Where Love Ends . . .: Grace Abounds

By Michelle Lucas

As life happen, so does the dynamics of love. The struggle is real. Angela, the preacher’s kid, finds love but in all the wrong places. Lured naively away from college into the strip club by Ishmael, Angela’s understanding of love quickly goes from left to right in a blink of an eye, forcing her to get a taste of what the real world actually has to offer. But Pastor Cedric and Sister Gracie, Angela’s parents, believing strongly in the power of prayer, uses it as a weapon in hopes to bring their daughter back from a destructive and unforeseen pathway. In Where Love Ends… Grace abounds, forces are aggressively at work to kill, steal and destroy everything on its path, including relationships, marriages and dreams, if permitted. But can love win in this spiritual warfare? Or has the damage already been done to all who has become involved.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781984568021

Michelle Lucas

Michelle Lucas, Author and Spiritual Lecturer, is the founder of Creating Forward, a course on discovering and living the essence of the soul. Her workshops guide people to expand their gifts, so their gifts act as beacons of Light pulling the soul forward. Michelle has lectured nationally on these principles that she learned primarily from a near-death-experience in 1999 and now lives and writes in the Southwest.

Book preview

Where Love Ends …

Grace Abounds

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Michelle Lucas

Copyright © 2019 by Michelle Lucas.

ISBN:              Softcover                978-1-9845-6803-8

                        eBook                     978-1-9845-6802-1

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. 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.

NIV

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

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.

Rev. date: 02/25/2019

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

CONTENTS

1.   Angela

2.   Before You Do

3.   Three sides to every story

4.   Freedom Choices

5.   A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words

6.   Brides and Bridesmaids

7.   Secret Dancer

8.   Something Borrowed, Something True

9.   An All-Night Stand

10.   Talk 2 Me

11.   Beyond Drama

12.   White Picket Fences

13.   Make it Happen

14.   Changing of the Guard

15.   Pews and Prayers

16.   Is it a crime?

17.   In Safe Hands

18.   Between Us

19.   Have you seen her?

20.   Disconnected

21.   Promises Made

22.   Words Left Unsaid

23.   The Wedding Rehearsal

24.   Love and Grace

25.   Trust Me

26.   Love Doesn’t Live Here Anymore

27.   Duplicity

28.   The Dinner Party

29.   No Turning Back

30.   All for One

31.   Let us Pray

32.   Tables Turned

33.   Bachelor Bash

34.   Revelations

35.   Only the Strong

36.   I Do

37.   The Wedding

38.   New Life Begins

39.   Keisha

SCENE ONE

Opens up at the home of Pastor Cedric and Sister Gracie. It’s right at the break of dawn and Sister Gracie is in the kitchen making coffee. She appears uneasy. Still dressed in her nightwear, and along with her robe, she is also wearing a watch. She checks it intensely. The kitchen door opens. It’s her daughter Angela, just strolling in. They’re both startled.

Sister Gracie:

(again, looking down at her watch)

Angela, do you realize what time it is?

Angela:

Of course I do mama! I just didn’t realize I still had a curfew, at my age.

Sister Gracie:

No, you don’t have a curfew, but this reoccurrence of waltzing in here during the early morning hours, it’s really unacceptable! Your father and I are getting tired of it.

Angela:

(mumbling)

Well, you won’t have to deal with it much longer.

Sister Gracie:

Excuse me young lady?

Angela:

(raising her voice)

You’re not the only one frustrated here! You treat me as though I’m still a child, and I’m not.

Sister Gracie:

"And who do you think you’re speaking to in that tone?"

Angela:

I just can’t seem to win with you. Nothing I do is acceptable! Sorry, I don’t want to spend my entire life in church like you and Daddy! I have a life and friends who know about living without all of THIS every single day!

Sister Gracie:

"I care nothing about these so-called friends of yours, or this misguided path they’re obviously leading you down, but you WILL respect the Lord in my house!

And that goes for any age of your life."

Angela:

(turning her back on Sister Gracie)

I’m going to bed!

Sister Gracie:

Do not turn your back on me Angela! I’m talking to you!

Angela:

So-called friends and misguided path? I’m done with all of this! Clearly, we’re not going to agree right now. I swear Daddy understands me so much better than you ever will!

Sister Gracie:

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

Angela:

He actually listens to me, without all of the judgment. I just want to live like a normal person. Why is that so hard for you to understand?

Sister Gracie:

"We’re actually both very concerned about you. This dramatic change in you! All the secrets, we don’t know if you’re out in these streets doing drugs or who you’re hanging out with.

You’ve become so disrespectful to me Angela. You were not raised this way!

So yes, I have a whole lot of questions right now, and yes it may seem a little judgmental."

Angela:

(mumbling, a little)

Is dad up?

Sister Gracie:

What?

Angela:

Is dad up?

Sister Gracie:

"No, he already left for work. Why?"

Angela:

(again, turning her back on Sister Gracie)

Because I’m done going in circles here. Until Daddy is back, I have nothing more to say! Because like you, I can’t take it anymore. And if he can’t help us, I’m not sure who can.

Sister Gracie:

"I’m going to keep trusting and praying God will turn this thing around for us Angela."

Angela:

(walking out of the room)

And I’m going to bed! I’m tired!

The lights go down

****************************

SCENE TWO

Opens up at the marriage counseling session with Reid, Ebony, and Sister Gracie

Sister Gracie:

"Reid, Ebony, I’m so happy the two of you are here today.

I do believe marriage counseling is one of the best decisions a couple can make, before stepping into a marriage together. Pastor Cedric and I are both very excited about your future. And we want your marriage to last just as long as ours, if not longer.

As you know, Pastor and I have been married now for over twenty-five years. I like to think we have an inside track, with the One Above, on how to make it last. But, of course, marriage isn’t for everyone, you must be willing to put in the work."

Reid:

"Absolutely, this is a very important step for both of us Sister Gracie.

We both agree that marriage counseling is imperative to us star ting and maintaining a successful marriage."

Sister Gracie:

That’s great Reid. Lady Ebony, is this a mutual decision on your part?

Ebony:

"It is Sister Gracie, but I just want to say beforehand, I haven’t always been a believer.

I just haven’t had a need for it in my life. I come from a very divided background and religion just wasn’t a priority, at least from what I can recall.

When Reid proposed, it was almost a condition for us to even move forward in our relationship. I mean, talk about ultimatums… God showed up, guns blazing, for this change to happen immediately in our lives or it was over!

I had a lot of mixed feeling, but I knew I didn’t want to lose him. So, here I am, ready for the good fight. I already know, I’m probably not where I should be, but please be patient with me."

Sister Gracie:

Lady Ebony and Reid, the fact that you’re both here with open hearts, have me very optimistic about God’s plan for this union.

Reid:

Sister Gracie, Ebony and I actually lived under the same roof before making this covenant under Grace, but during this process we have now agreed to live apart until our wedding day.

Sister Gracie:

Lady Ebony, anything you would like to say about this?

Ebony:

(coughing):

"Let’s just say, I’m open to it. All the changes are very new, but like I said, we’ve been together for years, off and on, so this is a substantial change for me.

I love Reid and I do want to understand where his heart is, so the temporary living arrangement is what it is, for now."

Reid:

I bought her a home, Sister Gracie!

Sister Gracie:

WOW! Lady Ebony, is this true?

Ebony:

"It is. He even allowed me to help build it the way I wanted it. It’s absolutely beautiful.

I just can’t live in it right now, but…"

Sister Gracie:

Sometimes, it’s those small sacrifices that bring forth the most amazing rewards.

Ebony:

(rolling of the eyes)

Reid:

"Sister Gracie, I’ll admit, I haven’t always been the most honest one in this relationship. I’ve made my share of mistakes, but I love this woman.

I just want to be the best man that I can be. I need to know how to handle the bumps in the road. I’m in it for the long haul."

Sister Gracie:

"And the bumps in the road will come Reid. Which is why I always lean so heavily on the scriptures to give me guidance.

Proverbs 3:5 specifically. Always seek understanding in the Lord. Read it together. It’s the stabilization you’ll need when everything else appears to be falling apart. Makes sense?"

Reid:

Yes, makes perfect sense to me.

Sister Gracie:

Lady Ebony?

Ebony

(opening her bible):

"Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. That’s the King James Version, correct?"

Sister Gracie:

Yes, that’s it! Because everything you struggle with is found in the word.

Ebony:

So, even when I think of trust. And believing he will never cheat on me. I should find the word that helps me believe it will never happen, again.

Reid:

Babe…

Sister Gracie:

"Absolutely! It’s all in there. Which brings me to a key point of any marriage union.

And that’s making God your center, your foundation to draw from, in every situation.

Now this sounds like a key part that’s been missing in your relationship.

Am I correct to say that?"

Reid:

Yes, that would be correct.

Sister Gracie:

Okay, so while you’re both learning and growing in your relationship with God, you must now seek him to understand where he fits as a guide for your marriage, through any and every situation. He is the counselor we are choosing to rely on here in this union… Agreed?

Reid and Ebony look at each other for confirmation

Reid and Ebony:

Yes… Agreed…

Sister Gracie:

Perfect! Then, I believe you’re both ready to begin!

The lights go down

****************************

SCENE THREE

Opens up at the Urban Café (3 tables/3 different Parties) lights are down.

The light comes up on the first table where Ebony and Reid are sitting having coffee

Ebony:

Baby, can you believe we’re just a few weeks away from our big day? I swear I’m both nervous and excited all at the same time.

Reid:

What are you so nervous about? It’s all coming together nicely from what I can tell.

Ebony:

I just want everything to be perfect, you know?

Reid:

You’re perfect! And, I already know you’re going to be the most beautiful bride I have ever laid my eyes upon.

Ebony:

Awe, thank you babe.

Reid:

"So, can you promise me that you’ll relax, please?

Everything’s going to work out exactly the way it’s supposed to."

Ebony:

I know. And yes, you’re right. I will try.

Reid:

That’s all I ask. So, what’s next on our list?

Ebony:

Well, we really need to get the wedding rehearsal scheduled.

Reid:

I thought we agreed on that Thursday evening before the wedding. At least that’s when all my guys will be here.

Ebony

(checking her planner):

Yes, here it is, in black and white! And it works for my ladies, as well. I’ll connect with Sister Gracie then and get us locked in with a time. That’s perfect!

Reid:

Cool. That reminds me, I need to get back to Pastor C. He left me a voice-message earlier, something regarding his daughter. You know anything about that?

Ebony:

Not really, just that Sister Gracie has been concerned about her. I pray everything is alright.

Reid:

"Yeah, me too. I’ll check in to see what’s going on after we finish up here.

What else you got for me before I head out?"

Ebony:

Well, on a much different subject, I think we really need to talk…

Reid:

About?

Ebony:

I think we should consider living together again, before the wedding?

Reid:

Ebony, we’re not having this conversation again. You already know how I feel about this…

Ebony:

"Reid, please just hear me out. Between the wedding, and the honeymoon planning, we’re even more in limbo than before. Together we can accomplish so much more. It just makes sense.

The distance is really hurting our timeline right now."

Reid:

I’m not sure why it doesn’t make any sense, it’s a wedding. There’s going to be a little tension in it. Look, we’re almost there and soon we’ll be living together as husband and wife, under the same roof, forever. This ciaos will soon be behind us. It’s what we both agreed to, remember?

Ebony:

I agreed that we should not consummate until we were married. Plus, I’m not even saying we have to sleep in the same room together. Think of it as a short-term roommate arrangement.

Reid:

I’m not shacking up with you before our marriage Ebony, sleeping together or not.

Ebony:

"Shacking, really? It’s not as though we haven’t lived together before.

Do you really think these next few weeks will make that big of a difference?"

Reid:

Yes, I do. The difference is when we decided to turn our lives over to the Lord. We agreed to walk by faith and not by our flesh. I happen to still be committed to that covenant.

Ebony:

(Ebony waives her planner in frustration)

I am too, but… it just seems to make more sense to be together rather than being apart trying to accomplish everything left on our list.

Reid:

"No, it’s not about our own personal desires or what’s in our planners right now. It’s about God’s word, first and foremost, and us walking according to it.

Where’s the sacrifice and commitment?"

Ebony:

"Truly I’ve sacrificed and have been more committed than ever before. Hey, God never had a problem with the King’s wives and their concubines all living together under the same roof, so I’m really not sure of the sacrifices you’re referring to.

King David was a prime example of all of that, and God continued to bless HIM."

Reid:

"How about the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ, New Testament?

I’m not sure why I’m even trying to debate this with you."

Ebony:

And didn’t Jesus die for our sins?

Reid:

I see you have all of the answers here, but that doesn’t give us a license to sin, on purpose, because personally I don’t want to. I refuse to.

Ebony:

I’m not saying that I want to sin on purpose either, but…

Reid:

Listen, we’ve managed this far without a hitch. Not to mention, my guys have already made plans to stay with me while they are in town for the wedding and they’re planning a bachelor’s party for me.

Ebony:

So finally, here we have it! I can’t talk about us living together right now because you’re organizing a bachelor party? How fair is that? Please tell me you’re not planning to have strippers at this shin-dig, in my new house.

Reid:

I’m not the one doing the planning, Adam is. And one thing doesn’t have anything to do with the other, so let’s not get this all twisted around.

Ebony:

I don’t want strippers in my house Reid. Please let’s not get that twisted.

Reid:

I never said anything about any strippers being in our house. Adam knows that my lifestyle has changed. I trust Adam and the guys to put things together, very tastefully.

Ebony:

As long as it’s your taste and not his. We both know that Adam is not the changed one here.

Reid:

Give him a chance Ebony. You haven’t seen him in a while to know that for sure.

Ebony:

No, I’m pretty sure.

Reid takes a look down at his watch.

Reid:

"Babe, I really do have to get back to work, and I must get back to Pastor. Are we done here? The stress of the wedding has your mind all over the place.

I need you to stop worrying about everything."

REID GETS UP FROM THE TABLE, COVERS THE CHECK, AND GIVES EBONY A KISS ON HER CHEEK.

Reid:

It’ll all work out. You’ll see…

Ebony:

We need to finish this conversation Reid… It’s not over…

Reid:

Call the church and schedule the rehearsal… I’ll talk with you later.

REID EXITS THE CAFÉ

EBONY GRABS HER CELLPHONE TO PLACE A CALL.

The lights go down on the first Table.