Soon it would all be over. People had told him God does not make mistakes. If God did not make mistakes, what was he? Perhaps after he dove into the deep abyss of the black waters, he would soon face other creatures of doom, even coming face to face with Satan himself.
Lizzie Jane has returned to BC as promised. It is here because it is a transsexual story that I felt must be told. There is a dark side of transitioning which I hope to show, but there is also a bright side when God is in the transition.
I hope to answer Bible objections as the story goes along. Yes, I realize that there are many Bible-thumpers out there that have their minds made up and will not accept Bible answers to matters which they have decided is wrong. I will not attempt to argue with them. They have closed their minds and their learning ability has is greatly diminished.
The story will be based on the first rule of Bibical interpretation: When the Bible speaks on a subject, certain issues can be discussed as to being right or wrong. When the Bible is silent on a subject, do not condemn. No one has that right. However, many do try to condemn, but I am answerable only to God. They also are going to face God with their hatred.
I hope the story will be accepted and eventually be used as a tool for God's glory.
Love,
Billie Sue
Soon it would all be over. People had told him God does not make mistakes. If God did not make mistakes, what was he? Perhaps after he dove into the deep abyss of the black waters, he would soon face other creatures of doom, even coming face to face with Satan himself.
Charles stood on the rusty iron truss bridge over the Coosa River watching the dark swirling waters beneath. The hour was near midnight and reflections of streetlights could be seen along the edges. It seemed that Charles was looking into the blackness of hell as he placed one leg over the rail.
Soon it would all be over. People had told him God does not make mistakes. If God did not make mistakes, what was he? Perhaps after he dove into the deep abyss of the black waters, he would soon face other creatures of doom, even coming face to face with Satan himself.
He placed the other leg over the rail. Now he was sitting on the edge, ready to take the plunge that would end his life on earth forever. Placing his hands firmly on the rails, he started to push his body to his watery grave. Instead, small hands, grabbing him by the shoulder, jerked him backwards causing him to fall to the floor of the bridge.
Looking up, he saw a young lady. The light shining on her face were artificial lights from somewhere distant from the bridge, but she looked like an angel. A no-good person such as he did not deserve an angel to prevent him from facing his destiny, but there she was, a stern look as if she were someone who really cared.
She spoke with a kind, gentle voice. “Hello, my name is Elizabeth. What is yours?”
Just a simple statement and question — no scorn, no hateful speech — just a few words seasoned with sweetness. Charles saw a cute smile beginning to form as he looked into the face of his angel.
“Ah — ah — I am Charles — Charles Reed” His voice quivered and stammered — not really knowing what to say.
Smiling again, she said, “I had just fallen asleep when my mother came to me in a dream and told me that I needed to come out here. I am glad I did. Won’t you come and sit a spell in the truck with me and my husband?”
Charles looked and saw a young man, evidently a farm boy by his clothing and reddish facial appearance sitting under the steering wheel of an old Chevrolet pickup truck. Charles raised himself up to a standing position and slowly walked toward the vehicle.
The young man stuck his hand through the open window of the truck and said, “Howdy. My name is Jake.”
“Hello, I am Charles.”
“Kinda warm out here tonight. Let’s go to the house and have some iced tea. Lizzie Jane has some ready and we might grab a few egg sandwiches,” replied Jake.
Charles did not know why, but he accepted the invitation and, allowing Lizzie Jane to go first, seated himself on the passenger side of the vehicle, a position Alabama folk call “riding shotgun”.
Jake expertly drove down the street in spite of the loose play in the steering. As he always said, he just bounced when the truck bounced and rocked when it rocked. Leaving Gadsden, the trio rode down US 278 toward Cedartown, Georgia, finally coming to a paved road leading up into the Alabama mountains. Jake did most of the talking — mentioning the weather, how long he and Lizzie Jane had been married, and general things.
“Road hadn’t been paved long,” said Jake. “Up until a few years ago, it might near took a four wheel drive to make it up this road, but the road commissioner wanted a few extra votes, so he put down some tar and gravel.”
Arriving at a white five-room frame farmhouse, Jake parked the truck and said, “Come on in. We will treat you so many ways, you will like some of them”.
Charles was still in some shock and surprise at this couple coming out of nowhere and driving quite a few miles just for him because Elizabeth’s mother had talked to her in a dream. He had never heard of anything like that. Finally, he mentioned the subject.
“Oh, my mother has talked to me since I was a little girl — telling me things and every time I have been in trouble she would tell someone that I needed help and send them to rescue me,” answered Lizzie Jane. “She died when I was very young. I don’t remember anything about it because I lost my memory once and my aunt will not tell me what happened. She said it was best that I did not know.”
“So, you talk to your mother — and she is not living?” asked Charles in a strange tone, wondering within himself what strange couple could this
be -- talking to the dead? They had saved his life -- but why? Why would anyone be interested in a 'pervert' like him? After all, wasn't that what people had called him -- a pervert -- not welcome anywhere?
“Oh yes, she loved me very much and she watches over me like an angel. She is not an angel, of course, because angels are special creations of God, but she is in Heaven and someday I will be in Heaven, too.”
Mmmm -- so she did not consider her mother an angel. That must mean that she is not an angel, either. Charles mind was still going around in circles -- confused -- if this 'angel' wasn't an angel, what was she?
Changing her tone to one of concern, she continued, “Don’t you want to go to Heaven some day?”
“God doesn’t want me. I am no-good,” answered Charles.
“Why do you think that? God loves everybody.”
“Because I ain’t build right.”
“What do you mean, you ain’t built right? God knew you before you were born.”
“Wish I could believe that. Anyway, I don’t wanna talk about it. You would be like everybody else — make fun of me and think I was crazy.”
“No, I wouldn’t,” declared Lizzie Jane. “We are all different. That is what makes the world go round.”
“I still don’t wanna talk about it,” insisted Charles.
“Well, it is way past our bedtime. I will fix you a bed in the other room if you will promise not to do anything rash,” offered Lizzie Jane.
“Okay, I promise. You have already spoiled my suicide attempt. It will take awhile to work up nerve enough to try it again.”
“That settles it. A good night’s sleep will make everything look better in the morning.”
“I doubt it. I am sorry to put you to so much trouble.”
Lizzie Jane prepared a half bed for Charles with clean sheets. “I don’t think you will need any more cover — pretty warm tonight. This is our adopted daughter’s bed, but Linda is spending the night over at a friend’s house tonight, so it is not any trouble at all.”
Going into their bedroom, Jake asked, “Do you suppose we can trust him?”
“Of course. My mother and I discussed everything already. It will be okay. He needs help and the way people are now-a-days, it is going to take special help — from God,” replied Lizzie Jane as she put out the light.
--To be continued
Copyright 2008 by Billie Sue Pilgrim
Lizzie Jane noticed that Charles had used some of her mascara — very lightly, but having seen Charles before, it was obvious. Charles realized that she knew what he had done, so he replied, “Sorry — I will go back in and wash it out.”
Lizzie Jane gently grabbed his arm and said, “It is okay. I know.”
“You know what?” asked Charles nervously.
“Let's just say that I know.”
Charles woke on a bright sunny morning. He looked around trying to determine where he was. As he relived the previous night’s events, he began to realize what a dangerous position he had placed himself in his sucide attempt. It seemed like Satan had taken over his body and he could do nothing to prevent his self destruction and was doomed to perish in the swirling waters of Coosa River — that is, until the angel came along.
He glanced around the room looking for a clock. It was 8 o’clock in the morning. He figured that he went to bed about 1 am, so that made 7 hours of sleep — the most restful sleep he experienced in a long time.
Sitting on the side of the bed, he looked at his clothes. They were the same ones that he had worn the day before. The angel had respected him enough so that she did not pull off his garments. He appreciated that. In reality, he was very modest.
Rubbing his eyes, trying to get the sleep out, he sat there for a few minutes. He tried to stand on his feet, which he did with a little difficulty. His legs felt very weak. He ventured outside the room and looked for a bathroom. Still groggy, he made his way through the living room and into the kitchen.
“Good morning. Doesn’t everything look a lot brighter this morning?” asked Lizzie Jane in a sweet song-like voice. “Jake will be in here in a minute and we will eat breakfast. He is milking the cow. How about some bacon and eggs with a buttered biscuit? We have some fresh honey, too.”
“Right now I need to go to the bathroom. You do have one, don’t you?” asked Charles.
“Oh yes, when Sam bought a couple of acres of land from Uncle Jed and put up his restaurant, one of the provisions was that he would pipe some running water from the spring on the hill. He built this house for us and included a bathroom. I never had one when I was growing up.” Lizzie Jane realized she was talking too much, so she quickly stated, “Go through that door there and it will be on your right.”
Jake came in the back door into the kitchen with a half pail of milk, poured it into a wide mouth jar and placed it in the refrigerator. Sitting down, he asked, “Have you heard from our guest this morning?”
“Yes, there he comes,” answered Lizzie Jane as Charles made his way back to the kitchen.
“Good morning. Bet you are as hungry as a horse,” said Jake.
“Well, everything smells good,” replied Charles.
“Well, here you are, boys — go to it,” said Lizzie Jane as she sat three plates of bacon and eggs on the table. In the center of the table, she sat a plate piled with homemade biscuits. She sat down next to Jake, sitting at the head of the table. Bowing her head, she gave thanks.
Charles had never been one to pray over his food, but he politely bowed his head, too. After all, this was an angel praying to God.
“Dig in,” declared Jake as he forked a biscuit. Charles took the cue and forked one, also.
“This being Saturday, I will be going into town for a few groceries. We grow our own in the garden and Lizzie Jane will can some for winter, but there are a few things we need from the store,” Jake mentioned to Charles. “Care to ride with me?”
“I guess so. Nothing else to do right now,” answered Charles.
“How about a change of clothes? I have some that I think will fit you.”
“Well, I don’t know — you all have been so nice already.”
“Well, go take a bath and I will get some of Jake’s clothes for you,” offered Lizzie Jane.
"Well — all right.”
“The towels are in the cabinet as well as the wash cloths,” said Lizzie Jane as Charles slowly headed toward the bathroom.
Lizzie Jane accompanied Jake into their bedroom to find Charles some clothes. “How about this shirt?” asked Lizzie Jane as she held up a flowery one that had been given Jake last Christmas from his mother.
“Ah, that is too sissy,” answered Jake.
“I say to offer it to him. I bet he will take it. In my dream, mother told me what I needed to know about Charles when she sent me to rescue him.”
“What about Charles?”
“I am not saying right now, but you will find out when the time comes. Charles is facing a tough road and it is going to take some people on his side for him to make it through his problem and we are some of those people. Charles is weak. I don’t know what we are going to do or how to do anything, but God knows.’
“We need to lead him to God. What he does not realize is that God will accept him just as he is, but that is a lesson he will have to learn. First, we will have to help him face his problem and go from there.”
Jake opened the bathroom door slightly without going in and handed Charles some clean clothing. In a few moments, Charles was out looking as fresh as a daisy.
Jake remarked, “I need to go to the bathroom for just a minute. I took a bath early this morning, so I will be right out.”
Lizzie Jane noticed that Charles had used some of her mascara — very lightly, but having seen Charles before, it was obvious. Charles realized that she knew what he had done, so he replied, “Sorry — I will go back in and wash it out.”
Lizzie Jane gently grabbed his arm and said, “It is okay. I know.”
“You know what?” asked Charles nervously.
“Let's just say that I know.”
Charles face blushed a cherry red, which caused Lizzie Jane to giggle a little.
“Whether you believe it or not, my mother talks to me in dreams. She told me about you. Why else do you think I would get out of bed in the middle of the night and drive so many miles to a railroad bridge in Gadsden to stop you from taking your life unless my Mother did talk to me? God knows, but He looks on the heart — not on the outward appearance. You will have problems and it will be with men. I am here to help you. Please believe that.”
“Well, you put up a good argument, but I have tried to keep it a secret — just dressing in the closet.”
“You can’t keep secrets from God.”
“I never thought about Him seeing me.”
“Well, He did and He loves you. I have been to Heaven and met Jesus. He told me that I have a long life ahead of me and God would use me in a marvelous way — in such a way that I would not believe. I was sent to you or you were sent to me, either way you want to look at it, so we will cross each bridge as we come to them. Okay?”
Charles smiled for the first time in quite awhile and said, “Okay. When I saw you, I thought you were an angel — now I know you are — my angel.”
Jake came out of the bathroom and said, “Well, let’s go.” He looked at Charles and cocked his head sideways and remarked, “You know — that shirt looks good on you.”
---To be continued
Copyright 2008 by Billie Sue Pilgrim
Tears began to fill Charles’ eyes as he spoke. “My dad is a deacon and he kicked me out of the house and told me not to come back until I changed. I can’t change. I have tried and tried. I thought he loved me. I was raised in church and that has been important in my life. Why does God want me to be miserable — putting me in the wrong body and saying that it is wrong and requiring me to live a life that I cannot?”
When Jake and Charles returned from the store, they found Lizzie Jane sitting at the breakfast table talking to Doc Brown.
“How did things so?” she asked.
“Oh, about as usual — seeing things I would like to have, but cannot afford them right now,” answered Jake. Looking at Doc Brown, he asked, “How are you today?”
“Oh, fine — just fine,” was the answer.
Lizzie Jane spoke, “Charles, why don’t you go into the living room with Doc Brown? I asked him to come over in case you want to talk about things.”
Charles gave Lizzie Jane a stern, but embarrassed, look. “Well, I don’t know if I have anything to talk about?”
“Charles, I am sorry for butting into your life, but sometimes we all need someone to talk to — you know — to express our feelings,” said Lizzie Jane. “No one is forcing you to do anything. I just thought ---“.
“It’s okay. I will leave,” replied Doc Brown. Looking at Charles, he stated, “However, sometimes I can help when it looks like there isn’t any help.” Doc Brown smiled.
Charles sat there a moment. ‘Why was this woman prying into my life? She said she knew, but she knew what? Oh yes, she noticed the mascara. Jake did not seem like he noticed anything. Could this doctor have anything to say that would help? I doubt it. He will just think I am a pervert. Oh well, others do, too, so what would one more hurt? I will be leaving soon anyway and be out of everyone’s life.’
“Okay, I will talk to the doctor,” he finally said.
“Good. Jake and I will put up the groceries,” replied Lizzie Jane.
“Put up the groceries? Why I never…” Jake felt Lizzie Jane kick him on the leg. “Oh, that hurt,” he mouthed to her.
Doc Brown and Charles retired to the living room.
“Sometimes you have a big mouth, husband,” said Lizzie Jane. “Doc Brown may be able to help. He is very understanding.”
“What is wrong with Charles? I found out that his dad kicked him out of the house. He told me that, but he seems like a nice thirteen year old kid,” said Jake.
“How do you know he is thirteen?” asked Lizzie Jane.
“He told me. We talked a little on the way to the store, but I never could find out why he was on that railroad bridge, ready to take his life.”
“Have you ever heard of Christine Jorgensen?”
“Oh, he was that nut that had his…” began Jake, but then stopped and said, “Oh — You mean…”
“Yes. I told you that my mother and I had a long talk — and he is not a nut! God has chosen me to be the instrument to help him. Of course, I don’t know why me.”
In the living room, Doc Brown sat across from Charles in an easy chair; Charles on the davenport.
“First, let me say that I have helped some people through a lot of problems and nothing surprises me anymore. It might do you good to talk about why you attempted suicide. I promise I will not laugh or make fun of you,” began Doc Brown.
“Suicide? That woman is a blabber-mouth and busy body,” complained Charles.
“No, she is a very sweet girl — one who wants to help somebody. She has even placed her own life in danger to come to a person’s aid. She is a Christian lady and an outstanding woman in this community. People here think very highly of her. She is sweet and understanding — and she wants to help you.”
“Well, I don’t know how to say it. My dad kicked me out of the house, calling me names and that is why I decided the best thing to do was to end it all.”
“Like I said, Lizzie Jane is a Christian lady. She wants to help you.”
“Sir, God doesn’t even want me. Why should she?”
“I will let her talk to you about that. She knows more of what God wants than I do. She died once and went to Heaven and talked to Jesus.”
“You expect me to believe that hog-wash?”
Doc Brown smiled. “I was there and she was dead. On top of that, it has been proven to many of us that she talks to her deceased mother often and her mother is in Heaven.”
“Why can’t people just leave me alone?”
“Because you are hurting. That is why Lizzie Jane asked me to come by. She wants you to come clean with us — me on the medical side and her on the spiritual side.”
“Spiritual side? God doesn’t love me. Christians have told me so.”
“And you want to take the word of people who are set in their ideas, right or wrong — who know nothing about how you feel?”
“They have told me that I am an abomination to God!”
“I will let Lizzie Jane answer that. I bet she has a good answer.”
Tears began to fill Charles’ eyes as he spoke. “My dad is a deacon and he kicked me out of the house and told me not to come back until I changed. I can’t change. I have tried and tried. I thought he loved me. I was raised in church and that has been important in my life. Why does God want me to be miserable — putting me in the wrong body and saying that it is wrong and requiring me to live a life that I cannot?”
“I will let Lizzie Jane answer the Bible questions. You don’t want to tell me your problem? If not, I will go, but I may be able to help you.”
Charles blurted out: “I am a girl in a boy’s body! Now, does it make you happy to know I am a pervert?” He suddenly burst into tears.
Doc Brown put his arm around Charles. “I knew what it was. I just wanted you to tell me. I have helped someone else through something similar to this and I think I can help you.”
Wiping the tears away from his face with his hand, Charles asked, “You have?”
“I believe the other person was intersexed. Now she is a prominent member of society.”
“Who was it?” asked Charles with a tear-stained, but a hopeful expression.
“I am not privileged to tell you. In fact, she doesn’t even remember it. The only memory she has now is one of being raised as a little girl. I guess that is God’s way of healing the mind. Nobody has the heart to tell her any different.”
“She is a girl now?”
“Yes, she is -- a beautiful, sweet young lady.” Doc Brown paused for a minute — then asked, “Do you want me to help you — medically?”
“Oh yes, so much so, sir.”
“Well, you are the right age to start. In a very short time, you will start developing into a man if we don’t do something to stop it. However, I am not going to rush into anything. I need a few more counseling sessions with you. I would rather for you to go to a psychiatrist, but we don’t have any around here and they are too expensive, anyway. I have had some courses in psychology in my training, so I believe I can substitute in this case.”
Charles stated, “No one has ever offered to help me before. I don’t know what to say.”
“It is okay. Since your father has kicked you out of your home, I think I can make arrangements for you to stay with Jake and Lizzie Jane. We will see if we can get the judge to set up a hearing in court to keep everything legal and get them appointed as foster parents. They have a nice new house — nothing fancy — but comfortable and they are a good Christian family. I think the judge will approve that.”
“Will that be okay with Jake and Lizzie Jane?” asked Charles.
Doc Brown smiled and replied, “I think — Yes — I am sure it will.”
Doc Brown, accompanied by Charles, discussed the issue with Lizzie Jane, who in return was asked to discuss it with Jake. Before Doc Brown left for the evening, everything was settled. Lizzie Jane and Jake would apply to be foster parents. They decided to let the children that had been rescued from Gorilla Island continue to stay with Uncle Jed and Aunt Maudie, except Linda. Jake and Lizzie Jane had already adopted her.
--To be continued
Copyright 2008 by Billie Sue Pilgrim
Charles — or rather, Charlene -- felt like crawling through a keyhole when Jake drove up to the church. Why did she ever agree to attend church? She knew that she would be ‘read’ and told not to come back.
“Wake up, sleepy head,” said Lizzie Jane. “Need to get ready for church.”
Church? That was the last thing Charles wanted to face. Although he had loved church and tried to be a good person, they had turned their back on him. He was a sinner — an abomination to God. That is what he had been told, so it must be Biblical.
“I bought you a pants suit to wear today,” said Lizzie Jane. “I paid for it out of the egg money. I will make you a dress this week.”
Pants suit? A dress? Suddenly Charles began to feel ashamed. He (she) had not gone out in public, but had always dressed in secret — that is, until his father found out. The church had prayed to cast out the demons, but their prayers did not produce any results.
He thought about the pants suit. Maybe that would not be too bad. He had seen some leisure suits men wore that were not much different from a pants suit.
“Breakfast is ready.”
Another surprise — pleasant, but surprising. Charles had been helping Lizzie Jane prepare breakfast. He (she) had been learning to cook and do the work of a housewife, although there weren’t any thoughts of ever getting married.
Still uncertain about attending church, Charles slowly began to get ready after a breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage and biscuits. “Light on the makeup,” Lizzie Jane had advised. That was understandable. The transition from male to female should be carefully planned. Although no one knew Charles in Carter’s Bend, except Jake, Lizzie Jane, and Doc Brown, Charles did not want to look like a transvestite.
Checking the makeup, Lizzie Jane stated, “Well, that will do, but we need just a little light lipstick and I have some earrings you can wear — clip on, of course. You don’t have pierced ears, do you?”
“Clip on will be okay.” Boys did not usually have their ears pierced — at least, not yet. Lizzie Jane looked at his Charles’ hair and decided that it would look okay pinned up. Charles had already started letting his hair grow a little, but it still made him (her) look boyish. With the hair pinned up and makeup, he (she) began to look more like a girl.
Time came to go. Jake had checked out the pickup and it seemed to be cranking okay. Often it had to be pushed off and cranked in gear while rolling. Lizzie Jane sat in the middle with Jake driving, Charles rode shotgun -- a southern term meaning sitting next to the window on the passenger side.
“You need a new name,” mentioned Lizzie Jane as they bounced along the country road. Although paved, it was rough with potholes scattered around. “Something besides Charles.” Thinking for a moment, she said, “I know! How about Charlene?”
Charles swallowed a lump as large as his throat. Lizzie Jane was serious. “It’s okay, I guess,” he (she) finally answered.
“Then Charlene it is,” said Lizzie Jane.
Charles — or rather, Charlene -- felt like crawling through a keyhole when Jake drove up to the church. Why did she ever agree to attend church? She knew that she would be ‘read’ and told not to come back. They might even turn against Lizzie Jane for bringing her.
“Well, here we are,” said Lizzie Jane. Noticing the hesitation, she said, “Well — get out.”
Charlene thought her knees would buckle under her. She felt very foolish and was sure that people would laugh. Shyly holding down her head, she walked beside Lizzie Jane with Jake in front. Seats were chosen about the center of the church.
The pastor were greeting parishioners as they arrived, finally making his way to Jake and Lizzie Jane. Staring at Charlene, he asked, “Who is this —ah — young lady?” Charlene knew by his greeting that she had been ‘read’.
“This is a friend who is staying with us for awhile — Charlene,” stated Lizzie Jane.
Still staring at her and grinning, he said, “Hello. My name is Alan Snow.”
The hymns were the same old songs the church had been singing for years. Everything seemed to be natural to Lizzie Jane. The deacons, between their naps, expressed approval of the sermon with the usual “amens”.
The members were friendly, particularly the ladies. They just had to meet Charlene and welcome her into the community. They knew about her Lizzie Jane adopting Linda and thought it marvelous that she would take another young lady into her home.
After service, the pastor stood at the back shaking hands and expressing words of appreciation to the attendees. When he came to Lizzie Jane, he whispered, “I want to see you before you leave.”
Lizzie Jane walked to the pickup with Jake and Charlene.
“Wait here,” she said. “Brother Snow wants to talk to me about something.”
Watching her go back toward the church, Charlene said, “It is about me, isn’t it?”
Jake replied, “You don’t know that.”
“Yes, I know it is. I can feel it.”
“Well if so, Lizzie Jane has killed dinosaurs, captured murderers and counterfeiters and saved more than one life, so I am sure she can handle a little thing that may come up about you.”
Charlene looked at Jake and said, “Huh?”
“Take my word for it. She did all those things — yes, including killing a dinosaur when she was ten years old,” said Jake, referring to the time she traveled backwards through time when trapped in the Bermuda Triangle.
“You want to see me?” asked Lizzie Jane as she stuck out her hand to shake with Reverend Snow.
“Yes. That ‘Charlene’ you brought. She is a boy, isn’t she?”
“Well, partially. She has a girl’s soul in a boy’s body. What difference would that make?”
“That is an abomination to God.”
“I find nothing in the Bible objecting to her condition. From what I have read, Charlene is a transsexual, like Christine Jorgensen. There is no scripture that even mentions that.”
“How about Deuteronomy 22:5 where the Bible says that a man shall not put on a woman’s garment, for all that do are abomination unto God?” asked Reverend Snow.
“In the first place, it says that a man shall not wear a woman’s garment. Charlene is not a man. She is a girl in a boy’s body. In the second place, that is the Old Testament. You are not going against what you taught us are you — that we are under grace and not under law? Deuteronomy 22:5 was part of the law.”
“I believe it applies to us today.”
“Well, then I suggest that you put a parapet for the roof of your house, never wear nylon and polyester clothing together, and if you catch a couple committing adultery, you put both to death because you will find all of that in Deuteronomy, chapter 22,” answered Lizzie Jane in a very determined tone.
“God doesn’t make mistakes. He was born a boy and will always be a boy.”
“How about Ben’s granddaughter — born deaf? Or how about Harold and Jane’s little crippled boy? Are they mistakes? No, God does not make mistakes, but he allows people to be born with birth defects. God does not cause babies to be born deaf or cripple -- or even transsexual. That is the result of an imperfect world made imperfect by Adam’s sin!”
“Elizabeth, you and your family are well thought of around here. Don’t ruin that!”
“I do not intend to ruin my reputation. I love people and I am proving that now by taking Charlene into my home and helping her toward what she should be. I think that is what Jesus would like for me to do.”
“Homosexuality is wrong!”
“Transsexuality is not homosexuality. I don’t believe Charlene is interested in men right now — not even women. She is concerned about spreading the love that God has put into her heart. She was raised in church and you are going to deny her that right? Our church is known for its love for everyone and the welcome mat is out for whosoever will to come. I am standing on the church’s claim to that.”
“Well, I don’t think…”
“Why don’t you just keep quiet and let Charlene prove that she is a Christian girl and the only way to prove that is to watch her life. That is all I ask. Are you going to ask her to leave — or force her to?”
Reverend Snow seemed to give some thought to the matter and then replied, “Well, if we run her off, we will not be able to help her.”
Reverend Snow suddenly realized what he had said. He had called Charlene by the pronoun, ‘her’. Maybe Lizzie Jane was getting to him. Lizzie Jane was well thought of by the church and the community. She had shown herself to be a loving, sweet lady, ready to help in any situation. Maybe this was just another ‘situation’.
“I will still have second thoughts so I will be watching — and praying.”
“Well, Brother Snow. I would expect you to pray — now wouldn’t I?” said Lizzie Jane as a big smile appeared on her face.
Reverend Snow smiled back.
“What happened?” asked Jake as Lizzie Jane walked back to the pickup.
“Oh nothing — just the love of God being manifested,” she said. “Let’s go home. Charlene and I need to fix dinner. I am hungry.”
Riding back to their home, Lizzie Jane opened her Bible to Deuteronomy, Chapter 22.
“Whatcha reading?” asked Jake.
“Oh, something in the Bible which we discussed. I wanted to see if what I said was right. I had read it before, but was not sure that I was remembering correctly."
“You mean you mentioned things in the Bible that you did not know about for sure — and in a discussion with a man of God?”
“Jake, it wasn’t me who was talking,” smiled Lizzie Jane.
Jake remembered the scripture where Jesus told his disciples that in meeting opposition to give no thought for what you will say for it will be given in that same hour what you shall speak.
____________________________________________________
--To be continued
Copyright 2008 by Billie Sue Pilgrim
Looking toward Charlene, the judge asked, “You look like a girl to me, but you have a boy’s name. Do you wish to explain?”
“Sir, I am a girl in a boy’s body,” answered Charlene.
“If you felt like a monkey, would that make you swing through the trees like a monkey? I am sorry, but that reasoning is not sufficient.”
“What do you think the judge will say?” asked Charlene, as she was getting ready for the hearing to determine if she could be placed with Jake and Lizzie Jane as a foster child.
“That is something we will not know until we see the judge,” replied Lizzie Jane as she worked with Charlene’s hair, trying to make her look more feminine.
Lizzie Jane and Charlene decided that she should wear the pants suit Lizzie Jane had purchased. The plans were for Charlene to appear before the judge as a girl, but not too dressy.
“I am on pins and needles. Suppose he sends me back to my daddy’s — or even place me in a children’s home?” asked Charlene.
“We will cross that bridge when we come to it,” answered Lizzie Jane as she watched Charlene working on her face.
“Okay, just a little makeup — like we did the first time in church,” said Lizzie Jane.
The small courtroom was adjacent to the town hall, so the drive did not take very long. Lizzie Jane had spent quite some time praying over the matter and tried to reconcile herself that whatever the judge ruled would be God’s will. Still, she could not keep her mind from worrying somewhat.
Since it was a hearing and not a trial, the courtroom was empty except for the presence of Jake, Lizzie Jane, Charlene and Doc Brown, who was already seated. He had promised to be present for support and as a witness to the character of Jake and Lizzie Jane.
Charlene looked around for her father. She had feared that he would be there and say or do something to cause problems. He was nowhere to be seen.
The judge entered from a side door wearing the usual black robe. One thing Lizzie Jane was thankful for was that he was a real judge, not some prejudiced redneck from the mountains as judges were selected just a few years prior. One of the two members of the town’s police force accompanied the judge as he came into the courtroom. Everyone was asked to rise as the judge strolled to his position behind a huge desk.
The judge spoke. “We have before this court a petition that Charles Reed, a.k.a. Charlene Reed, be placed with Jake and Elizabeth Wall in a foster home. Are these persons present?”
“Yes, your honor,” stated Jake.
“Where is the child’s father?”
The police officer spoke. “Sir, according to our information, a subpoena was served by the sheriff of the county in which he resides.”
“Yes,” said the judge, looking over some papers. “I seem to have that information here.”
Looking toward Charlene, the judge asked, “You look like a girl to me, but you have a boy’s name. Do you wish to explain?”
“Sir, I am a girl in a boy’s body,” answered Charlene.
“Mmm, very odd — and what makes you think that?” asked the judge.
“Well —ah — I just feel that way.”
“If you felt like a monkey, would that make you swing through the trees like a monkey? I am sorry, but that reasoning is not sufficient.”
Doc Brown stood and asked, “Your honor, May I approach the bench?”
“Yes, Doctor Brown. You may,” answered the judge, recognizing the physician.
“Charles here — or rather, Charlene — is under my care for therapy and treatment for a condition which Doctor Harry Benjamin, a noted psychiatrist, has recognized as a medical condition. He has termed the condition, ‘transsexual’. I took the liberty of obtaining a copy of his comments along with his Standards of Care which professional therapist and physicians are requested to consider in treating patients.”
The judge read over the Standards of Care, which Doc Brown furnished. “It says here that a patient is to be seen by someone holding a PhD. Are you qualified to treat this patient?”
“Yes sir. I have had training in psychology and a degree as a medical doctor and I am very well qualified to treat Charlene. My experience consists of assisting an intersexed person toward a full life as a female.”
Turning to Charlene, the judge stated, “Your legal name is Charles. Is it your desire that the name be changed to Charlene?”
“Yes,” answered Charlene.
“What middle name would you desire?” asked the judge.
Charlene had not given any thought to a question like that, so she said, “I don’t really know.”
“What is your middle name now?”
“Lee,” answered Charlene.
“A girl can have the name Lee. Would you consent to leaving that as is or do you want to change it to something else?” asked the judge.
Charlene looked a Lizzie Jane. She nodded her head that would be okay.
“Yes,” answered Charlene.
“First, I would like to know more about this couple.” Looking at his papers, the judge asked, “Jake and Elizabeth Wall. Is that correct?”
“Yes, your honor,” replied Jake.
“Doctor Brown, you seem to know this couple. Are they good people and able to take care of —ah — Charlene?”
“Yes, I know them very well. They come from good families and have a brand new house, complete with running water and a bathroom which, as you know, are a little difficult to find in some homes here in the mountains,” answered Doc Brown.
“Yes, I very well know,” said the judge. “Anything else?”
“Well, they are considered to be well thought of by the people in their community and go to church regularly,” replied Doc Brown. “I believe that Charlene will be raised right.”
“Since the father does not seem to be interested in this child and you say that they are good people, Doctor Brown, I will allow them to be temporarily placed in the home of Jake and Elizabeth Wall for the time being, subject to change if additional information indicate them to be of unsuitable character or if the father decides to object, in which case we will hold another hearing. I am placing them under your watch, Doctor Brown, and will expect monthly reports from you for awhile — that is, if you do not object.”
“I do not object,” said Doc Brown.
“I will also expect medical and mental reports on Charlene, also. As far a name change is concerned, I will allow the name Charlene to be used until such time as I am assured that it is suitable in every way and then, and only then, I will make it legal.”
“I will agree to the medical reports if it is okay with Charlene. There are matters of confidentiality concerning a patient under my care,” stated Doc Brown.
“I understand. However the continuality of Charlene continuing to live with Jake and Elizabeth Wall is granted on a conditional basis. It is just that sufficient reports from you might make it easier for me to make a judgment in the future.”
“Sir, I don’t mind any reports on me being sent you,” replied Charlene.
“Fine. Are there any other questions?” asked the judge. Waiting for a moment for someone to speak, he said, “So be it” and pounded on the desk with his gavel.
“All rise,” stated the police officer. Everyone stood as the judge made his exit.
“Well, everything is taken care of — temporarily, at least,” said Lizzie Jane.
“Why temporary?” asked Charlene.
“Well, the judge is trying to be careful. Things can change and the judge probably has not had a hearing like this before. If I had not been here to state that I would be your doctor and was able to furnish the information from Doctor Harry Benjamin, he would have probably refused everything,” said Doc Brown.
Lizzie Jane smiled and said, “Thank you Doc Brown.” Turning to Charlene, she said, ”Well girl, you go home with us for awhile. But keep in mind, you will be treated as our own daughter. That means you will behave,” and smiling, she continued, “and you will be taught how to be a proper young lady — sewing, cooking — the whole thing.”
To be Continued
Copyright 2008 by Billie Sue Pilgrim
Charlene never realized how much there was to being a woman of the hills. “Anytime you want to back out and be something besides a woman, you can,” was the words of Lizzie Jane. No way was Charlene going to go back to her old life. If the things she was being taught were what rural women needed to know, she was all for it.
Lizzie Jane was true to her word. Charlene received the same hillbilly education that all mothers taught their daughters — cooking, sewing, keeping a reasonably clean house, sweeping the yard (back in those days many rural women kept their yards clear of grass and kept the yard swept) and, most important of all — how to please a man.
Charlene never realized how much there was to being a woman of the hills. “Anytime you want to back out and be something besides a woman, you can,” was the words of Lizzie Jane. No way was Charlene going to go back to her old life. If the things she was being taught were what rural women needed to know, she was all for it.
Lizzie Jane decided that school was important, too. All women needed to learn to read and write, how to take care of family finances (since so many men squandered their money on moonshine and wild living), and the proper way to raise a family. So, the next step was to introduce Charlene to Sally, the teacher in the one-room schoolhouse.
Putting on her new print dress that she had made with Lizzie Jane’s help, Charlene began to nervously get ready for school. The dress was made from flour sacks imprinted with dark blue flowers on a lighter blue background. Charlene thought it was the prettiest dress she had ever seen, partially because it was a product of her own hands.
Lizzie Jane drove Charlene to school the first day in Jake’s old rusty pickup truck. They walked into the school building together, hand in hand. In Charlene’s free hand, she carried a lard bucket with a couple of buttered and sugared biscuits, two apples (one for the teacher) and sweet tea in a pint mason jar.
“This is Charlene,” said Lizzie Jane, speaking to Sally. “She is staying with us for awhile.”
”Welcome Charlene,” said Sally, holding out her hand. Charlene felt weak all over, so her handshake was not very strong.
“And you, Lizzie Jane — I have arranged for you to attend Howard College in Birmingham if you wish to go. They have moved to Shades Valley and that is just south of Birmingham. It took some doing on our pastor’s part, but I believe you can get in.”
“I don’t know what course to take,” replied Lizzie Jane. “What do you suggest?”
“Well, they have a teacher education program. Since it is a Baptist College, you can learn teaching and take Biblical studies, too.”
“How about money? Doesn’t it cost something?”
“We thought about that and believe that we might be able to get you a scholarship. At least, we could try.”
“Well, maybe later. I have a young lady to see about right now.” A smiling Lizzie Jane, assured that Charlene was in good hands and after the usual farewells, turned and walked back to the pickup.
“Well, young lady,” said Sally handing Charlene a few papers. “Let’s take a test and see how much you know.”
Charlene sat down at her assigned desk and stared at the papers. She looked up at Sally writing on the blackboard, then around the schoolroom, before her eyes settled back on the papers. She sat there for fifteen minutes with her hands folded on the desk.
Lizzie Jane’s adopted daughter — Linda — walked over to Charlene’s desk. She felt that she needed to get acquainted anyway, so she introduced herself. “Hello, I am Linda — Mother Elizabeth’s daughter — and you are…?”
“Charlene,” came the reply.
(Linda knew Charlene's name, but thought some kind of self-introduction would be proper.)
Looking down at the papers and back at Charlene, Linda asked, “You cannot read, can you?”
“Ah — I didn’t bring my glasses.” That was the standard answer she had learned from her father.
“Now, please tell me the truth. You cannot read, can you?” Linda repeated the question.
With a blush and looking down at the desk, Charlene answered, “No, I can’t.”
Sally heard the conversation and walked over. “I am so sorry. I didn’t know.” She quickly added, “But it is nothing to be ashamed about. A lot of children come here that cannot read. We will teach you.”
“Let me help her. After all, she is almost my sister,” requested Linda.
“I need you to help the other students with their science,” answered Sally. After thinking about the matter a moment, she said, “Okay, you can pull double duty.”
Linda, because of her advanced studies in the field of science in the school of her future world, was a lifesaver for Sally. Linda was able to explain things that college professors had not learned yet. Sally was sure that many great minds would come out of her little one room schoolhouse.
“Let’s go outside and sit under a shade tree,” suggested Linda,
“Okay,” agreed Charlene. She did not seem to be as embarrassed as before.
“I am staying with Aunt Maudie while you are here,” said Linda as she smoothed her skirt out and sat down with her legs folded under her. Charlene tried to do the same, but was having a little difficulty.
Linda smiled. “This is the way many girls sit in this age. It covers their legs since girls wear longer dresses than they will thirty years from now.”
Charlene was as confused as she appeared.
“Oh, I am sorry. I need to explain. I am from the future and got trapped in this time, so that is why I know so much about what will happen. Some things I don’t want to think about -- for instance, terrible disasters that will occur.’
“Anyway, back to you. I know about your problem, so you don’t have to worry about keeping your secret from me. Right now, I realize that you could face difficulties. Things will get better in a few years, but we are in the here and now. I desire to be of help if I may.”
Charlene smiled. Not only did she have a sister, but a friend. That made the day a little better.
Linda was an expert teacher. She used the accelerated methods that were part of her advanced educational training and, by noon, Charlene was reading on a second grade level.
“Lunch time,” stated Linda. “What do you have in your box?”
“Biscuits with sugar and butter and some tea,” answered Charlene.
“Sounds like Momma Elizabeth. I have a ham sandwich and a sausage sandwiches. I will swap you one for a buttered biscuit.”
“Okay.”
“Which would you rather eat?’
“I think I would like the sausage sandwich. Hope it has ketchup on it.”
“No, it doesn’t, but it is good anyway.”
The girls quietly enjoyed their lunch. Finishing, they laid on their backs looking at the clouds scattered around the blue sky.
“Where I used to reside, we could see vehicles flying around up there,” said Linda.
“What kind of vehicles?”
“Similar to your automobiles. We still have small vehicles that could be considered automobiles, but they are only used for short trips — only carries about one or two persons. If we are traveling, we have our flying vehicles. They are faster — and safer. We don’t need roads up there.”
“How do you like it here?” asked Charlene.
“I appear to be getting accustomed to this primitive life style. I am trying to learn and use your language, too.”
“Our language? We speak English.”
“Oh, I know, but we used different words. Everyone here seem to use simple words — but I am learning.” Smiling, Linda said, “Y’all say things like ‘don’t’ for ‘does not’ and ‘ain’t’ and such words like that.” She added, “We never say things using ‘like” as I just did, either.”
“Oh — okay — I guess.”
“Well, we had better get back in. I got some science lessons to teach,” said Linda, sounding as much as a southern country girl as she could.
Sally was happy for Charlene while listening to her read a story about Peter Cottontail. Charlene was proud of her accomplishment and her face beamed with joy.
Looking across the room, she noticed a boy wink. Her smile faded. ‘What could that mean?’ she thought to herself. She enjoyed being a girl, but was she ready for boys yet?
________________________________________________________
Linda was introduced in an earlier story and more complete detail about her travel through time can be read at Ficioneer.org. in the "Gorilla Island" stories.
http://fictioneer.org/content/gorilla-island
_________________________________________________________
Note that may be of interest:
Howard College in Birmingham was later changed to Samford University.
__________________________________________________________
--To be continued
Copyright 2008 by Billie Sue Pilgrim
"My mother died a few years ago.” Charlene stared straight ahead as if in deep thought. “She loved me… she understood…I would tell her I wanted to be her little girl…and she always told me, ‘You ARE my little girl’. I would crawl up in her lap and she would hug me and love me…”
“How was school today?” asked Lizzie Jane asked she reached over from the driver’s side, opening the door of the rusty pickup. Charlene climbed in with a slight “Okay, I guess.”
“Anything happen today unusual?”
“Well, a boy winked at me. I didn’t know what to do, so I just looked away from him.”
Lizzie Jane smiled. Charlene was a pretty girl and she could see why a boy would find her to his liking. “Just smile back, be friendly, but watch for any advances. Right now, we need to be careful, you know.”
“I know,” said Charlene with a sad smile. “Wish I were a real girl — instead of make-believe.”
“Charlene, you are a real girl. Just not complete in certain areas.”
Charlene could not hold it back any longer. She suddenly burst into tears. Lizzie Jane stopped the truck and pulled off the road as much as possible in a shady area.
“It’s your daddy, isn’t it?” asked Lizzie Jane.
“Yes, I wish he loved me. But, the night I left, he kicked me and opened the door...and…” There was a pause while Charlene tried to regain her composure, but no use. The tears flowed that much more...“he told me…to get out and…never come back,” sobs coming between the phrases.
“He is all I had. My mother died a few years ago.” Charlene stared straight ahead as if in deep thought. “She loved me… she understood…I would tell her I wanted to be her little girl…and she always told me, ‘You ARE my little girl’. I would crawl up in her lap and she would hug me and love me…”
Lizzie Jane replied,“I lost my mother, too...when I was nine years old. I never knew my daddy. He left momma before I was born." While speaking, tears also came to her eyes, remembering and cherishing the sweet moments as she shared a similar experience — different mothers, but both losing a loving mother when a child.
Realizing each other’s sorrows, they embraced with a hug that lasted for a few quiet moments. That day, the two hearts bonded with eternal cords that cannot be broken.
Releasing the hug, Lizzie Jane held Charlene straight out by the shoulders looking at her with tear-stained cheeks. “Charlene, I know I am supposed to be your foster mother, but I did not have a sister. I will always think of you as that sister.”
Remembering that she had adopted Carol as her sister, too, she thought, ‘Now I have two sisters.’ She did not mention that to Charlene, but she smiled at the thought. (Carol was the waitress Lizzie Jane met during the time Lizzie Jane has lost her memory.)
“Feel better?” asked Lizzie Jane as she reached to turn the key in the ignition.
“Yes — a little.”
Lizzie Jane pushed the big starter button with her foot and the starter went 'wheee wheee'.
“Oh, that Jake and his truck! Won’t crank! Oh, let’s get out and push.”
Lizzie Jane put the floor shift gear handle into neutral and, with the doors open, the girls began to push on the door panels. With the wheels rolling a little over 5 MPH (causing the girls to trot), Lizzie Jane jumped into the cab, put the gearshift into second, let out on the clutch. The truck bucked a couple of time and the engine went ‘voood, voood’ with Lizzie Jane patting her foot on the accelerator pedal.
“Okay, hop in,” she said as Charlene climbed into the passenger seat giggling as other girls. “Some day when I get the money, I am going to buy a truck load of batteries. This ‘pushing’ has got to stop,” said Lizzie Jane.
Lizzie Jane saw Charlene smiling. It is a miracle how much an old truck or car can change feelings while trying to operate one. Sometimes, it will bring giggles as it did to these two young ladies, but, often as not, it can cause a man to use words that he didn’t learn in Sunday School.
“Oh yes,another thing happened today,” said Charlene. “Linda helped me in school. I never learned to read and she had me reading sooner than you can shake a cat’s tail.”
“Yeah, she is pretty smart. She surprised Sally with things that Sally didn’t know.”
The conversation changed to girlie things as the old pickup jostled down the dusty road. Charlene did not ask any questions about Linda. Linda had already told her about coming from the future and how different things were.
That night, after Charlene had gone to bed, Lizzie Jane told Jake that she wanted to sit for awhile.
“I will sit with you,” was Jake’s response.
“No, please. I need to sit and think — mediate on something.”
Jake assumed it was about Charlene, so without argument, he bid Lizzie Jane a good night and went to the bedroom.
Lizzie Jane walked outside and looked at the starry sky. It was a clear night with a half moon, but enough light for Lizzie Jane to see as she walked down the long dusty driveway. It seemed to be past time for rain, but that was the farthest thing from her mind.
As she walked, she prayed.
“Dear, why are you so sad?” came a soft feminine voice. Lizzie Jane turned and, from the sound of the voice, saw what she had expected — her mother, clothed in her usual white robe, sitting on a stump where a large oak had grown, but the years had taken its toll and had to be cut down. Although she had usually appeared in a dream, Lizzie Jane’s mother had been seen visually a few times. Lizzie Jane well remembered the first time — when a huge man had saved Lizzie Jane from a hungry panther after being warned by a strange woman clothed in white.
Lizzie Jane wasn’t afraid. Her mother was not a ghost, but a messenger that had some words of comfort sent from Heaven. Lizzie Jane always welcomed her, either in a dream, or in a vision as she must be seeing now.
“I don’t like to see Charlene so sad,” said Lizzie Jane. “She has had a rough time and I don’t know how to help — what to do,” replied Lizzie Jane.
“All of us have a set time on this earth — some longer than others. We need to help those who do not have much time to find peace with God. You, Elizabeth Jane, have been called to a special work and that is why you have been chosen to help Charlene.”
“You mean Charlene doesn’t have long to live?”
“That is predetermined, of course, but it is not for you to know. Charlene was born for a purpose — to be a forerunner of those who will come behind her with the same sorrows and desires as she possesses. Whatever happens, God will be there with all his love and mercy. Sometimes it takes a lot of pain and suffering for mankind to find out God’s ways are better.”
“Please tell me what is going to happen to Charlene.”
“I have already told you it is not for you to know. For now, she needs your love and direction. Elizabeth Jane, I came to tell you to abide in your calling for, if you do, you will not regret it. Goodbye for now. Just remember. I promised to never leave you and I will be with you through all that will come your way -- and Charlene will have a special angel to help her accept what may come her way.”
“No — wait,” cried Lizzie Jane, but to no avail. Suddenly her mother was gone.
Lizzie Jane fell to her knees. “Please God — protect Charlene. She is so young and has the whole world before her.”
A voice came from somewhere. Was it an audible voice or was it in her mind? “My grace is sufficient” was the message — from wherever it came.
Again, the night was still. The stars still shone bright as before — maybe brighter. The leaves in the bushes and trees began to rustle as a cool breeze began to fill the air. Lizzie Jane turned and walked toward the house, uncertain what the message meant that was sent to her.
Abide in her calling — that, along with “My grace is sufficient” -- controlled her thoughts.
‘Yes,” she said to herself. ‘I will abide in my calling. I just hope I can know what that calling is when the time comes’.
--To be continued
Copyright 2008 by Billie Sue Pilgrim
The next morning seemed like normal. The sun rose on time, the birds were singing -- everything were great -- that is, except in Lizzie Jane's mind. She keep rolling over in her mind about Charlene. Was she going to die? What about her soul salvation? Was she ready to meet God?
The next morning seemed like normal. The sun rose on time, the birds were singing -- everything were great -- that is, except in Lizzie Jane's mind. She keep rolling over in her mind about Charlene. Was she going to die? What about her soul salvation? Was she ready to meet God?
Oh, it seemed so unfair. A young girl with a life ahead of her if only the community would get out of the dark ages and understand that God is love -- not the god so quickly ready to condemn someone as taught by so many preachers. Lizzie Jane made up her mind that day that, if God called her into any kind of ministry, she would proclaim the love of God and his provision for mankind's salvation.
Charlene strolled into the kitchen just as Lizzie Jane had taken the biscuits out of the oven. "Good morning --- mom."
Lizzie Jane smiled at that title. True, she had custody of Charlene, but it seemed to be only temporary, so "mom" did not seem adequate although she enjoyed the title.
Charlene took a seat at the table. The smell of bacon, fried eggs, and of course, the biscuits seem to overpower her, but she knew she had to wait a minute for thanks to be given.
"Our father in Heaven, we thank you for the food you have provided and ask that it be sanctified for our bodies. Please, bless Charlene and may she find happiness in the midst of her situation. This we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen." Lizzie Jane closed the prayer with a weak smile as she glanced toward Charlene. "Well, dig in."
As Charlene ate, Lizzie Jane looked at her. She was such a beautiful girl and, if she were complete in body, the boys would fall over themselves trying to win her favor.
"Aren't you going to eat, mom?" asked Charlene as she noticed Lizzie Jane sitting at the end of the table with a cup of coffee in her hand.
"Oh, not now. I will in a few minutes," answered Lizzie Jane. The day was Saturday, so there wasn't any rush to get Charlene ready for school.
As Charlene was finishing breakfast, Lizzie Jane said, "Just put the dishes in the sink. I will get to them later."
The two women walked out on the porch, then into the yard. As they walked, Charlene could see a worried look in Lizzie Jane's eyes. "What is wrong, mom?"
Lizzie Jane turned toward her. "Charlene, how is it with you and God?"
"I dunno. I guess I kinda thought God did not love me because of the way I am. My daddy was against me. I am afraid others will turn against me if they only knew."
"Don't think that," said Lizzie Jane as the girls sat on a swing fastened to chains that connected to a huge limb of an oak tree. "God knew about you before you were born."
"But people say God doesn't make mistakes."
That was the same answer, Lizzie Jane's pastor had given, so Lizzie Jane gave Charlene the same answer she gave the pastor, "No, God does not make mistakes, but he allows people to be born with birth defects. God does not cause babies to be born deaf or cripple. That is the result of an imperfect world made imperfect by Adam’s sin! Some babies are born as morphadites. Is that a mistake of God? I think not." (NOTE: Morphadites, a hillbilly term meaning hermaphrodites.)
"But mom, I want..." Charlene did not finish the sentence. She buried her face into Lizzie Jane's shoulder, hiding the tears. Putting her hands on Charlene's shoulders,Lizzie Jane pushed her back and looked her straight in the eyes.
"If you have doubted God, let's get this thing settled right now."
Lizzie Jane got on her knees, using the swing as an altar. Charlene knelt beside her.
If someone had heard, they would have probably have thought that Heaven had ever heard such prayers from two broken hearts as the girls poured out their hearts to God. Time flew swifty by as they prayed to God in such agony as any two souls had ever experienced in seeking God's favor.
Forty five minutes later, Charlene ceased and with tears in her eyes, she looked as Lizzie Jane turned her head to face Charlene.
Lizzie Jane smiled, "You got your answer, haven't you?"
"Yes". Charlene smiled back.
Lizzie Jane felt in her heart that Charlene's time on earth was short, but satisfied that the gates of Heaven would be opened to her when the time came.
To be Continued
Copyright 2010 by Billie Sue Pilgrim