Forever
by
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“Had you rather not talk, Haley?” Ruthie knew Haley was uncomfortable with the group sitting at the table. “Did you know I have the gift of discernment? Do you know what your gift of the spirit is?”
“You mean gift as in scripture from the Bible?”< haley="" asked.="" “no,="" ruthie,="" i="" don’t="" know.="" maybe="" there’s="" one="" for="" getting="" in="" trouble?”="" she="" grinned="" and="" ruthie="" did="" too.="" “i’m="" just="" kidding.="" tell="" me="" what="" your="" gift="" does="" for="">
“I feel things. Momma says I’m sensitive to other people’s feelings. God gave me this gift. I knew in church this morning that you were sad. Then at the table you were very quiet. They wouldn’t care if you talked.”
“I don’t want to talk, Ruthie.” Haley confessed. “Once something happened to me and I’m still trying to figure it out.”
“Why don’t you talk to Jesus, let him have your problem?”
Haley stared at this child. “It’s not that easy.”
“Why? All you have to do is talk to him and then listen.”
“I talked to him for months and nothing happened.” Haley wondered why she was discussing her life with a five year old. “I know about talking to him. It doesn’t work.” Bitterness claimed her, reminding her of all those months in prison for a crime someone else had done and again today as she listened to the sermon and wondered about the pastor’s words.
“What if it’s all part of God’s plan just like brother Joe said?” Ruthie’s eyes were luminous as she peered at Haley. Haley saw the wisdom beyond Ruthie’s age, an ancient truth, and just when she would speak, Ruthie took her hand to lead her down the garden path. “What if the best part of your life is just beginning?” Ruthie’s laughter was the melody of time, of forgiveness, of faith and happiness that would last forever. For a moment, Haley’s heart skipped a beat. Hope replaced despair and Ruthie’s joy rippled around them. It was then Haley heard a whisper, within herself, and she knew without a doubt God still heard her cries. I love you was imprinted on her mind as tears filled her eyes and Ruthie squeezed her hand.
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About the Book
Ellen’s witness has aided and abetted Anne in a life of change. The mousey, easily intimidated Anne has become a beauty with firm convictions. She no longer allows her ex-husband, Andrew, to walk all over her. In fact, her firmness has made Andrew believe there might be something to being a Christian after all, but he’s still checking it out. Bitty struggled through her first husband’s illness and death and vowed she would never remarry, but the chief of police broke her resolve. Chester Mayfield is in the throes of an illness no one saw coming. It is a life or death situation and no one knows who will win.
Then there’s Harriet and her daughter, Marigold, learning to accept each other. It isn’t easy. Harriet may have appeared to be a recluse for many years, but now that she has rejoined society, the group of friends realize Harriet is a woman of substance and retains authority. Everyone needs a friend like Harriet! But Harriet’s reach does not faze Marigold, whose personality is as strong as her mother’s. A few tangles lead to an understanding, and the two learn to operate together. Marigold takes on Haley, a girl from prison, and each woman deals with the man in her life. It happens that Marigold and Ellen have what some might call, ‘ the cream of the crop’.
Maybe Matt and Dan can show Andrew the way. But who will show the way to the new girl, Haley, who is fresh out of prison? Andrew says it takes a con to know one, and he is studying this girl with the rebellious nature. Only time will tell if Haley Marie Gipson lasts on the outside.
The judge is looking over Andrew’s shoulder, and U.S. Marshall Bodie is keeping tabs on Haley and her parents, Dorothy and Harper Gipson. Remember, too, little Ruthie has a gift God will use in their lives, when evil seems to run rampant, God shines through this small child’s love and eases the hurt in Haley.
About the Author
Betty Lowrey continues to write from her home in Dexter, Missouri.
Continuing the story of the lives of Ellen, Anne, Bitty and Harriet found in Forgiven, Forbidden, and Forsaken, Forever continues the tale of the bonds of friendships that are formed, tested and kept. Join the author on her daily blog, Betty Lowrey’s Forgiven on Facebook.