer table with all Trista would need. This was an old redwood desk that had been her grandmother’s and passed down through the generations. Maybe she would leave a Bible in one of the drawers. Jandra was not going to let Trista live life without meeting Jesus properly. They all knew Jandra was a Christian and strong in her faith. But sometimes, Abby would dismiss Grandma’s beliefs as just that. That’s only what Grandma believes; she doesn’t know for sure, was Abby’s response to most of what Jandra said. God, forgive her unbelief, Jandra prayed out loud at the thought of her daughter.

Maybe new paint. Trista had followed Jandra’s footsteps and had begun painting pictures on canvas. Perhaps she should let Trista decide on the color of her new room. It had been a long time since Jandra raised a teenager, and she wanted to do it right this time. She felt in her heart that the Lord was giving her a second chance at it. Sort of a do-over. Yes, this would be Jandra’s do-over.

Two weeks went by quickly. Phoenix, Arizona, was where she had to drive to pick up Trista. A little over 1,100 miles to bring her back from Arizona to Diamond Lake, Oregon. Jandra planned on making it a fun, educational trip, with one overnight stay in Shasta County, California. All Jandra needed to do was ask her friend Neil Sheppard to take care of the animals she helped and feed her dogs. He would gladly help her out and keep an eye on her place.

Jandra had a heart for animals. She would set out apples for the deer and made sure to have a small garden of daylilies, roses, and pansies. It was like a banquet for deer. She didn’t mind: seeing them enjoy it made Jandra happy. She would also set out a bowl of mixed nuts for the raccoons. Neil made a little wooden stand he nailed high in a tree so the deer couldn’t reach it. Raccoons would climb the tree at night and eat the large nuts, while various birds would eat the smaller nuts by day. Neil knew her routine and where she kept everything, so Jandra had complete faith he would handle it.

Neil loved her three dogs: Winston, the two-year-old Rottweiler; Brucy, the three-and-a-half-year-old St. Bernard; and Admiral, the

four-year-old Doberman Pincher. Three large dogs, each very loving to Jandra and very frightening to strangers. As a woman living alone in the mountains, these three were extremely protective. Neil also lived on her seventy-acre property in his large fifth wheel. He was her friend, personal handyman, and another source of protection if needed. Neil never married and had no desire to. He was a strong, handsome man with thick black and grey hair. His salt-and-pepper look was quite a distinguishing appeal. He dated many women in his younger days, but now just a couple of years older than Jandra, he decided to settle down on Jandra’s land where he could build his relationship closer with Jesus and help his friend who needed him the most.

Jandra was very fortunate to have inherited this property and house from an elderly Christian widow she used to take care of for six years until she passed. Having no living relatives and no children of her own, this woman saw Jandra as a daughter. Unbeknownst to Jandra, Judith Mellon added her as a sole beneficiary in her will. Knowing how much Judith loved animals, too, Jandra swore to make this property welcoming to all animals.

Jandra figured it would be a quick trip, maybe a week at most. She would be able to visit all her grandkids and load up Trista’s things. Doug would be the hardest for Trista to leave. But Jandra would be sure to make a plan for Doug to come up and visit, maybe even bring the other kids.

Early the next morning, Jandra was driving toward Arizona to pick up Trista. She was both excited and apprehensive. Two days prior, Abby called to confirm Jandra’s upcoming arrival.

You’re still coming to get her, right, Mom? Jandra couldn’t be sure, but it sounded like pure disgust in her voice.

Yes, I’ll be there. I can’t wait to see you all, she said happily.

Good. Trista is all packed up with her clothes, laptop, school stuff, paint stuff, everything, Abby blurted, then said, She really needs to go. Mom, she’s so out of control, I hope you can do something with her.

Jandra sighed and said, She’ll be fine. God has a plan.

Focusing her eyes on the road, Jandra turned on the radio. The song Good, Good Father was playing. She smiled and said, Father God, You are good. I’m going to need a lot of help. I think You know that. This is a chapter in my life I’m not really prepared for. It’s like a volcano about to erupt, and I don’t know what to do or where to go. I never needed more wisdom than now. She drove a few more miles when a thought came to her.

It’s not so much wisdom that you need; it’s silent, gentle understanding.

Just then, a Don Moen song, God Will Make a Way, flooded her SUV. Singing along, Jandra knew: no better words

of encouragement could have come than those.

Even though it was fall season, the Arizona sun was shining bright with all its warmth. Looking at the desert layout with many Joshua trees, cacti of all shapes, Jandra knew she was almost there. She rolled down her window and hoped Abby’s air conditioner was working. Jandra was smart to stay overnight in Hawthorn, Nevada, her halfway mark. Now she was finishing up the remainder of her trip with about twenty minutes to go. She realized Shasta would be too far to drive in one trip. She would stop in Nevada and stay the night again on her way home with Trista. Jandra would plan on eating in Shasta for the sight, not staying overnight. Plans are always subject to change, she reminded herself.

Jandra turned up the remaining road to Abby’s house. She pulled in the driveway way, and young Trent ran out screaming, Grandma’s here! Opening her car door, the little blonde boy hugged his grandma before she could get out.

Jandra embraced him and said, Trent, you’ve gotten so big! But you’re still Grandma’s baby boy. She covered him in kisses.

Come see my room! he shouted and ran toward the front door, but Jandra wanted to unload her suitcase first.

Walking up to the front of the house, Abby came out holding the baby. Oh, my goodness, is that Paisley? Hello pretty girl, Jandra said while leaning over to give Abby and then the baby a kiss. Jandra noticed Abby’s golden-brown hair was much longer than the last time she saw her at Paisley’s birth. She also noticed that Paisley’s darker brown hair was not even long enough for baby barrettes and that she had big beautiful hazel eyes, like hers.

Hi Mom, Abby said while taking Jandra’s suitcase and handing her Paisley, how was your trip?

Jandra responded, It was long, hot, but nice overall. Great scenery.

Did you take lots of pictures like you always do? Abby sounded sarcastic when she asked.

No, not this time. Maybe on the way home.

Abby blurted, That’s perfect, make Trista go through that. Abby laughed and walked into the house.

Speaking of Trista, where is she? Jandra walked in and noticed all of the suitcases and boxes. Obviously, Trista’s.

Hi, Grandma, came a forlorn-sounding voice. Jandra turned around, saw the young beauty, and smiled.

Trista, you are more beautiful than ever. How are you, honey? Jandra grabbed Trista and hugged her. She looked just like Abby when she was that age, with flowing golden light brown hair.

I’m good.

They hugged for a moment, then Trent came downstairs yelling, Grandma, come see my room! She kissed Trista on the head then said, Okay, let me put the baby down.

What baby, Trista? he teased.

Putting Paisley down, Jandra said, No, Paisley, silly. But Trista is and always will be my baby. But she can walk on her own; I don’t need to carry her. She smiled and thought, Or do I, Lord?

Jandra came back downstairs after seeing a car-filled boy’s room. She went into the kitchen and accepted the coffee Abby poured for her, then asked, So, Abby, what’s really going on here? That was the beginning of an hour-long saga.

Abby told her mom how Trista was hateful toward her concerning her relationship with Albert and how she didn’t help out with the baby, and how she picked on Trent for no reason, wouldn’t do her schoolwork, hung out with girls Abby didn’t care for, wouldn’t mind Abby, etc., etc.

Choosing her words very carefully, Jandra said, Well, Abby, she’s almost sixteen. You remember when you were that age. You didn’t mind either. You often yelled at me, Grandma, and Grandpa for no real reason— and before Jandra could finish her sentence, Abby loudly interrupted, saying, Oh, I had reason, Mom, or are you choosing to forget?

Jandra knew where Abby was going but chose to deflate this worn-out balloon before it filled with hot air and popped!

You’re right, honey, let’s not argue. I’m only here for a day or two: let’s make the best of this visit.

Jandra thought of the Lord’s words in Matthew to agree quickly with your adversary.¹ This Jandra would try to do, but she didn’t welcome the thought of her own daughter being her adversary.

Abby agreed and changed the subject. About ten minutes later, Doug walked in. Mom’s here! he yelled his familiar greeting.

Hi, Doug, you look great! Jandra said as she gave Doug a hug. I like how the house looks—

Oh, that’s because of me. I’m always fixing things up around here, Abby cut Jandra off, interrupting. She then said, Doug doesn’t do anything around here. In fact, it’s Albert who gives me all of the great ideas.

Jandra could feel her jaw tighten as she realized Abby was in a mood to argue. She knew she had to defuse this.

So, kids, should we go out and eat somewhere? Jandra asked. Doug suggested getting pizza, and Jandra said, That sounds good. You call, and I’ll pay. Get two larges for all of us. And that seemed to change the mood for the next twenty-four hours.

Jandra loved holding Paisley and watching her explore things. She brought them all gifts and loved how excited they got, especially when she handed Trista a camera. Jandra explained that that was how she found objects to paint. Then Trista said, Grandma, will you teach me more about painting?

Of course, I will. We’ll have so much fun finding the perfect things to paint. Neil built me a little painting studio. You’ll love it.

And with that, Trista no longer dreaded having to leave.

Trent loved the new hot rod Grandma bought him. He said it was way better than the one old man Rusty gave him. Jandra felt for Trent. He had no idea why he had to see this old man and was even more confused that he had to stay overnight every so often. It wasn’t Jandra’s place to explain it to him, but she promised she would explain everything when he was older and able to understand grown-up things. Jandra felt like a liar because she still didn’t understand some grown-up things.

Overall, it was a nice evening with lots of laughs. Jandra made sure to take a lot of pictures of everyone and a few videos so that she could share them with her mom and dad. They were upset that they couldn’t travel the distance. So Jandra would try to bring the distance to them. They would see all of their great-grandchildren if she could help it.

Trista said goodbye to her friends on the phone and talked alone with her dad. Doug was a great dad to these kids. Jandra still didn’t understand why Abby seemed to despise Doug so much. But that wasn’t a battle for her to fight. She was there to help rescue Trista, and that was what she’d do. Although deep down inside, Jandra knew it was really Abigail who needed rescuing, not Trista. But rescuing from what? Men? Herself?

Jandra and Doug agreed on a plan for Doug to come up and visit in a couple of months as they loaded Jandra’s SUV for their trip back to Oregon in the morning. Once they went inside, Jandra spent the rest of the evening talking with Abby. They discussed Trista’s medical insurance in case of an emergency. Abby explained how Trista’s online schooling went, and she just rambled on at how disrespectful Trista was.

Trying not to start an argument with Abby, Jandra humbly tried to say, Abigail, you are my only daughter and will always be my number one baby. I love you so much, but I tend to upset you a lot. I just want to say to you that I’m always here for you and will always be here for my grandchildren. I know I made a lot of mistakes in the past, but I spend my life trying to right my wrongs. Please forgive me for any hurt I have caused you over the years.

Jandra teared up, then Abby exploded, You want me to forgive you? Why? I’m sending Trista with you as a punishment. She will have to deal with your God-stuff, and you will have to deal with her rudeness. Punishment for you both! You both deserve it.

Jandra knew her daughter was hurting, but it wasn’t solely because she had been a bad mother. She was a mother now and should understand how frustrating things can get. No, her daughter was confused about something in her life, and Jandra was given enough godly wisdom to know the battle is the Lord’s and not hers. She stood up and went to the couch she had been sleeping on. Her mind was spinning as she wondered how long she would have to put up with Abby’s ignorant accusations and her anger. How many times must I apologize for my past? Will my daughter ever forgive me? How long will my heart be broken?

Good night, Abby; I need to get some sleep. Four a.m. comes early in the morning.

Jandra laid there, trying not to sniffle loudly. She let the tears in her eyes just fall onto the pillow. Silently, she prayed, Jesus, I don’t know how to pray for Abby or myself. Please give me rest tonight and a safe drive tomorrow. Most of all, forgive Abby. Jandra closed her eyes and drifted into a peaceful sleep.

All the while upstairs, Abby was lying awake, wondering how her mom could forget everything she had done. Everything she had put her through. How did her mom not understand how lonely she had been? How lonely she still was? Why, if there really was a God, didn’t He help her out? Why didn’t anyone care about her? Why was she stuck with Doug, and why did her children hate her? She tossed and turned until the alarm to wake up Trista went off. She laid a few minutes more, realizing her mom and oldest daughter were going to leave in a few moments and how they both couldn’t wait to go.

The baby and Trent were asleep, so Jandra quietly kissed them both on the head and asked Abby to tell them that she loved them and hoped to see them soon. Trista welled up as she kissed Doug goodbye, and Jandra did likewise when she gave him a hug. She hugged and kissed Abby and said she’d call when they made it to Oregon. Trista hugged her mom and sadly said goodbye. Then, like two wounded birds, they got into the packed SUV, buckled up, and Jandra said a quick prayer for safety on the road.

They slowly waved goodbye as they headed down the driveway.

Well, kiddo, it’s just us. You can sleep, choose from my CDs if you want, tell me to stop if you see something you want to get a picture of, tell me when you need a potty break or when you’re hungry. It’s up to you. I’m just driving.

Jandra smiled as she turned on the radio that still got reception in that area. God Only Knows was the song filling the atmosphere. Jandra noticed Trista