“Um, I’m not really sure. I just know I’m supposed to be here.” I resist the urge to shrug. Suddenly I feel a little foolish. Maybe she doesn’t get that sensation that you have to do something.But you did,so listen to it.
“Have you prayed the salvation prayer?”
I don’t even know what that is, so I say as much.
“Let’s start there,” Elaine states.
I nod.
“Okay, repeat after me. Lord Jesus, I believe in You and repent of my sins.”
Huh, that’s definitely something I haven’t prayed. I say the words, recognizing the truthfulness of them.
“Please forgive me by Your grace. I believe Jesus is the Son of God and died for my sins.”
She continues to speak until I’ve said the final words, “I receive eternal life. Amen.”
My eyes remain closed. There’s a quietness I don’t want to disturb. As if Val understands, she remains silent, squeezing my hand. Even Elaine doesn’t speak for a while.
“Jabari, I’m getting the feeling that you need healing prayers too.”
Val sniffles beside me.
My own throat is tight with emotion. “Yes, ma’am. I had an accident earlier in the year, and my vision was really affected.”
“I get the sense you were blind, but now you truly see. And the Lord wants you to know that you can depend on Him. You don’t have to do anything on your own power.”
Awareness prickles every nerve ending. Iwasblind. I failed to realize how much my spirit needs—Ineed—God. Growing up, the world always weighed heavily on my shoulders. The need to be strong for my mom so she could deal with her own issues isolated me. The need to make it to the NHL in order to take care of her almost stole the love of the game from me. Success hadn’t been an option but an absolute necessity. I didn’t want to let the team down, the fans ... my mom. All that pressure meant I never rested.
Not until Val.
“That’s exactly what I’ve realized.” A lump fills my throat, and my eyes water. I dab at them with the back of my sleeve.
Someone puts a tissue in my hand, and I wipe the tears away.
Thankfully, they’re good ones. I’m not sad but filled with immense relief. God knows exactly how I feel. I don’t have to carry this burden anymore.
“Thank you for praying for me, Ms. Elaine.”
“Anytime, Jabari. Keep trusting in the Lord and walk in His glorious light. Have faith.”
Havefaith.
It’s not something someone has ever told me regarding God, but always toward hockey. Ms. Elaine’s right. Hockey saved me from loneliness when I was kid but never eradicated it. Only God can do that.
“I will.”
Val loops her arm through mine and leans her head against my shoulder. “I’m so happy for you. Following Jesus is the best thing you can ever do.”
“It shows. You’re one of a kind, Val Elliott.”
“So are you, Jabari Hall.”
38
Val
“Knock, knock.”
