The Paths We Walk: Bridges

By Felicia Ferguson

Jess, Delia, Anne, and Lindsay have returned to Fairhope, Alabama, filled with hope and inspiration. But the paths of life are rarely straight, and the insights they gained at the retreat in Seaside, Florida, will be tested.
Within weeks of breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, Mitch, Jess catches the eye of a doctor who has the main quality Mitch lacked: a Christian faith. As she takes the tentative steps to get to know him, she questions if his faith will be enough to offset his past.
Delia started a long distance relationship with Max, the South Carolina native she met at the retreat. As their romantic relationship grows, their commitment to follow a godly path risks a head-on collision with that powerful emotion called lust.
Annes thirteen-year-old daughter, Kelsie, experiences her own rush of hormones threatening the recent peace between mother and daughter. Can Anne and her husband, Ted, teach Kelsie to build relationships based on godly principles?
While love is in bloom for the others, Lindsay and Johns marriage strains under the increasing dominance of work over faith and family. Will their best intentions trump Gods right order?
As new relationships are built and established ones begin to crack, the ladies will need to lean on God more than ever. Where will He lead them? How will they seek Him along the way?
Their stories are our stories. Their journeys are our journeys. Come join them on The Paths We Walk.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 30, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512799071

Book preview

Chapter 1

Wednesday, October 7

Anne Greeley closed the door to her daughter Kelsie’s seventh grade homeroom. Behind her and through the glass pane sat the girl’s teacher, Mrs. Watkins. The older woman had just delivered two items of information about Kelsie, one gratifying and the other concerning. Anne wished her husband, Ted, had stayed home from his ophthalmology conference so he could have heard the news himself.

The parent-teacher conference had opened with Mrs. Watkins’ concern about Kelsie’s grades. The older, stern faced veteran of the public-school system had seen a great deal in her time. But Anne was certain she’d never met a parent who was pleased to hear her child’s grades were dropping. Anne had explained Kelsie’s work was a better representation of her skills. Over the last few weeks, Anne had eased back on her helicopter parenting. She no longer finished Kelsie’s homework or kept track of when her assignments were due. If Kelsie didn’t complete her work or missed deadlines, it was up to her to take responsibility for the lapse and her grades would reflect her level of attention. Anne had added that she’d realized doing everything for Kelsie wasn’t beneficial in the long run.

Mrs. Watkins was mollified by the explanation and agreed with their current course. But then, she delivered news that had sent a shiver up Anne’s spine: boy craziness would be invading the Greeley household. The teacher went on to describe Kelsie’s day dreamy stare at a boy who sat across the room from her during Social Studies. She remarked that other teachers had noticed the same behavior in their classes.

Anne had known the day would come from her own adolescent experience, but she had had the vain hope it would wait a few more years. Ted’s musings earlier in the week as he looked over two of Kelsie’s tests must have been prophetic. He’d wondered if there were any other reasons their daughter’s grades might be dropping. Taking in a fortifying breath, Anne pulled out her phone and dashed off a quick text to him.

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She didn’t expect an immediate reply given he’d said he would be in a session until later that night. As she slid her phone back in her purse, Anne said, Boys. Dating. Kelsie. Oh, Lord, help!

*~*~*

That evening, Lindsay Davenport lay sandwiched between her daughters, Ellery and Abigail, on Ellery’s twin bed. She cradled their favorite Bible story book in her lap. It lay open to the chapter on young David and his battle with Goliath. The girls were captivated by the artful watercolor drawings as she read the text. David found five smooth stones in the river bed and tucked them into his sack. She lowered her voice a bit to add to the excitement of the story, then said, He carefully walked toward the battlefield. Goliath, the Philistine giant, was not only huge, but he was also covered in armor. All of the Israelite soldiers were shaking in their sandals. Not David. He was very brave, but his bravery came from knowing God was with him and would give him victory over Goliath.

She paused for a moment and glanced as best as she could at the tops of the girls’ heads. Do either of you know what it means to be brave? she asked. She felt Ellery’s answering shrug. Abigail risked her precarious perch on the side of the bed and tried to look up at her mother.

I think it’s when you do something you’re really scared to do.

Lindsay squeezed her oldest daughter. That’s exactly right, Abigail! she said. Now, do you remember a time when you were brave?

Abigail was quiet and Lindsay could feel her serious consideration of the question. After a few moments, Lindsay asked, What about when you lost your first tooth? Do you remember how it was really loose, but wasn’t ready to fall out? And you told Daddy you wanted him to pull it out?

I ’member, Mommy! Ellery said.

You do not! Abigail shot back, miffed that she couldn’t recall the scene.

Do so! I ’member ’cause all the blood that came out with it! It was icky!

Oh, yeah! Abigail said. She beamed and added, But the Tooth Fairy gave me two dollars and left me a note. Said she was proud of me for letting Daddy pull it out with the tooth floss!"

That’s because you were very brave, Abigail, Lindsay said. It’s really scary to lose your first tooth because you don’t know if it’s going to hurt or what it’ll feel like afterward.

What about a time when you were brave, Mommy? Ellery asked.

Lindsay nodded her head knowing there were several answers she could give them. However, the question was the perfect segue to her upcoming return to work. Well, I’m about to have to be very brave here in a couple of days.

Why? Abigail asked.

Well, remember how we talked a while ago about you and Ellery being in school now and how I needed something to do while you were there? Lindsay could feel Ellery’s shoulders tense a bit under the crook of her arm. Lindsay offered her a reassuring squeeze. Well, Mommy is going back to work and she’s kind of worried about how it’ll change our family.

It’s gonna change our family? Abigail asked, her concern trumping her curiosity.

Yes, because Mommy isn’t always going to be able to pick you up from school or take you to dance class.

Why not? Ellery’s question was just shy of a wail.

You know you have to be at school for certain hours, right? Well, Mommy will have certain hours she’ll need to be at work. Before either girl could get a word in edgewise, Lindsay soothed their concerns as best she could. Gigi is going to help out a bit and Daddy is going to stay at home sometimes instead of going to the base. So, while it may be a bit bumpy until we get the hang of it, it’ll work out. We just all have to be brave like David.

But David was brave because God made him that way, Abigail said. Did God make you brave to go back to work?

Lindsay nodded as her thoughts returned to the Courtyard Chapel where the Holy Spirit revealed the source of her fear about returning to work. It all traced back to choosing against her father’s wishes for college and career and his devastating disappointment in her. Thanksgiving for the revelation welled in her as she squeezed both girls. He certainly did.

A moment later, Ellery asked, Will He make us brave?

I have no doubt God can do anything. Especially helping little girls be brave. Lindsay heard the squeak of a floorboard a second before John stuck his head around the corner of the door jamb.

Did I miss the goodnight kisses? he asked. A goofy grin curled his lips as he made faces at his girls.

No, Daddy, Abigail said with a giggle, then continued, but you did miss the story about David and being brave and Mommy telling us we all had to be brave when she went back to work!

Oh, I did? John asked, the smile on his lips dimmed.

Lindsay could hear the undercurrent of pique in her husband’s voice and knew she had overstepped. She watched John as he settled on the foot of the bed and shot him an apologetic look. Yes, we just finished talking about how Abigail was brave when you pulled her tooth and the girls asked about a time when I had been brave. I told them about how I’m going back to work now that they are in school and how I have to be brave. I also said your mom is going to help out and you’ll be staying at home a few days a week rather than going to the base. I think we’ve all decided, while it’ll take a bit of getting used to, this will be a good change.

John glanced at each of the girls. Lindsay prayed he’d give them the reassurance they still needed. That’s right, girls, he said after a moment. Everything is going to be just fine. He sent a speaking glance in her direction and Lindsay knew the adult version of the conversation was forthcoming. But, when he turned his gaze back to the kids, he was his usual fun loving self. Now, who’s first for kisses? he asked as the girls bombarded him.

*~*~*

Anne lay in bed snuggled in her favorite nightgown, contacts out, glasses on, and reached for the book that lay on the night stand. Biblical Dating for Parents and Teens: What to Do Now That Your Child Has Begun to Notice the Opposite Sex. The title had caught her eye, but it was the confirmation she felt in her spirit that encouraged her to bring it home. With a steadying breath, she flipped to the introduction and began to read.

My first advice to you, parent, caregiver, guardian, is to breathe. It’s not the end of the world. It’s not the end of your family. It’s not even the end of your relationship with your child. Certainly, the dynamic will change as hormones begin to course through your child’s system at a seemingly rapid fire and unpredictable pace, but remember, you were once in her shoes. You survived your puberty so you’ll survive hers, even if you need a little hand holding and a lot of prayer to do so.

This book has been written with you as well as your child in mind. The chapters will have vital information to help you understand what is going on with her and how to walk her through this life change. We’ll discuss hormones, peer pressures, and ways to encourage her to follow God rather than the crowd. At the end of every chapter is a tear out worksheet called Truth Nuggets for Teens that you can use to discuss issues she’s currently facing or will face as she grows. These are even better for her than the chicken nuggets she loved as a little kid. They put dating into the context of biblical behavior and provide her a framework for the feelings that seem to change from moment to moment. As a bonus, they are written in non-confrontational big sister, teen friendly lingo and are perfect to pull out and talk about around the dinner table or in the car.

So, if you’re ready to embark—or even if you’re not—on this next journey with your child, turn to chapter one. I promise lots of helpful insights from a practical standpoint and biblically sound principles and guides. Any chocolate or ice cream is up to you to provide!

Anne winced at the thought of the tubs of ice cream she could go through before Kelsie’s eighteenth birthday. Before she could turn to chapter one, a ding sounded from her phone signaling an incoming text message. She smiled as her husband’s nickname appeared on the screen. Setting the book aside, she opened the text app and began to chat with him.

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With a sigh, Anne laid the phone back on the night stand and returned to her reading. Hmm… she mused. Chapter One…

Oh! Their Eyes Are So Blue! (Infatuation at First Homeroom Glance)

The brain is a mixed bag of chemicals that each play a role in how the body functions. As children begin to enter puberty, these chemicals seem to surge into high gear, ramping up to encourage the body to mature from childhood into adulthood, and lead to a dizzying combination of acne, mood swings, and bodily changes. Let’s put some names to the many faces of puberty.

Estrogen and Testosterone are the two gonadal steroid hormones that are responsible for the physical changes in your child’s body as it progresses through puberty, a process started by the onset of gonadarche (go-nad-ar-kee). Gonadarche begins around nine or ten years of age in girls and soon after that in boys. Physical changes to what are called the secondary sex organs are the first indication the process has begun. When do parents begin to recognize the change? When it’s time for the training bra or the larger sports cup. While these two hormones are primarily responsible for physical changes, they also play a role in behavior and brain development.

Anne scrunched her lips in disappointment. As a pharmaceutical rep for hormone replacement therapy products, she already knew plenty about dopamine and hormones and their effects on the brain. How she was supposed to deal with them was the question. She flipped through the pages of background until she reached a section entitled, So Enough with the Gobbledygook Already, What Do I Do? and smiled with relief.

So, what does all this mean in the context of faith and in providing a biblical foundation for dating? From the time of Adam and Eve, when the first hormones and neurotransmitters coursed through the first blood streams and neural pathways, God established His standard for romantic love relationships: marriage. However, He was less explicit about the road to get there.

But never fear, as we search the Scriptures, little gems begin to pop out: Proverbs 4:23 (NIV); 1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV); Proverbs 7 (NIV). In Proverbs 4:23, we are cautioned to guard our hearts because they are the wellspring of life. I can hear you saying, That’s all well and good, but what does that look like in practice? In the simplest terms, it means to set up boundaries. Teens should be encouraged to establish and practice a standard of behavior for themselves before they begin to date and then, when situations threaten to move past those standards, they will know without a second thought when to slam on the brakes.

In 1 Corinthians 6:18, Paul directs the reader to flee from sexual immorality because while all other sins are committed outside the body…whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. What Paul is really talking about here are soul ties. A soul tie is a connection that is formed either emotionally, spiritually, or physically with another person. These can certainly be healthy, but they can also be unhealthy, as is the case with premarital sex. A piece of our hearts is given in every relationship and—if it is a love relationship with a member of the opposite sex outside the bonds of marriage—it can lead to wounds that last long after the relationship has ended. Emotional or physical closeness without a lasting commitment will set a person up for a great deal of heartbreak. In Proverbs 7, Solomon also warns about the danger of establishing a relationship with a woman to whom the man is not married and cautions the man to be satisfied with his wife and not let his attention stray to another because it would be to his detriment.

I can hear you thinking, parent or caregiver, Wait a minute, my teen isn’t ready to get married, let alone to have sex! To that I respond, You are absolutely correct! But in the absence of the ritualistic courtship rules of old, how should teens be encouraged to behave in the area of dating? Dating should first and foremost be viewed as the attempt to simply get to know others on a deeper level. This is an opportunity to learn about their likes and dislikes, their personalities and talents. For Christians, this should also include learning how Jesus is represented and lives in them.

To that end, teens should be taught to look for opportunities to talk with and join in activities with the person who interests them to discover what it is—beyond the physical characteristics—that makes that person attractive. Does he have a good understanding of honor and how to serve others? Does she exhibit a caring attitude toward herself and others? These are qualities that may not drive the hormones, but they provide an excellent foundation for marriage, which is the love relationship God intended from the beginning.

Anne heaved a huge sigh. The book made dating seem so simple, but she knew Kelsie—like most teenagers—had a mind of her own. And there was no surefire guarantee the author’s suggestions wouldn’t backfire. She’d have to tread carefully—especially since she and Kelsie had gotten their relationship back on track. Switching her attention from Kelsie’s school work to her personal life could send the girl in the opposite direction of what Anne intended.

Anne turned off the light and pulled the covers over her shoulders. Moonlight streamed through the windows. Leaves cast shadow puppets on the wall. But uncertainty still bubbled inside her. Psalm 57:1 from the New King James Version of the Bible slipped into her spirit. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.

She couldn’t help but chuckle even as tears pricked her eyes. Thank you, God, she whispered. I will trust You to guide me and Ted and Kelsie through this time. She is Your child just as we are and You love her more than we ever could. Keep a watch over her as she grows into a woman, and keep me in Your peace. A wave of comfort coursed through her. Anne closed her eyes and slept.

*~*~*

Lindsay stood in front of the bathroom mirror brushing her teeth. The position afforded her a ready view of John as he tossed his clothes into the laundry hamper. She could tell by the set of his shoulders something was bothering him. While she had an idea as to the cause, she also knew it was much better to wait for him to find the words rather than press him. It didn’t take long.

He leaned back against his own sink, lower body clad in pajama bottoms, and crossed his arms against his T-shirted chest. He studied her for a moment then said, I thought we were going to tell them together.

Lindsay spit out her mouthful of toothpaste and swished a gulp of water before she answered. "I’m sorry. I know we’d talked about doing that, but the topic just came up naturally. I thought it would be better to keep it light and easy rather than stressing them out with a formal family talk."

John watched her as if trying to read any ulterior motive. A niggling thought pricked at her. Does he think I’m lying? He shook his head a moment later, easing her irritation though its sting lingered in the background.

Yeah, you’re right, he said. I’m just disappointed I wasn’t there to make sure they were okay with the news.

They know you love them, John, Lindsay said. She crossed the bathroom to slip her arms around him and felt his own rise on either side of her. Burrowing her face into his neck, she whispered, And I know you love me, too. The words hung between them, enjoining him to reassure her with their usual reply. She could feel his cheeks wrinkle into a smile and knew the tense moment had passed.

Forever and ever, amen, he answered on a sigh.

Chapter 2

Thursday, October 8

Delia felt the buzz on her arm before she heard the ring in her ear. Having finished her run, she walked the last few yards back to her house to cool down. She took a swig from her water bottle and tapped the button on her wireless earbuds to answer the call.

She winced as a harsh New York nasal resounded through her ear canals. Delia lowered the volume until the familiar tone reached a tolerable level. The voice’s owner, Maryann Whitmeyer, had wooed her away from the hard journalism world several years ago. Editor for a new travel magazine, she had sent a timely email when Delia was beginning to feel the burnout of a traditional newsroom. The jobs Maryann had thrown her way had been Delia’s bread and butter while she built her tourism based contacts. Even though Delia had accumulated a lengthy client list, Maryann’s magazine remained her number one writing gig.

Yet as often as they worked together, Delia could count on one hand the amount of personal information she knew about the woman. Maryann was a true professional to the core— dedicated to the work with little time for chit chat. As expected, the editor opened the phone call in her usual manner, concerned about the timeline for the Charleston story and the logistics of getting it completed.

My schedule is flexible, Delia said. I’ll be in the area for the week since I’m meeting— What do I even call Max at this point? They had met less than a month ago when she and her friends had traveled to Seaside, Florida, for a retreat on reflection and meditation and they had talked almost daily via phone or email since then. The one thing neither had mentioned was any type of commitment. But she knew he was serious. She also knew she was seriously falling for him—with a start, she realized she hadn’t finished her sentence. Delia took a deep breath and said, —my boyfriend.

Alright, fine, Maryann replied. She didn’t bat an eyelash at the description. Just let me know if there are any schedule changes.

Delia agreed and ended the call. Boyfriend. Max was her boyfriend. The lonely and bullied preteen inside her stood up and blew a raspberry to her former tormentors. The nomadic and independent adult marveled at the rightness of the word as it fell from her lips.

*~*~*

Kelsie sat in the passenger seat of Anne’s SUV as they drove back to the middle school after the girl’s dental checkup. Anne pulled onto Highway 98, her attention focused on merging with the traffic. She bit her lip on a comment about a sedan that raced around her to beat the light.

So, Mom, Kelsie said. The soccer team is having its first game of the season tomorrow night. Will you drop me off? Megan and a couple of other girls in our class are going so I can hang out with them. The game’ll be over by eight.

Like the sedan, the topic came out of nowhere. Anne glanced over at her daughter’s nonchalant expression—at least Anne assumed it was Kelsie’s attempt at nonchalance. The eager hopefulness that lit her eyes overruled the disinterested turn of her lips. Anne ignored Kelsie’s moue and focused on the sparkle she’d never seen in her daughter’s eyes. Why are you interested in soccer all of a sudden? she asked. A teasing lilt filled her tone. This wouldn’t have anything to do with a boy, would it?

Anne caught the roll of Kelsie’s eyes as the light turned green and she nudged the Audi up to speed. Mom! the girl cried, the one syllable word lengthening to two.

I’m just asking. Does—what’s his name—this boy from Social Studies—happen to be on the team?

Kelsie looked askance at her mother. ‘Boy from Social Studies?’ You mean, Jeremy? she asked, her voiced tinged with traces of disgust.

I don’t know. Maybe, Anne said. She tossed in an unconcerned shrug as she stopped at the next light. No need to show her whole hand at once.

Kelsie shifted in her seat to face her mother. Out of the corner of her eye, Anne could see her daughter’s furrowed brow as she contemplated how much her mother possibly knew. Who told you about Jeremy?

Mrs. Watson, Anne said as she turned on the road toward the middle school. When we had your parent teacher conference, she mentioned you seemed to liked him.

Kelsie looked put out by the report and replied in her most grown up tone, Well, Mom, I’ll have you know Jeremy is so last week. Michael is the coolest boy in school and he said hi to me yesterday in the hallway between classes.

And so that must mean that Michael is the soccer player.

He plays forward or guard or something, but, Mom, he has the cutest hair and I just know when he plays it’ll just fly around his head in just the most perfect way.

Anne pulled to a stop outside the front door of the middle school and put the SUV in park. Let me talk with Megan’s mom and make sure she is definitely going and then we’ll talk about the time. She unhooked her seatbelt and glanced over at Kelsie who had already unlatched her own and was opening the door. The small upturn to her daughter’s lips told Anne the girl was pleased to have won at least that concession. Anne shook her head as she followed Kelsie into the school to sign her back into class. It had been less than a week and they were already on crush number two. Something told her it was going to be a long puberty.

*~*~*

Jess McAdams, The Hospital at Fairhope’s Volunteer Coordinator, paused at the door to the doctors’ lounge and peered into the crowd to find anyone she didn’t recognize. The gathering was a meet and greet for Dr. Ashley Armstrong, the newest doctor to join the local gastroenterology group. The attendees inside consisted of administration staff, doctors, and nurses, each holding paper cups or plates piled with snacks. Too tired to do the pretty, Jess decided if she didn’t see the new addition, she’d slip away before she was noticed by anyone else.

In addition to her usual duties, her week was filled with training and monitoring her new teenaged staff members. The two boys were beginning their court mandated community service for a pair of minor infractions. While the judge hoped the hours at the hospital would redirect them, it had become evident the court’s desires didn’t mesh with teenaged interests.

Jess shook off the thoughts and decided to focus on one thing at a time. A quick scan of the room told her she knew all the female staff currently present, at least by sight. Before she could follow her plan and make a quick escape, Dr. Pilkinton, the gastro group’s founder, tapped her on the shoulder.

Looking for someone, Jess? the man asked, brows lifted in question. Retirement ready in age but not energy, he radiated a caring warmth that made him a favorite of his patients.

Oh, Dr. P! Jess said, startled by his sudden presence and too knowing eyes. Oh, no. No—I mean—yes. I was looking to see if Dr. Armstrong had arrived yet. I wanted to welcome her to the area.

Well, he is right over here and I’m certain he would be pleased to meet you, he said, eyes twinkling at the mistaken identity.

Jess felt a curious flutter in her stomach. Dr. Ashley Armstrong was a man. The fact shouldn’t have even registered on her radar. But given her recent breakup with her boyfriend of three years over his lack of faith in God, Dr. Armstrong’s gender was a curious coincidence.

Dr. P placed his hand at the small of her back and began to guide her toward the new doctor. Knowing there was no avoiding an introduction now, she somehow summoned the energy to plaster a smile on her face.

Ashley, Dr. P said, pulling the other man’s attention away from a group from Administration. I’d like you to meet the best volunteer coordinator The Hospital at Fairhope has ever had.

Right then, your name is Jess? Dr. Armstrong asked, his clipped accent marking him as hailing from the British Isles. That’s brilliant. Joe here was just telling me about you.

Jess’ manufactured smile warmed to real pleasure. That’s me, she said, her eyes brightening with delight. And you must not be from around here originally.

Dr. Armstrong smiled. It’s the hair that gave me away, yeah?

Jess chuckled. Among other things. How long have you been in America?

Oh, about six years now, I think, he said with a nod to his coworkers. Dr. P and Joe took the hint and left to mingle with the others in attendance. Went to medical in Glasgow in the UK and moved here after for a fellowship in Georgia. Just finished that when I learned the practice was looking to add another doctor. The architecture here reminded me a bit of home—that being just outside of Carlisle—so I took the position. He paused then continued with a wry grin twisting his lips. It helped that my ex decided on Mobile after the divorce, so that keeps me close to my son, Mikey.

How old is he?

Ah, he’s five now. Met his mum right after I arrived and we married soon after. Was a whirlwind courtship that turned into a bit of a cyclone after the vows, he added with a rueful snort. Any animosity was softened by his next words. But, I got Mikey out of the deal so that makes it worthwhile, doesn’t it? You have kids?

Jess shook her head. Not yet, but I’d love to have them someday.

They’re the best, he said. A certain knowing look lit his eyes. Keep you humble, ’course that might just be Mikey’s talent.

Ash! One of the other practice partners called from across the room.

He nodded and sent an abashed look Jess’s way. Would you mind if we spoke later? I’d really like to do so given all I’ve heard about you.

No, that would be great, she said. I know you have lots of pulls on your attention right now. Stop by my office any time you’re in the hospital. If I’m not there, then just ask around. I’m usually on the floor somewhere. With a brief nod and an appreciative smile, he moved to join the other group. Jess watched his retreating back, intrigued by the odd flutter that remained in her stomach.

She wasn’t interested in dating so soon after the breakup with Mitch, yet there was something about the man. His face was such a mishmash of features it was more interesting than handsome. Of course, the accent was a definite plus. But it was even more than that.

There’s a light in his eyes, she decided as she slipped out the door and headed back to her office. They seemed to glow from within turning their light brown hue into a shade just off of gold. In some way, they resembled the light in the eyes of Lindsay’s husband, John, and Anne’s husband, Ted. It was also something she had never seen reflected in Mitch’s gaze.