A Time to Heal

By Amanda Hawkins

After suffering a tragedy, architect Kennedy Harris is overcome with grief and refuses to open her heart to anyone, including God. Youth pastor David Landon lost his wife to cancer and is raising his son alone. Although his heart is open to love, he has not really been looking for possibilities. When he begins to oversee a building project for the church, he meets Kennedy. As the two work together, Kennedy's internal battles become evident. Will she continue to live in isolation, or will she allow this to be a time to heal?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512742305

Amanda Hawkins

Amanda lives with her husband, son, and daughter in South Carolina. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Newberry College and a master's degree in administration from Clemson University. She developed a love for reading when she was seven-years-old, and her favorite author is Karen Kingsbury. Amanda taught school for nine years before becoming a stay at home mom. She and her husband pastor a church in Newberry, SC. She enjoys spending time with people and showing them God's love.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 Amanda Hawkins.

Editor - Melissa Cade

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5127-4231-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-4232-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-4230-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016907826

WestBow Press rev. date: 05/23/2016

Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgements

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

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Prologue

Foreword

As soon as Pastor Amanda Hawkins shared with me about her book, A Time to Heal, I was intrigued. When she finished sharing with me about it, I was convinced that it needed to be a movie. Amanda uses real-life situations to draw us in and open our hearts so that she can stealthily interject truth. I related with the characters who have experienced life and its hurts. This book is one of hope, which we all need. God can take life experiences that were bad and make good out of the tragedies. Forgiveness is another foundational truth found in this book that needs to be practiced by every Christian daily. In fact, without it, no one would receive salvation. You may have seen the quote, To forgive is to set the prisoner free only to realize the prisoner was you (Lewis B. Smedes). I believe everyone has been that prisoner at one time or another.

I believe that this book will be one that you won’t be able to put down. We may not have all walked the same road concerning our stories, but we have all felt heartbreak and we all need a time to heal. Amanda Hawkins has written a story that will keep you engaged and make you examine your own heart in the process. Enjoy!

Christy Jordan-Williams

Founder of Shine Empowerment Network

Acknowledgements

First, I would like to thank God for giving the plot of this book to me. I would also like to thank Him for guiding my hands as I typed this novel. Without His direction and wisdom, this book would have been impossible. I felt His spirit working through me as the words poured forth on the page, and I am thanking Him in advance for the many people that will be healed by Him through reading this book.

I would also like to thank my husband, Ben. Your belief in me helped me to believe in myself. Your encouragement enabled me to find the strength to press on whenever I would find myself stalling in my writing. I know we are going to do great things for His purpose. You are my Prince Charming, my spiritual leader; and I love you more than words can say.

Thank you to my handsome son, Benjamin and to my beautiful daughter, Gracie. I know Mommy spent much of your nap times and long after bedtime working on this book. Thank you for being patient with me on the days that Mommy was tired. I love you both so much.

Thank you to my parents. Mama, you took me to church and taught me about having a relationship with Jesus. Allen, you taught me to work hard for the things I want in life. Both of you have been such a blessing to me because of your unconditional love and unfailing belief that I can do whatever I set my mind to. I love both of you so much.

Finally, thank you to my family and friends who supported me on this journey. I am so thankful that God gave me such wonderful treasures who see and call forth God’s destiny in me.

Chapter 1

Kennedy

The blueprints for the new church were due in two days; however, I could not focus. How in the world could I finish these blueprints when tomorrow was the dreaded anniversary-the anniversary of the day my world stopped? It was the last day that I truly felt joy and peace-like I had a lifetime of happiness ahead of me. Tomorrow would be the anniversary of the day my former life ended. I will never forget that day. No matter how hard I try, it’s always there, etched into my memory forever.

Ms. Harris, is there anything else you need?

I quickly looked up in confusion from my musings. There, standing in my office doorway was the new intern, Jade Carter, looking so fresh and innocent, as if life had not happened to her yet. Oh, to be that young again and to have a fresh start, a chance to do things differently. Maybe if I had, my world would not have crashed down.

Um, excuse me, Ms. Harris? Jade looked at me, her forehead wrinkled in concern.

I’m sorry, Jade. Just thinking about the project due in two days, I smiled briefly. Yes, I do need you to look back over the ideas that we generated on saving those ducks at the site for the new restaurant.

Sure. Is it okay if I take them home and look over them tonight? I’m on my way to babysit for my pastor’s son.

Actually, Jade, why don’t you just let me do that tonight and you go enjoy yourself?

Oh, Ms. Harris, I can do it. Really. I’ll just be babysitting for a short while, and then I’ll be on my way.

Well, all I’m doing is having takeout. And I’m off tomorrow, so I can stay up tonight and finish it. I’ll e-mail them to Mr. Addison as soon as I finish.

Well…if you’re sure you don’t mind. Thank you so much, Ms. Harris. I hope you have a lovely day off tomorrow.

If you only knew, Jade, I thought. However, I said, You’re welcome. See you in a couple of days.

I watched as Jade practically bounced out of my office to go meet her pastor and his son. I glanced at the clock on the wall. Seven-thirty. Guess it was time to call it a day. I gathered the blueprints for the church, the file for the restaurant I was designing, and my purse, and I headed out to my car. I hopped in my black Mercedes S600 and drove to the local Chinese restaurant. After grabbing my sweet-and-sour chicken, I headed to the store for a bottle of wine. I knew I would need at least one bottle before I would be able to make it through tomorrow. After my alcohol stop, I was sitting at a red light when my phone started ringing. I glanced at the caller ID. Great-it was my sister. I didn’t really feel like talking to her. All she would do is ask me how I’m doing, if I’m seeing anyone, if I’m going to church, and on and on and on. I hit ignore. All I wanted was to be alone with my wine and my work.

I parked my car in the garage and struggled into the house with all my stuff. I plopped down in front of the TV with my dinner and dug in while I mindlessly watched a sitcom. If only I could write the script of my life, I might still have a purpose for living, a husband to talk with in the evenings, a son to cuddle, and a life worth living. Unfortunately, the accident stripped away every plan I had ever formed in my mind. I finished my dinner and grabbed the ideas for the restaurant. After reviewing the pros and cons of leaving the ducks versus relocating them, I decided that we would leave the pond with the ducks as part of the scenery for the restaurant’s customers. I emailed the final decision to Mr. Addison, the head architect at Addison’s Design. After punching send, I grabbed a wine glass out of the cabinet and was just about to pour the wine in the glass when I decided that I would just drink from the bottle. After all, I would be the only one drinking tonight. I would be the only one ever drinking, the only one to enjoy the fruits of my labor, and the only one to think about for the rest of my life. A future? I had no future. God stripped that from me when He allowed the accident to end my life. How could You do that, God? How could You take them from me? How could You rip my heart out and leave me behind? I began to sob as I slid to the floor of my living room. I grabbed the bottle and began to chug. The sorrow and pain began to subside as I slid into a state of oblivion. And then, the room went dark.

*****

David

I blew out a sigh of frustration. Why couldn’t my sermon come together? I had all these ideas for it, but they just didn’t seem to connect. Dad?

Come on in, Avery, I told my eleven-year-old son. I watched as he strolled in and plopped down in the chair across from my desk.

What’s going on? he said as he grinned at me from beneath his thick, curly hair. His brown eyes sparkled.

Just working on my sermon for the youth group. I’m kind of stuck.

I figured that when I saw you in here rolling your pen back and forth across the desk.

I guess I’m pretty predictable, huh? I said as I placed my pen on top of my notepad.

Just a little, he laughed. Why don’t we shoot some hoops? Maybe a little fresh air will help you.

When did you become so wise? I asked him with a teasing grin.

He shrugged. I just know that when you don’t think so hard, it usually comes to you.

Spoken like King Solomon, the man of wisdom, I said. Sure, I have some time before my meeting tonight. I changed my shoes quickly. Let’s hit the pavement.

I followed my son out to the church’s basketball court. We began to play a game of one-on-one. The sun was shining brightly; there wasn’t a cloud in sight. I was very thankful to have this time to let off some steam with Avery. Ever since his mom died, I tried not to take a single moment for granted. I tried to enjoy every moment that God had given me breath. After I beat Avery twenty-one to eighteen, we sat down on the grass and began to talk.

You know, it won’t be long before you’ll be beating your old man, I said with a smile.

Aw, Dad, you’re not old, he replied. But you are getting older… Avery’s voice trailed off.

I looked over and studied Avery’s face. He appeared to be thinking pretty hard. And? I asked.

And I keep hoping you’ll get married again.

I sighed. Son, I don’t have time to date a woman. Besides, all the time I do have, I want to spend it with you.

But, Dad, what are you going to do when I grow up? You’re going to be all alone. You need someone to take care of you-someone to go fishing with you and to make you pancakes, someone to listen to your sermons.

Are you tired of listening to my sermons? I asked him, pretending to be hurt.

No, of course not. I love listening to your sermons. I just think that we could use a woman in the house. You know, I see all of my friends with their moms, and I just wish that I also had a mom in my life. Avery’s voice carried a hint of sadness mixed in with wistfulness. It pierced my heart like an arrow, and I was struck by his longing for a mom. I wanted to fix things and make Avery happy.

Okay, Son. I’ll pray about it. If God wants me to have a wife, He’ll bring her to me. Okay?

Okay. Dad?

Yes?

I love you.

I love you, too.

We walked to my SUV, and I drove to the house. After a quick shower and pizza, the doorbell rang. I quickly ran to it. Jade! How are you? I asked. Jade hurried in after me. I’m fine. How are you doing, Pastor David?

Doing great! Avery is in his room doing homework. I should be home by nine at the latest. I appreciate your being able to watch him. We walked into the kitchen.

No, problem. I always enjoy my time with Avery. He’s so well-mannered and respectful.

I’m very glad to hear that; I know his mom would be proud of him.

She definitely would be.

Well, I’m going to head out. I’ll see you guys soon, I said as I pulled on my jacket.

Okay. We’ll see you later! Jade said assuredly.

I rushed out to the garage and hopped in the car. I turned the radio to my favorite Christian station and blasted the praise music. I felt very lighthearted as I pulled into the church parking lot. I had spent time with Avery and had pizza for dinner. Yep, it was a great day! Thank You, Father, for Your blessings. I miss my wife, but I know that she is with You. I know she is no longer in any pain from the cancer and that she is living it up in heaven. Please, help me find a wife, if it is Your will. Thank You, Lord. I love You.

I jumped out of the car and walked into the back entrance of the church; I continued down the hall to where the pastoral offices were. I headed into the meeting room. I was meeting with the senior pastor, Thomas Jacks; the church treasurer, Emily Greene; the children’s pastor, Jenny Watters; and four deacons. We wanted to discuss the addition of the new wing to the church, which would house the classrooms for the youth, a movie/game room, and a coffee shop. David! Pastor Jacks said with a smile as he warmly shook my hand.

How are you, Pastor Jacks?

Doing well, Son. Glad you could make it.

I wouldn’t miss it for the world, I said.

I said hello to everyone before taking a seat at the table. We began to discuss what we wanted from the addition, how much we wanted to spend, and what we hoped to reap from the addition. Ultimately, we hoped to ensure a strong foundation in our youth from the nursery all the way until they graduated from our youth program while also showing them that God loves them and wants them to have a fun place to socialize with other believers. As we were wrapping the meeting up, Pastor Jacks said, David, we would like for you to meet with the architect to discuss the new addition. Her name is Kennedy Harris. She is supposed to have some tentative designs ready for the day after tomorrow. We have already told her what we want, but we wanted to review the details before the meeting. We believe that you should be the one to meet with Ms. Harris because you are the youth pastor.

I would be honored to meet with her and to oversee this project. Thanks for trusting me to do it. Excitement coursed through my body as I realized that Pastor Jacks was trusting me with such an important position.

Let’s close in prayer, Pastor Jacks said before bowing his head. The rest of us followed suit. Father, we thank You that our youth is growing. We thank You for Your provision to fund this addition. We ask that You will give us the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job as we undertake this project. Please guide us and direct us. More importantly, please use this addition to plant seeds in the youth of this community. Amen.

Amen, we echoed in agreement.

We gathered our things, turned out the lights, and left the church. When I arrived home, Jade and Avery were sitting in the living room, sharing a bowl of popcorn, and watching a movie. As I walked in, Avery hit pause on the remote and asked, How’d it go?

It went pretty well. We know exactly what we want, and Pastor Jacks asked me to oversee the project. I’m going to meet with Ms. Harris the day after tomorrow.

Ms. Harris is amazing, Jade said. You’ll love working with her. She has such talent! Her final product is always spectacular, even better than the clients envisioned.

I’m glad I’ll be able to work with such a talented lady, I replied.

Maybe, you’ll be able to help her, Jade said, her voice insinuating that something was amiss with Ms. Harris.

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