Miracle From on High

By Renee Allen McCoy

Are they ready to accept the unexpected?

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. -Psalm 37:4

 

During the busy Christmas season, there are unexpected detours in life for two couples at very different places in their lives. When their paths intersect at a crossroads, it prompts each of them to seek God's direction about how to proceed. Benjamin and Susan grapple to accept their path while Trevor and Danielle struggle to cope with theirs.

Miracle From on High is an inspirational short story that first appeared in A Time to Praise: A Christmas Anthology. This version is equipped with discussion questions and an excerpt from The Christmas Beau (True Love Novellas, Book 1).

• Language: English
• Publisher: FaytheWorks Publishing
• Release date: Dec 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9781960169082

Renee Allen McCoy

RENEE MCCOY (known to readers as Renée Allen McCoy) is a loving wife and mother, an author, but most importantly a devoted Christian. To date, in addition to In the Presence of My Enemies, she has penned three novels that make up The Fiery Furnace series: The Kiss of Judas, Confessions, and The Eleventh Hour, and one novella: The Christmas Beau (The True Love Novellas ~ Book 1). Also available is her first non-fiction book entitled Soul Ties: Breaking Up with a Past That's Killing Your Future. Feel free to visit her online at www.ReneeAllenMcCoy.com for more information.

Book preview

1 | Susan

AS I GATHERED SOME of my things into a garbage bag, tears streamed down my cheeks. I tossed clothes, toiletry items, and Lucas’ favorite toy into that white plastic makeshift tote and dragged it out to my car. I would normally use my nice garment bag to pack, but since my sister had borrowed it last week for a weekend getaway, this was my only choice to get out of that house fast.

I stood on the front step, trying to slow my breathing. Just a glimpse of the air-filled reindeer and snowmen decorations that lined the street made my heart ache even more. The festive red and silver garlands that laced several mailboxes in the neighborhood reminded me of what a joyous time of the year it was... at least what it should be. As I stared at the illuminated, oversized candy-cane ornaments that trimmed our lawn, it grew increasingly difficult to mask the pain swelling in my heart.

When I looked into the back seat and met eyes with my baby, who had no idea what Mommy was doing, my heart seemed to break into tiny little pieces. 

Are we going to the dump, Mama? my precocious five-year-old asked with wide, inviting eyes. I like going on the ride ‘cause it’s by Aunt Jasmine’s house! he excitedly shouted.

Again, my heart seemed to split into even tinier pieces as I fought back my tears. I exhaled a deep breath and forced a smile for his sake. With a hand pressed against the rear window behind the driver's seat where Lucas sat, leaning forward in his booster seat, I gripped the bag tighter with my other. Lucas pressed his little gloved hand opposite to where mine was and smiled endlessly. He has always been a bright spot in my life.

Yes, baby, we’re going to go to Aunt Jasmine’s. It was that or have him watch me cry all day. Jasmine had agreed to take him to the park and a matinee while I got myself together in her spare bedroom. And you know what, she’s got a day of fun planned for just the two of you! I playfully touched the tip of his nose. 

Lucas propelled his fists into the air and just when I thought his smile couldn’t get any bigger, it did. As he wiggled in his seat, doing his happy dance, I continued dragging the heavy bag to the tail of the vehicle. After I loaded it into the trunk, I lowered the door and stole another moment to myself. 

How am I ever going to live this down? How could this be happening to me? What will people think?

I flinched from a honking horn and looked up to see a neighbor backing out of her artificial snow trimmed driveway across the street. I smiled widely and waved my hand. She raised a hand and in seconds, her car was gone. I adjusted my wide-lens sunglasses further up on my nose and hurriedly wiped my damp, flushed cheeks.

Hey, did you want an ice cream cone? I gazed at my handsome son who was the spitting image of his father. I know how much you like vanilla. After a deep sigh, I struggled to paint on a cheerful smile. Although the weather suggested we consume something warm, I just wanted my baby to be happy today ... even if I wasn’t.

Vanilla with sprinkles? he cleverly asked.

With sprinkles, I clarified with a slight nod. After toggling the gearshift into reverse, I cautiously backed out of my driveway and started toward the neighborhood creamery.

"Oh