Chapter 23 - Page 329 - Field Of Flowers

   The congregation saw a ripple move through the clouds as lightning flashed and thunder roared. The clouds rolled to the east, and the sky cleared, letting the sunlight through.

   Rhasha remembered Jesus' crucifixion and her tears flowed. She covered her face.

   Rhasha felt arms slide around her and knew Jim was holding her. She rested her head against his cheek. When she looked at his face, she saw tears streaming from his eyes. She knew they were tears of happiness. She looked around the church. Aside from the gospel trio standing outside the church and Reverend Morris standing at the pulpit, she and Jim were the only ones standing; everyone had experienced a vision, but they were still seated, now watching Rhasha.

   Rhasha looked up at Jim and whispered his name. She wept.

   "What is it, angel?"

   "Jim," she repeated, whimpering. "All I can think about is how they drove nails into Jesus' hands and feet."

   Everyone remained quiet. Jim held Rhasha tight. Reverend Morris nodded; he knew Jesus had spoken to Rhasha. "Rhasha, dear," he said, "would you like to come to the altar and profess Jesus as your Lord and savior?"

   Jim waited for her answer. Rhasha looked lovingly into Jim's eyes and placed her hand over his. She glanced at Francis and Shanha.

   Francis whispered to her daughter, then looked at Rhasha and said "Shanha and I love you very much" as Shanha ran to Rhasha and wrapped her arms around Rhasha's waist. Shanha beamed at Rhasha. She knew Jesus had talked to her.

   Rhasha stepped around Jim, into the aisle. Shanha let go of Rhasha and sat back down. Rhasha pulled on Jim's hand, inviting him to go with her.

   "Sweetheart," Jim said, "this is your time to be with Jesus."

   Tears filled Rhasha's eyes and she released Jim's hand to hide her face again. She slowly turned and walked toward the altar, still covering her face with her hands. Tears ran through her fingers. Rhasha took two short steps, then looked back at Jim. She turned and started walking hesitantly toward the altar again. Again she stopped.