Free Arizona Pastor by Jennifer Collins Johnson Page A

from Mel and Joel when they’d returned from their first counseling session. But then, her daughter had been quite perturbed with any questions Kristy had asked. After all the years of taking care of her one-and-only, Kristy thought Mel would understand she only wanted the best for her daughter. And now there was another life to consider.
    She walked toward the Sunday-school room where they’d agreed to have the committee meeting. The heels of her sandals clicked against the linoleum-covered, concrete floors, and a wave of insecurity washed over her. She might have put too much effort into her appearance. She’d enjoyed talking with Wade last night, and though the idea of pursuing a relationship was something she couldn’t quite wrap her mind around, she still wanted him to find her attractive.
    After opening the door, she saw the rest of the unification committee sitting at a rectangular table. Eustace and Freddy sat beside one another. Freddy shook his head at something Eustace said. Greg and Becca were on the opposite side, chatting. Wade was seated between the two groups. He looked up when she walked in. He smiled, but the expression seemed forced, and she wondered if he’d had a bad meeting with Mel and Joel or if he was worried about the committee.
    â€œWe’re all here,” said Wade, “so let’s get ready to start the meeting.”
    â€œI think we need to start with a word of prayer,” said Becca. She glanced meaningfully at Freddy and Eustace.
    â€œI was just about to suggest that,” said Wade. “Becca, would you like to lead us?”
    She pressed her hand against her chest, and Kristy noted her cotton candy—pink manicure with a flower design on her ring finger. Her blond curls bounced as she shook her head. “I’m not comfortable praying in public.”
    Wade’s expression was kind. “No problem.” He glanced at Kristy. “What about you?”
    She wasn’t overly comfortable talking with God in front of people, especially a so-obviously divided group, but the spirit nudged her heart, and she nodded and then bowed her head. Her mind whirled with all the division and disappointment she’d felt in the past two weeks. Wanting God to bring contentment and peace to her life and her church, she allowed the Holy Spirit to guide her words. “God, open our hearts to changes we would have never sought out on our own. Give us comfort with what makes us uncomfortable. May we be open…”
    As she continued the prayer, God stirred her to accept the death of her dreams for Mel. As she spoke to the Lord, she heard her plans. Not Mel’s. Not even God’s. She had to bury what she wanted and embrace what was new and uncertain. And scary. She wanted to keep Mel tied up in a big red bow. Go to college. Become a lawyer. Get married. Start a family. No problems. No challenges. No personal choices. No room for hurt or failure.
    But hurt and failure initiated growth, and growth meant change. Kristy realized afresh that her love for God had come through hurt, failure, growth and change.
    After ending the prayer, she exhaled a long breath and blinked her eyes several times to keep tears from flowing down her cheeks. Wade studied her for several seconds, and she couldn’t decipher his expression. Heaviness seemed to weigh in his eyes, and she wondered at the touch of pain she saw in them.
    â€œFirst, we gotta talk about the music.” Freddy’s booming voice snapped her back to reality.
    Becca frowned. “What’s wrong with the music?”
    Eustace leaned forward and tapped the table. “Nothing is wrong with Chad, dear. Your husband is a gifted music minister.” She cleared her throat and pinched her lips together. “But a few of the songs he’s trying to get us to learn are just a bit too fast for a morning worship service.”
    â€œI’m not sure God is worried about the speed of the