Prologue
Hannah
It had been a hectic week and Hannah had barely seen her husband. They were co-pastors at what was considered a mega church. They had a huge flock of over ten thousand, and with that came a lot of responsibility.
She took the responsibility very seriously. After all, it was her family’s legacy. Her great-grandfather Monroe Wilson founded this ministry. So, she dedicated her entire life to it.
It was her morning to deliver the sermon. She’d had it prepared since Thursday. As she often did on Sunday mornings, she arrived early and was in the office she shared with her husband, Jeremiah. She took the time to reflect on the message she was to deliver.
The knock at the door was so soft she barely heard it over the praise music she had on.
“Come in,” she called.
Jeremiah opened the door and stepped in, closing it behind him. Which was odd. It was his office as well. Why did he knock?
“Good morning,” he greeted her. When she went to stand, he shook his head. “It’s okay. You don’t need to stand up.”
A frown crossed her face. She hadn’t seen him this morning and had wanted to greet her husband. He’d slept in the guest room. It was an unspoken rule that she didn’t disturb him when he did. So, Hannah had her morning bowl of oatmeal, with nuts and fresh fruit and a cup of coffee, no cream. Then she took her time and got dressed. Her selection was a fitted suit, more befitting a co-pastor than a first lady. Her wardrobe selection reflected what role she would be playing. On Sundays when she wore a dress and hat, she was just the pastor’s wife. However, on Sundays when she donned one of her smart suits, she was fulfilling her role as co-pastor and would be ministering the word.
“Good morning, Jeremiah.”
Her gaze swept him. He looked sharp, as usual. The thing this man did to suits. He looked like a movie star rather than a pastor. Jeremiah did favour Morris Chestnut, but he was a shade darker, two inches taller, and his eyes were a golden brown.
Clearing his throat, he came forward and stopped in front of her desk.
“I know this morning you are scheduled to give the sermon, but there is something on my heart I need to share with the congregation. Can I deliver this morning instead?”
Hannah didn’t operate well with surprises. She was a planner. Spontaneity wasn’t one of the skills she was blessed with. However, things had been strained between the couple lately. She didn’t want to cause more of a rift by refusing his request. Especially when his eyes matched the plea in his tone. Who was she to stand in the way of whatever message that was laid upon his heart?
“Sure, Dear. You go ahead.”
“Thank you.” he bowed his head graciously. Then spun on his heels and left.
She didn’t have time to change from her suit. Hannah contacted the church secretary, Corinth, to have a change made in the programming. Soon she was taking her place on the pulpit with her husband, her father, elders, and the assistant pastors. They had a packed house. Hannah’s gaze swept over the sanctuary, which was more reminiscent of a stadium than a church.
The service was going along beautifully. The choir was on fire! Once he was introduced, Jeremiah requested a mic. He didn’t stand behind the lectern. Instead, he stood beside it.
“Good morning, Church,” he greeted.
“Good morning, Pastor.” A chorus of congregants replied.
“I come before you this morning. A man. A flawed man.” Hannah kept her features stoic, and she tried to figure out where he was going with his message. “This morning, I’m not just your pastor. I am a brother in Christ who needs your prayers and your forgiveness. I’ve failed you, church.” A quiet hush fell over the space. “I’ve defiled my marriage.”
There was a cacophony of gasps. Turning to face her. “I’m so sorry, Hannah.” he turned back to the church. “Despite my sinful actions, God has seen it fit to still bless me. Fatherhood had always been a burning desire in my heart. I don’t know why it came about through my weakness, but it has. So, I’ll be stepping down as your Pastor. It has been my honour to lead you all. Please don't allow my shortcomings to lessen your faith.” After his parting words, he placed his mic on the lectern. Then walked off the pulpit. A pregnant woman who was sitting in the front row stood. Jeremiah took her hand and walked to the exit.
Everyone sat stalk still as he left the sanctuary. Hannah’s eyes tracked her husband and his… what ‘mistress’?
Hannah felt like she was having an out-of-body experience. She was floating above her body. There she sat, frozen, with a neutral expression on her face, looking straight ahead. She looked like she was sitting for a portrait with her hands folded in her lap, her head held high, and her shoulders squared. This was not the picture of a woman who had just had her world rocked. She didn’t look like a woman whose husband had just announced to God and man that their marriage was over because of his betrayal.
She remained floating above herself, willing herself to react, but the woman sitting there wouldn’t move. Wouldn’t cause a scene. Wouldn’t allow others to see how Jeremiah had ripped her heart out. Even as her heart pounded in her chest, threatening to escape its confines.
As the congregation’s murmurs grew. Her father took control and delivered the quickest benediction in history. They ushered her off the stage. No one spoke as her parents, sister, and brother-in-law flanked her as they accompanied her back to her office. The moment she entered, Hannah hurried to the trashcan and emptied the contents of her stomach into it. She was aware of them talking to her, but her brain was not processing anything. She stared at the trash can and looked at the regurgitated oatmeal and thought,why do I eat oatmeal? I don’t even like it.
Hannah’s last thought as her world faded to black was,God wouldn't give me more than I can bear. Would he?
ChapterOne
HANNAH
