Love takes wing (Love Comes Softly #7) (29 page)

It's not that the Lord doesn't want me to enjoy beautiful things and interesting places,
Belinda decided.
But He wants me to do those things with Him, not without Him.
Thankful that through the kind words of an elderly man God had jarred her back to the truth, she read on, refreshing her parched soul.

At last, feeling renewed and alive again, she laid her Bible gently on the bedside table. She smiled softly to herself, hardly able to wait to share her new discovery with Mrs. Stafford-Smyth. She had not been the Christian witness to the woman she should have been. She prayed God would help her change all that. And feeling assured that she served a merciful and understanding God, Belinda was confident she would be given ample opportunity to share her faith properly in the future.

The future!
Suddenly the thought seemed awfully good to Belinda. She had so much to look forward to so many decisions of life still to be made. She no longer felt crowded--pushed against a wall. Why, even the thought of Jackson and Rand brought no accompanying anxiety. Belinda felt she was ready to offer honest friendship to both of them.
Friendshibut no more--
at least at present,
she told herself and felt no guilt concerning her decision. She smiled again, thankful for the feeling of peace.

She felt no pressure to know what her future held. Perhaps . . . just perhaps God did have a home and family somewhere ahead for her. Belinda would like that, but she was willing to take one step at a time.

A wave of loneliness for the ones at home swept over her. She would love to see them--to see them all. To be held in her father's secure arms again--to share private thoughts with her mother over a cup of tea--to watch Luke's steady hand as he held

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syringe or needle--to chat, to hold, to laugh and cry with her family.

And then Belinda's thoughts turned to Mrs. Stafford-Smyththe wealthy woman who was in reality so poor--and Belinda's heart ached for the woman. For the first time in her young life, Belinda began to sense what it would be like to be alone--really alone. The thought sobered and chilled her. She must do more with her--be more thoughtful and loving. More sharing and giving. The lonely woman needed her, not as nursemaid, but as friend. Belinda knew that at least for now, she would not--could not--desert her.

"God," she whispered, "I'll need your leading. Your direction. I want to do the right thing . . . and I trust you to let me know just what that might be. Oh .. . not all at once . . . but step by step. Help me to be patient with what you have for me now . . . an' ready to move on when you give me a nudge. Don't let me rush the future . . . but help me to walk into it with faith and confidence in you." Belinda breathed deeply, at peace with herself "And thank you, God. . . for a future. . . for the knowledge that you have it all in your control."

Belinda smoothed her dress and raised a hand to tidy her hair, then moved forward to take the first step in her new walk with God.

I
must find him and tell him,
she said to herself with a smile.
He's a rather strange little man--but his words changed my life. I must tell him--and then welcome him to
America. "Mattie" he said his name was, but it's hardly proper for me to be calling him that. I must ask his name. Belinda opened the cabin door and stepped out into the bright sunshine and tangy sea air.

Barcelona--Rome--Paris--steamship--Boston? What does it really matter? For as the kind man has pointed out, "Ye needn't leave God behind ye now" and wherever one goes--wherever God is, the heart can be at peace, at home.

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THE ENDEARING STORY OF A YOUNG WOMAN READY TO STRIKE OUT ON HER OWN

Love Takes Wing

BOOK 7

Belinda Davis is restless. As her friends get married and have children of their own, she wonders what God has in store for her. Her life as a nurse seems dull and routine. She craves excitement and adventure.

When she meets an elderly woman who needs nursing care, Belinda jumps at the invitation to travel to Boston, a large, vibrant city so unlike the little prairie town where she was raised. Opportunities for books, theatre and the luxuries of life provide excitement ... for a time. But in spite of financial security, countless new experiences, and even some romance, Belinda finds herself restless, lonely, and empty inside.

In Stretching Her Wings, Did She Leave
More Than Her Home and Family?

BETHANY HOUSE

PUBLISHERs

JANETTE OKE'S legacy reaches far beyond the four-dozen novels she has written or the Christy Award, Gold Medallion, and other accolades she has won or even the publishing trends influenced by her writing success. It is best represented by the thousands of letters she receives from readers all around the world whose hearts and minds have been profoundly affected by her stories.

Historical Fiction

ISBN 10: 0-7642-2854-4 ISBN 978-0-7642-2854-4

www.bethanyhouse.com