Songs for the Deceived; Test of Faith

By J. Michael Krivyanski

Three young adults have experienced horrible tragedies.  They are in a place where they've temporarily left their broken earthly bodies.  Each is brought before a bright white light.  The three young adults are shown what happens to their loved ones if they stay with the light.  Each is also shown what happens if they choose to return to the world they just left.  With their loss, the darkness will have an opportunity to become strong with the people they love. The young adults understand that if they go back, they'll be living in broken bodies the reminder of their time in the world.  They choose to save their loved ones from the darkness.  All of them chooses to return.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. Michael Krivyanski
• Release date: Apr 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9798985689907

J. Michael Krivyanski

J. Michael Krivyanski is a syndicated columnist with Continental New Service. He has published four books of his humor columns that previously appeared in various media. He has also published a work of fiction under his penname Lucas Kinkaid. J. Michael Krivyanski is also the author of four Christian books. When not writing, he is busy biking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors with his wife.

Book preview

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

Copyright © 2022 J. Michael Krivyanski

Cover Designed by GetCovers

All rights reserved.

Ebook – ISBN - 979-8-9856899-0-7

Print Book – ISBN - 979-8-9856899-4-5

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without permission of the author is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrightable materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to all people who have had their faith in God tested. It could have been an event that happened in the past or is occurring in the present. People dealing with the loss of a child, parent, or other loved ones. Situations where a home or possessions have been lost or destroyed. A job may have ended, or a business failed. People could face serious physical problems or witness someone they love experiencing them. It is a challenging time. These are tests of faith.

The Bible speaks of Job. His story should be an inspiration to all Christians facing difficulties. Many times, when a Christian is only left with their faith, they discover it’s all they really need.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank everyone involved with helping me make this book possible. My wife Leatrice for her decades of support for all my writing endeavors. I would also like to thank my long-time friend Karen Malena. She provided the necessary writing guidance and inspiration for this book when it was needed most.

PROLOGUE

Three young adults are surrounded by a bright white light. Each one feels as if they are simply thoughts traveling in space. They see images of the tragic events that just happened in their lives. They also see how these events affect the people they love. Each of the young adults is given a choice; they can stay or go back. They are able to communicate their ideas and express emotions. A soft yet strong voice speaks to them. They know it is coming from the light.

You can decide to stay here and never return to the world from which you just came. You can also go back. Should you return, your existence will be that of a helpless being in a broken body. This will be necessary to set in motion events that must occur. You also know how staying here will affect your loved ones.

Why has this decision come to me? asks a young female.

The light becomes brighter.

These types of decisions must constantly be made by those who exist. Having the freedom to make decisions defines a person as well as helps to determine the outcomes of events. You will understand completely when it is your time. This is when you must stay here and are no longer permitted to return. Until that moment, you will only know what is necessary to complete your journey.

All agree to return to the world they just left and live in broken bodies. Each has someone they want to save from darkness. The young adults have demonstrated their willingness to sacrifice for those they love. It is a love that will protect them. It will also provide them with the determination necessary to endure what they must upon returning

CONTENTS

Prologue

Chapter 1: The Old Guitar Player

Chapter 2: The Sentimental Rest Home

Chapter 3: Sophie’s Diner

Chapter 4: The Other World

Chapter 5: Emanuel’s burden

Chapter 6: Crossing Over

Chapter 7: The Bible and Philosophy

Chapter 8: The Darkness Within

Chapter 9: Endings And Beginnings

Chapter 10: Electronic Communications

Chapter 11: A Mother’s Enduring Love

Chapter 12: darkness from The past

Chapter 13: Personal Justice

Chapter 14: The Battle of Light and Dark

Chapter 15: The Test

Chapter 16: Reunion

Author

JOB 1:22

JOB NEITHER SINNED NOR CHARGED GOD WITH WRONGDOING IN ALL OF THIS

CHAPTER 1

THE OLD GUITAR PLAYER

Nobody knows when the winds of change will come blowing into their life. The more a person thinks they control what happens in their world, the harder it is for them when the winds arrive. The changes can come at any time and in any place. The winds are never expected. They are always sent as part of a larger plan for the people involved.

On this day, the weatherman on the morning television news forecast beautiful spring weather. In the sky, brightness from the sun mixes with a few white clouds. It sends warm breezes and shadows to move on the streets in the world below. People are walking along city sidewalks. They are talking or thinking about their next destination. Fountains in the park shoot water in the air. A bit of wetness lightly sprays people sitting nearby. Sitting space around the fountains is soon limited. The nice spring weather invites people to enjoy their noon meal outside. Men and women in office attire stand near the spraying water or slowly walk around the fountains. Occasionally someone glances at their watch. Keeping track of time is important when away from the office.

Kenneth Chambles walks quickly through the park. He is not aware of anything going on around him. He doesn’t notice the nice weather or the sights and sounds of the fountains. He’s an attorney on his way to a meeting with an important client. As he walks, his thoughts go over the details of the contract he’ll soon be discussing. It’s a multimillion-dollar contract. He’s been working on it for weeks. Kenneth can’t be late for this meeting. Clients pay hundreds of dollars an hour for his time. Being late is not an option.

As he gets closer to the park’s fountains, Kenneth hears singing and guitar music being played. He stops when he notices a man wearing shabby clothes, playing an old guitar, and singing near one of the fountains. The guitar player’s floppy leather hat sits on long hair that hangs in a ponytail down his back. The stubble on the man’s face is evidence the guitar player hasn’t shaved for a few days. The open guitar case in front of him contains a few dollar bills and plenty of change. As the man sings, Kenneth realizes it’s not a song he has ever heard. The words nonetheless affect him.

I don’t have much money

But money don’t have me

I don’t jump through any rich man’s hoops

Because I prefer to be free

I did that before

And I won’t do it no more

Because I love a day that’s sunny

I’m a man who’s free from a world

That is obsessed with money

Kenneth struggles to ignore the music. He feels anger from deep inside begin to grow. Kenneth wonders who this broken-down fool thinks he is just standing in a public park singing about money. How could this person possibly know anything about money? There’s a chance somebody could listen to this and feel the songs make sense. This guitar player doesn’t realize how the songs he’s singing are ridiculous. The anger becomes stronger. Kenneth can’t control his urge to say something. He walks up and stands in front of the guitar player. Before Kenneth can say anything, the guitar player stops. He tips his leather hat toward Kenneth and smiles.

How are you, Esquire? You look like you’re in a hurry. I bet you don’t want to be late for your million-dollar client meeting.

Kenneth’s eyes widen. He swallows hard and takes a step back. He clears his throat and composes himself before speaking.

How did you know I’m an attorney? How did you know I’m off to a meeting with a client?

The guitar player looks away for a second and laughs.

You attorney types all think you’re so special. Look at how you’re dressed. I can tell what you are just by the attitude you show when you walk. In a city this size, what do you attorney types do but run around from one-million-dollar meeting to the next? Being surprised at picking one of you guys out of a crowd is like pointing to a salmon run in Alaska and noticing fish.

I have a question for you.

I’m listening.

Do you think it’s right for you to spend your time out here singing about money? Have you ever had any money? Do you know what hard work it takes to earn it? I bet you believe it’s easier to live off the hard work of others than actually earn a living yourself.

The guitar player looks away. He takes a big breath and slowly exhales in an attempt to remain calm. When he turns back, the guitar player has a forced smile on his face.

Let me tell you something about me. I take no money from the government or anybody else. I get paid to play my music. This is my stage and people give me money when I perform. I have as many rights as you do to express myself in public. That’s not determined by a person’s wealth. Before you judge someone, you should know a little bit about them first. Best check the time. I know you don’t want to be late. I’m sure someone is paying your law firm quite a bit of money for you to do your legal thing. In my profession time is also money. Right now, this annoying conversation is getting a bit expensive for me. If you don’t mind, I would like to get back to work.

The two men exchange angry looks. The guitar player suddenly turns away and starts singing again. Kenneth glances at his wristwatch and realizes he does have to hurry. He starts going toward the end of the park. As he walks away, Kenneth hears the man’s singing voice over the strumming of a worn guitar.

I don’t need an image

That much is true

I get to be just who I am

Wonder if you do to

Freedom and reality and truth

That’s all I have you see

Freedom and reality and truth

That’s good enough for me

Once in the law firm’s building, Kenneth quickly gets on an open elevator. When it stops, he gets out and walks over to the glass doors for the law firm Olbersten Grey and Chambles. Kenneth makes his way to the receptionist’s desk. Sitting there is a young girl with long brown hair. The dress she’s wearing is an expensive one. The receptionist’s hair and makeup look perfect.

Has the meeting with the overseas telecommunications company started yet?

No, Mr. Chambles. The client’s attorneys called and said they would be a few minutes late. Everyone is in the glass conference room right now waiting for them.

Thank you.

The glass conference room is a favorite place for the law firm to hold meetings. It’s a room with windows that go from ceiling to floor. It provides everyone in it with a spectacular view of the city below. It’s a conference room the law firm uses for only the most important clients.

Kenneth enters the room. Two other attorneys from the firm, as well as a senior partner, are there. Everyone is sitting on plush leather chairs around a long walnut table. The senior partner’s name is Thomas Oldes. As Kenneth sits down, Thomas clears his throat. He looks at his watch and then at Kenneth.

Cutting it a little close aren’t we Chambles? Don’t forget it was your grandfather who was one of the founding partners of this firm and not you.

I’m here and I’m prepared. What more do you want?

Thomas loves this type of response. It gives him an opportunity to put the situation into perspective for a young attorney. Thomas begins by speaking about the firm’s policy with regard to punctuality. He then continues with stories about the drastic measures he has personally taken to be on time for important meetings. As this is happening, Kenneth looks around the room at the other attorneys. His facial expression pleads for their help in getting him free from the mind-numbing Thomas Oldes punctuality lecture.

Kenneth notices every attorney in the room is wearing a suit that costs hundreds of dollars. All of them have well-manicured fingernails. Their hair is carefully styled, and everyone displays some gold jewelry. These are the things one attorney will notice about another. It’s a subtle way to project status and success.

Kenneth thinks about the guitar player in the park. He begins to understand how an attorney could easily be picked out of a crowd. It’s the first time he can remember feeling ordinary.

Suddenly the door to the conference room opens. A group of attorneys walks in and begins apologizing for being late. Kenneth wonders how these attorneys would react to a punctuality lecture from Thomas Oldes.

Kenneth and his fellow attorneys from Olbersten Grey and Chambles stand up and extend greetings. There is handshaking, and everyone starts to make small talk. The contract they’ve gathered to discuss will soon take over the conversation. That’s when the pleasantries will end. It will then become a time of verbal sparring. Much time, effort, and money will be spent trying to find words that will be acceptable to all those involved in creating an acceptable written agreement.

The attorneys from the other firm hand papers to the lawyers from Olbersten Grey and Chambles. The papers list issues to discuss and their positions on the contract. Kenneth looks at the paper. His mind starts to drift. He struggles with feeling bored. Kenneth begins to wonder just how many other lawyers in the world are doing exactly what he’s doing right now. He realizes he’s never known much of anything but legal work during his life.

Kenneth looks out of the window and notices the guitar player in the park. Some people are standing around and clapping as he plays. Kenneth thinks the man probably only sings songs he’s written himself. They are unique and different from any other. He looks at the other attorneys in the conference room. Kenneth tries to clear his mind and study the paper he’s been given. He begins to think the man in the park is very lucky.

When he turns back from the window, Kenneth can see Thomas staring at him and pointing to the paper Kenneth is holding.

George Maple is the senior managing partner at the firm Olbersten Grey and Chambles. With that title comes a large office. At one end of the office is a plush leather couch. At the other end is a solid wooden conference table surrounded by stylish chairs. His office also displays items from his life and career.

On the wall behind his desk is a variety of framed certificates. They include George’s law degree and his theology doctorate. There is even a framed letter from the governor thanking George for his work on behalf of a charity. On a shelf below are framed pictures of him shaking hands with well-known local and national political figures, as well as celebrities. In a cabinet with glass doors are several golfing trophies George has won over the years. These are trophies from various charity events, his college playing days as well as from being in golf tournaments for the firm. On a corner of his desk is a framed picture of George with his wife, their four adult children as well as six grandchildren.

George is sitting at his desk reading documents and making notes when he hears knocking at the door. George puts down his pen and leans back in his chair.

Yes.

The door opens, and Thomas Oldes walks in. George can’t remember a time when Thomas didn’t seem angry about something. Thomas takes a few steps in and his angry expression begins as he looks around the office.

What can I do for you, Tom?

Got a few minutes? There’s something I’d like to talk to you about.

George motions to a chair in front of his desk.

Please make it just a few minutes. I’m trying to get ready for a meeting tomorrow with the board.

Thomas sighs as he slowly walks over to the chair and sits down.

I know I say it every time I’m here, but you do have some great digs. It must be nice.

It’s just an office. Do you want me to give it to you? If that will end your resentment of me having it, you can move in whenever you like.

No, no, no the board chose you for the job. It wouldn’t be right for me just to come in here and set up shop.

Are you here to show your envy for my real estate or do you actually have something worth talking about.?

Thomas looks at George and tells himself this will be his office someday. He believes everything George Maple has in the firm will eventually be his. Thomas tells himself it’s just a matter of time. He will fight to get this office and George Maple’s position in the firm.

I’d like to talk to you about Kenneth Chambles.

What about him?

Thomas hates seeing the picture of Maple and his family on the corner of the desk. Thomas believes the pictures of well-known people on display in George’s office are a sign of an immense ego. He tells anyone who will listen that showing so many sports trophies are pathetic. Thomas doesn’t understand why there is a theology diploma next to a law degree. Why would any attorney get a doctorate in theology? Thomas struggles to hide his disgust.

I think I’ve noticed some potential problems. I think we need to address them before they become an issue.

"Such as?

He’s come close to missing the cut-off on a few court document filings.

Who among us hasn’t come close to missing a court filing? This happens all the time. It’s no big deal.

"The other day at a meeting with the telecommunications company, he seemed distracted.