FAITH: Lily & GOD
By Bethel-Gold
Date: February 14, 2024
Ch. 23Chapter 20


Lily curled the last of Sarah's hair, unplug the curly iron, then smiled at her through the mirror. Sarah managed a smile too and closed her eyes, took in deep breaths and opened them.

"You sure you're up for this?" Lily asked her. Sarah nods her head then looked at Lily through the mirror.

"Yes, I am." Sarah stood up then walked to her bathroom door to pick up the purse she hung on the knob. "Stop worrying, it'll give you wrinkles" she said when she turned to Lily.

Lily grabbed her purse from the dresser table and adjusted her hair and gown, then turns to Sarah. "If you told me what's going on, then I wouldn't have to worry" she said.

Sarah looked at Lily for a moment then sighed. "After the event"

Lily raised an eyebrow "Promise?"

"Promise, now let's go before we are late to the event" Sarah held her hand and they walked out of Sarah's room. Her parents weren't at home, so they had to lock up.

***

Joshua, Sarah and Lily stood in front of the community center in awe. The outside looks new as ever and they were sure the inside would be great too. Today is the grand opening of the community center and they couldn't be happier that things were going their way to GOD's glory.

"This place is magnificent" Sarah breathes out.

"We know right?" Joshua and Lily said at the same time.

"I think it was a great idea that we let you see this place on the grad opening" Lily grinned and they made their way to the setup canopies in front of the building, where the ceremony would be held till it's time to cut the ribbon and explore the interior of the building.

"Thank you both for this. Best gift after that little scare at the hospital" Sarah smiled.

They sat on their individual chairs and waited for the program to begin.

"I am so glad that this has come to a reality at last" Lily said excitedly. Joshua smiled and the MC started with inviting the pastor of their church to bless the event.

Thirty minutes into the event, Joshua was called to come give his speech.

He talked about how things went for him from his much younger years, how he found himself in a dilemma he never thought he would get out of, how GOD led Lily and Sarah to him and how they were able to get this place even with a few bumps they had on the way.

"I thank GOD for all these blessings he brought on us. This has always been something I wanted to do and as we all know. If it's in your heart, it will be in your hand"

"It would be in your hand" everyone chorused the last part with him. He looked at Lily and Sarah then signaled for them to come up.

"I will like to call on these beautiful and wonderful GOD-sent women who were and are part of the success of this building opening. We have come a long way and I pray that GOD uses this as a beginning to many more goodies for us all. Amen"

"Amen"

Lily said her thanks to everyone on she and Sarah's behalf. Sarah suddenly felt tired and asked her to say a speech on their behalf.

The pastor came up and blessed everyone that. Those that were part of the building's success, both with material, monetary and prayers towards its grand opening. Then he asked everyone to walk with him to the front of the building where the ribbon was tied so they can cut it and get inside.

Lily had to slow down because Sarah was behind, she asked Joshua to go ahead and they would join him inside. They just needed air.

Lily led Sarah to one of the chairs and waited for everyone to leave before asking.

"Do you want to leave now?" Sarah shook her head.

"I'm fine, I guess it's just tiredness" she said and wiped the sweat from her forehead.

"The day just started" Lily mentioned.

"Just leave. I don't want to hold you back or anything" Sarah buried her face in her palms and bite back the pain she felt.

"You know I wouldn't leave" Lily sat beside her and passed her a bottle of water. "You have never held me back, so don't tell me that again" Lily told her.

Sarah smiled then searched her purse for her medication but it wasn't there.

"I think I forgot my medication" she said.

"The painkillers? Let's go home so that you don't feel any more pain" Lily suggested.

"No, this is the day of the homeless shelter opening and nothing can stop us or anyone from enjoying the joy of this place." Sarah stood to her feet. "A little pain can't kill me, eh?" she grinned.

Lily's face held a slight frown. "Are you sure you can hold on till the end of the day?" Sarah nods. Lily took her hand and led them both inside. "Let me know if you need me to take you home, I'll be by your side all through"

They walked inside the lively building and saw many people talking within themselves with excitement on their faces. Some volunteers were already dishing food and souvenirs to many people. Both guests and the homeless. The place looked great and both ladies stood and watch the pleasing view.

"This is great" Sarah whispered.

"GOD truly is great" Lily comments. They shared a love, tears in their eyes and smiles on their lips.

"I'm thankful to GOD for this great opportunity. I hope this place would grow so fast and large and meet the needs of everyone all over the world" Sarah grinned.

"With GOD, all is possible" they wiped the tears and walked further to have a seat and Lily went to get she and Sarah some snacks and drinks.

"Well, hello there" Lily jumped at the voice of the person that said it then she turned around to see who that was and her eyes widened.

"Elvis" she grinned at the well-looking man who was holding a sleeping, baby girl in his hand with a huge smile on his face. "Oh my GOD Elvis, you look... you look so amazing. How have you been?" she asked when they shared a hug.

"Thank you, Lily, and as you can see, better than ever." He kissed the baby on the forehead and points to her. "This is my daughter" he grinned.

Lily's mouth opened in surprise and her eyes wide like saucer. "You mean, you guys are?"

"Yes," he laughed when Lily jumped and clapped her hands like a little girl who was told Santa got all her gifts for Christmas right. "It's amazing, Lily. So amazing" Lily smiled widely and calmed herself down.

"This is great news. I love it so much" Lily cleaned the tears from her eyes. "GOD indeed showed his mighty hands to you" she said and he nods in agreement.

"I didn't get your contact to tell you the goodness of GOD in my life but when I heard you, the Joshua guy you mentioned then and another of your friend are opening this center. I decided to come here to meet you and share my testimony with you" he said. "I can't even explain how it happened but GOD did it and I appreciate him for that"

"I am glad GOD did something great for us all"

"Me too, that's why I want to extend my appreciation here" he brought out an envelope and Lily shook her head.

"Salvation and miracles are free. If you want to show your thanks, give back to GOD or just give to those in need like GOD helped me do for you. I don't need it but I appreciate" Lily told him.

Elvis laughed and adjusts his baby in his arms properly then extend the hand holding the envelope to her.

"I had a feeling you might not want to collect it, so I am channeling a majority of my earnings to the foodstuffs that would be given to the homeless and those in need, the maintenance of this place and other things that needs to be bought to make things easy for everyone here. Even the volunteer's bonus" he added.

"Elvis..."

"GOD used you for me then. When I was at my lowest and thought that was the end of time. GOD has blessed me and I want to give back to him through taking care of those in need, please accept this as my contribution" he said.

Lily took the envelope and smiled up at him. "The people would appreciate this generous offer. Thank you"

"Thank GOD, and I will send the money bi-monthly. Thank you, Lily. I appreciate you for what you did for me" he grinned.

"Thank GOD, Elvis" she moved closer and touched the baby's hand that was holding Elvis's shirt. "What's her name?" she asked.

"Funny thing. My wife named her Lily" Lily looked impressed. "Lily Hemming"

"She's beautiful, Elvis" she comments.

"Just like her mother" Elvis laughed. "Would you like to meet her, she's sitting there and I want you to meet her, if you don't mind."

"Hmm, okay. I'll be quick though because I need to get ba-"

"Someone call 911" a lady screamed and all attention was turned to her and the lady on the floor. "I think she's not breathing, quick"

Lily froze. It was Sarah on the floor.



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