For the Love of Sam

By David A. Brown

This book is a collection of stories. One story, "For the Love of Sam," takes up more than half the book. Sam is the story of a journey into faith by a young woman named Amanda and then her walk with the Lord after coming to faith. She believes there must be a God but has trouble accepting the God of the Bible. She is full of doubts and objections. Through studying the Bible, reading other books, and the support and understanding of a group of friends I think of as "Christian misfits," her stumbling blocks are gradually overcome. This world is full of people like Amanda, and so this book is dedicated to everyone who is searching for God, whether they know it or not. The other stories in this book all have a faith element in them except for one. All these stories are fiction, except for "The Journey." In some, the faith element is predominate; in others, it is subdued. God is present in all aspects of our life. Faith is the tie that binds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: May 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098079918

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For the Love of Sam

David A. Brown

Copyright © 2020 by David A. Brown

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

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

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Who Can Be Saved?

Part 1

Amanda’s Journey

For the Son of man came to seek and save the lost.

—Luke 19:10

And he said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It is fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and he is alive; he was lost, and is found.

—Luke 15:31–32

Chapter 1

Amanda’s Dilemma

Amanda rummaged through her purse for the fourth time. Not that she expected to find anything. The first time, she found twenty-seven cents much to her surprise. But what could she do with twenty-seven cents? She couldn’t buy anything to eat, nor would it help with the rent. She was already behind a hundred dollars to Mrs. Robinson. No, twenty-seven cents wouldn’t help anything. And the next two rummages produced nothing, so she had no expectations for the fourth rummage. She knew what she was doing; she was wasting time. She was stalling. She was putting off what she had made up her mind to do because she dreaded doing it. So she stopped her rummaging and looked up Eddie’s phone number.

Eddie, what a jerk. But she could see no other way out of her situation. She had no one else to turn to. She had always been an introvert. She liked people, but she had never made many close friends. And then she met Ted. He was so kind and loving. She thought that she had finally found happiness. But when Ted died suddenly, her whole world fell apart. Her parents had died several years earlier, and she had no brothers or sisters. In fact, she had no close relatives at all. So when the offer of a job came, she jumped at the chance and moved east. But the job only lasted three months, and she had not been able to find another.

She didn’t have anyone she could turn to. She didn’t have a friend in the world. No, wait, that wasn’t true. She had Sam! Now there was a friend if there ever was one! Sam has been her friend ever since he was a puppy. He was now five, and you couldn’t ask for a more loyal or loving friend. If Sam had any money, he would give it to Amanda without a second thought. But of course, Sam didn’t have any money. He didn’t even have the slightest idea of what money might be. But Amanda knew, and she knew twenty-seven cents wasn’t going to do her any good. The only solution to her problem that she could see was creepy Eddie. She didn’t like it, but Eddie seemed to be her only hope.

No, that wasn’t quite true either. There was Mrs. Roberts. She knew Mrs. Roberts would hire her in a heartbeat. The trouble was it was a live-in job with no dogs allowed. There was no way she was going to give up Sam. They were a team; they had been through too much to part company at this point. Amanda liked Mrs. Roberts, and she would have loved working for her, but not if it meant giving up Sam. No, that just wasn’t an option. As much as she hated to admit it, Eddie, creepy old Eddie, seemed to be her only way out.

So she called him up and made an appointment for the next day. She was not looking forward to it. She tried to convince herself that it really didn’t matter. Who cares if Eddie took pictures of her naked? No one would see them except Eddie and a bunch of dirty old men. And she knew Eddie would behave himself because she knew other women who had posed for him. But she didn’t like the creepy way he looked at her when he asked her to pose for him. But more than anything, she knew it was not the right thing to do.

She knew what her parents would have thought of their daughter doing such a thing. If they were still alive, surely they would help her, and she wouldn’t have to do such a thing. But they were gone, and she had no one to turn to. But even though they were gone, their disapproval still bothered Amanda. She pictured her mother with a sad look on her face, wondering to herself how a girl who was raised in a Christian home and went to church every week could ever do such a thing.

It had been almost ten years since she had been in church. She hadn’t exactly lost her faith, but she hadn’t exactly kept it either. On the one hand, it all seemed so impossible. How could the Bible be right about everything it says? How could the earth have been created in six days? And if some things aren’t true, how could you put your faith in any of it? But there must be a God. The universe could not possibly create itself. The big bang may explain a lot of things, but where did the things that caused the big bang come from? It seems as if there must be a creator. There must be a force outside of time that cause everything to come into existence.

At least that’s the way it seemed to Amanda, but she just wasn’t sure about any of it. As a little girl, she had been drawn to Jesus. She loved to sing Jesus loves me in Sunday school, and she really felt that he did. But now she wasn’t sure. Was there a God who loved her? Was there a God who created everything? She wished that there was, but she just wasn’t sure. She wanted to put her faith in him, but she just couldn’t. So she called Eddie and hoped that if there was a God, he could forgive her or at least understand.

After the call, she needed some fresh air, so she put Sam on his leash and headed for the park. She didn’t know if there was a God who loved her, but she knew Sam did. Of course, Sam loved everyone. You couldn’t find a more loving dog than Sam. She didn’t know what combination of dogs came together to create Sam, but it must have been a good one. In fact, it had to be the best combination of dog genes imaginable because Sam was the best dog imaginable.

And how he loved to go to the park. And why shouldn’t he? There was room to run and people and dogs—everything a dog like Sam could hope for—everything except food.

Sam hadn’t eaten since yesterday. Amanda felt terribly guilty. Eddie would pay her in cash, so Sam would eat tomorrow, but for now, he must go hungry. Amanda was hungry herself. She wouldn’t have minded if only she could provide a little something for Sam. After all, he was her responsibility, and he loved her unreservedly.

Chapter 2

Encounter in the Park

The park was only a few blocks away. As they entered, Amanda saw a man sitting on a bench with a brown paper sack on his lap. He had what appeared to be a sandwich in his hand, but he wasn’t eating it. Instead, his arm was extended downward toward the ground. Amanda thought he might be about to fall asleep.

Suddenly, Sam pulled free and ran up to the man, snatched the sandwich out of his hand, and began to hungrily gobble it down. Amanda was aghast.

Sam! she shouted, but Sam uncharacteristically ignored her. Amanda was quite embarrassed. She said to the man, I am so sorry. He’s usually much better behaved than that.

The man had a big grin on his face. He said, That’s quite all right, miss. Hungry dogs must be fed, and it’s actually my fault because I enticed him. It’s easier than fishing in a barrel to hold out a sandwich to a hungry dog.

Amanda was taken back by this. And how do you know he’s hungry?

Oh, I have a way of knowing these things. I’d say neither one of you has eaten since yesterday about noon.

Now Amanda didn’t know what to think. This seemed very suspicious. What did this guy want and how could he know she and Sam hadn’t eaten since noon yesterday? And yet there was something genuine about him. He offered her a sandwich from the bag he was holding, but she refused. She was very tempted to accept it, but what if he is some kind of a nut? What if those sandwiches were poisoned or laced with drugs?

Sam had very made quick work of his sandwich and didn’t seem any worse for wear. But Amanda wanted to know more about this man. So she asked him, What’s your name? And do you always entice hungry dogs with a bag of sandwiches?

The man laughed and said, My name is Clarence, and I’ve never done anything quite like this before, but I often do things people find unusual. Today I am looking to fill a couple of very important positions for a foundation I work for.

And what foundation might that be?

It is called Emmaus House.

I’ve never heard of it.

I’m not surprised. We are a very small organization. We have a house over on Thirty-Fourth and K.

Amanda knew where that was. She thought she had seen the house, but she wasn’t sure. If it was the house she thought it was, it had a very nice garden.

And what is the position you are looking for? asked Amanda. She was skeptical of Clarence. It seemed like he must have some motives other than just hiring someone. Whoever heard of recruiting by enticing a dog to eat a sandwich? And yet somehow a spark of hope had sprung up within her. Could this be the solution to her problems?

There are two positions actually, said Clarence. Both are live-in. First of all, we need a young woman to run the household at Emmaus House. She must be in her late twenties, likes to work with people of all ages, especially elderly people. She must be able to balance a checkbook and do simple household accounts. She must be friendly and helpful. And most of all—Clarence paused and cast a glance at Sam—she must have a friendly mixed-breed dog named Sam.

Amanda’s skepticism was on the verge of casting a very negative opinion of Clarence at this point. Do you mean to tell me that you were waiting here specifically for Sam and me to pass by?

That’s right, said Clarence. I knew that after talking to Eddie, you would need some fresh air.

Amanda stared at Clarence with her mouth open. Have you been spying on me? How in the world do you know about Eddie? Are you two working together?

I assure you, Eddie’s purposes and mine could not be further apart.

Amanda did not feel assured. Then how do you know about me? she asked.

Well, there are a few ways that could happen. I might have found out that your great aunt Agatha has just died, leaving you an immense fortune, and so I had you investigated, and now I’m going to trick you into signing your inheritance over to me.

I haven’t got a great aunt Agatha or any relative with any money.

No, I guess you don’t. But then I might just be a crazy person who sits in the park with a sack of sandwiches and waits for a pretty woman with a dog to come by.

That just might be part of it, said Amanda. But it doesn’t explain how you know about me or Eddie.

No, it doesn’t. So that leaves just one other way.

And what is that? asked Amanda skeptically.

Well, I just might be an angel. It just might be that God has work for you.

Now Amanda didn’t know what to think. Her first reaction was that Clarence must be crazy. But how did he know about Eddie? Why would anyone want to spy into her life? It seems like a whole lot more trouble than a crazy person would go to. And if he was a con man, why would he target someone who was broke? No, Clarence didn’t really seem crazy, but nothing else seemed to make sense. Amanda had a hard time accepting some of the things he had told her, but somehow she felt that Clarence was genuine. He was not putting on an act. She felt certain of that even while she still had doubts. She needed more information.

So you were sent here to help me? she asked.

I was sent to you and Sam, but it’s more complicated than that. The job offer is real. You are needed to help others.

Wait a minute, said Amanda, trying to gather her thoughts. "You were sent to me and Sam? Why?"

As I told you, there are two positions that need to be filled. Yours is important, but so is Sam’s. This work is primarily relational. Could you imagine life without Sam?

No, I couldn’t.

The people at Emmaus House will soon feel the same way. Sam is that kind of dog. I know you have a lot of doubts. I suggest you go home and think it over. You can decide in the morning. And if you ever find that I have lied in any way, you can simply leave at any time. Here is my card with the address and phone number. And here take the rest of these sandwiches. I know you are both still hungry.

I can’t give you any promises, but I will think it over, said Amanda as she took the card and the sack of sandwiches.

That’s all I ask, said Clarence, then he patted Sam on the head and walked away.

Amanda sat down quite bewildered. She and Sam shared a sandwich. Then they shared another one. Then they walked home.

Amanda sat down and cried. Was this the answer to her problems? Or was this just too good to be true? Clarence seemed to be genuine, but if he wasn’t, this might be far worse than Eddie. She definitely didn’t believe he was an angel, at least not one from heaven. But he did seem to be something of an enigma. He was tall and distinguished looking. He appeared to be in his mid-fifties. She couldn’t quite place his accent. The closest she could come was English, but it wasn’t quite English. He had an air of mystery about him and, at the same time, seemed warm and friendly like a favorite uncle. She couldn’t quite figure him out.

She tried to pray but had trouble finding the words.

Finally she just said, Please, God, if you are there, just give me a sign.

She and Sam had a couple of more sandwiches, and then they went to bed. There was just one sandwich left for the morning. She was surprised there had been so many sandwiches in a fairly small bag.

In the morning, she awoke still not certain what she would do. She took a shower and got dressed. Then she remembered that last sandwich. Too her surprise, when she lifted out the sandwich, there were things underneath it. First of all, she found a ziplock baggy full of dog food. Underneath that were two eggs, a slice of bread, and an orange. And at the very bottom was a hundred-dollar bill with a note that read, For your rent. You really can’t leave Mrs. Robinson high and dry you know. Your friend, Clarence.

Now the tears fell like rain. There was no more doubt. She knew what she would do. She scrambled the eggs, toasted the bread, and ate hurriedly, but Sam still finished ahead of her. She packed a few things and called Eddie to cancel her appointment. Then she took the hundred-dollar bill down to Mrs. Robinson.

Mrs. Robinson thanked Amanda, gave her a hug, and told her to keep in touch. Amanda promised she would and said she would be back in the next few days for the rest of her things. Then she hurried over to Emmaus House.

Chapter 3

Welcome to Emmaus House

Clarence was sitting on a bench outside. Amanda couldn’t help but ask him, Do you spend most of your time sitting on benches?

Clarence laughed and said, No, but I wanted to meet you outside because I realized after I left that we hadn’t discussed your salary or anything.

I’m not really worried about that. It seems a little strange to say so, but it’s true.

And yet you had a lot of doubts when we finished talking yesterday.

I certainly did. And there are still things I am wondering about. In fact, my questions seem to be multiplying. I have so many I can’t really remember them all. But I am not worried. I think my questions will be answered in due time.

Very true, replied Clarence. And the right time for salary and duties is now. So please sit down so we can get all of that out of the way before you enter your new home.

Clarence told Amanda she would only be making $150 a week, but her room and board would be taken care of. She would have her own private room. She and Sam would have the complete run of the house, except for other residences’ rooms. No one was allowed in another person’s room unless they were invited, or there was an emergency. She would have medical insurance, and Sam would receive free treatment from a veterinarian. She would be Clarence’s assistant, but it seemed like she would do most of the work. She was to pay the bills and make sure everything was running properly. Mostly she was to see that everyone was all right. Her duties seem overwhelming and rather vague, but somehow she wasn’t worried.

Clarence told her that there were three other paid employees, the cook, a nurse, and a handyman and gardener who were also live-ins.

What about you? Amanda asked. You forgot to count yourself.

I am in charge, of course, but I am not on salary, replied Clarence.

Oh, I suppose you must be on social security.

Something much better than that, said Clarence with a twinkle in his eye.

Is Emmaus House a religious institution? asked Amanda.

Good question, said Clarence. And so it’s now time to move inside to answer your important questions.

Amanda laughed at the idea of salary and duties not being the important questions, and yet she agreed that they were not the crucial elements, but she wasn’t quite sure what the crucial elements might be. There was a small room just inside the front door with two comfortable chairs, a small table, and a bookcase with what looked like some very old books. They sat down. A middle-aged woman brought them coffee. Clarence introduced her as Rachel.

Now, said Clarence, you wanted to know about Emmaus House.

Yes, said Amanda. Is it some type of religious organization? Is it connected to a church or other larger group?

Emmaus House is a Christian ministry, but we are not affiliated with any particular denomination or other church organization. The name comes from the twenty-fourth chapter of the gospel according to Luke where two disciples walk to the village of Emmaus with Christ but don’t recognize him until after they are there. Our purpose is to assist people in their walk with Christ.

That sounds fine, said Amanda with some apprehension, but I am not too sure just what I believe.

I understand, said Clarence. Believe me, you will not be coerced or pressured in any way to say anything you are not willing or ready to say. Everyone’s walk is different. We respect your right to believe or not believe, as long as you respect everyone else’s right to do the same. Some people come here thinking God doesn’t exist.

I must admit I’ve had my doubts about the details, said Amanda, but I think I’ve always known God must exist, I just don’t know what to think about him.

You are certainly not alone in that, Clarence assured her. You will be required to attend the Wednesday night Bible study, but you don’t have say anything unless you want to. You are free to disagree with anything anyone says as long as you do it respectfully. We recommend church attendance but don’t usually require it. However, in your case, I will ask you to take Mrs. Bird to church. It’s not far away, but she is elderly and not very strong, so it’s best she doesn’t go by herself. You may be asked to take her other places now and then as well. She is a very sweet old lady. I’m sure you’ll like her.

I’m sure I will. You said you don’t require church attendance. Do all the residents go to church and do they go to the same church?

"All of our family goes to church most every Sunday. Mr. Clark and Ms. Swan did not go at first. They are very shy. Most of us go to the Anglican Church. Stanley and Rachel Jones go to the Baptist Church, our nurse Mary Phillips is a Presbyterian. Esther, our cook is a Methodist, and Mr. Johnson is a Lutheran.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been in church, said Amanda. I think I’ll enjoy it. I hope they have a good choir.

The choir is small but decent, nothing great, but they manage to stay on key. It’s a small congregation, Saint Phillip’s.

Oh, is that the Anglican Church?

Yes, it is.

I grew up in the Episcopal Church, said Amanda, thinking back to her childhood.

Then you’ll feel right at home, replied Clarence with a knowing look.

I hope so, said Amanda with just a twinge of apprehension.

But what will people think of me if I don’t contribute anything to the Bible study, or what if I say something and people disagree with it.

No one will think anything, said Clarence reassuringly. Several people hardly ever say anything. No one expects you to agree with them. Mr. Johnson might snap at you once in a while, but he’s not serious. He just likes to pretend to be a mean ole man sometimes. You’ll learn to appreciate him. Just don’t laugh at him to his face. He’s really a loving person. He just has trouble admitting it.

He sounds rather strange. Are you sure he’s not dangerous? asked Amanda. Now she was starting to wonder if her fears hadn’t been justified after all.

Everyone here has their personality quirks. But in over ten years, there has never been any violence in Emmaus House, responded Clarence. Only on very rare occasion are words said that are actually meant to hurt, and they always lead to an apology and reconciliation. We are a family, and those things happen sometimes in families. But I assure you that we all care for one another even though once in a while, it doesn’t seem like it. The cook blows her stack every now and then. You just have to learn when to look the other way and when to give someone a hug.

Hugs can be nice, said Amanda uneasily, but I’m not always comfortable hugging people.

Not a problem, said Clarence. No one will give you a hug if you don’t want one, and you will never have to hug someone unless you feel comfortable doing so. Why don’t we see if we can meet some of the other residents?

How many people live here? asked Amanda.

Let me see, said Clarence. There are now nine humans and one dog.

Do they pay rent?

None of the residents have ever been asked to pay a dime. Some have made a financial contribution as they are able, but it is always their own choice and their own initiative. Everyone is expected to help somehow if they are able. Rachel, who you met earlier, does most of the cleaning and helps the cook a little. Others help in other ways. No one has to put in a certain amount of hours or anything like that. They are just expected to do what they can, and they do.

Chapter 4

Mr. Johnson

They walked through the large living room and down the hall where some of the bedrooms were located. Sam followed. They saw an elderly man with a gruff look on his face coming out of one of the rooms. He was thin, slightly bent over, and looked to be in his midseventies. He had gray hair that he was just starting to lose and wrinkled face with a big scowl on it.

Oh, Mr. Johnson, I’d like you to meet Amanda, said Clarence. Amanda is going to be my assistant. Amanda, this is Charles Johnson.

How do you do, Mr. Johnson? said Amanda politely.

You can call me Charles, growled Mr. Johnson, but don’t you dare call me Chuck.

I wouldn’t dream of it, said Amanda, taken back just a bit.

Who let this dog in? snapped Mr. Johnson, looking down at Sam.

That’s Sam, said Clarence. He’ll be living here also.

A dog? barked Mr. Johnson. We’ve never had a dog before.

A long overdue addition to our family, said Clarence with a smile.

He looks vicious. I bet he bites, said Mr. Johnson with a growl.

Sam would never bite anyone, said Amanda.

You’d be more likely to bit someone than Sam here, said Clarence.

"Well, I’m not going to