Christmas Treasures (9781101558720) by Kinkade Thomas; Spencer Katherine

Author:Kinkade, Thomas; Spencer, Katherine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin USA
Published: 2011-09-21T04:00:00+00:00

THE TRUSTEE MEETING WAS NOT NEARLY AS DIFFICULT AS ISABEL HAD imagined it would be. But few things in life were, she reminded herself, thinking of one of Mark Twain’s lines: “Some of the worst things in my life never even happened.”

She knew very well that the Scripture implores us not to worry, that it’s a useless waste of time and undermines real faith. But being only human, Isabel knew that sometimes it was hard not to give in to worrying.

She said a silent little prayer before she entered the church meeting room. God, I know that whatever happens here will be all for the best. Just help me say what I believe is right.

Tucker was a friendly face at the table, though not the only one. Warren Oakes, Grace Hegman, Julie Sawyer, and some other members she didn’t know all greeted her in a friendly and respectful manner. The sole exception was Lillian Warwick, who acknowledged her with a cool, regal nod.

All of them, however, were concerned about what had happened and wanted to understand her reasoning—and Tucker’s—in not prosecuting Max Ferguson. After the basic facts were recounted by both Isabel and Tucker, Lillian Warwick began the discussion.

“Despite the boy’s age and other circumstances, I still find it surprising that no legal action was taken. I mean, to desecrate a house of worship—”

“I wouldn’t say he desecrated it, Lillian,” Tucker cut in, his voice calm. “It wasn’t that malicious. It was just some kids with attitude acting out, egging one another on.”

The group debated, back and forth, whether the act was malicious or merely foolish. Finally, Grace cleared her throat. She was a shy woman, Isabel could see. She barely looked up at the group and kept touching the buttons on her cardigan as she spoke.

“Whether it was malicious or just a teenage prank that got out of control, what happened in the sanctuary is done. The question now is, how will we react to it? You can’t end violence with more violence. You can’t end hate with hate. You can only end hate with love,” she said quietly. “I think Martin Luther King, Jr., said that. And it’s in the Bible, too. Jesus said to turn the other cheek,” she reminded them.

Good work, Grace, Isabel thought. Grace caught her eye and smiled shyly.

“So you’re saying Reverend Lawrence did the right thing?” Lillian challenged her. “Is that what you mean?”

“Yes, that’s what I’m saying. I think she made the right decision,” Grace said, standing up to Lillian.

“I do, too,” Julie Sawyer said. “He’s a boy who recently lost his mother. He’s just grieving and acting out.”

“Yes, I heard that part of the story,” Lillian replied tartly. “So now the church offers therapy to troubled children? Is that it?”

“Oh, Lillian . . .” Tucker was frustrated, Isabel could tell, but didn’t know how to answer her.

“I think the church should offer counsel and comfort to anyone who’s hurting,” Julie Sawyer said.

“Even if they hurt us? Even if breaking in at night and damaging our property is their calling card?” Lillian demanded.

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