In Times of Trouble (35 page)

RJ's brother, David, was his best man and Callie stood up as Lisa's maid of honor. A year after learning she was HIV-positive, Callie was still very healthy. She was taking her medication and not having a single problem with it. She was no longer in therapy over her husband's suicide and the Callie Jamison Foundation was well on its way to making a mark in the nation. Callie had already received broad recognition for her work after sharing her story on several national television talk shows. In addition to helping RJ at the center when she was needed, Lisa worked behind the scenes helping Callie keep track of all her speaking engagements and donations. The internet and email made it easy for Lisa to assist her sister despite the distance between them.

Once RJ snapped the picture of Chandler, Lisa reached down to wipe his hands when he grabbed a lock of her hair with the
other one, decorating it with yellow cake and buttercream icing.

“Now that's a Kodak moment.” Stacie laughed. She and Kyle, who was now enrolled in college, had continued to be present in Chandler's life and on a few occasions, Lisa had allowed him to stay overnight with them. Lisa didn't like to let Chandler out of her sight too much, but she trusted them and she knew that he was always in good hands. Even Chanelle's best friend, Gericka, was at the party and babysat him at times.

She and RJ made sure to take Chandler by the Burlingtons' once in a while as well, especially since RJ's moving out apparently left a void in the couple's lives. The Burlingtons didn't have any children of their own, so RJ and Lisa attempted to include them in every family event they had.

“Lisa, watch ou—”

Callie tried to warn her. She must have seen the intent in Chandler's eyes. As Lisa was trying to free her hair from his grip, he had taken his other hand and smeared icing on her cheek.

RJ, along with everyone else, laughed and continued taking pictures. “These are some great photographs for his baby book.”

Sensing the crowd's reaction, Chandler chuckled heartily, smashing in his cake and blowing spit bubbles.

“Real funny when it's not you,” Lisa said, trying to clean up his mess quickly, getting assistance from those nearby.

“I'll take him upstairs and wash him off real good,” Callie offered, lifting him from the high-chair and heading up the stairs.

While Callie was tending to Chandler, Lisa took a paper towel and wet it in the kitchen sink so she could wipe her face.

“Here, let me help you with that.” RJ snuck over and seductively nibbled on her cheek.

“Stop it!” she playfully scolded him, sensing all eyes in their direction.

“Come on, y'all. Let's go in the living room so the newlyweds can be alone,” teased her mother. Embarrassed, Lisa protested, but her guests gathered plates of chips and other goodies and then scattered.

“See what you did!” She threw the wet paper towel at RJ.

He allowed it to fall to the floor and gently grabbed her by the waist, leaning her against the sink. “I love you, Mrs. Hampton.”

“I love you, too,” she replied sincerely. RJ leaned in for what Lisa suspected was intended to be a passionate kiss, but she stopped him short with a peck. “Uh-uh, don't you start anything.”

“I'm not. . .I'm just adoring my wife.” He massaged his lips on her neck. It felt good—real good—and Lisa knew that this afternoon's foreplay was merely an introduction to what RJ had planned for that night.

“Excuse me, but this is a birthday party, not your honeymoon.” Callie walked in, holding Chandler. He giggled along with everyone else as if he had really gotten the joke.

Lisa gently pushed RJ aside and grabbed Chandler, who reached out to her.

“I look forward to the after-party,” RJ whispered in her ear, then quickly kissed her on the cheek and joined the rest of the guests in the living room.

Callie rolled her eyes playfully. “I can only imagine what he said. Bryan and Tyra may have to stay with me at Mama's and Daddy's because something tells me that you two may be turning in early.” She winked.

Lisa was sure her cheeks were red from blushing. Thankfully Chandler diverted both of their attention. He was pointing to a magnet picture frame on the refrigerator with Chanelle's photograph in it.

“Ma-ma.” He smiled.

Lisa got teary-eyed as she stared at her daughter's picture. It was taken shortly before Chanelle's murder in front of the rehabilitation center. Her mind quickly went over everything that had happened with her family in the last few years and she was amazed at how God had brought joy out of so many painful situations.

Callie must've been thinking the same thing because she said, “Everything the devil meant for evil has backfired against him, you know? Chanelle's death, my being positive, Mama and Daddy's previous marital problems, your and RJ's divorce. . .all that stuff was meant for our destruction, but look at how God has brought us through. It's definitely a testament to His glory.”

“Amen to that!” cheered Lisa.

“Ma-ma,” Chandler continuously repeated.

Lisa kissed him and held him close. “Yes, baby. That's your mama.”

1. How do you handle disagreements when you and your child's grandparents (maternal or paternal) don't agree with your methods of discipline or child-rearing?

2. Depression is something that many of us may experience at times, to varying degrees. What are some ways to overcome this joy-stealing spirit?

3. In
Chapter 3
, there's brief mention that Lisa previously had a run-in with the law. What are some ways that a criminal record affects a person's entire life? How do societal responses differ from the Word of God regarding our pasts?

4. What do you think of Lisa's punishment of Chanelle? Was she too harsh, too lenient, or just right? How would you have handled the situation?

5. Would you be attracted to a spiritually mature man or woman even if his/her looks weren't all that great?

6. Are you a product of, or have you been divorced? In what ways do you think divorce affects children? Do you think therapy for children is a good or a bad thing?

7. Hattie makes a comment about Lisa being “super holy” when Lisa doesn't support the fact that she plays the lottery. What is your take on their friendly debate? Do you tend to side with Lisa or Hattie?

8. Do you think Olivia gave Lisa good advice in
Chapter 9
? Would you have followed it? Why or why not?

9. What do you think of Eric?

10. Isaac mentions a downfall of being wealthy is that many of his relatives often look to him for freebies. How would you suggest dealing with family members or friends who are always looking for a handout?

11. Though she obviously feels wronged by Tyra, Callie encourages Bryan not to let her situation come between him and his wife. As Bryan's mother, this is a very noble act. Would you be able to give your child the same advice if you felt wronged by your son/daughter-in-law?

12. Read Matthew 19:9 and Matthew 5:32 and discuss them. What is your interpretation of these scriptures?

13. What do you think of Eric's point of view about the word “luck?” Does he have a valid argument?

14. Do you think the close relationship between RJ and Hattie is healthy or counter productive to Lisa being able to move on with her life?

15. In
Chapter 19
, do you think Lisa responded to Chanelle in a way that is symbolic of how many parents would have responded or did Lisa overreact? Please explain.

16. Do you personally know anyone who suffers from the same thing that Callie suffers from?

17. Both Eric and Olivia suggest that Lisa do something to get her mind off Chanelle. What are some things you do when you find something or someone constantly worrying you?

18. Reflect on
Chapter 23
. In your opinion, did Lisa do anything wrong at the restaurant? Why or why not?

19. What are some signs to look for in a person who's suicidal?

20. In
Chapter 26
, RJ says, “A lot of times we are blind to our own sins. We justify the things we do so we can keep doing them.” Do you agree with his statement? Why or why not?

21. In what ways has Lisa helped to create a negative image of Chanelle to Olivia?

22. RJ states that he should have been destroyed by the actions of his past, but notes how God has used his past to enable him to help others. Has there been something in your past that you can look back on now and see how God has used the painful events of your life to help you minister to another person?

23. What do you think of Pastor Ross' explanation to Lisa about why he won't get involved in her situation?

24. Have you ever suffered because of the wrong committed by another or has anyone ever suffered because of your wrongs?

25. Lisa had previously painted a glamorous picture of being a pastor's wife. How much do you think the reality of the role coincides with the beliefs that she once held?

26. What do you think motivated Olivia to take such drastic measures in
Chapter 36
?

27. Read Ephesians 6:10 – 18. What has been your experience with spiritual warfare?

28. What is your opinion about other translations of the Bible such as the New International Version, The Amplified Version or the New Living Translation? Do you think any of the original meaning of scripture is lost with the different translations or do they assist with understanding difficult passages?

29. What are some problems in today's churches and what are some things we can do to resolve them?

30. Reflect on the book title,
In Times of Trouble,
and think about situations in your own life. Read Psalm 9:9. Does this scripture encourage you? Why or why not?

Credit: Doug Melvin Photography

Yolonda Tonette Sanders attended Capital University where she majored in Political Science and Criminology and then received a Master's degree in Sociology from Ohio State University. In 2008, she started Yo Productions, LLC, a theatrical entertainment and literary services company, which she used to launch her first stage production,
Soul Matters,
based on her debut novel. Besides writing, Yolonda enjoys reading, singing, spending time with her family, and working out. Her favorite sports are volleyball and basketball, despite being no good at either. Ultimately, she's very grateful that her writing abilities tremendously outweigh her athletic ones and that she's been given world-wide opportunities to share her work. Yolonda resides in Columbus, Ohio and is the loving wife of David, proud mother of Tre and Tia, and joyful caregiver of her mother, Wilene. Readers can connect with Yolonda online at
www.yoproductions.net
,
www.facebook.com/yoproductions
, or on Twitter
@ytsanders
.

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