Forever Blessed (Women of Prayer) Read online

  “I’m sorry, Paul, but she’s not here. I was just having my morning tea and reading the Word. Dave is still sleeping and there is no one else here. I don’t know what to tell you. I can’t imagine where she might have gone. Are you sure she didn’t let you know she’d be gone? Maybe a doctor’s appointment or something? I’m sure there is a reasonable explanation. She’ll be home before long.”

  “No, Barbara, she’s not here and I don’t know where she is. You are right about one thing, she’ll be home soon. I’ll make sure of that.” He hung up the phone without saying goodbye. Stupid woman. Reading the Word. He couldn’t stand religion. Only weak people needed someone or something to tell them what they could or couldn’t do.

  He dialed the next number. Laney’s sister, MJ, wouldn’t be up yet, he could count on that. Guaranteed she was out partying last night. No answer. He’d have to head to her house if he wanted an answer before noon.

  Paul grabbed his keys and headed to his car. The van was gone. How had she gotten it out of the garage without him hearing? He had to hand it to her. She was wising up. The last few times she’d tried to leave, he’d caught her before she got out of the driveway. He thought he’d taught her a lesson she wouldn’t forget. Not even makeup covered up that mess. Guess she didn’t learn her lesson the last time. This time, he’d make sure she wouldn’t forget. She would never make a fool out of him again.

  Paul drove slowly down MJ’s street. He didn’t see the van parked anywhere. It wasn’t in her driveway and it wasn’t parked on the road. Ok, so she wasn’t in her normal places. Where else could she be? Maybe MJ knew something. He pounded on her door. It was still early and he was beginning to attract the attention of the neighbors. He saw one old busy-body looking through the curtains. He’d have to be a little quieter.

  After an eternity of knocking, MJ finally answered the door. Paul pushed his way in. “Where is she?”

  MJ rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “What are you talking about? And do you mind? I was sleeping.”

  It took everything Paul had to keep his tightened fists at his side. “You know exactly what I am talking about. Where is Laney?”

  “No, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Get out, Paul. I’m going back to bed. Obviously she found some place to go to get away from you. It’s about time too.”

  MJ walked to the front door and held it open. “Out, now, or I’m calling the cops.”

  Paul gritted his teeth and walked outside. “I’ll find her. You know I will. And she’ll come back home like she always does. You can count on it!”

  He pulled out of the driveway and sent black smoke spiraling through the air as he left. “Where’d she go? Where did that dumb stupid…? Oh great, that’s all I need!” Paul pulled over and came to a stop. The cop turned off his lights right behind him.

  Chapter Three

  Ella McCarthy opened her eyes and glanced at the clock by her bed. Five-thirty. Old habits are hard to break. Lord. Another day? Really? I keep going to bed thinking I’ll wake up in your presence…yet here I am again. Still in this world where there is nothing left for me. Nothing for me to do. My body is wearing out. Can’t play the piano at church, my arthritis is too bad. Even if I could, that new music they play these days is too hard for me to figure out. No one wants to hear the old stuff anymore. My kids are off doing their own thing. Even the grandkids have ventured off and I rarely see them anymore. If there is still something here for me to do, some higher purpose, please show me. I’m getting tired.

  Ella slowly sat up and rested on the edge of her bed. She looked out the window while feeling around with her feet for her slippers. Fall was here and there was a nip in the air. She shuddered and reached for her robe. Slowly she stood up and slipped it on. Padding into the kitchen in the dark, she turned on the coffee maker, closed her eyes and took comfort in the familiar scent as she stood and waited for the first cup to finish brewing. Coffee, she had decided, was one of the few pleasures she still looked forward to in this world. Thank you Lord for coffee.

  Cup in hand, she headed to the recliner in the quaint living room that had drawn her to the house in the first place. There was a large bay window facing the east where she began her day. Each morning was the same, a strong cup of coffee on the end table, an afghan and her worn Bible on her lap. She settled into her recliner, turned on the lamp and reached for her Bible. The worn, frayed book opened automatically to Isaiah 53. She took comfort in reading these familiar passages.

  "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering." Really Lord, do you know my grief?

  "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

  Oh, Lord, you know my innermost parts. You know my heart, Lord. I love you Lord. I long to be in your presence. My shame, Lord, you took it all. My sin, Lord, you carried it all. You deemed me worthy when no one else did. You reached down and carried me through the pain and sorrow. You knew my affliction because you carried all the sins of the world when you were on the tree, Lord. Without you, I would be nothing.

  She continued reading. "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; ... he was led like a lamb to the slaughter."

  Ella closed her eyes and concentrated on the Lover of her soul, the One who gave everything for her. Sixty-five years on this earth and she finally knew true love. The only kind of love she’d known previously was in the guise of pain. She sank to her knees and poured out her love in return. It was the least she could do.

  Slowly Ella made her way up from her knees. Lord, I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to get down on the floor like that. Is that okay with you?

  Not waiting for an answer, she took her lukewarm coffee and reheated it in the microwave. She had plans for this day and it was best not to dawdle. After dressing, she began her day. Her first order of business was meeting the ladies down at the church for Friday morning prayer. Pastor Mark would have everything ready for them. Merry would make sure of it. What a blessing it had been when Pastor Jessi’s aunt Merry moved from Oklahoma to be near her family. She had been part of a prayer group in her old church that had literally changed the lives of everyone involved. She had Pastor Mark’s complete blessing when she wanted to start the same type of prayer group here, in Janesville. Ella loved these days. In fact, it was through the prayers of Merry’s prayer group that both Pastors Mark and Jessi came to know the Lord. And look at them now! Pastoring a church and starting a Christian school took ambition, more than she had. But, she could pray, and pray she did.

  Ella slipped into her coat and tied a scarf on her head, then shut the door of her modest ranch house. She loved her little house. The leaves were beginning to fall and the kids from youth group would be coming to rake. She would have to bake some cookies to thank them for their efforts.

  Slowly she walked the two blocks to the church. Although the sun was shining, it was a cool morning. No frost yet, but it was coming. She could feel it in her bones.

  Pastor Mark held the front door open for her as she climbed the few steps to the church. “Good morning, Ella, it’s warm and cozy in here, just how you like it.”

  “Oh, thank you, Pastor Mark, I get such a chill in my bones this time a year. I guess it’s the price of getting old. I think I’ll go and put the teapot on. That will warm me up.”

  “I think Aunt Merry beat you to it. She got here early this morning to pray. You know her, she has a feeling when something is about to happen.”

  Ella led the way to the prayer room, wishing God would use her like he used Merry. She knew she shouldn’t envy the life of someone else, or their gifts. But somehow she felt like she missed the boat where God was concerned. She entered the prayer room and saw Merry on her knees, fervently praying. After quietly nodding to Mark and then closing the door, she got down on her knees on the opposite side of the room. She would pay for this later, bu
t maybe God would give her grace and lessen the pain. Soon the room filled with voices raised in prayer. Petitions filled the atmosphere as twelve Godly women joined together in one accord.

  Ella found herself unable to stay on her knees any longer and rose to sit on her chair. She stole a quick glance and noticed Merry pacing with raised hands, praying as she walked. Merry chose that moment to look in Ella’s direction. Ella quickly looked away, feeling like she had been caught like a child stealing a cookie from a cookie jar.

  She closed her eyes and tried to focus on praying, waiting for Merry to address the group as a whole. Her mind started wandering. She wondered what life would be like if things had been different. If she had been stronger, more confident, would her children want to be around her more? If she had been prettier, more competent in the kitchen, and more willing in the bedroom, would her husband have loved her more? A tear escaped. She didn’t worry. These ladies had no idea that the tears that fell came from feeling sorry for herself. Most of these ladies cried when they prayed for their lost loved ones. Tears were no strangers to this room.

  Ella lifted her head when she heard Merry. “Good morning, ladies. I’m so glad you could make it this morning for prayer.”

  The ladies murmured their good mornings and looked to Merry for guidance. Although this prayer group was rather new, all the ladies were excited to take part, especially after Merry explained the purpose of the group was praying for the salvation of their loved ones.

  “I heated up some water for tea and there are some cookies and doughnuts on the tray. I also attempted coffee, which is not my specialty. Maybe next time one of you ladies could make the coffee so it’s drinkable. Help yourselves and then let’s share what God is doing in our lives. We’ll take a few minutes to get settled.”

  All the ladies gathered around the cart, chatting with one another, thankful for the opportunity to socialize. About half of the group was widowed and those that were spent a lot of their time alone.

  After filling her plate with a couple of cookies and adding some creamer to her coffee, Ella took her seat, quietly waiting for things to get started. She took a bite of a cookie and smiled at the lady sitting next to her. She wasn’t sure, but she looked like she could be the lady who moved into the house two doors down from her own. She had the same dark skin and such a pretty smile. Her husband was real nice too. He smiled and waved at Ella when she was out sweeping the leaves off of the sidewalk the other day. She broke eye contact before the woman could start a conversation.

  Ella watched Merry flit from person to person, chatting and laughing. Lord, is there a reason you made me? Merry has such an important job. Is there anything I can do to make a difference?

  Watching the different women gathered in the room, she didn’t notice Merry approaching her.

  “Ella, could I chat with you a few minutes? There is something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

  Surprised, Ella consented and turned toward the chair Merry was about to sit on. She waited patiently as Merry made small talk. Yes, the weather has been chilly. Yes, the leaves are beautiful, yes to all of it. She just wanted Merry to get on with it.

  Finally Merry got around to the subject she wanted to discuss. For the life of her, Ella couldn’t guess what it might be about.

  “Ella, there is a house down the street from you, that big white Victorian house. Do you know the one I am talking about?”

  “I think so. Is it the one with cornstalks and pumpkins sitting on the porch?”

  “Yes, the very one. Do you know who lives there?”

  “No, I see different people, mainly women and children coming and going. I don’t know who lives there though. It was a number of years back when they fixed it up. It used to be quite run down.”

  Merry continued, “Well, the house is called House of Hope. It is a sanctuary for abused women and children. I have been in contact with the director, her name is Sheila and she desperately needs volunteers. I have been praying about it and I feel the Lord laid your name on my heart. Is this something you would be interested in?”

  Ella took a quick breath and held it. Lord, is this how you answer my prayer? You bring my past back to haunt me? Could this possibly be you? Ella studied Merry for a moment. “Can I take some time and pray about this? What would I be doing?”

  “Yes, I would expect you would want to pray before making a commitment. Volunteers are needed in the kitchen and to help with the children while the ladies are job hunting. It is a Christian shelter and Sheila wants ladies with a strong foundation in Christ to volunteer. The women and children who live in the home need to see what unconditional love is all about. Who better to love on them than a woman of God?”

  Ella shook her head in agreement. “Can I talk to you on Sunday, or is that too late?”

  Merry smiled, “No, Sunday is perfect. I’ll talk with you then.”

  Ella settled back on her seat and Merry called the prayer meeting to order. It was time to get down to business. Each lady present had loved ones that needed to meet Jesus.

  “Ladies, it’s time we storm the gates of heaven. Jesus is waiting on us. We have an appointment and it’s best not to keep him waiting.”

  Each woman entered into her own private prayer closet, some on their knees, some standing up and some sitting in the chairs placed around the room. Tears fell, voices raised and hearts cried out for mercy for children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The Holy Spirit was working overtime, wooing hearts while the faithful prayed. All of heaven stopped and listened, for the Father was pleased.

  Chapter Four

  Laney sat on the wicker couch and watched her children play in the backyard. She had never seen them this carefree and childlike. The kids weren’t the only ones who were relaxed. She’d slept for six hours solid before she’d been jolted awake by one of the other lady’s kids yelling in the backyard. For a moment she was disoriented and had panicked. Now as she watched them play, she knew they were just being kids. Having fun and not worrying about how much noise they made. Laney felt someone’s presence and looked up, panic in her eyes.

  “Hey, girl. I heard there was somebody new. I’m Keisha.” Keisha sighed and plopped down on the matching wicker chair. “Those your kids? They cute.”

  “I’m Laney, Laney Sanders, nice to meet you.” Laney looked at the girl sitting across from her and smiled. Her kids were her weak spot. “Yes, they are. Thank you.”

  Keisha leaned toward Laney. “So, he beat you bad?”

  Laney quickly looked from her children to this nosy woman. “What did you ask me?”

  “Oh sorry, I didn’ mean to make you mad. Ms. Sheila, she’s always telling me to mind my tongue. See, ‘round here we don’ got no secrets. We share. I thought you know that. My bad.” Keisha looked at the ceiling of the porch. Curiosity got the better of her. “Well? Did he?”

  Laney’s mouth dropped. “I don’t think that is any of your business. Who do you think you are?”

  Keisha shook her head, pursing her lips. “Well, do you know Jesus? You ain’t gonna make it ‘less you know Jesus. Mmmm-Mmmm…no ma’am.”

  “Keisha, are you preaching again?” Sheila came through the screen door with a pitcher of iced tea and glasses on a tray. She handed one glass to Laney. “I see you have met Keisha.”

  Sheila smiled and turned to Keisha. “Keisha, I need to talk with Laney for a bit.”

  “Okay.” Keisha looked from Sheila to Laney.

  Sheila smiled, “Keisha, I want to talk with Laney alone.”

  “Oh, I got ya, Ms. Sheila. Sure. I know when Keisha’s not wanted.” Keisha eased off the chair and headed to the kitchen.

  Sheila smiled apologetically to Laney. “I’m sorry about that. She doesn’t have the greatest sense of propriety. We’re working on that.”

  Laney took a sip of her tea, “Oh, it’s ok. I need to stop being so sensitive. It’s obvious I’m here and we all know why. Why am I still trying to hide it?”

  “Well, these a
re some of the things we talk about here. You’ll learn a lot about yourself through the healing process.”

  Laney looked to Sheila and smiled, grateful for the wisdom and safety she provided.

  “Thank you, Sheila, I couldn’t have done this without you.”

  Sheila looked from the playing children to her friend. “This is what I do, Laney. I help women in your position get away from husbands who don’t deserve them.”

  Sheila waved her hand toward the grand home that they were now sheltered in. “All this is for you. This was my dream for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was a little girl and watched my mom being hit again and again by my father, I knew I was going to do something. Everything in my life has led me to this moment, to this place. I am very thankful to be able to be here for you.”

  Sheila continued. “We have to talk about some practical things. Your van has been moved. If you need to go somewhere, one of us will take you. We can’t take any chances that Paul will find us. Our survival depends on the location of this home being kept a secret. Now that you have had some rest, let’s discuss some ground rules.”

  Laney kept quiet, waiting for Sheila to go on.

  “The most important rule we have is, no telling anyone where you are. Not your parents. Not your sister. No one.” Sheila waited for the information to sink in. “If you tell anyone, you will be asked to leave. I hate to be so direct, but I have to be. The rules are the same for everyone. Every woman here is counting on us to be discreet, to keep them safe. We cannot do it unless this rule is followed to the letter of the law. Do you understand?”

  Laney shook her head before answering. “Yes. I understand.” She wiped a tear from her eyes. Her parents were getting older. They would be concerned.

  Sheila knew from experience the types of thoughts going through Laney’s mind. “It won’t be forever. They will understand.”

  Laney smiled through her tears. She wasn’t so sure they would, but she had to do this. She had no choice. “I’m doing this Sheila. I’m not going back. I can’t.”