Free She Never Knew by CJ Simpson

another
tissue and blew her nose.
    “Years and years
of seminary school.” Pastor Cullen smiled. “No, seriously, I have had my own
demons in the past that I needed to face. It wasn’t easy, but with God’s help,
I became free. It is very important for you to understand that you are not alone.”
    Suddenly, Kat
felt as though a huge burden had been lifted from her shoulders. Her heart felt
lighter and for the first time in a long time, she felt hope for her future.
    “Pastor, you
have no idea how much you’ve helped me already.” Kat said earnestly. “I was
torn about what direction I needed to take and I’m glad I came here.”
    “Well, I’m very
glad I could help, although I really didn’t do much.” Pastor Cullen smiled.
“Have you thought about making contact with your sister?”
    “Yes. Now that
we’ve had this conversation, I think I will get in touch with her. Her name is
Mary.” Kat paused for a moment, deep in thought. “So much has happened that
I’ve put her in the back of my mind. I just forced myself to get on with life, as
if I didn’t have a choice. But the more I think about her, the more I realize
how much I need her in my life.” She sniffled.
    “I think making
contact will be very therapeutic for the both of you,” the pastor agreed.
“Together, you can heal as a family.”
    “That brings up the
main reason why I wanted to talk to you today.” Kat revealed.
    “Oh?”
    “One of the
things I wanted your guidance on was Tyler. He’s been asking questions about
his biological father. I told him that Michael was his father for obvious reasons.
I hate lying to him, but I don’t know how else I can explain why his father
isn’t around, especially since he’s only five years old.”
    Pastor Cullen
pondered this for a moment and shook his head. “This is a hard one. We know God
does not condone deceit. However, your intentions are pure, that is, to spare
Tyler of a pain he may not fully understand at his young age. You may one day
decide to tell him the truth about his biological father when he is older. If
you tell him now, he could very well blame himself, similar to the way young
kids blame themselves when their parents divorce. The maturity is not quite
developed yet. Do you see what I’m saying here?”
    Kat nodded. “You
make perfect sense.”
    “No matter what
you decide to do, it won’t be easy.” Pastor Cullen cautioned.
    “I know.” Kat
agreed. “I have a lot to think about here.”
    Pastor Cullen
paused for a moment before getting up from his chair. He walked around to the
front of his desk, opened a drawer, removed a business card, and handed it to
Kat.
    “This is the
name and number of a psychologist who specializes in situations where there are
multiple traumas involved. One day, when you are ready, you may wish to give
her a call.”
    Kat accepted the
card and nodded her head. “I may need this sooner than later,” she said.
    “Remember, God
is always on your side,” Pastor Cullen reminded. “Always have faith. When
you’re feeling out of sorts, remember what I said. Invite God into your life
and share your struggles with Him. You might be surprised at how He can help
you.”
    “Thank you.” Kat
looked at her pastor gratefully. “I don’t know why I didn’t come to you
sooner.”
    “It may not have
been the right time until now. I have a feeling that the Lord had something to
do with you coming here.” Pastor Cullen’s eyes twinkled. “He may have spoken to
you in your heart.”
    “All right,
then. I will definitely think about what you’ve told me.” Kat smiled. “Now, I
need to run. I’m supposed to meet up with the ladies from the Crafts group this
afternoon so we’ll be ready for next week’s bible school.”
    “Ah, yes. It’s
that time again, isn’t it?” Pastor Cullen said. “I know all of our volunteers
are looking forward to it.”
    “Okay, then.”
Kat stood up from her chair. Pastor Cullen got up as well and walked Kat to