Author: Tiffany

Prelude
 
    Teresa Banner stared into her empty coffee cup.  The Monday morning traffic jam outside of Nessie’s Coffee Emporium had finally eased, and the rain that had poured through the night ceased its commotion, making way for a beautiful burst of sunshine.  
    Teresa hardly noticed the outside on-goings, as she was day dreaming again.  The past year had brought her a ton of heartache, and this newest year was not looking any better.
    March of 2009 brought the death of Teresa’s mother, and by that September her father committed suicide.  Teresa had turned twenty six just a few days before her father’s passing.  Teresa’s family, reeling from their losses, had chosen to be angry and bitter.  Teresa was deeply depressed, but had chosen to 
take a different path.  She chose a path that was not supported by her other family members, the one that would hopefully give her some sort of peace.  Teresa chose God.

    And-- Nessie’s Coffee Emporium was where it all started….

     

    Chapter One

    October 1, 2009.
   
    “Something’ wrong with muh coffee, dear?”  The owner, Nessie asked.
    A startled Teresa looked up.  “No.  I am actually using your coffee as part of my therapy.”
    “Girl, if muh coffee is that good, then your next cup is free.”
    “Thanks.”

    Teresa watched Nessie stroll back behind the counter.  Her cup, held firmly in her nervous grasp, was about half empty.  She took the time to glance at the other customers.  Many were just grabbing a quick bite to eat.  Teresa zeroed in on someone who, like her, was only there for the coffee.
    A preacher was sitting in the far corner reading his Bible and sipping away.  Teresa was intrigued by the book in the preacher’s hand.  Her family was never encouraging where Christianity was concerned, but after all she had been through, she was curious about what help the preacher could offer her.
    After taking a deep breath, she got up and strolled to the corner of the coffee shop.  She held even tighter to her coffee cup as the gentleman looked up from his Bible and greeted her.

    “May I help you, Miss?”
    “I…I’m hoping you can.” Teresa stuttered.
    “Have a seat then and don’t be so shy.  I am a preacher, and I promise, I don’t bite.”
    Teresa sat clumsily in the chair across from him.  She took note of his short dark hair, his calm brown eyes, and his strong hands.  He looked to be a short man, but she was sure that in God’s eyes he was of great stature.
    
    “So, what may I help you with?”
    Startled for the second time that morning, Teresa almost spilled her coffee.
    “Are you okay?”
    “Yes…yes, I am just a little nervous.  I have never spoken to a preacher before.  Actually, my parents are probably turning over in their…”  Teresa caught herself.  She looked down in embarrassment and almost sprang from the table.
    “It’s ok to admit that you aren’t okay.”
    “I guess I am still trying to accept the fact that my parents are gone.”
    “I am terribly sorry for your losses.  Perhaps your parents would be happy to know that you are trying to find some peace and comfort?”
    “Not this way.  I honestly think my parents would rather I turn to something, anything else, instead.  They were always against Christianity, or any faith for that matter.”
    “Well, faith is a whole different thing in itself.  You can have faith and still not believe in the Lord.”
    “However ‘this’ works, I just know that my family is not going to be happy with me, but I don’t know what else to do.”
    “Talking with me is just talking.  It is up to you to decide what you want to believe.”
    “I can live with that.”
    “First of all, I would do better to know who I am speaking to.”
    “Teresa Banner.”
    “It is nice to meet you, Teresa.  My name is Randall Jones.” 
    The two shook hands and then Teresa spoke, “What church do you belong to?”
    “I am a Free Methodist pastor.  I have been preaching for thirty-eight years and have a fairly sizable church about a mile out of town.”
    “I’m not familiar with ‘Free Methodist’.  Could you give me a brief description of your denomination?”
    “Of course I can. Free Methodists focus more on staying true to the principles of the Holy Spirit. We focus our ministry on striving to reach and aid the poor, and to hold firm to the vision of ending racism and hate.  We are a semi-large church and a family.”

    “Sounds like a nice place to be a part of.”
    “I believe when one is first starting his spiritual journey, he should research all of the options.  Becoming part of a church is just the beginning of a life-changing journey.”
    “I’m actually not looking to change my life, per say.  I just want answers.  I want to know who this GOD is and that my parents are in a better place.”
    “Well, I can reassure you that your parents are definitely in a far better place now.  But, I should also mention that once you start to get to know God, you will definitely see a change in your life.  I believe that you will find not only peace, but you will feel a true stirring in your heart.”
    “My father committed suicide though.  Does that change things?”
    “I strongly believe that our God is a loving and forgiving God.  We had someone from the church take his life recently.  It has been a heartbreaking and trying time.  This person was diagnosed with cancer in 2000 and by 2005 was told that he had six months to a year to live.  So, he got his affairs in order, but by the Grace of God, he beat the odds.  Then last year, the cancer came back aggressively.  The doctors did all they could do, and again said this person’s time was limited.  Last month, the pain and agony became too much.”
    “Do you believe suicide is God’s plan for some people?”
    “Never, God gave you this life and it should be up to Him when you are called Home.”
    “But you said you believe God is forgiving?”
    “And I stand by that, but He would never want you to be responsible for your own Homecoming.  Homecoming takes preparation and is planned out in God’s time.”
    “I lost my dad last month.  I have been haunted by the thought that he went to Hell; and my mother was killed in a car wreck earlier this year.  Dad sank into a deep depression after Mom passed and he just couldn’t come out of it.”
    “Death is not an easy thing for anyone.  I take comfort in knowing that my loved ones are not actually dead, but have moved on to their Heavenly Home, away from all of the pain and suffering this world has to offer.”
    “I really like that thought, but find it hard to believe.  Is there even room enough up there for everyone?”  Teresa asked as she stared at the ceiling.
    “Ha!  Don’t underestimate God, or this grand Heaven that He has created for us.  You should focus more on finding peace and understanding that there is Someone, Something, so much bigger out there.”
    “I imagine I sound childish to you?”
    “No, not at all, when one chooses to consider discovering God, the questions he finds himself asking are like that of a child.  And that is fine, because God wants us to be like the little children.  He wants us to ask questions, do research, and not be afraid to speak up.  So you are more than welcome to ask away.”
    “Oh Shoot!  I need to go.  Can we talk some other time?  I forgot about a meeting that I have to be at in fifteen minutes.”
    “Sure, let me give you my card.  Don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me.  Also, if you are interested, church services start at nine a.m. on Sunday and we have a small social gathering at six-thirty every Tuesday evening and movie night on Wednesday evenings.”
    “Thank you.  I would rather speak with you for now, if that’s ok?”
    “That is fine.  Have a good day.”
    “Thank you.  You have a good one, too.”

    Teresa found herself sitting in thought that evening.  Memories of her parents floated through her mind.  She kept going over what Mr. Jones had said about her father.  She at least had some kind of hope to hold on to.  Now if only she could find the courage to break the news to her sister and grandparents…