“Uh-uh. That isn’t what I said at all. Is this you not wanting to go out there today?”
“Of course, I don’t want to go out there.” It was the first time Hannah admitted it. She’d never even allowed herself to think it. “The last time I was out there, my life was destroyed. It was humiliating to be made a fool of. I can’t—” She broke off in a heart wrenching sob.
Samuel enveloped her in his arms. His warmth soothed her. “I know that must have hurt like hell, but I’ve got you.”
“Why do you keep saying that?” She hiccupped.
“Because I do.” He pulled back and kissed her forehead. “Listen, you can go out there with your head held high. I need you to hear me, when I tell you, you didn’t do anything wrong. You are well respected and loved because you are an amazing woman.”
Samuel spoke life into her soul. By the time they joined the service, hand in hand, Hannah felt free. Free of the past.
ChapterFourteen
SAMUEL
Alvin White walked into the boardroom and did a double take. Samuel was sure it was because he was used to being the first to arrive. It was not the case for this meeting.Well surprise!Samuel fought to suppress his smirk. Another thing that gave Alvin White pause was the occupants at the table. In addition to all the board members was Lewis Wilson. He didn’t normally attend board meetings. However, Dad was insistent that he be in attendance to lend support.
Samuel and Hannah had a long discussion with his in-laws concerning the disrespect their daughter had experienced from Alvin White. Dad was outraged when Hannah described the last conversation.
“I don’t know where that man gets off. We will support whatever you want to do, Hannah, but I hope you are finally ready to throw him out on his ear.”
“Finally?” Hannah had questioned.
Dad moved from his seat beside his wife and pulled up a chair, so he sat before Hannah. “Yes. Did you forget what I told you when they appointed you to the position of Co-pastor?”
“That I didn’t need their approval. It didn’t matter what my name was, I would always be a Wilson in my heart. Our family built this church from two members to what it is today.” She answered.
“Yet, you have allowed that man to act as if you did.”
“I thought if I was agreeable, it would be better.”
“But now?” Her father questioned.
“I’m here to lead. My actions can’t be dictated by man’s agendas.”
Dad clapped his hand loudly. “That’s my girl. What do the young people say? Let’s show Alvin White our family is not to be played with.”
Alvin White greeted the occupants in the room, none of whom returned his smile. Once he called for the meeting to come to order, he opened the floor for discussion. It was a common occurrence for the monthly meetings.
“Thank you. I have some things that need to be addressed. The board is an essential part of the church body.” Hannah began.
Samuel kept his eyes on Alvin White as Hannah spoke. He seemed to fidget in his seat. “Hannah, we are well aware?—”
“It’s Pastor Hannah…” Samuel had been adamant she carry the last name Cho. With two of them carrying the same name, it became confusing. The decision was made to call them Pastor Hannah and Pastor Samuel. “…Mr. White and I have the floor. Please keep your comments and questions until I have finished.” Her tone was polite and firm. It was such a turn on to see his woman stand up for herself. She continued to speak about the importance of the board and leadership working seamlessly together. “For too long, this has not been the case.”
Alvin White, “Incorrect?—”
“I still have the floor.” She responded. “Our responsibility is to our church body and the community at large. We must be good stewards. Which means we must make tough decisions. To quote the word. If your right foot offends you, cut it off. It is time for a removal?—”
“I see you are taking things personally, Hannah.”
Samuel loved the power his wife was exhibiting and was happy to leave her to handle her business. Her father wasn’t so inclined. “You have already been reminded once to address the pastor with the respect she has earned. When you are addressing her, when it is your turn, refer to her as Pastor Hannah. Don’t forget your place. Being on the board is a privilege. Leading it is to be done with humility.” Dad put up his hand, stopping his tirade. “I’m sorry, Pastor Hannah. My apologies. The floor is yours.”
“Thank you. You are mistaken. This isn’t personal. Respect for leadership is important. So is being fiscally responsible. Additionally, it’s best not to make unilateral decisions without consulting the rest of the board or leadership. For those reasons, I would like to pass a motion to have Alvin White removed from the board immediately.”
The motion was passed unanimously.
“I don’t understand why you all did this. I paid back the payments to Jeremiah out of my own pockets.” It wasn't exactly voluntary. Only after Nigel and Samuel suggested that the matter be made public and investigated was the money returned. Alvin White was thanked for his service and immediately dismissed from the board. It was made clear he was still welcome at the church. It was Nigel and another board member who dealt with stripping Alvin White of his privileges, that being the head of the board afforded him.
