“He has chosen to marry you knowing your past. If we were still to bring him onboard that would send a message to our congregation that we condone premarital relationships.”
Anger kindled in Elijah and ignited to a bright flame. “What do you meanif?”
“I’m sorry Elijah, but if you go through with this marriage, your job offer is rescinded.” Pastor McCann’s lips thinned. “I looked forward to working with you, but the needs and spiritual growth of the church must come first.”
“Then you can take the position and leave.” Elijah let go of Trixie and stood. “I’ve respected you for many years, but I’ve learned more about grace and mercy since coming to Jasper Lake than all my years under your teaching. If you’re forcing me to choose, then I choose Trixie.”
She stood and pressed a hand to his arm. Sheer humiliation and horror covered her face. “You can’t put me before your calling. Take the job, please. I can’t stand between you and God.”
Not giving him time to respond, she ran out of the house.
Elijah glared at hisformermentor, full of disgust. He’d probably have to ask forgiveness later, but his fury won at the moment. “Trixie is the finest Christian woman I know. She loves much and gives much because she’s been forgiven much. If she’s not good enough for your church, then I could never dream to be.”
“Think carefully about what you’re giving up.” Pastor McCann’s tone held a thin warning.
“I don’t need to. When I first came here, I had a similar mindset as yours, but I’ve learned you can’t win people to Christ by judging them and casting stones. We are called to live holy and righteous lives, and that’s exactly what Trixie is doing. Her deep faith has helped her turn her life around, and she has worked hard to do so.” He clenched a fist, trying not to shake it at the pastor. “Furthermore, her past enables her to connect with our youth and young women on a deeper level and show them that, yes, God still loves us even when we sin and He can use our messes for His glory.”
“I agree, but there must be standards in leadership.”
“Then we’ll have to agree to disagree. If you have nothing further to say, then I’ll respectfully ask you to leave. I have a wedding to plan and a fiancée to console and convince she’s not coming between me and my calling.”
“Very well.” Pastor McCann nodded his head and paused. His eyes searched Elijah’s face as if he wanted to say more. “I’ll … hmm, I’ll see myself out.”
Elijah stewed and paced his living room after he heard the front door close. He ran a hand through this hair, frustrated and angry at the turn of events. His disappointment in his church, great as it was, mattered little compared to his concern for Trixie and what she’d just experienced.
He wouldn’t—couldn’t—lose her. God brought them together as surely as He’d created the earth and heavens. Contrary to what she believed, she wouldn’t come between him and his calling. He would attend seminary, and he would preach, but not at First Coastal Church. Sometimes God closed doors to protect His children. He had to believe this was one such time.
Holding his phone, he started to call his dad but stopped. From Pastor McCann’s statement it appeared they supported the marriage to Trixie, but why didn’t they call him to warn trouble brewed? He’d deal with them later.
He needed advice from someone he trusted. Pastor McCann was out of the question. Maybe one day that relationship could be restored, but not any time soon. Mr. Graff? No, he’d be biased on his daughter’s behalf. As her brother-in-law, so would Landon, and Elijah already had that bias covered with his own anger. He needed someone who would listen and advise objectively.
Pastor Gray.
That’s it. He usually spent Saturday afternoons at the church preparing for Sunday. Elijah gave him a call to confirm, relieved when the pastor said he was available for a talk. He filled a travel mug with the now-stale coffee and drove to the church. By the time he arrived, he’d calmed down enough to relay the story without letting his anger seep through.
Or so he thought.
After Elijah finished telling about Pastor McCann’s visit, Pastor Gray clenched his fists and breathed a long breath. “I don’t blame you for being angry. I’ve only spoken with the man on the phone, and I’m angry for you.”
“You think he’s wrong?”
“Without a doubt.” Pastor Gray loosened his fists. “I’m proud of you for not decking him right then and there.”
Elijah gasped. “Pastor Gray!”
“I’m a man of the cloth, but I’m human too. If anyone talked about my Susan like that, especially with her right there, I’d be hard-pressed to show self-control.” He winked. “At least in my thoughts.”
“What should I do?”
Pastor Gray locked eyes with him. “You love her, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then you pray and go after her.”
“You didn’t see her face. I’m not sure I’ll convince her I don’t want the job if it means losing her. At this point, I don’t want it, regardless.” He stretched his arms over his head and leaned over in the seat, releasing tension.
“What if you can prove to her God meant for you to walk through another door?”
