News Among Jews in Chicago: Water from a Rock, #1

By Stan Howard

After centuries of human failure followed by divine deliverances by judges, prophets and kings, God decides the time is right to do something he has never done before.  He will introduce Himself to humankind by sending His Son to America with the invitation for people everywhere to come home.  Jesus is born into the home of poor Jews living in Chicago who cares for him in his youth before releasing him to pursue His Father's business, which turns out to be the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.  The notion of competing kingdoms or governance imposed from another realm is not well received by Chicago politicians nor religious leaders.  Formidable antagonists arise from different fronts creating a coalition that will seek to topple Christ's rule before it takes hold. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stan Howard
• Release date: Jan 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215133538

Stan Howard

Stan earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies at Trinity College and a Masters of Divinity at Trinity International University, both of which are located in Deerfield, Illinois. He completed a portion of his graduate studies on site in Israel.  Stan has served as a pastor to single adults as well as an associate pastor in three different states over the span of more than ten years.  He lives in Ohio with his wife, Theresa, with whom he has enjoyed 40 years of marriage. His previous publications include: News Among Jews in Chicago, Threading the Chicago Loop, Twelve Golden Monarchs and Loving Jennifer Tiles, each of which belong to his book series entitled: Water From a Rock.  

Book preview

This book is dedicated to my elegant wife,

THERESA

God has enriched my life

by your gifts and companionship more than I can say.

First the crank, then the cam, then the full-blown combustion in the head.

Acknowledgements

With Special thanks to the following:

DON & JEAN BROWER I will always be grateful to you for showing me the face of God.  Your kindnesses to me over the years are too many to list.  One of my most pleasurable experiences is to simply stop from time to time and consider the two of you.

MOM & DAD  You are both dearly missed. Thank you for the many surprising ways you prepared me for life in the midst of so much impoverishment. Mom, your reading to me as a young boy from Langston Hughes lit a flame in me that has not been quenched. And Dad, I will never forget your humility as well as your calloused hands that labored to provide for us. 

DR. P. DOUGLAS McINTOSH So much of what I’ve written rests upon the biblical foundation you provided me and others during the early years.  Thank you for the many wonderful virtues you modeled to us.  Your faithfulness inspires me still.

DR. KENNETH E. BAILY     Your influence upon my writings is easily discerned, being woven throughout the narrative and discourse of the books I’ve written.  I am indebted to you for all the insights and discoveries I gleaned from your studies in the gospel of St. Luke.

NANCY TIENVIERI  Thank you Nancy for your friendship and unusual integrity.  Your observations and critique of portions of this manuscript was invaluable.  You out-ranked me spiritually, so I am always obliged to salute first in your presence.

DR. DAN ALLENDER I am owing to you for my development of the concepts of both glory and evil found in the pages this book.  Thank you, Dan.  Your ideas emboldened me to enter realms and write about realities previously unfamiliar to me.

DR. LARRY CRABB  I think I’ve read nearly all your books.  I have been shaped by your writings and lectures in more ways than I can presently describe.  Thank you for offering me an understanding of spiritual anatomy and the proper integration of a soul.

Preface

Most excellent Genevieve, greetings!  You already know some of the stories circulating around the City detailing the life of Jesus who was brought up at Buffalo Grove, a suburb of Northwest Chicago.  You’ve also heard about the amazing feats he regularly displayed while fleecing the devil.  I am talking about the astonishing phenomenon he performed in and around Chicago in the space of thee-and-a-half years, for these billboards were not posted in a corner. 

Several others have sought to write an account of all that has happened.  For this reason, I, too, having gathered all the necessary records and tape recorded conversations of eye-witnesses felt it was time to carefully investigate everything starting at the front and present to you my own compendium, laying it out for you in chronological order so you might know the exact truth about all you have been taught.

The sources I am borrowing from have not been edited to appease any particular religious sect within the North American subculture or beyond.  This finding has been written in the same street language from which it was taken; everything has been preserved, some of which sensitive readers may find indecorous.  I must be to the point: the statements and story vignettes contained herein are of supreme import; therefore, little space has been allotted to the development of local color and fixtures which would only inflate the document without bringing added value to you.  Rather, I have chosen to concentrate my focus and present the essential elements that you may be adequately supplied in all your future decisions regarding his appearance. 

Finally, this account will make the ears of militant fundamentalists tingle with an itch they cannot reach along with cutting off and discarding the mask of America’s religious liberal elite.  Everything will be exposed, for not so much as a sentence has been embellished or romanticized; I have simply made space for allowing the well-attested data surrounding the public events to speak for themselves.  Everyone must decide for themselves if he is friend or foe, sent from God or a cunning terrorist with magical powers.

This true story took place in the City of Chicago while Harry, the great architect and builder, was in his second term as the City’s Mayor and Pilot was the Governor of Illinois.  Jesus was born into the home of a poor Jewish couple living in Skokie.  He was miraculously conceived and born of a young virgin named Mary.  Jesus made his first public appearance at near thirty years of age, having been recently introduced by a man known only as Exodus Jack.  This occurred exactly as the ancient spiritual forecasters had predicted centuries before.  Jesus maintained a mission consistent with their pronouncements which he directed at the Jewish populace of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.

The fulfillment of the early forecasters’ writings rests in the actual historical appearance by Jesus in a specific location.  They were careful to predict his suffering and quest, which is inextricably linked to the larger story of redemptive history.  This retelling must ignore some of the historical data leading up to the Christ event here being described because the enormous written length required for such an undertaking would be impractical.  Otherwise, this present record is complete and laid down exactly as it occurred from Jesus’ conception forward. 

I commend this carefully researched version with its special handling of geography and calendar dates to a world readership.  Did not Jesus himself stand upon an overpass connecting the old and new beltways and himself declare, A time is coming in which genuine God-seekers will race to him, neither on this stretch of highway nor in route to Jerusalem, for God is posting radar to catch people everywhere who come to him running wide open according to the rules.  The conventions of Judaism were already crumbling as he drove our streets and those relevant to this story have been largely abolished.  We are limited here in our re-telling by time and space where as the Great Story-teller is not.  May you not be harmed by the vortex, Lady Genevieve, but rather caught up and swept along by the calms of its inner eye.  Perhaps you will be dropped off at a port more favorable than the one from which you are snatched.

Prologue

Without worry, the galaxies flow joyfully – carousels of light magnificent in radiant colors, spinning fearlessly through invisible canyons above mountains of stars, and across plains of black fields bringing pleasure to him who sings and walks upon the wings of the wind.

The Toy Maker stepped off the ride onto a brilliant plateau, calling a swift messenger to come stand by his side.  His voice echoed forth and softly swept along – the voice of a happy trumpet, piercing the four winds in search of its pilot.  In the same instant, an angel endowed with amazing strength appeared with legions in his company.

While the others stood at attention, suspended in black space, Michael the archangel hovered above the vast translucent plateau of crystal glass; its surface glistening like a deep bed of radiant diamonds; the ends of its fascinating shape lay hidden beyond vanishing points where orthogonal lines meld with infinity.  As he lowered himself to the surface with each sweeping movement of his thick wings; he arrived prostrate before the Majesty of Heaven before softly docking his feet and lifting himself upright.  Remaining attentive to his Master, the angel lengthened his powerful wings parallel to the plateau as a sign of homage before pulling them alongside his flanks, creating an awesome posture.  Michael’s wisdom is deeply layered and his faithfulness fierce and dependable after the character of his Maker.  He executes each order from the mouth of his Superior with great excitement and as though it was his first.

Michael, it is time.  The Lord said.

Time. Yes, Sir.  Michael lifted his eyes while adjusting to the news.

Move your camps to the inner sphere, to the place of time, measurements and maps.  The Lord motioned with his right hand, indicating direction.

Sir, we will move as one, enveloping the area of time, measurements and maps; your will be done as always.  Michael rose up creating a vortex of blue light, he effortlessly vanished into a veil of stars as though he had passed through a massive gate hinged somewhere in the expanse.  Myriads upon myriads followed their leader, gliding in open space like an Air Force bomber squadron dead-set on the next mission. 

As Michael carried out a detailed plan for the designated sector, and angel named Quinn arrived to escort his Lord from the plateau to lofty chambers where he would be joined by others for a special summit.

While ascending to new heights Quinn asked, Sir, how long will you be gone?  It’s nearly the time isn’t it?

Not long. The Lord responded.  Yes, time has been waiting for me.  I will be among men several hours while their side of the hemisphere is dark.

Which side do you intend?

We’ve chosen their West, in the midst of a parcel that sits between the oceans.  The Lord smiled.

West is quite unusual, any particular city?

That’s been pre-determined.

Life there has fallen out of tune according to what I’ve been told.  Has the music really stopped? Quinn extended his hand to receive his Master as they touched down on a very pure surface. The two of them walked along casually until they reached the vast falls standing at the top of the channel where galaxies tumble into a bottomless boil, feeding the limitless expanse.  Heaven’s breeze enveloped them, and then sped away in waves, only to return again with soft textures—velvet kisses.  The Holy Spirit was always present in these special winds.

You heard correct my friend.  The earth continues to spin, but it has fallen out of rhythm, the music has been nearly snuffed out.

I understand you will be calling two others to accompany you.  Will it require all three of you?

"Yes, there will be three of us, Quinn.  In my absence continue oversight of the construction of the wedding pavilion, and eternal homes for the faithful.  Go now and pull our two friends from the North.  Have them report to me front-and-center.  Commence code word: Jerusalem.  Tell them ‘green side out – stay low and keep moving,’ they will understand completely.

Stay low and keep moving?  Quinn repeated the command with a quizzical look on his face.  What in these realms does that mean? 

I overheard a Marine use the expression and came to like it.

Ha!  Yes Sir, I only wish I was coming along; sounds like fun.

This will not be like the mission carried out when you served with the others, escorting Joshua and our people across the Jordan.  Father has had a plan for all the nations from the very beginning; we are now turning chapters, not pages, and His story will soon find its glorious end.

Oh, keep talking, Sir.  I can’t wait to hear the conclusion.  Will the great party begin at that time?

Father is planning a wedding, Quinn.  The Lord’s eyes scanned the vast area of space occupied by so many stars; he seemed to be wondering about the capacity for it all.  I will speak to you again when all of this is over dear comrade, and the victory is won.

Yes Sir, my Lord.  This is exciting!  Courage and strength you are!

At the same moment Quinn excused himself for work, the Lord appeared at the center of the great Throne Room of Heaven where each eternal sequence leads to others.  Elders were already seated before the Eternal Glory when the Lord arrived and was reverently guided by subjects to His Father’s right hand.  The beautiful strokes of breeze arrived again as the Holy Spirit settled in among them.  A rainbow creates a full circle around God’s throne that is mesmerizing to behold, constantly emanating a flood of delicious colors.  Each primary strand is purer than liquid gold refined seven times.  Round about the center throne of God Most High reside twenty-four elders, each bearing a golden crown and seated upon a throne of their own.

Before the incalculable weight of Majesty lays another enormous sea of smooth crystal glass, upon which seven lamps lay aglow with eternal fire.  In the midst of the lamps stand four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind.  We are too impoverished of language to adequately describe their spellbinding appearance. 

Son, you have already passed along assignments to Michael and Quinn; they always perform beautifully without supervision.  Time, distance and space will be something they quickly master and apply to the maps.  Please sit and allow me to present the others to you.  I picked out their clothes myself and have been schooling them in the expressions and colloquialisms of men found throughout the land.  Father rose from his throne until his Son sat down beside him.

The elders and living creatures were listening intently and observing movements among the Godhead, translating words and interpreting dialogue between themselves, when the eternal Son suddenly belted out a laugh saying, Well, we certainly meant dress rehearsal!

He looked upon two friends previously selected for the excursion to earth.  They had been fitted with Father’s selection of colorful shirts, loose fitting trousers and leisure shoes.  For the Son, he ordered denim stonewashed jeans, a white t-shirt, a lightweight button down shirt and a pair of trainer tennis shoes.  Just before sitting down, the Son, who is Lord and Creator of all, smiled as he observed a pitcher of water and ornate glasses sitting upon a silver tray within arm’s reach.

Their glass is appropriate in view of the age.  Father said.  They’ve certainly come a long way since the animal skins of Abram’s day.  This of course is just a little foretaste of what you’ll find in the vicinity of the city we’ve selected.

The elders and living creatures stared with amazement, analyzing the posture, dress, and North American idiom flowing between the awesome Godhead.  Without a signal, seats were taken as silence fell over the space except for the One unto whom all homage is due.

Lucifer never tires of his rampage. Father explained.  His expulsion from these heights has incited his great fury, and it hasn’t ceased since he was barred from this realm.  The deceiver has been twisting my words and enslaving our people, young and old, beginning to end.  He drops fire bombs and wreaks havoc in their lives, like coconuts falling from palm trees during a typhoon.  Without our intervention his hatred for us will swallow them alive.

The elders quickly rose to their feet shouting, Yes, Lord God Almighty!  Be praised for your infinite lovingkindness, mercy and truth!  May your will be carried out on earth just as it is here in heaven, for you always do the right thing!

Father moved from his throne and could be heard walking overhead upon a pavement of sapphire elevated above the vault’s tallest mezzanine which is lined with myriads upon myriads of angels.

The angels sing to him day and night with a moan softer than doves in the evening saying, Separate, separate, separate is the Lord God the Last Word.  Then with a flurry of wings, creating a drumming thunder, they fall on their faces in a swelling chorus, deafening to mortals.

The destruction of Sodom will not be repeated here, Father continued. "Although that intervention was an affliction of severe mercy.  Adam’s problem runs deep, and from generation to generation we hear the same torturous refrain – his agony of separation from within and without.  He walks about in darkness, stumbling over his own feet in search of a door to the next hurtful maze.  A black man cannot change the color of his skin nor can a leopard switch his spots and these are but surface matters. 

Our men and women are captives of the Evil One and prisoners too, of tyrants of their own making.  I have found no one of their kind standing before me as an advocate on their behalf.

For the benefit of the angels, Father began rehearsing events of human history’s recent past.  As he spoke, life-sized characters performing their actions and communications were manifested in exact detail before them as though they were present, on location during the event being described. 

War.  The Son observed.

Yes.  Father affirmed.  War, suffering and destruction continue to escalate. He then pointed out several noticeable historical spikes.  Especially since the period of the Great War; this would be according to the count of Julian – the 1940’s.  He paused for others to respond.

Yes, the elders agreed, and the awful holocaust concealed within it will remain the epitome of human atrocity in perpetuity.

Father looked upon the court of elders and then responded with a grave tone saying, Until there is light. 

He paused again to allow others a moment to digest this new revelation.  He continued speaking by noting the sufferings of the human drama, which he described as mere birth pangs of things to come. 

Ah, Lord God; how long?  One of the Elders sighed for everyone present.

Signs of the end – the consummation of all things are already discerned by the spiritually wise on earth.  Father affirmed.  On the other hand, the masses continue moving along wide, well-worn, destructive paths.  Moral knowledge has all but disappeared and their hearts pulse to overflowing with murder and lust.  Humankind has not understood the path of peace and this breaks my heart.  The time has come; let our plan which we mapped out in eternity past now unfold.  Family, this story is for glory and salvation!

For glory and salvation! The entire eternal space reverberated with the innumerable voices of angels and elders and living creatures shouting in unison.  Then, from beneath the altar the voices of souls were heard pleading to know how long.

The time is quickly approaching, Father said.  The end of all things is at hand.  Rest, be still and wait a little longer for your sisters and your brothers to join you.  He then turned to His Son and two well—disguised angels saying, Eternity is always and equally present before us. Drop in on them as before – in the days of Lot and confirm if they have involved themselves in everything contained in the reports.

Following dismissals from the great throne room, the Son who is Lord of all stepped forward at a new location within the Heavenly City.  There he called upon Anthony whom he directed to dispatch legions of seraphs who are always gathered in the open expanse to behold his awesome beauty.  The Lord’s presence brought light into a place already filled with light.  His brilliance is constant, undiluted and equal, filling every space. 

The glory of his majesty filled heaven’s temple which contains the eternal covenant, and as smoke began ascending from somewhere beneath the porch, the very foundations of heaven shook while voices in beautiful chorus continued crying aloud, saying, Victory Victor, crush his head!  Ride forth in victory, victory, victory oh Majesty our King!

As two friends stepped forward to join the Son, Father presented himself in Word while lavishing the Lord with sentences, singling him out as his strength – his dearly beloved.  Others fell down in worship round about while smoke kept filling the expanse. An impressive number of angels with renowned strength possessing profound records of exploits flanked the Lord’s sides; their chiefs were mounted on swift steeds.  Together they marched magnanimously in procession as they made passage through the temple court, down the corridor called Beautiful, that leads to the great expanse beyond the outer gate.  The three celestial beings arose high above heaven’s epicenter and appeared as one, causing the foundations of the universe to be laid bare.  A glance below at the Heavenly City is always a prize to the eye – a constantly imploding constellation, radiant with colorful light.

O.K., said the Lord, it’s time to get up close and personal.  Be on guard for their sakes and let’s remain legitimate to the times while among them.

Shall it be Chicago? They asked.

Yes, most certainly.  With a nod three men stepped up to the curb on Lakeshore Drive in front of Monroe Harbor where they hoped to signal a cab.

My Lord, asked one of the angels who now looked very much like a man determined to work, what shall be our good names during this short excursion?

The Lord leaned over and picked up a leaflet matted to the curb when both his associates nearly fell to the pavement to beat him to it.  A paragraph heading read: Alice Cooper in Concert.  Pointing to each of them in turn he said, You’ll be Alice and you’re Cooper.  Listen, I will walk among them; don’t be constantly picking up after me while we make our way around. 

Alice and Cooper nodded in agreement but with apparent dissatisfaction, for no good angel no matter his dress would ever allow their Lord to stoop for anything at all.

While waiting on a cab Alice remarked, They call this place the Windy City.  The smell is torturous!

Is that due to political or atmospheric realities? Cooper asked.  And look what they’ve done to the landscape.  This used to be an awesome swamp with trees and creeping things.

The two of you are beginning to enter into this aren’t you, observed the Lord?  The fumes are automobile exhaust – spent petroleum, and believe me when I tell you this City is still full of all manner of creeping things.

I’ll keep my eyes open for snakes, Cooper said as he studied the ground around him.

Spent petroleum?  Alice snickered with his hand over his mouth.  How do they endure it?  No wonder so many of them are mad.

The Lord removed a watch from his wrist and kept gazing south while talking with his two associates.  Here, have a look at this time piece.

Cooper received the gold bracelet and mechanism from the Lord, studied its face and then handed it to Alice who also marveled at the construction of the device.

So, they’re all about watching the time pass.  Alice offered his thoughts.  What are they waiting for anyway?

Tomorrow.  The Lord grimaced slightly and kept looking at traffic in search of something yellow.

Lord, why did you bring it along; it looks very expensive by this day’s standards?  Cooper felt the accessory was unnecessary and out of place.  Although only being on the surface a few minutes, he already had a hunch about style based upon stories circulating in heaven.

Quinn passed it off to me after learning it marked time.  He had a hunch I would choose a large city and would likely be spending a great deal of time wining and dining with some of the more notable men and women of the era.  I told him it would only come in handy as a possible door-stop, for it wouldn’t fit in well with the clients I was after.  I didn’t want to crush him entirely so I agreed to bring it along.  Turning down the tuxedo was a real grief to him.

Traffic continued passing at their feet, many with horns blazing, laced with verbal profanity recommending the pedestrians back away from the road.  In a moment a cab began slowing to the curb just as the last vestiges of light looked west, leaving the three standing in shadows cast by the towering multi-story man-made buildings, seeking to intimidate visitors to their faces.  The sky-scrapers created a range of aggregate rock which followed the snake—like form of the gold coast.

Wonder what will go on up in those crevices tonight? The Lord asked rhetorically, but in a convinced sort of way.  Changing the subject he asked, Can you believe these Chicago business folks lay out ten very large bills for one of these watches? 

Wow.  Alice spoke up; both he and Cooper awaiting their Lord’s commentary.

The Lord placed his elbows on the roof of the cab as it made a complete stop.  While turning the watch on his wrist he again observed the traffic and scanned the City’s skyline.

They’re hungry for glory, and they’ve never been terribly content to reflect it.  If they can’t achieve it, they will seek to buy it, and if they can’t afford it they grow dark and murderous.  The evil one has carefully laid out a descending seductive spiral and how he delights in riding people down its awful slopes.  The Lord said.

Anytime gentlemen!  The Cabby was loud enough to be heard and growing impatient.

We’re right there, Sir.  The Lord assured the driver they wanted a ride; he then turned back to converse with his friends and finished his assessment by saying, Men and women receive a twisted benefit from their personal shame.  It’s a place to sit and cease work.  It’s always been easier for them to walk in it, stand in it, and sit in it than to rise up and come home.

The Lord’s compassion was felt by both Alice and Cooper.

The cravings of his flesh, Alice began, all seem so desperate until they begin to eat at things that are vital, leaving his soul so mutilated he is no longer recognizable.

Yes, Cooper was in full agreement.  A spiritual forecaster living among them now captured the prevailing attitude well when he said, ‘always deprived, but never depraved.’

Well, it’s time to deal with this coronary disease.  The Lord was always sure.

Any time gentlemen, I’ve already turned on the meter; get in or walk! The Cabby shouted again through an open window. This isn’t exactly a pick-up zone you know.  I’ll be ticketed if you don’t hurry it up.

O.K., Dave, we’re sorry for the inconvenience. Cooper greeted the man and then quickly jumped into the back seat.

The Cabby didn’t witness anything unusual because he was too busy watching traffic.  The Lord opened the door for both he and Alice to join Cooper in the back seat.  The Lord made quick eye contact with his bewildered friend who knew immediately he had taken a risky short cut.

Guess I got a little too excited, Cooper said in truth.

Yes, you are.  The Lord patted one of Cooper’s knees.

So, how do you know me?  Dave checked his side-view mirror while pulling into fast moving traffic with his foot firmly on the pedal, demanding more speed.  He then adjusted his glasses and squinted into his rear view mirror.  Aren’t you the three I picked up two weeks ago out front of Twin Anchors?  Dave’s belly was vibrating with a little laughter as he recalled the episode.  He kept searching their faces, awaiting a response.  Boy, you guys were tanked up with some very high octane.

Different trio Dave, the Lord spoke up while taking in the surrounding sights.

O.K., O.K., trio, threesome, uno, dos, tress, there were three of ‘em holding up three fingers, and they were barking at the moon.  So, how do you guys know me?

Let’s get over to State and head down to about 35th.  Cooper directed the driver while they all sat on the question.

Cooper began exhaling his breath onto the side glass and drawing small pictures on it from home while Alice pulled a pick comb from his back pocket and began teasing his hair.

Yeah, the Tech Institute, said Dave.

Pretty close.  Cooper adjusted the destination as he sat forward to get a better view out the windshield.  He was now nearly cheek to cheek with the driver.  Drop us off a few blocks west of the expressway.  And say, what’s that fragrance you’re wearing?  Did you know school’s out for the summer?

The cabby pondered what to do or say, for Cooper still had not moved from his personal space.  After a moment he responded by saying, Do you know how old that song is; just a bunch of noise gone wild in my opinion.  Sounds of gun shots from a nearby car drew Cooper’s attention from Dave.  He fell back into his seat and wondered at the randomness of it all.  Dave continued, Gentlemen, there’s only two kinds of people living in Chicago.

Only two? Alice asked.

Yep, the quick and the dead.

Well, we’re O.K. on both accounts.  Alice confessed.  We’re very quick and we are certainly not going to die.

Dave was beginning to relax and decided to further his conversation with the passengers by asking, So, you trio guys; are you going to take in a game?  The Yankees are in town for a series.  I’ve got the game on right here.  Dave directed their attention by tapping on the dashboard.

Reckon not.  Alice said while plucking at his hair rather furiously with his comb. We know the outcome.

Reckon not?  Cooper bent over the Lord’s lap whispering to Alice with a grin, Now we’re blending in.

So, have you guys got names?  You seem to know me from somewhere.

The Lord responded, The dark one sitting next to me is Alice. The Lord slung his arm around Alice’s neck. Hair is something new to him.  Cooper is sitting behind you, Dave.  They both smiled with appreciation for being introduced to a son of Adam.  I myself, well, I’m their agent for the night.  This made Alice and Cooper feel like taking the stage.

Hey, you guys are real celebrities.  You’ve seen this game before huh?  Dave was not impressed with their act.

Yes, Dave, Alice began, it’s a real thriller for the religiously committed.  The Sox will be down three runs in the bottom of the ninth, load the bases and hit into a double play leaving runners stranded at the corners, but it’s not over until . . .

Yeah, yeah, I know, until the fat lady sings.  Dave was blunt.

Alice pointed to the back of Dave’s head with the entire palm of his hand admitting, Those are not my words.  He glanced quickly at the Lord, seeking affirmation.

Oh!  Dave scraped the word bare, revealing bone sarcasm.  How else you going to finish a sentence like that?  The Cabby suddenly realized he was interacting with his customers in a very unprofessional manner.  He was driving a loaner cab tonight while his usual car was being repaired.  The loaner was missing the partition separating the front and back seats.  As a result, Dave became quite loose and was chatting with his passengers as though they were family.

Dave, a lot of desperate and unfortunate things including derogatory sentences like that get finished on the last day.  Let’s just stick with what happened and let Alice finish his sentence.  Cooper didn’t hesitate to come to the aid of his friend.  Also, do you mind if I feel your face; very interesting so many of you around here do not have beards.

With what happened!  Dave interrupted again, For the love of checkers, the game isn’t even over!  And no, you may not touch my face.  What’s the matter with you?

Listen, Dave. The Lord decided to play ball.  Just keep your eye on the road, we don’t want you to get hurt.  Anyway, just as the bleachers begin to grow thin, the Sox get a walk, then they get a base hit on an infield error – the Yankee’s short stop juggles the ball, a runner scores and all of a sudden the Sox are back in the game.  At this point, Bayless steps into the box from the top of the order with bases loaded, an empty look on his face and spitting tobacco juice until you wonder if he has any saliva left.  His cleats rapidly scratch around the plate like a war horse hungry for battle.  He takes the first pitch – a slider low and outside, and belts it far into the right field grandstand – the park goes bonkers as they watch Bayless jog around the bases to home plate.  The Sox will win this game by two runs – 7 to 5. 

Yeah, well you ought to seek out a bookie with that kind of information. Dave was beginning to get weary with his spacy patrons, but they were just getting started.

Alice couldn’t hold back any longer, Sir can I drive now?

What are you talking about?  Drive this cab?  No, I don’t think so little fellow.  Besides you don’t look old enough to drive.

Oh, I can drive Sir.  Tell him I can drive, Lord.  More than fifty years ago I drove what became a wreck off the side of a steep 200 ft. bluff and was still able to steer the eighteen-wheeler after it had shed its load and most of its components.  You see . . .

Ah, Alice, let’s save the rest of that story for another time.  The Lord said.

So, have you been driving a cab for a long time, Dave?  Cooper was interested to know.  He passed a packet to the front seat and said, Here, take this money; it is of no use to us.

Oh, not long.  Dave stammered while witnessing more hands passing packets of money to the front seat.  I guess I’ve been laid off from the steel mill about three years now.  He nodded in the direction of Hammond, Indiana.  Still more monies began piling in a heap next to Dave’s lap when he revealed he didn’t bring in much and had two daughters and a sickly wife who were dependent on him.

How is Anna doing since surgery?  I’m sure Cheryl and Carol are happy to have mom back home.  The Lord’s compassion prompted his friends to deliver several more packets of money to Dave’s side.

The three men stared out the back seat windows while considering Dave’s private life and pressing financial needs.  As they passed one of the countless liquor stores in Chicago an apparent robbery was underway and distant sirens could be heard screaming from just about every quadrant of their immediate sphere.

Dave was clearly growing nervous.  He patted the pile of money at his side and asked, So, how do you know my Cheryl and Carol?  Do you hand out dough to everyone?  This looks like a lot of money.  I mean a lot of money!

No, the Lord said, there is an uneven distribution of wealth on the planet and it’s a big problem; I just wanted to help you out a little bit in the short run.  Never forget, Dave, life is a short run.

So, is this the end?  Who are you guys?  What do you want from me?  I can’t drive you guys out-of-state.  I don’t own this cab.  And why do you keep calling the quiet one ‘Lord’?  Are you guys Brits?

No sir, this is not the end at all – this can be a real beginning for you.  Alice was brimming with hope.  We don’t want your possessions.  The Lord wants your heart.

My heart!  Dave was squirming in his own cab.  Now you people are blame-bold hitting the streets looking for a donor.  Look, my blood’s no good.  I’m weak, full of cholesterol, and I take more meds than . . . .

Relax, Dave.  The Lord said.  "It’s not our intention to