Free The Morning After by Kendra Norman-Bellamy

surpassed the living conditions of their previous dwelling, but not by much. Only after Jennifer relocated to Atlanta and obtained an associates degree, was she fortunate enough to net her current job and move her son to Braxton Way. By then, though, Jerrod had already been poisoned by his circumstances and environment, and it had taken a lot of prayer to turn his life around. A lot of prayer that only an old sanctified lady could deliver to God’s ears.
    That rescue had come compliments of Essie Mae Richardson. Now, Jennifer was ecstatic to know that their next step up would be a gift she could give her son. She had prayed for a testimony like this—one wherein she could glorify God because she had made a marked impact on her son’s future. It would be because she had finally made a good decision on what kind of man to bring into her son’s life that he would finally have a family complete with a mother and a father.
    The praise and worship service was in high gear now, but Jennifer’s mind took turns paying attention to the goings on in front of her and sinking into deep thought about what was going to happen later in the day. When the high-spirited music and singing ended, the service was turned over to the pastor.
    â€œBefore you take your seats,” he said, “I want you to simply tell your neighbor that all these other things will be added unto you .”
    Those seven words echoed through the sanctuary, followed by the scuffling noises of thousands of people being seated.
    In mostly attentive silence, Jennifer listened as Reverend Tides expounded on Matthew 6:33, admonishing his listeners to put God first in every thing they did.
    â€œSo many times we find ourselves doing things at the wrong time and for the wrong reasons,” he said. “But how many of you know that God is a jealous God? He wants to be first in everything we do. And while He will allow us to go on with our own agenda for a while, God will eventually make His presence known. He will shake us up with disappointment so that we will realize that it’s not about us!” Reverend Tides scoped out the room for dramatic effect, then said, “Sometimes He has to do that so that we will allow Him to take His rightful place in our lives. Do y’all hear what I’m saying?”
    â€œAmen,” Jennifer’s voice echoed amongst many others.
    Reverend Tides was such a charismatic speaker, far more so than Reverend Owens. As Jennifer clapped her hands in support of the preacher’s words, she surmised that she wouldn’t mind a bit, having to transfer her membership from Temple of God’s Word to New Hope Church once she and T.K. got married. As a matter of fact, at that precise moment, in the place where she sat, Jennifer made up her mind that she would do the honors next Sunday—one week after her engagement was official—to give T.K. a preview of just how spiritually in sync with him she would be as his wife.
    A steady rainfall was being delivered from the skies as service dismissed two and a half hours after it began. Jennifer figured it would be the adjustment that would most likely be the hardest to make once she became a member of New Hope Church. Service at Temple of God’s Word rarely ever exceeded ninety minutes. Each Sunday, Reverend Owens faithfully kept his message at thirty minutes, like his job was in jeopardy if he dared to go over.
    â€œStay here,” T.K. instructed Jennifer and Jerrod as they stood in the foyer of the church. “I’ll bring the vehicle around. It doesn’t make sense for us go to the restaurant in separate cars. I’ll bring you back to get yours once we’re done celebrating.”
    Celebrating . Jennifer’s heart delivered a massive thump that nearly made her lose her balance. C’mon, Jen; keep it together , she encouraged herself, leaning against the wall and lifting her foot to readjust her shoe in an attempt to mask her