Hadassah’S Cry: Book 3 of the Women of Faith Series

By Melinda J. Abersold

After Ruthie makes her way out of the dark pit of depression, she is faced with the challenge of reconciling with her family. Her husband never left her side, and he encourages her that all things will work together for the good. All but one of her family members welcomed her back with open arms. Her rebellious daughter refused to allow Ruthie to live her past mistakes down.

Hadassah falls into the trap that the enemy of her soul had set before her by running with the wrong crowd. She turns to alcohol and drugs to avoid facing the pain that eats away at her mind, and she allows her heart to harden against God. Will she find it in her heart to forgive her mother? Will she open her heart to Gods forgiveness? Will she open her heart to love?

When Logan inherits an estate from his aunt, he anxiously packs up and moves from his hometown, Savannah Georgia. He hopes to start life anew. Will the memories from his past keep him from pursuing a future? Will he find the intimate relationship with God that he longs for? Or will he continue in condemnation?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493185399

Melinda J. Abersold

Melinda Abersold co-pastors a non-denominational church with her husband, Silas Abersold. Together they stepped out in faith, and started Shiloh House of Peace, and watched the hand of God perform miracles on their behalf. She graduated from Lighthouse Christian Bible College located in Beebe, Arkansas with a degree in Christian Education. Reading a good Christian fiction book is her favorite pass time. She and her husband currently reside in Alabama.

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by Melinda J. Abersold.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Rev. date: 03/12/2014

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

541825

Contents

PART ONE

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

PART TWO

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

PART THREE

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Epilogue

In Thankful Praise

Acknowledgments

Reading Group Bible Study

About the Book

About the Author

Dedicated to my parents, I love you both very much,

and to

my two beautiful daughters, Andrena and Eileen, whom I love dearly.

Hadassah’s Cry

Hear my cry oh Lord,

For I need Your

Abundant mercy and grace

From the Depth of my soul

I cry for Your deliverance

Accomplish Your will in me

Sustain me oh Lord

Awaken in me a new dawn of praise

Honor and glory

Blessed be Your name, oh Lord

—Barbara Coleman

PART ONE

And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

—Zechariah 3:1-4

KJV

interior%20image%20-%20at%20the%20top%20of%20each%20chapter%20number.jpg

Chapter 1

1982

When life knocks you down, try to land on your back.

Because if you can look up, you can get up.

—Les Brown

Bruce sat in his beat-up Chevy, jamming his stereo to Led Zeppelin, as he waited for Hadassah. He had just finished rolling a fat joint, and he planned to get Hadassah good and stoned. He had been dating her for six weeks, and he was ready to take their relationship to another level. Yep, tonight, he hoped to show her what it’s like to be with a real man. Every time he tried getting close to her, he could tell by the way that she resisted his touch that she didn’t have much experience with the male gender. But he planned to change all of that. Yeah sure, she knew how to party hard. She was able to guzzle the beer down, and she loved smoking weed. But what frustrated Bruce to no end was that she was a big tease. Especially once she got stoned. Why, she danced around flaunting her shapely body for all of the guys, and he was ready to break her in real good. He had been pretending long enough that her behavior didn’t faze him, but truth is, it made his blood boil. She was his girl, and he didn’t want every Tom, Dick, and Harry making googly eyes at her.

The sun was beating down on his car, and he was growing more and more restless with each passing moment. He felt sweat rolling down his back, and he was tempted to start blowing the horn. What in the world is taking her so long? he mumbled. He turned his stereo up a notch in hopes that the loud music would get her attention. She’s probably fighting with her old lady again, he whispered. He lit a cigarette and took a long drag as he tapped his index fingers on the steering wheel of his car.

Bruce allowed his mind to travel down some dark avenues as he listened to Zeppelin. He was coming down from his buzz, and he was ready to fire up another joint. He didn’t like it when his mind started reflecting back on his childhood. But to his dismay, from time to time, the dark shadows of yesterday would lurk in the corners of his mind. He vigorously shook his head in hopes to shake the haunting memories at least a million miles away.

Bruce was brought back to the moment at hand when he heard the sound of laughter. He decided to step out of his car to get a bit of fresh air, so he turned off his stereo, and he cut the ignition to his car. He thought that he may as well save on gas while he waited. The hot sun blinded his eyes, so he reached into the car and retrieved his shades. He placed his sunglasses on, and he ran his hand through his long dark curly hair. He took one more drag from his cigarette, and then he threw the butt on the asphalt.

Across the street, there were some young children playing without a care in the world. He couldn’t help but feel envious as he listened to the laughter and watched them gleefully romping around. Bruce silently wondered what it would have been like to live a carefree life as a child. Yeah, well, I’m free now, and I plan to stay that way, he mumbled to himself.

Bruce spotted a redheaded little boy trying to climb an old oak tree, and he had to chuckle as he watched the kid fall a few times. Apparently, the kid’s toy airplane was lodged up in the tree. After his third time, the kid finally gave up trying to retrieve his toy plane. He brushed his hands on his jeans and looked across the street at Bruce, and with his shoulders squared, he walked straight over to him. The kid kicked at a few loose pebbles on the asphalt and then looked up at Bruce with a twinkle in his eye. He spoke with a hint of challenge in his voice. Hey, mister, do you know how to climb trees?

Bruce nervously shifted from one foot to the other and stuffed his hands deep in the pockets of his old Levi’s jeans. He pushed his sunglasses up on the bridge of his nose, and he remarked in a way that sounded cocky even to him, Where’s your old man?

Do you mean my dad?

Yeah sure, kid, your—uh, dad.

The little guy sighed and replied, Well, he’s out fishin’ with some of his buddies. The young boy puffed his chest out and continued with a hint of pride in his voice, He said that he would take me next time. He paused for a bit and then asked, Mister, what’s your name?

Bruce wanted to tell the kid that it was none of his business, but there was something about the way the kid looked at him that provoked him to teasingly ask, Why do ya want to know?

Cuz, mister, if my mom finds out that I’m a talkin’ to a stranger, why, she’ll tan my hide. So I reckon if ya tell me your name and we shake hands, we’ll no longer be strangers. And my dad is the town sheriff. I don’t reckon he would think too highly of me a talkin’ to strangers. Yep, he would probably tan my hide from here to Timbuktu. Yesiree, my granddad was a sheriff before my dad, and I reckon that one day, I’ll be the town sheriff. The small boy puffed his chest out with pride.

Great, all I need is the town sheriff after me. I can handle this . . . I mean, I haven’t done anything wrong. Bruce chuckled as he replied, My name is Clark Kent.

The little boy’s eyes got as big as silver dollars. Wow, you don’t look like Superman!

Well, kid, today, I’m your superman. Now come on, let’s shake hands so that we’re officially no longer strangers.

The little guy reached his hand out with a smile on his face as big as Texas, and they shook hands. My name is Curtis, and it sure is nice to meet ya, Clark Kent. So do ya mind if I ask ya a question now that we’re friends?

Shoot, kid.

Why do ya have that there rose and funny-lookin’ gal painted on your arm?

Bruce absently rubbed his arm as he looked around for a bit. He didn’t want to mislead the kid. After all, he was about to become his hero. He finally decided to take the easy way out. When ya get older, you’ll understand… He paused for a moment as he looked into the kid’s curious eyes, and he was thankful for his sunglasses. Because for some strange reason, Bruce felt his eyes well up with tears. He tapped Curtis on his shoulder and said, Hey, come on, let’s go get your airplane out of the tree. I’m thinkin’ maybe I just might need your help.

Really?

Yeah, really.

Hey, guys, this here would be Clark Kent. He’s gonna get my airplane out of the tree. The whole gang started bombarding Bruce with more questions than he thought young little varmints were capable of asking.

~*~

Ruthie sighed as she listened to her kid sister, Emma, chatting away on the phone about her love life. She noticed that Hadassah was growing more and more impatient with each passing moment. Man, Emma, just go out with Eric, for crying out loud . . . I haven’t got time for all of this chitchat! Okay, Em, I got to go. Hadassah’s having a meltdown over here. I’ll call you later. She paused for a moment, feeling somewhat guilty. Look, I think you should go out with Eric. He sounds like a real nice guy. Like I said, I’ll call you later. Love you!

I heard that, Mom, and I’m not having a meltdown! I’ve only been waiting to talk to ya for how long now? Hadassah yelled back at Ruthie as she looked out the bay window in the living room. She couldn’t believe that Bruce was attempting to climb a tree for the neighborhood children. What in the world is he doing?

After ending her conversation with Emma, Ruthie silently prayed. She pleaded with God for wisdom. She was not in the mood for another argument with her daughter. She blew a loose strand of hair from her face and then counted to ten as she made her way into the living room. So what’s going on? she casually asked. She cringed as she looked at her daughter’s attire. Hadassah was wearing a pair of cutoff blue jean shorts that were entirely too revealing, and she had on a black tee shirt with a triangle in the center that had what appeared to be a rainbow shooting out of it. The name Pink Floyd was above the triangle, and Dark Side of the Moon was below the strange-looking design.

She had her long dark hair pulled back in a simple ponytail, which only made her big sea-green eyes stand out. Ruthie longed for Hadassah to recognize how the Lord had blessed her to be so beautiful. The girl was the mere image of her biological daddy, Buddy. She didn’t wear a bit of makeup, and for that, Ruthie was grateful. Ruthie desired that she would dress more like a lady than a rebellious teenager. But a rebellious teenager is exactly what she was, and Ruthie felt that she only had herself to blame.

Ruthie had battled with depression for years after the death of her belated husband, Buddy. He was brutally murdered by a crazy woman who was obsessed with becoming his bride. They were all at the park in St. Louis on a beautiful summer day when she and Hadassah witnessed the love of their life take his last breath. It happened just a short time after Ruthie’s twenty-fifth birthday and a few weeks before their seventh wedding anniversary. Hadassah was only sixteen months old.

Life as Ruthie knew it had never really been the same. However, she was almost completely healed of the depression, and she had been blessed to experience true love again. Rex (Buddy’s best friend) loved her and Hadassah with all of his heart, and in return, she had learned to love him back with all of her heart. Hadassah had always loved Rex like he was her biological daddy. After all, Rex had been there for Hadassah when Ruthie was suffering with her mental sickness and her addiction to Valiums. And now, Ruthie was doing everything within her power to make up to her family for the years that she had allowed to slip away.

Hadassah jumped at the sound of her mom’s voice. Uh—I was just—oh, never mind.

Ruthie walked over to the window and placed her hands on her hips as she looked in disbelief at the sight of the young man climbing the old oak tree. Isn’t that… She trailed off for a bit as she tried to recall the guy’s name. About the only thing that she remembered was that her first impression of him wasn’t exactly a good one. Oh, what’s his name?

Hadassah huffed and rolled her eyes. His name is Bruce, and he’s here to pick me up. Look, he helped the little boy get his toy airplane out of the tree! See, Mom, he’s a real cool guy.

I see. Well, did you talk to your dad about spending the day with Bruce? Ruthie had developed a habit of using her husband as a scapegoat. This was her way of avoiding confrontation because undoubtedly, Hadassah would assure her that she had, even if nine times out of ten, she hadn’t. This would of course put Rex in the hot seat, so to speak, because he would have to punish Hadassah for lying. Not that he was all that strict, truth be known, Hadassah had him wrapped around her little finger. And she knew it. She had been working part-time for him at his auto shop since she was thirteen years of age, and well, to put it plain and simple, she was the apple of his eye. Yep, they spent a lot of time together just shooting the breeze, as Rex always put it.

Hadassah gave her mom a blank stare, and she spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. Yeah, sure, of course I did. And he’s cool with it. Look, I gotta go. I see that Bruce is walking back to his car. It’s hot out there, and I have kept him waiting long enough. I’ll see ya later tonight.

Why can’t you just stay home with me so we can do something together—mom-and-daughter time just shooting the breeze? Yeah, well, don’t forget tomorrow is Sunday. Church. So be home by ten o’clock tonight. Ruthie paused for a moment in hopes that Hadassah would be respectful enough to ensure her that she would be home by curfew. Ruthie continued in a singsong tone. Hadassah, promise me that you’ll be home—

Hadassah quickly interrupted, Yeah sure, ten o’clock. Later.

Wait! Where will Bruce be taking you?

Hadassah looked from over her shoulder as she was on her way out the door. To the lake, she said in a matter-of-fact tone. With that said, she was out the door, running toward Mr. Hippie.

Ruthie stood in complete disbelief as she watched her daughter walk away without even saying, Bye, Mom. I love you. She had hoped that the two of them could spend the day and evening together hanging out. You know, doing mother-daughter stuff. But to her disappointment, her daughter wouldn’t give her one hour out of her day. Oh, Ruthie could see the insubordination in Hadassah’s eyes every time she looked at her, and she could most certainly hear the defiance in Hadassah’s tone on the rare occasions that she spoke to her. If Ruthie called it black, Hadassah would call it purple. Their worlds were millions of miles apart. Deep in Ruthie’s heart, she realized that she needed to stop being so passive. But she simply longed to win Hadassah’s approval. Oh, she realized that it was all very childish on her behalf. Nonetheless, she was still holding on to a tiny thread of hope. Rex had assured her that Hadassah would come around and that she only needed to give it time. Time was a precious commodity that very few people had.

Ruthie stood like a zombie as she continued looking out the bay window, and she cringed as she watched her daughter fall into the arms of the hippie-looking character. What’s his name again? she mumbled, and then she looked away as she whispered a prayer. Lord, help me to do the right thing…

Suddenly, she felt a boldness surge through her. She quickly walked over to the front door, and she stepped out on the porch. With her hands on her hips, she called out, Wait, don’t go. The music that blared from the old beat-up car sounded so ungodly that it caused Ruthie’s motherly instincts to kick in full force. Nope, she wasn’t going to take the easy way out this time by putting the monkey on her husband’s back. She was going to make sure that what’s his name knew just how much she cared for her daughter.

Ruthie slowly walked toward the car, and with each passing step, she felt her determination go up a notch or two. Hadassah had stepped out of the car, and she glared a hole straight through Ruthie. Yep, if looks could kill, Ruthie would be dead on the spot. Ruthie didn’t want to make a scene in front of the children who were watching from across the street. Apparently, the hippie-looking guy must have impressed the kids because they looked at him as if he was their hero. And of course, Ruthie supposed to the children he probably was just that, a hero. With the way he climbed the tree and retrieved the toy airplane and all, if she were a child, she would feel the same. She started walking a little faster, and the closer she got to her daughter, the bolder she felt. Once she reached the car, she walked straight up to Mr. Hippie, who had stepped out of the car, and she put her hand out. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ruthie Drakes, Hadassah’s mother.

Bruce stood speechless for a long moment as he shifted from one foot to the other. Hadassah kicked the side of his shoe as she cleared her throat. Ruthie refused to budge with her hand still stretched out. Yeah, well, huh—I’m Bruce… Bruce trailed off as he looked off into the distance, and once again, he was thankful for his sunglasses. Nice to meet ya, ma’am—Mrs. Drakes. He was thinking that this was the second time in one day that he shook hands with a stranger, and he silently wondered if they were now officially friends.

Okay, Bruce, now that we have the formalities out of the way, I think that we need to come to a mutual understanding. Now I assume that we both have reciprocated feelings toward my daughter. She paused for a moment as she watched the wheels in Mr. Hippie’s mind turn. She batted her big brown eyes and continued with a smirk on her face. Reciprocated would mean joint—or shared. She took a deep breath, thinking that now she was really on a roll. However, I highly doubt that we share the exact same feelings for Hadassah. She hesitated for a bit when she realized that she was feeling a little bolder. She coughed, and then she continued, As you already know, Hadassah is my daughter, and I happen to care about whom she spends her time with. I am a praying mother, and God does talk to me. So if you try to do anything out of line… Ruthie trailed off for a moment as she began to feel her blood boil because of the thoughts that were formulating in her mind. And don’t forget, Hadassah is only seventeen. That would make her a minor, and my guess is that you’re at least—

Hadassah quickly interrupted, Mom, how dare you! Come on, Bruce, let’s get out of here.

Ruthie wanted to take her daughter and hold her and shake her at the same time. Hadassah, don’t forget, I will be praying.

Whatever, Mom! For a brief moment, Ruthie thought that she saw a hint of her little girl when she looked into her daughter’s sea-green eyes. But the moment faded away with the wind.

Ruthie decided that since she was already on her daughter’s hit list, she may as well ask one more question. And one more thing, Bruce, at which lake are you going to spend the day with Hadassah?

Bruce shifted from one foot to the other as he felt his blood pressure start to rise. This woman is a complete nag . . . Clearwater Lake—uh—ma’am, that’s just a few miles from Piedmont… He kicked at some loose gravel on the asphalt, and he absently looked across the street at Curtis. He silently asked himself why in the world he was even worried what the kid thought of him in the first place.

Ruthie spoke a curt tone. I’m aware where Clearwater Lake is… She paused for a moment as she watched her daughter’s face turning redder by the second. Bruce, you are to have Hadassah home by ten o’clock. She has church in the morning.

Yeah sure—whatever, he mumbled.

Oh, by the way, Bruce, you’re more than welcome to come to church. Our services start at—

Hadassah interrupted, Whatever, Mom—we’re out of here!

Bruce gave Ruthie a strange look as he jumped into the beat-up rust bucket of a car, and he pulled away without glancing back.

The little boy across the street stood waving at Bruce as he drove away. Ruthie felt certain that she heard the boy calling Bruce Clark Kent. Nonetheless, she felt revived, and there was a spark burning within her heart. Yep, she once again felt like a little spitfire, and it felt absolutely fabulous.

interior%20image%20-%20at%20the%20top%20of%20each%20chapter%20number.jpg

Chapter 2

And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall

fall before you by the sword.

And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies

shall fall before you by the sword.

—Leviticus 26:7-8

When Ruthie ambled back into the house, the first thing she did was dial her mama’s number. She knew that her dad and mama would touch heaven with their prayers. Her mama, Esther, use to pastor the church that her family helped establish. However, now she was enjoying being the pastor’s wife. David, her stepdad, had lost his first wife, Sadie, to breast cancer, and he lived alone as a widower for four years before the Lord blessed him with her mama. He currently pastored the church, and Nate, her brother, was the assistant pastor. Ruthie’s biological daddy had been bitten by a brown recluse spider when Ruthie was just a child. And back then, medical science didn’t have the appropriate antibiotic to overcome the venom. So needless to say, her daddy’s life was taken by the infectious venom from the spider. It took Esther some time to bounce back, but when she did, she was stronger and wiser. She and David had been married now for twenty-three years, and they still pranced around like a couple of newlyweds. They had played a very big role in seeing Ruthie down her road of recovery when she lost Buddy.

One ring, two rings—Please be home. Come on answer the phone! Finally, on the fifth ring, David answered the telephone. Ruthie could tell that he must have ran in from outside because he was out of breath. Helllloooo, Fisher residence—

Ruthie quickly interrupted, Dad, it’s me, Ruthie. Is Mama home?

Yeah, sure, she’s out in the garden pickin’ some fresh tomatoes. Is everything okay?

It’s Hadassah. Ruthie drifted off for a bit. Well, I need you and Mama to be praying with me. Could you get Mama?

I’m on my way… David paused for a moment. Ruthie, God has His hand on her.

I know, Dad, thanks. And hey, thank you for all of your prayers. She felt her heart swell up as the words rolled off her tongue.

You’re welcome, sweetheart. Hold on for a second while I go get your mama.

Okay. She wiped at a tear that was trickling down her cheek. I’m not going to give in to my emotions. I will be strong. So much for feeling like a spitfire . . . I feel myself breaking!

It took Esther no time at all to get to the phone. She was very much aware that Hadassah had been causing heartache for Ruthie and Rex. And Lord knows that she prayed for her family. Ruthie honey, what’s going on? Is Hadassah okay? Oh, honey, do you need me to come?

Ruthie felt the hot tears fall like rain as she listened to her mama’s soft voice. Oh, Mama, I’m the world’s biggest failure. I’ve lost her, Mama… She paused for a moment to catch her breath. I just know that I have. I should have kept my big mouth shut, but oh no, not me. I had to go for the gusto—yep, I had to keep going until I got her good and mad… By now, Ruthie was crying hard. So much for being strong!

Esther calmly interrupted, Honey, slow down. I’m sure that you did what you had to do. I’m very much aware of how my granddaughter can be. Now stop blaming yourself. You’re a wonderful, godly mother. I tell you what, I’ll be there in a jiffy. And in the meantime, I’ll ask David to be praying.

No, Mama, I would rather be alone with Jesus. Besides, Rex should be home shortly. But, Mama, please pray for her. She took off to Clearwater Lake with a hippie-looking guy—let me see, I think he said his name was Bruce, or something like that. Ruthie felt a little sting of guilt for having a hard time remembering Mr. Hippie’s name.

Esther reluctantly agreed with Ruthie, but she planned to pay her a visit later in the evening. Well, I suppose I can stay here and pray with David. Do you mind if I talk with Nate and Emma? You know, so that they can be praying as well.

No, not at all. Oh, Mama, tell Emma that I will call her later tonight so that we can finish our conversation. She’ll know what you’re talking about. And thanks, I love you bunches. I’m going to call Mox and Pete. I think that I might call Norma as well.

I love you too, honey. Now don’t you worry about a thing. The good Lord has this all under control. Bye…

Bye, Mama…

As soon as Esther hung up the phone, she felt the urgency to touch the heart of God. She had been awakened by the Lord in the early-morning hours with a heavy burden for Hadassah, and the phone call only confirmed what she was feeling in her spirit. Her mind went back to years ago when she experienced Ruthie’s rebellious actions. Times have changed so much since 1959, and only God knows the dark valley that lay ahead for all of them. Yes, to Esther, it all seemed like a déjà vu.

~*~

Ruthie hurriedly made the rest of her phone calls. She was thankful that she was able to reach Mox and Pop because she knew without a doubt that they would bombard heaven. Mox had thought of calling Susie and Mike, and for that, Ruthie was very grateful. They had been faithful members of the church for years, and they were close friends with the family. Sometime ago, their marriage was very shaky, but the good Lord had performed a miracle in their relationship. Mike and their son, Tommy, worked with Rex at the mechanic shop, and Rex claims that their workmanship is meticulous. Yep, real close to being perfect. Norma assured Ruthie that she and Ricky would be praying for God to intervene and bring Hadassah home safely. Ricky had been running the hardware store for years. He purchased the business for Silas when he and Becky married, and they started working full-time at Anne’s Café.

Ruthie walked around her home for a bit, trying desperately to clear her mind. She went to her bedroom to retrieve her Bible, and then she sat down on the couch. Lord, please direct me in Your Word. She opened her Bible straight to Matthew 16:18-19, and she began to silently read. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

She reread the passage several times and meditated on the Word of God. Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, she whispered. And whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven… She allowed the Word of God to penetrate into her spirit for a bit as she continued to repeat the scriptures out loud. Lord, I believe that You’re telling me something here, she said. She began to feel the Holy Spirit, and the still small voice of God spoke tenderly into her heart. I have given you power to come against the wiles of Satan.

Ruthie jumped to her feet, and she shouted, That’s it! The keys! I can bind the hand of the enemy by activating the keys that God gave me. I know that the Word of God shall not return void, and the Bible instructs us to use the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Yes, thank You, Jesus. Your Word is sharper than a two-edged sword! I only need to bind Satan and loose the Word of God over my daughter… Suddenly, she felt the power of God flooding her soul. Yes, Ruthie prayed like she had never prayed before, and she was certain that the demons from hell were trembling at the sound of her prayer.

~*~

Pete, I’m really worried about Hadassah. In the past several months, I’ve noticed a tremendous change in her character. I’m concerned that she may be using drugs along with drinking alcohol. I just wish that Rex would be a little more firm with her… Jenny trailed off as she allowed her comment to play over in her mind. Who am I kidding, we have all played a part in pampering her.

Pete felt his heart melt as he placed his arm around his wife. You’re right. Maybe we have gone overboard over the years by making such a fuss over her, but you have to remember that she’s all we have left. I mean, she’s our only connection that links to Buddy… He played with a locket of her hair as he continued, If it’s any consolation, I’m also worried, but I believe that God will bring her back to the sheepfold. Oh, she might be a little rough around the edges when she returns, but look at what the Lord has done for me. His grace is beyond our comprehension, and He will finish that good work that He started in our granddaughter.

As Jenny pondered on her husband’s words, she felt peace in her heart, and she knew at that very moment that he was right. Hadassah would return, and she would have a powerful testimony when she returned, just like her Poppy. Jenny turned her head and looked into Pete’s sea-green eyes. Their son Buddy had Pete’s eyes, and Hadassah’s eyes were the exact same color. Pete lived it up on the wild side for a while, but God’s grace brought him back. Yes, he was a powerful man of God, and Jenny couldn’t be more proud. And Buddy, on the other hand, lived on the wild side for a season, and God was faithful to save his soul. But just when he was at his prime, God took him home, leaving Ruthie alone with a baby girl. Once again, God stepped in right on time, and He opened Ruthie’s heart to Rex, her son’s best friend.

Suddenly, fear tried to take up residence in her heart, and she whispered, What if God restores her spiritually and then takes her? You know, like He did our son… She then looked off into the distance. Pete could tell that her mind was starting to travel down a dark valley.

Pete cupped her face in his hands, and he gently caressed her cheek. He spoke just above a whisper. Life and death is in the power of the tongue, and our Hadassah shall live and declare the works of God. Don’t worry, my love, God has a very special plan for her… He hesitated as he pondered if he should share the dream that God had given him about Hadassah. And he felt the Lord tug at his heart, assuring him to talk to his wife about the dream. Jen, you know that the Lord oftentimes talks to me in dreams, don’t ya?

Well, yes, of course. Why do you ask? Jenny paused for a brief moment as reality settled into her spirit. The Lord has given him a dream about Hadassah. Pete, did the Lord give you a dream about our baby?

Pete took a deep breath and sighed as he thought about how he might respond to her question. He decided just to be straightforward. Yep, he never really was a beat-around-the-bush sort of man. Yes, indeed, He did. He showed me that she was involved with some pretty rebellious kids and, well, that she was doing drugs and drinking. Jen, she’s a very confused young lady. And well, she has a lot of bitterness toward Ruthie.

Jenny wasn’t quick to comment because she needed to be able to process the dream. Of course, she knew that the Lord was sending forth a warning, but she wondered why Pete didn’t share the dream with her before now. Just when she was starting to feel a little agitated, it dawned on her that God probably had just recently given Pete the dream. Well, I must say that I’m not very shocked that the Lord showed you that she was doing drugs and drinking. As I said earlier, I have seen an apparent change in her personality. And truth be known, we all know that Hadassah is very bitter toward her mom. It seems that she won’t let go of the years that Ruthie spent locked away in darkness, dealing with her own addiction to Valiums.

Pete interrupted her midsentence. Jen, Hadassah’s feelings go much deeper than bitterness. I guess that I was candy coating it when I said that she was bitter, which she is. But the Lord showed me that our granddaughter’s heart is full of dark hatred toward her mom. Yep, the Lord allowed me to see the darkness in the secret parts of her heart. And I gotta tell ya, Jen, our granddaughter’s heart is very hard. Yeah, I would say hard as a rock, but I know a God that can give her a new heart. We only need to continue to pray and keep the faith.

His words were like a knife stabbing at Jenny’s heart. It was hard for her to imagine her sweet Hadassah having hate in her heart toward a soul. She cocked her head to the side and sighed as she asked the obvious question. Pete, when did God give you this dream?

Pete looked deep into her hazel eyes, and he felt his heart slam against his chest when he saw the pain that reflected from her wounded heart. Oh, I reckon about three months ago…

There was silence for what seemed to be eternity as Jenny allowed her husband’s answer to play over in her mind, and she began to feel anger flood her soul. How could he keep something like this from me, from Ruthie and Rex, from Esther and David? Why did you wait so long to tell me?

He knew that their conversation was coming to this, which is why he was reluctant to share the dream in the first place. He locked eyes with her and spoke just above a whisper. Because God didn’t release me to tell you until now… He trailed off as he looked at the pain in Jenny’s eyes. It broke his heart to see her hurt because of the pain that he had