“If you’re going to quote scripture, then let’s continue with the next verse. ‘They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.’ Lara’s sorry for the choices she made, and it’s not our position to judge, but to show the same grace that Jesus has.”
“It’s a gray area, though. Think of the example for our other teens.”
“Mr. Brewer,” Mrs. Graff said through clenched teeth, “My daughter got pregnant out of wedlock and left because she believed her father and I wouldn’t stand by her. I spent over a year not hearing from her and never knowing if she was okay. I missed the first nine months of my granddaughter’s life. Just this week she came home and I don’t believe this is a coincidence. I will not stand by and let another girl suffer alone when we are in a position to help her.”
He still wasn’t convinced, but to prevent creating an enemy at the church, he brought the conversation back to the play. “In the meantime, how do we have a play without a Mary and Joseph?”
“Can any of the other teens step in?”
“With two weeks to go? They just now nailed down their own parts. I’d hate to confuse them by switching now.”
“What about someone who isn’t already in the play?” She stopped herself. “Never mind. I remember the struggle we had to get this crew. Times sure have changed. When my kids were in youth group, we had a plethora of teens to work with.”
Pastor Gray came into the sanctuary from the side hall, shaking his head. “The kids are in rare form tonight.”
“Christmas fever.” Mrs. Graff waved him over. “Do you have a minute? We could use your advice.”
“I always have time for my church family.” Pastor Gray sat in the pew in front of them and rested an arm on the back. “What can I help with?”
Mrs. Graff explained the situation to the pastor, and Elijah stepped in only when necessary, wise enough to know he didn’t have all the answers.
“Hmm.” Pastor Gray stroked his chin. “Where’s Lara now?”
“I sent her home,” Mrs. Graff answered. “Being here only upset her further.”
“We’ll have to tread carefully as we move forward and cover these young people with prayer. We don’t want this one mistake to define their lives and take them further from God.”
Elijah considered the pastor’s reaction, confused by his perceived acceptance. “You’re not upset?”
“I am, but you’ll soon learn many situations arise that are out of your control, and that’s where discernment comes into play.” Pastor Gray crossed his arms. “We never want to approve of sin, but neither do we want to condemn the sinner. That’s not why we’re here.”
“Then what do we do?” He didn’t miss the frown of disapproval Mrs. Graff shot him.
“Like I said, we pray.”
“What about the play? Do we cancel it?” He hated that idea. Today had been a cluster of disasters, but they had all worked too hard to toss it away.
“I have an idea.” Mrs. Graff’s eyes twinkled.
“Yes, Bonnie?” Pastor Gray gave her his attention.
“I’ll ask Trixie.”
Pastor Gray coughed. “Do you think that’s a wise idea?”
Not having a clue where this was going, Elijah leaned back and listened. He knew Trixie was the Graff’s youngest daughter and the one who’d recently returned home with a baby, but that’s all he knew.
“I’m not sure honestly, but she mentioned she’s ashamed to return to church.” Mrs. Graff sighed. “This could be her entry in, and the church’s way of showing she’s still welcome.”
“It won’t look good, Bonnie. I want the best for Trixie, I do, but if I allow this, I’ll have to answer to a number of our members.”
Aha! So Pastor Gray isn’t as nonchalant about unwed mothers as he let on. Even as he thought it, he felt guilty for having a gotcha moment, but at least he knew he hadn’t entered the twilight zone.
“Has that ever stopped you before?” Mrs. Graff’s eyes met the pastor’s in a challenge. “Have you forgotten when several members decided they were upset the church had an Easter egg hunt and you staunchly defended the outreach?”
“That’s different.”
“How?” Mrs. Graff didn’t back down—even became more staunch in her appeal.
