Faith Unseen (18 page)

              “Sure, I have my speech down pat…We appreciate any prayers on our behalf.”

              “Good answer.”

              “You can borrow it if you like.”

              “I may.”

              Leah was walked beside Faith when she spotted Nathan walking towards them. “There is an extremely handsome man walking towards you with a very big grin on his face.”

              “Hi Nathan.” Faith said joyfully

              “Hi. May I walk you two ladies to your Bible study class?”

              “Actually, you can walk her. I have someone to go see.”

              “He’s in his office.” Nathan answered

              “Thank you. How did you know I was speaking of Tom?”

              “Lucky guess.” Nathan laughed and placed Faith’s hand on his arm as Leah walked off. “Beth gave me another enthusiastic hug this morning.”

              “She is a good friend and seems to be very happy for us.”

              “Are you sitting with me before I preach?”

              “Yes, as long as it won’t distract you. Will it?”

              “No, I don’t think it will.” He said opening the door to her class. Nathan guided her to a seat and told her that he would see you later. He gave her hand a squeeze as he left. Leah came in and sat down a couple of minutes later.

              “How’s Tom?”

              “Wonderful. Apparently the four of us are going to dinner tonight?”

              “Okay with me.” Faith responded and Leah agreed as the teacher started the teaching time.

              After class Leah helped Faith into the worship center and seated her in the row where Nathan would sit before he preached.

              “Hi Faith”

              “Hi Dad.”

              “How’s my girl today?”

              “Good. Did you and Mom get the message about the dinner next weekend with Nathan’s parents?”

              “Yes. We will be there. Are you worrying about that?”

              “A little. What if they don’t like me because of what I did to Nathan? You know leaving without much explanation.”

              “Rach, I’m sure they have heard the explanation from Nathan. But ask him sometime before they get here just so you are prepared. Here he comes, I’ll call you tomorrow.”

              “Bye Dad.”

              “Hi Nathan.”

              “Hi Jacob, how’s my girl doing?”

              “The whole church shifted since she sat on the front row.”

              “Yes, I’m sure it did. But maybe we need a little shake up once in a while.”

              “Well, between my girls and you and Tom, I think we have a bit of a shake up. And I for one couldn’t be happier.” He said smiling and patting Nathan on the shoulder and walked to sit with his wife.

              “I think that was his blessing for us.” Nathan said as he sat down next to Faith

              Faith nodded and then asked quietly “Are we being watched?”

              “Only by about four hundred pairs of eyes.” Nathan smart-mouthed

              “Oh well, if that’s all then we are okay.”

              “We are the hottest topic in months around here.”

              “Stop that.”

              “Yes, ma’am.” Nathan said as Faith gently squeezed his arm. Nathan bowed his head and began his prayer
Thank you Lord for the new opportunity to speak to your people. Help the words to be only what you want me to say. Prepare the hearts of those who hear this message that they will be changed. Thank you also Lord for the support of love of this wonderful woman beside me. Help us to put you first in all things. In Jesus Name. Amen.

              Faith’s prayer was similar
Thank for this time to worship you Lord. Prepare Nathan to speak to us and share what we need to hear. Thank you for Nathan’s love and how special he is. In Jesus Name Amen.

              The song portion of the service had ended and it was almost time for Nathan to preach. He found Faith’s hand that was resting on the pew and squeezed it gently as he stood up to go preach. Faith knew Leah was already seated behind her since Leah had patted her on the shoulder as she sat down. Tom did the same thing as he sat down and Nathan began to preach.

              After the service Leah helped Faith through the crowd and into Nathan’s office as they had planned earlier in the week. Leah actually needed to take another look at Nathan’s office before the next day anyway when she came to install his shelves. Tom made it before Nathan and helped Leah. Nathan joined them a moment later and Leah reminded him that she was coming in the morning to install his shelves. He told her he would have the space cleared for her by then.

              Monday morning, Nathan called Faith’s father.

              “Hello”

              “Hi. It is Nathan.”

              “Hi. How are you?”

              “I’m good. I was wondering if I could take you to lunch today.”

              “Sure. I’ll meet you somewhere.”

              Nathan and Jacob agreed on a time and place and then hung up. Nathan was at the restaurant first and motioned Jacob over to the table.

              “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

              “Not a problem.”

              They placed their order and then Nathan got down to the reason for the visit. “Jacob, I love and care for Faith very much. I asked you to lunch today to gain your permission to marry her.”

              “I kind of figured as much. Will you answer some questions first?”

              “Certainly. Anything.”

              “Faith’s blindness... I am assuming that you are prepared to handle that and the extra responsibilities that it will mean for you. She may not be able to do some of the things around the house that you would need her to do and it will frustrate her to no end.”

              “We have talked about that. That is partly why she left last fall. That was a big hurdle for her but I’ll tell you what she told me.” Nathan described their conversation from last week about Faith’s confidence in their relationship. “I believe Faith can do anything she wants to do. She impresses me with her abilities.”

              “And her work with Help the Flock? What do you think about that?”

              “It is a great mission and I hope she can expand it. I will help her in any way that I can.”

              Jacob nodded then spoke “You have our permission to marry Faith.”

              “Thank you. I will take care of her to the best of my ability.”

              “You already do from what I’ve seen.”

Chapter 11

              Early Thursday afternoon, Faith was dressed and waiting for Nathan to come but she was very nervous. They were going to Nathan’s parent’s hotel suite so that they could get better acquainted with Faith and she with them.

              “How are you doing?” Leah asked as she entered from the kitchen.

              “Do I look okay?” Faith asked again

              “For the fifth time, you look very nice. Relax. I just saw Nathan pull up out front.”

              “I want to get this over with.”

              “Rach. Say a prayer and relax. They will love you as much as he does.” Leah stated as she went to open the front door. “Maybe you can calm her down.” She said as a greeting

              “Why are you nervous, sweetie?” he asked Faith as he came into the room and saw her already standing waiting for him.

              “What if they don’t like me? What if they are mad at me for running away last fall?”

              “Love, we talked about this.” He said hugging her close “They are not mad at you. Everyone has issues and how they react to them is different. You were scared and did what you thought was best.”

              “I know. I’m just nervous.”

              “Never met future in-laws before have we?” he joked

              “Oh dear.” Leah exclaimed at Nathan’s joke “Faith, you just turned white as snow. You are going to be fine. Nathan will be there and he knows what he is talking about. They are going to love you.”

              “I’m sorry sweetheart. I thought a little humor would help you relax.”

              “Normally it would have. Let’s just go so I can meet them and get past this nervousness.”

              They told Leah goodbye and headed for the car. Nathan drove them to the hotel but before they exited the car he suggested that they pray. Faith had fidgeted the entire trip and answered his questions with one word.
“Dear Lord, Please be with us this afternoon that our nerves would be calm and our words will glorify you. The four of us will be part of a bigger family someday and we ask that you use this time to prepare for then. Amen.”

              “Thanks, that helped.” Faith said as he ended his prayer.

              “Prayer is very powerful.”

              “I’m ready.”

              “And you look very beautiful. Is that a new outfit?”

              “Yes. Wait until you see my dress for Saturday, Leah says you will be impressed.”

              “Oh, I was impressed at our first phone call sweetheart.”

              “What first phone call?”

              “The first time I called your ministry you impressed me.”

              “I didn’t do anything for you; just put you on my prayer list.”

              “Just? You didn’t know me at all but you prayed for me. Most people don’t have the gift of prayer but you do.”

              “You think so?”

              “I know so sweetheart.” He said leaning over to kiss her cheek. “It makes you a perfect preacher’s wife.”

              Nathan ran around the car to help her out but she stopped him when he went to walk. She reached up and gave him a hug. “I love you Nathan.”

              “I love you Faith.” He said as he gently kissed her. He led Faith through the hotel and up to his parent’s suite. His mother answered his knock

              “Nathan! I’m so glad to see you.” She exclaimed as he hugged her. “Mom, this is Faith Newham. Faith, this is my mother, Jessica Lindstrom.”

              “Faith, I’m so thrilled to meet you.” Jessica said as she hugged Faith.

              “I’m thrilled to meet you also.” Faith answered

              “Come in and meet Nathan’s father, Marc.” Jessica took Faith by the arm and walked her into the seating area. Marc was just finishing a phone call.

              “Nathan, how did you get such a beautiful woman to be interested in you?” Marcus Lindstrom exclaimed

              “Hello to you too Dad” Nathan said hugging his father

              “Faith, this is my father Marcus Lindstrom.”

              “Hi Faith. I’m so glad to finally meet you.”

              “It is my pleasure to meet you to Senator Lindstrom.” Faith said holding out her hand to shake hands with the Senator.

              “My daughter-in-law is allowed to call me Marc.” He said shaking her hand. Faith blushed and said thank you.

              “Marc, you embarrassed her.” Jessica scolded

              “No, it’s okay.” Faith explained. “I wasn’t aware of how much Nathan had told you about us.”

              Nathan guided Faith to the couch and sat beside her and put his arm around her shoulders. “My parents and I are really close and I have shared with them my hope to marry you.”

              “And we are thrilled. Especially now that we have met you.” Jessica gushed “Part of why we came here is to get to know you better and ask you some questions and maybe do some marriage counseling at the same time.”

              “That is a wonderful idea.” Faith stated “We haven’t had that opportunity yet and actually I’m not sure when couples begin marriage counseling. We’ve never talked about that Nathan.”

              “No we haven’t. We have begun our couples Bible study but we haven’t planned out the marriage counseling yet or who we would go to. I was hoping that your parents would guide us also along with mine.”

              “I think they would.” Faith responded

              “I understand that your father is Jacob Newham, is that correct?”

              “Yes. He says you served in the same military unit. He doubts that you will remember him though.”

              “His bunk was two over from mine in basic training and we have climbed many obstacle courses together. I remember him. He impressed me also with his faith.”

              “He impresses me too Dad. Faith, tell them about your weekly dinners with your family.”

              “Each week we have a family dinner and at that dinner, Dad asks all of us what we are studying in Scripture that week. Then he shares with us what he has studied.”

              “That is wonderful.” exclaimed Jessica. “Are you going to continue that tradition with your own family?”

              “Yes, I’m stealing it from him.” answered Nathan.

              Everyone laughed. Marc asked Faith another question and that was how the afternoon was spent. There were many questions to learn about Faith, many questions put to Faith and Nathan and his parents were impressed with her love for their son and the Lord.

              Saturday evening, Tom knocked on Leah and Faith’s front door. Leah answered a moment later and Tom was speechless.

              “Hi Tom. Come in.” Leah invited. Tom entered but didn’t speak. “Are you okay?” she asked when he didn’t say anything. Tom nodded his answer.

              “What is wrong with you?” she asked gently

              “If you expected me to have a rational conversation, you picked the wrong dress. You are stunning.” He finally said as he opened his arms to her. Leah blushed and returned his hug. “Then you like my dress?” she whispered as he held her.

              “I love you and I love your dress.” He said just before he kissed her.

              “I love you.” Leah answered “And you look extremely handsome also.”

              “Thank you. Where’s Faith?”

              “She’ll be down in a minute. She is stressing over wearing a dress with her cast.”

              “Faith” Tom yelled “Nathan isn’t going to care about your cast. And if you don’t hurry, we are going to be later than Nathan.” Nathan had called to explain that there was an emergency with someone at the church and that Tom was going to take both Faith and Leah to the hotel.

              “So speaks a man who is wearing pants and doesn’t have a big bulky cast on his leg.” Faith grumbled as she started down the stairs. Tom laughed at her grumbling.

              “You look very nice, Faith.” Tom said as he helped both the ladies into their coats.

              “Thank you Tom. And how does Leah look?”

              “I was speechless, what does that tell you?”

              “That you love my sister very much.”

              “You got that right.” He agreed wholeheartedly. Leah handed Tom her house keys and guided Faith out to his car. Tom locked up and then drove them to the hotel. As they arrived, they saw Jacob, Pearl, Jeremy and Paul Newham arriving. Jeremy went to escort Faith and they all went to the dining room that was reserved for them. Nathan was waiting for them went they reached the room.

              “See Faith, I told you that Nathan would beat us here.” Tom joked

              “Jeremy, take care of him.” Faith joked back.

              “What are you talking about Tom?” Nathan asked having heard Tom’s statement

              “Don’t you dare tell him Tom Green.” Faith interrupted fiercely

              “She was stressing over her outfit.” Tom replied ignoring her threat.

              “Jeremy, take care of him.” Faith repeated.

              “I can’t do that dear sister, Leah would have my head on a platter.”

              “So, who is your favorite sister, me or Leah?”

              “Children, play nice.” Pearl scolded.

              “Yes, mother.” They all replied

              “You look very beautiful Faith” Nathan whispered to her “Leah was right, I am impressed by the outfit.”

              “Thank you. Are you sure your parents can handle this crew? We are a disreputable bunch.”

              “A few family dinners with my brother and sisters and their families and you’ll see that my parents are used to a ruckus.”

              “My children are going to be on their best behavior. Right children?” Pearl scolded

              “Yes, mother.” They all saluted.

              “Come on” Nathan urged laughing at them all. Nathan helped Faith in and she was swamped with hugs from both of his parents. “Mom, Dad I’d like for you to meet some very important people to me. This is Jacob and Pearl Newham. Their sons, Jeremy and Paul and their daughter, Leah. And this is my friend Tom Green who is also our music minister. Everyone these are my parents Senator Marcus Lindstrom and Jessica Lindstrom.”

              It was like a receiving line at a wedding as they all shook hands and greeted one another. Nathan helped Faith into a chair to get her off her broken leg. The service staff brought the appetizers and drinks in and began to serve as everyone took a seat. Jacob and Marcus reminisced about their boot camp days. Pearl and Jessica compared stories on raising four children. Nathan was watching Faith. And Faith gently nudged him under the table.

              “Sorry” he whispered

              “I appreciate it but you are making me crazy and I’m nervous enough.”

              “My parents love you. Why are you nervous now?” he asked quietly

              “He is a United States Senator.”

              “But I’m Nathan’s father first and foremost.” Marc answered

              “How did you know that I said that?” Faith asked

              “I read your lips. Relax Faith, we couldn’t be happier for Nathan that he has found you and that you plan to make a life together. The Lindstrom family will be better for having you in it.”

              “Thank you sir” she whispered around the lump in her throat. Nathan wrapped his arm around her shoulders and hugged her close. “See, I told you.” He whispered “I love you.”

              Sunday morning, Leah again walked Faith in to sit on the pew where Nathan sat prior to preaching. “Hello Beautiful” Nathan said quietly as he sat down.

              “Hi. Are your parents here?”

              “Yes, they are a few rows behind us with your parents. Do you want to go sit with them?

              “Do you want me to?”

              “No, I like you right here and I can’t feel your quiet strength from that far away.”

              “What does that mean?”

              “It means just that, love.”

              “Later, I want an explanation for that.”

              Nathan agreed as Tom led the choir in and the service started. Nathan said his silent prayer and Faith said hers. Nathan squeezed her hand and went to preach. “Good morning. I hope you will allow me some indulgence this morning. Two very influential people in my life are here with me this morning. I would like to introduce my parents, United States Senator Marcus Lindstrom and Jessica Lindstrom. I am so glad they are here this morning. For those of you who are stunned, I apologize. Yes, your crazy preacher is the son of a Senator. Go figure.” Nathan’s congregation laughed with him and then he began his sermon.