Free The Other Side of Darkness by Melody Carlson Page B

alone, his palms pressed together almost as if he is in prayer, although his eyes are open. He smiles at me as I walk toward him, and he greets me warmly.
    “That was a great sermon, Pastor Glenn. My spirit really resonates with your message.” I’m pleased with myself that I actually used the word
resonate
.
    He nods and shakes my hand. “Thank you so much, Ruth. I really appreciate the feedback. I can’t always tell what people are thinking.”
    “Well, you really nailed it on the head.” Okay, maybe that’s not quite as eloquent as
resonate
, but the spirit is the same.
    “It’s not easy having to say the hard things. But as a shepherd, it’s my role to protect my sheep from evil. Sometimes that means giving some tough warnings.”
    “Well, speaking as a dumb sheep, I really appreciate the warnings.”
    “Cynthia tells me that you’re going to be her prayer partner this year.”
    I’m surprised that she’s already informed him of this, but I’m pleased too. It makes me feel important to be noticed like this. I nod happily. “It’s such an honor to serve her. I’m really looking forward to it.”
    “You have a good heart, Ruth. Cynthia is blessed to have you on her team.” He pats me on the shoulder. “And so am I.”
    I know I should be humbled by this attention and praise, but it also feels very good, very satisfying. And then I begin to feel uncomfortable. What if he knows what I’m feeling? What if I’m being spiritually proud and he’s about to point this out to me? “I … uh … I guess I should go find my family now.”
    “Rick’s still on the swing shift?” he asks as he walks me toward the door.
    “Yes. Unfortunately, it goes along with his promotion.”
    He shakes his head but makes no comment.
    “Hopefully it won’t last too long though,” I quickly add. “Rick said there’s a chance he can go back to days in a year. If another guy retires, that is.”
    “A year is a long time.”
    I nod. “I know. It’s only been a couple of months, and it feels like forever.”
    “Well, you continue being the godly woman that you are, Ruth. Keep leaning on the Lord and obeying him, and I’m sure it will go well for you.”
    And that’s what I tell myself as I drive my moody family toward home. Matthew is sitting way in the back, sulking, I’m sure. And Mary and Sarah got into a little snit over who could sit in the frontseat by me. Sarah was certain it was her turn, but her older sister beat her to the punch, and I couldn’t remember whose turn it really was. I don’t like them fighting over it anyway, so I made them sit behind me in the middle seat, beside each other, until they learn to get along.
    I silently pray against the demonic forces that seem to be focused on my family as I drive through the dark, wet streets of our town. Like Pastor Glenn said, I can feel them pressing in, trying to lie and cheat as they attempt to steal our peace and joy. I must learn to do better warfare!

6
    C ynthia and I meet at her house on Monday morning to discuss my new role as her prayer partner. I’ve never been to her home before, and I am surprised that, while it’s neat and clean, it’s rather small, and being an older home, it seems a little run-down. The porch has a loose board, and the linoleum in the kitchen is cracked. But something else is different too. Something I can’t quite put my finger on at first. Then I realize that it seems to lack personal touches.
    “It’s like you’re my assistant,” she explains to me. “Most important, you pray for me and for the word that I’m teaching. But you also pray for the women in our study. Here’s a list of names.” She hands me a paper. “I know it seems like a small group for now, but I expect more women to join us once we get started. And even more after we have our outreach concert.”
    I nod and look at the list. There are only four names on it.
    “My Bible study has always been held at the church, Ruth, but the Lord has