Page 59 of Counting His heartbeats

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When it seems like my mountains to high, and I'm tired of the climb

When it feels like my patience is frustrated with time, I depend on the spirit

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"To gently remind," Zurmani sings along with the choir, and ordinarily, I would join, but I'm slightly distracted.

"I can't believe you got my son wearing this dress," I lean over to whisper to Zurmani, and her gaze shifts from the front of the church to me.

"Stop being dramatic. It's a christening gown, and he looks cute in it," Zurmani insists while pinching Jalil's chubby cheeks, causing him to laugh.

"Don't encourage your mama's foolery, son. She got you looking like that fat kid from thePrincess Diariessequel during the wedding scene. I'm sorry I failed you, man." Lifting Jalil, I stare into his bright and cheery orbs, smiling when his little teeth show in his mouth.

Jalil is nearly seven months old and will be christened after morning service, which fills my heart with euphoria over doing something for my son that no one ever did for me. Giving him back to God is one of the most incredible things one could do when trying to live a life of faith. Zurmani mentioned wanting to do it, and I met with Pastor Reese to discuss having Jalil added to the baptismal calendar. Since Kyce and Masani didn't do the twins, they will also be christened because it's never too late to dedicate children back to God. For the first time since we've all found our wives, the entire family is attending the eleven-thirty service at Pursuing His Glory Ministries. Kyce, Masani, Ashari, and Kayshon all attend the first service, while Zurmani and I have continued attending the second service because we like to sleep in a little on Sunday mornings.

"I believe the songwriter had us all pegged right when he said... It doesn't matter what you're going through, just as long as you know who's going with you. Can I get a witness this morning, PHGM?" a man's voice cuts into my brief block regarding what's happening in the service, causing me to look to the front of the church.

The organist changes the rhythm and melody, letting me know that the choir is transitioning into a new song. The man holding the microphone continues with his spiel before passing the instrument to a woman wearing a choir robe when she steps beside him.

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Whatever You do for me

However, things turn out to be

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The lead sings, and my stomach flips when the lyrics penetrate my body because I can relate. My leg moves from side to side the more the woman sings in a soul-soothing timbre that has me rising to my feet beside Zurmani, who's already standing. When the singer gets to another part of the song, I feel a brush against my arm, causing me to look to my left to see Kyce, who's beside me, and Kayshon on their feet.

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Your troubles and trials only come to make you strong

I reckon that your present suffering can't be compared

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"To His glory in you," Kyce and I sing simultaneously, having some familiarity with the words and firm precision in our delivery.

Thank you, God, for working it out for me... for us.

My watery gaze lands on my brothers, and gratitude flows through my body like never before as I continue belting out the lyrics along with the choir.

Several Hours Later

"How mad do you think they're gonna be with us?" Zurmani whispers for me to hear before her gaze shifts to the people in our backyard.

"We ain't teenagers in need of help, so they'll be all right," I assure her.

Zurmani and I are hosting our entire family to celebrate Jalil's christening and have dinner with the people we love. This is the first time both families have been together since webrought Jalil home, and I'm grateful that everyone gets along. Zurmani and I didn't want our family to worry about cooking, so we had dinner catered by a local restaurant. Due to the size of the families, we hired a company to transform our backyard into an intimate setting. There are four rectangular tables under the tents, and the vibes are perfect, so we'll give both companies stellar reviews and recommend their service to others.

"Let's get this over with before I lose my nerve," Zurmani whispers.

"Bet." I kiss her lips before turning to address the attendees. "Can we have everyone's attention, please?"

A hush falls over the space, and everyone's keen gaze rests upon Zurmani and me, making me smile. Zurmani holds a picture frame with a cover, blocking anyone from reading it until we're ready.

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