“And all one has to do is believe?” It sounded too simple, too rudimentary to base an entire faith on.
“Yes.”
“No matter what they’ve done?”
Jared’s eyes locked with hers. “I was saved, as we call it, as a boy, but when Mike died, I pulled away. Lost, I turned to alcohol, but that didn’t fill the void and only caused more problems. I didn’t stop believing in God, but I didn’t believe I was worthy of Him.”
Her heart clenched, and her chest fell. She knew there’d be a catch. “So, there are limits of who He can love?”
He shook his head. “Not at all. That’s only what I believed because I held tightly to my guilt. Like a martyr.”
“How do you know?”
“First, He says thateveryonewho believes in Him, not just those who follow the rules, will have eternal life. The most popular verse in Christian history probably is John 3:16, where it tells us God sent His Son so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. But the verse after that is just as meaningful to me, especially in recent weeks. It says, He came to save the world, not to condemn it. He wants us, flaws and all.” The conviction in his voice left no doubt to his belief. He stopped talking for a second, then he smiled, and his eyes twinkled. “Second, time and time again in the Bible there are flawed people whom God uses for awesome outcomes.”
“Can you tell me about them?” She wanted to believe everything Jared told her, but she couldn’t understand why God would want her.
“Moses killed a man, but God used him to lead His people to the Promised Land. Rahab was a prostitute, but God used her to save His people, and she ultimately became a line in the ancestry of Jesus. Paul persecuted and killed Christians, thenbecame oneand dedicated the remainder of his life to spreading God’s word. Peter denied Jesus three times right before the crucifixion, but went on to become instrumental in building the Church.” Jared stopped and smiled. “I’m sorry for going on and on. These are stories that I read recently when fighting my own way back. I wish I could wave a wand and make you experience the peace I have now, but every person has to find it for themselves.”
“Don’t apologize. I can’t imagine believing anything you said if you didn’t speak with confidence.”
“I could continue telling you about more people, but the truth is, the Bible is filled with flawed people because only God is perfect. We all need Him, from the murderers to the liars to the gossipers.”
“It’s a lot to take in.”
“I know. I was raised in church, and I still don’t have all the answers.” He laid an arm on the top of the sofa and spoke softly but emphatically. “One thing I absolutely do know and believe is that anyone who wants to believe in Him will be accepted by Him.”
“Thank you for listening and answering my questions.” The more he said, the more convinced she became that her mom was wrong. Sybil saw something in Jared that she wanted. She held up the Bible. “Could I borrow this for a few days?”
He nodded. “Keep it as long as you need.”
“Thanks.” She yawned and checked the time. Goodness, she hadn’t realized she’d been there two hours, and she still had more to tell him. “Do you have a few more minutes? There’s something else I wanted to tell you.”
“I’ve got plenty of time.”
She wrung her hands. Once she said it, she wouldn’t be able to take it back, but she knew it was the right decision. “I’ve decided to not to give our little girl up for adoption. I want to raise her, with your help if you haven’t changed your mind.”
“That’s the best news I’ve heard in weeks. You’ll be a great mom.” He leaned over and drew her into an embrace. “Thank you.”
The warmth of his arms reached into her soul. He believed in her and her ability to raise their daughter. The awesome responsibility lurking ahead terrified her, but she wouldn’t let Jared down. For their daughter’s sake, she would do everything in her power to be a good mom and break the cycle.
Chapter Eleven
Jared sat in the parking lot, staring at the gigantic inflatable turkey in front of the store. Even though it was the first week of November, he was surprised to see harvest décor instead of Christmas, such was the nature of retail these days.
Of all years, he wanted to savor the Thanksgiving holiday approaching. This time last year, he’d been a broken mess. What a difference time—and a hunk of soul searching—made.
Sybil nudged him from the passenger seat. “Penny for your thoughts?”
Her pregnant stomach could no longer be hidden by the right clothes, and he found her beautiful. How could he not when she carried their child?
“Thinking about Thanksgiving and all I’m grateful for, including you.” He sent her a smile from across the truck cab. “This year turned out nothing like I expected, but I don’t regret any of it.”
“Me either.” She rested a palm against her stomach. “When I found out I was pregnant, the world shifted under my feet, but everything is falling into place.”
“Yes. Including telling my mom and sister.” The memory brought a smile. “I shouldn’t have worried about upsetting Cara. Her grace knows no limits.”
“I knew she’d be happy for you. Your mom, as well.” Sybil’s featherlight touch on his shoulder sent small pulses through him. “After everything you’ve told me, I feel like I know them, and they are strong women, full of love.”
