Solomon's Porch (52 page)
Authors: Wid Bastian
The new President called for an “immediate retaliation against any country that participated in the attack or in any way shields, supports, or condones the madmen who bombed California.” The new Chief Executive also swore to “bring to justice swiftly the cowardly scum who murdered the President and Peter Carson, by whatever means necessary.”
“We are at war,” the President declared. “The might of America will be brought to bare against the enemies of civilization.”
After Julie put her exhausted son to bed she joined Bishop Kallistos in Alex’s study. He poured them each a brandy and asked her to sit with him.
“My dear, I’m afraid I don’t bring you peace, but rather more tests. This is beginning of your struggles, Julie, not the end. God has chosen not only Peter, but Kevin as well.”
“I don’t understand, Father. Kevin is just a little boy. What can he do to help keep the world from destroying itself?”
“Maybe nothing, Julie Carson. Maybe everything. The future is not pre-determined. We must have faith and be obedient if God’s promises are to be fulfilled. Trust Christ always.”
“Speak plainly, Bishop. I’m in no mood for any more mysteries.”
“Your son is also prophet of God. He was called before time began for this purpose. Peter came and he warned the world, hopefully they listen. We will help them to listen, but Kevin is, how you say, most important key to all God’s plans.”
“How do you know this, Father Gregory? What makes you so sure?”
Out of his ancient satchel and a second wooden box Gregory Kallistos produced another letter from the past and its English translation. They read it together.
“My husband and my son? God forgive me, Father, but I don’t know if I’ll let Him have them both.”
“You must, my daughter. Much depends on you. Kevin cannot realize his destiny without your influence.”
At that moment Julie Carson wasn’t interested in considering divine prophecies. Her husband had been brutally murdered for doing nothing more than bringing peace and hope to the world, for encouraging people to love one another. She was angry and bitter, full of pain. Julie’s only desire was to be left alone to raise her son, to give him some semblance of a normal life.
“Don’t ask me to make commitments now, Father. God or not, letters from saints or not, I’m not sure I’ll ever be willing to sacrifice Kevin, to place him at the mercy of the evil pieces of trash that call themselves human beings. I am not my husband. Throwing myself and Kevin to the mercy of the lions seems crazy to me. Good night.”
As he watched Julie Carson get up and leave the study, Bishop Gregory’s heart was breaking. He knew that Julie was a wonderful mother who would only get better at her role as the years went on. Her initial reaction to God’s calling for her life was understandable.
But would the years go on? That was the question. Kevin was a big part of the answer, as was his mother.
“Lord have mercy on us all,” Bishop Kallistos prayed. “Give us the strength to do Your will. It is a fearful thing that we have fallen into the hands of the Living God.”
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