Page 28 of Impacted by Love

"I just wonder if anybody in the room feels like I do. When I think about the God who was there on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and all week, I wake up excited to put my clothes on Sunday morning, knowing where I'll be going. I walk into this sacred place to give God the greatest praise. It's nice to see you, and I'm glad you're here, but I come with one objective in mind. If that's your mindset too, join in with me," the organist says, causing many people to stand to their feet.

?

Praise Him. Yeah. Praise Him.

We've come to praise Him.

?

Asaiah and I stand to our feet, joining in with everyone who sings along with the organist. Joy fills me rapidly when Asaiah looks at me while singing in a deep baritone that I force myself not to become distracted by.

Lord, I know it's not the season, but can you put this man under my tree?

* * *

"You caused quite the stir today, precious gem." The taunting in Mom's voice makes me unsure of this conversation's direction.

In Bill Withers's words, it's been a lovely day, so I answered my mom's call without hesitation. Also, at hearing the endearment, which she only calls me sporadically, a wry smile slips into place. Diamonds are my birthstone, and my mom has always told me how perfect and accurate the gem is in relation to my persona. Mom says I am like a diamond, exemplifying strength and eternal love.

"All I did was attend church. So, what do you mean?" I ask, smirking.

It's no surprise that my mom is on my phone because Asaiah's presence in the Tabernacle had many members coming to speak to him and me. Thankfully for me, Asaiah had taken it in stride, but he doubled down on our next joint worship happening at his church. The only person who didn't make a spectacle of Asaiah's presence was Pastor Lincoln. His greeting was while we were leaving and didn't involve any fanfare. It's one of the reasons I love my pastor. He's laid back and goes with the flow for the most part.

"Pauletta called to tell me how her aunt nearly needed oxygen after being removed from your friend's arms," Mom reveals, snickering.

My eyes roll heavenward at the reminder of the stunt Ms. Irene did. When service ended, the messy busybody dang near twisted her ankle getting to Asaiah and me. She pretended to lose her balance when she was a stone's throw away, causing Asaiah to lunge forward to catch her. The cantankerous grandmother of six then batted her nonexistent lashes at Asaiah while praising his quick reflexes.

"I'm not sure if she needs medication or a nursing home, but they need to reel Ms. Irene in," I respond, returning to the conversation.

"I'm glad your dad is sick because containing my laughter wouldn't have been possible with all that going on. Wow! I can't believe she did that," Mom says, laughing.

"It's n?—"

Beep. Beep.

My other line rings, cutting off my words and causing me to pull the phone away from my ear to see who's calling.

Asaiah!

The whisper of his name has me biting my bottom lip to contain the schoolgirl scream I want to release but can't since Mom is on the phone.

"I have another call to take, so I gotta go, but do something about your church people, please."

"Chile, I can't do anything but bring some kettle corn the next time. Tell him I said hello, precious gem." With that, Mom disconnects the call, and the vein in my neck thrashes when the line beeps again.

Scurrying, I slide the button to answer the call before it goes to my voicemail.

"I didn't think I would hear from you after what happened earlier."

"I thought about it, but then another revelation came to mind, sparking my need to make this call," Asaiah says in a husky tone that has me wondering if he's lying down.

"Wh-what's the revelation?"

Why is my voice shaky?

"I didn't thank you for continuing my time in your presence. Last night was needed, and despite the weirdness of your fellow parishioners, the Word of God was timely and edifying."

My mind flashed to the scripture for today's message and the gasp I heard from Asaiah when Pastor Lincoln began breaking it down.Luke 12:7.

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