A Simple Choice

By Kingsley Allan Whipple

It is a question as old as mankind itself. Why are we here? Unfortunately, we live in a world where it is becoming increasingly more difficult to know who to trust or what to believe. It is impossible to expose the hypocrisy and lies without first understanding that there must be TRUTH. If truth does exist, doesn’t it make sense to seek out its source? Sadly, we human beings tend to over complicate things. The answer is amazingly simple. It all starts with LOVE.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546220350

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A SIMPLE

CHOICE

Kingsley Allan Whipple

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2018 Kingsley Allan Whipple. All rights reserved.

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

Published by AuthorHouse 04/26/2024

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2036-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2035-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017918807

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

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.

Contents

1 do not be afraid

2 to whom much is given...

3 the blind leading the blind

4 the letter of the law

5 meditate day and night

6 the writing on the wall

7 actions speak louder than words

8 on rocky ground

9 a house divided

10 all things must pass

11 put your house in order

12 truth be told

13 many are called

14 a sign of the times

15 stand firm in the faith

16 with humility comes wisdom

17 a new direction

18 overcome evil with good

19 all things are possible

20 I am the light, the truth, the way

21 let no one deceive himself

22 a fly in the ointment

23 he who has ears, let him hear

24 a peace offering

25 let there be light

26 my sheep hear my voice

27 the harvest is plentiful

28 the eleventh hour

29 let your light shine

author’s note

Epilogue

1

do not be afraid

Every so often, events will transpire which could have the potential to have a lasting and profound effect on the trajectory of one’s life. Sometimes it takes a head-on collision between what you think you know and the truth, to snap you out of your slumber. It all began with a 2 am call.

I’m being pulled over, said the voice on the phone.

Before Josh could shake the cobwebs out of what would have normally been a tequila-soaked brain, the phone went silent. The number on the screen didn’t trigger any connections...

Adam and Clare made their way down the corridor of the old Victorian home towards the only room that showed any signs of life. Theirs was truly a match made in heaven. Aside from being kind, courteous, and devoutly religious, everything they did seemed to announce to the world that they would never, ever even remotely think about intentionally doing anything that would violate their deeply held moral principles.

Experience had taught them the necessity of developing a thick skin. After decades of studying the scriptures, they fully understood that it would not be beneficial to be hypersensitive regarding the hedonistic insults hurdled their way by the unwashed masses.

Clare Robinson, right down to her choice of shoes, was the embodiment of the word...sensible. Her dirty blond hair which she had pulled back neatly into a simple, twisted, topknot bun announced to the world that she wouldn’t be wasting any of her precious time fiddling with lose strands. She unequivocally understood how the world should work and she knew her exact place in it. Little did she know that she was about to get caught up in a story so important that it would alter her life forever.

A stack of paperwork appeared to be trying to do its best to conceal an over-sized mahogany desk. Emanating from behind the mountain of files, they could hear one-half of what they could only assume to be a rather intriguing conversation.

Take a deep breath, I need you to think about the big picture, Josh requested. I understand things may seem a bit overwhelming, but now is not the time to go into panic mode.

Let me make sure I’ve got all the details straight. You were pulled over last night for what the police said was an illegal lane change?

Adam sheepishly knocked in such a delicate fashion as if not to disturb any sleeping mice, which might possibly be within earshot.

A hand appeared from behind the heaping pile and encouraged the doorknockers in. The couple neatly folded themselves into the chairs facing his desk. With the phone cradled to his ear, Josh pointed to the ceiling as if to momentarily pause time; and continued his conversation.

Upon searching your car, they found 16 packets of heroin totaling approximately 26 grams. You said it was in the glove box?

Both Adam and Clare looked at each other with an equal combination of curious amazement and utter disgust.

Did they find anything else in the car? No guns, no weed, no open containers?

He appeared to be scribbling in some sort of ancient Sanskrit on a yellow legal pad.

Were you drinking?

How much?

Seriously?

Did you make a statement? Well, thank God for small miracles, I’m glad you remembered.

It’s going to be okay. Was there anyone else in the car?

Was she arrested as well?

No, that shouldn’t be a problem. I know that from where you are sitting this might not make sense to you, but I want you to keep an open mind. In the grand scheme of things Paco, this might turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

This is not a laughing matter. Let me set the record straight; my job isn’t to entertain you but rather to help you. I can’t force you to take what I’m saying seriously, but it’s really not in your best interests if I waste valuable time just telling you what you want to hear.

Unfortunately, I can’t do this without your assistance. Despite the fact that we live in a world of instant gratification, I’m pleading with you to exercise a little patience. The arraignment is set for Monday morning. Once we get you out on bail, we’ll have more time to go over all the details. No, that’s enough for now; I will get the rest then.

One more thing … did you call your dad?

Josh exhaled a heavy sigh. I understand… You do know your dad loves you – right?

And you know that there is nothing you could do that would change that … right?

Paco, I’m not going to try and tell you what to do; I understand it’s your choice.

Look, I realize that it’s easier said than done, but you’re going to have to try and relax. Maybe you should think of this current situation as a wake-up call. Perhaps the time has come for you to re-evaluate what is truly important.

I didn’t say that. It’s really no big deal. The truth is that I’d only be pretending to love you if I wasn’t willing to sacrifice a little bit of my time to help you out. Paco, there can only be two possibilities. Either I sincerely have your best interests at heart, and I am telling you the truth; or I am not. I’m asking you to trust me. I want you to know that if you choose to follow my advice, in the end everything will work out fine.

No, no… there’s really no need to apologize.

We can’t get you in front of a judge until Monday. Are you going to be okay ’til then?

Are you sure?

I’ll see you on Monday.

Don’t worry, I know where.

Love you too little buddy.

Josh shifted his attention to the couple seated before him. I’m sorry, may I help you?

Please forgive the intrusion, Adam implored. Since your office was the only one showing any signs of life, we were hoping you might be able to point us in the right direction. We’re looking for Mr. Joshua Randall.

You’re looking at him.

Joshua Randall was a serial juggler. After completing law school, he understood that in order to get ahead in his chosen specialty, it would require having multiple clients at all times. What he lacked in billable hourly income, he more than made up in sheer volume.

They stared at him in disbelief. Their ever so slight discomfort, instantaneously evaporated into warm smiles. I’m sorry Mr. Randall, we are the Robinsons. Adam proudly announced. Hopefully, my cousin, William told you we were coming.

Momentarily puzzled, Josh snapped his fingers in quick succession as if trying to awaken a long-forgotten memory. That’s right, wagging his finger. You guys are the pastry makers.

Exactly, Adam confirmed. We are the owners of Heavenly Treats in Lakewood.

Josh extended his hand.

I’m Adam, and this is my wife Clare.

Pleasure to meet you, Josh proclaimed, as they exchanged handshakes. What can I do for you?

Forgive me for being so forward, Adam cautiously interjected. But there must be some confusion…we were told you handled constitutional law not criminal law.

Who said that?

My cousin informed me … Adam started to say.

Josh held up his hand and stopped him mid-sentence.

I never tried to imply that I was anything but a criminal attorney. Josh thought about it for a moment and helpfully added, Sorry for the misunderstanding, these days it’s mostly criminal law but I did specialize in Constitutional law way back in law school.

Josh couldn’t help but notice both Mr. and Mrs. Robinson not so subtlety turn their gaze upward over his left shoulder towards the framed copy of his law degree, which did in fact confirm that he had successfully graduated from University of Michigan.

We’re sorry to take up your time Mr. Randall but this really isn’t a criminal matter, Adam apologized emphatically.

That’s okay, I was the one who told Bill that I would be happy to help if I could. Without so much as a hint of transition, Josh immediately changed the topic to that of food. Are you guys hungry?

Excuse me? Adam said in a quizzical tone.

You do eat … don’t you?

Of course, we eat Mr. Randall. Clare chimed in, but this is extremely important to us.

Call me Josh…please, he said with a heavy sigh. And I am fairly certain that I have the mental capacity to be able to listen to your story while simultaneously eating a slice of, what many Coloradans consider to be, Denver’s finest pizza.

It is just that we were actually hoping to get the ball rolling on this, Adam pleaded.

I totally understand, Josh replied. But it’s been a very long day and I am starving. Come on, I know a great little place right around the corner.

We weren’t… Clare tried to interject.

Don’t worry, Josh responded.

Trying to be as polite as possible, Adam meekly replied. Perhaps we caught you at a bad time…. maybe…

Nonsense, Josh interrupted, we can talk on the way.

2

to whom much is given...

As the afternoon sunlight danced through the budding aspen leaves, a warm breeze carrying the fresh scent of a nearby lilac bush was almost enough to remind Clare of just how glorious it was to be alive. They covered the three and a half blocks it had taken them to traverse from Josh’s office to the restaurant in a blur of informal chitchat covering a plethora of topics from the inconsistencies in the weather all the way up to the lack of intriguing movies worth seeing these days.

Upon entering, Clare immediately noticed that the dining establishment Josh had chosen was a lot closer to a bar than an actual restaurant. The clientele was a smorgasbord of young professionals, college students, and bohemian hippies with a heavy emphasis on the latter.

The hostess recognized Josh immediately and ushered the patrons to a high-top table located in the bar section of the restaurant.

Afternoon Josh, said the bubbly young teenager. I think Julie is going to be your server today. Can I take your drink order while you are waiting?

Swaying his open palm, Josh gestured for Adam and Clare to order first.

Do you have any ginger ale? Clare inquired.

I think we might be able to scrounge some up, the hostess cheerfully replied. And for you? looking at Adam.

Water will be just fine, Adam politely replied.

The hostess turned her attention back to Josh Are we sticking with Coors Light today?

Works for me.

Clare gave her husband’s hand a little extra squeeze.

I take it you are not particularly happy with my choice of venues. Josh hinted.

No, Clare lied, while trying her very best to conceal her displeasure.

I happen to like colorful people. Josh playfully divulged.

I’m sure the food will be fine, Adam cautiously interjected. It is just that we usually don’t spend much time in bars that’s all.

It’s a shame God blessed you with such a tiny set of raisinettes, Josh thought to himself. Rather than dwell on the negative, he opted to proceed with the usual pleasantries of getting to know one another all the way up until the waitress had finished taking their order.

The front door opened, and a cloud of marijuana smoke seeped into the room. A young couple in dreadlocks was trying to squeeze their way past Clare and move towards the bar, while she was doing her very best to try and shrink herself into her chair as if for fear that the new arrivals might possibly be carrying a hereto unknown strain of toxic syphilis.

I take it you disapprove, Josh noted.

Do not be deceived Mr. Randall, bad company corrupts good morals, Clare happily pointed out.

Josh tilted his head slightly. You like to judge, don’t you Mrs. Robinson?

Adam glanced over at his wife and noticed that she looked as though she was secretly trying to chew off an imaginary canker sore from the inside of her cheek.

Excuse me? Clare said, with all the righteous indignation she could muster.

I’m sorry: I didn’t realize I was stuttering. I said you like to judge, don’t you? Josh repeated.

How could you say such a thing? Adam demanded, as if to protect her honor.

Somehow I get the feeling that you seem to have the notion that you are morally superior to all these people in here. Josh exclaimed, as he waved his hand in an open gesture. You know absolutely nothing about them and yet, here you sit on your high throne ready to judge them. The sad part is that it seems like you’ve already made up your mind that these are bad people.

I certainly have not. Clare forcefully asserted, trying her best to convince herself that he was wrong.

While I am one hundred percent certain that there are some extremely depraved human beings walking around on this planet, Josh continued, I would like to believe that on a certain level, most people are basically good natured and endeavor to be decent, honest, and kind to others. They are just trying to get through the day-to-day bullshit that goes on in this life.

Clare winced upon hearing him cuss, as if simply being associated with such a vulgarian might condemn her soul to the very depths of hell.

The world is going to hell in a bucket, and you seem far more preoccupied with my choice of words. What’s next, are you seriously planning on criticizing the fact that my punctuation skills are woefully lacking?

It’s no wonder why Christianity is on the decline, Josh thought to himself. He decided to soften his tone and to placate his potential clients he added, You needn’t get so defensive; people judge…it’s what we do. For all I know, you could be judging me right now. I suppose that it is entirely conceivable that even as you are sitting here, you could be contemplating whether you think this is going to be worth your time.

From the death grip Clare gave Adam’s hand beneath the table, he understood she wanted to flee from Josh’s presence as if Satan, himself were sitting before them.

I believe we are called to live Godly lives Mr. Randall. Clare said, as she regained her composure.

Josh’s eyes softened. I’m sorry it has been a really long day and I wasn’t trying to offend you. Please forgive me.

Clare slowly unclenched her hand and the blood gradually returned to her husband’s tortured fingers.

It’s okay, Mr. Randall. Adam jumped in, hoping to save his wife from further discomfort. I’m just not so sure you might be the best fit. No offense, but we were really hoping to work with a Christian lawyer, that’s all.

What makes you think that I’m not a Christian? Josh politely asked, then turning on a dime, he smugly added... Would you have felt more convinced had there been a giant crucifix hanging on my office wall?

I really don’t appreciate your tone Mr. Randall; it is not only condescending; but dripping with sarcasm. Clare said, with all the authority of one who truly knows the subtleties of the English language.

Just as in a cheesy Hollywood movie when the cavalry arrives in the nick of time: a friendly teenage waitress arrived with a steaming hot pepperoni pizza. As she placed it in the center of the table, she was more than happy to disclose the obvious. Careful it’s hot.

If you are looking for perfection, you’re not going to find it here. Sadly, I don’t always choose the right words and it is quite possible that I might be guilty of using a few objectionable analogies and some worn out clichés to illustrate my point. There may even be times when it seems like I am trying to push your buttons, Josh hinted. Just in case, I’m going to apologize in advance because more than likely I will probably slip up again and from where you are sitting it might feel as though I am attacking your faith.

Then why would you continue to do it? It’s not a very becoming quality Mr. Randall, Clare proclaimed.

Josh desperately wanted to point out that in his experience there are far too many Christians who simply talk a good game. Some are so self-absorbed that they can be the worst offenders when it comes to showing compassion to others. He wanted to tell them that he was merely trying to assess whether they were being sincere in their faith. Rather than rub a little more salt into an already festering wound, he opted to appease Clare and decided to give the standard response.

"You’re probably right. Look, you guys came all the way down here; let’s see what we can do to move things in the right direction. Bill gave me a condensed version of the events that happened, but I think it would probably be best if you start from