HEROES by DESIGN Hero’s Purpose

Praise for Heroes by Design “Heroes by Design is a tender story of middle school teens leaning on their faith and each other to withstand peer pressures and to stand up to life’s tests. When one friend suffers a grievous loss, the others reach out for heavenly guidance to provide strength during the difficult time. Young adults will find comfort and assurance in D.A. Irsik’s story, and older adults will gain compassion and insight into the challenges young people face. Michael D. Graves, Author of 2016 Kansas Notable Book: To Leave a Shadow, meadowlarkbooks.com

“We and the world, my children, will always be at war. Retreat is impossible. Arm yourselves. (Peace like a river. Leif Engr. Ref.) Against a backdrop of the celestial, a group of young teens are learning to navigate their way through life’s challenges, including death. All the while, the temptations of entitlement, bullying, and overcoming jealousy, permeate through this story of youngsters and their relationships by D.A. Irsik. Imagine losing your loved mother to an unexpected heart failure as a young teenager. The resulting emotions of anger at God, even as a faithful Christian member of a church teen youth group ensue, as friends make attempts to bring their friend back to faithfulness, fun, and joy in the life of the Lord. Miracles need a witness, and you, the reader, will be the witness t the subtlety of everyday miracles while reading Heroes.” Sharon Soetaert

HEROES by DESIGN ©2020 Deb Irsik

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or, if real, are used fictitiously.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher.

Published by CrossWing Emporia, KS

Hazel Hart, Editor Hazelhart.com

Evie Simmons, Layout

Print Edition ISBN: 978-1-7329078-4-3

For my son John For his unconditional love No difference is too great In his eyes we are all equals

This is a verse from a poem I wrote Several years ago, about the athletes on John’s Emporia Express, Special Olympic team.

If it is true that man is created in God's image then surely those who Love simply . . . Laugh heartily Smile . . . with their heart in their eyes, are the picture of God

Acknowledgements

Covid-19 has turned the world up-side down and my writing resources were affected. I want to especially thank Tracy Million Simmons and Evie Simmons for a timely rescue. They formatted Hero’s Purpose to the specifications laid out in the first two books. Tracy is a published author and owner of Meadowlark Books, but more than that she is a supportive friend and writing mentor. I would also like to give a special shoutout to Hazel Hart, for her superb editing skills and Katelyn Dorrell, SLOTHHEAD PRESS, for beta reading yet again. Writers depend on community and the Emporia Writers Group provides support and expertise.

THANK YOU!

1 High School

Opportunities don’t happen, you create them. —Chris Grosser

Sela looked in the mirror smiling at her guardian, Joyous. “Do you think I look like I’m in high school? Do I look older?” “You look confident and beautiful. You just walk in those doors with purpose. God will do the rest.” Sela smiled, “I will. I’m just a little nervous about the afternoon session tomorrow. Everyone signs up in their groups. TNT is new. I don’t know if we’ve promoted it enough or, if kids even know what it is.” Joyous peered at Sela, “You must have faith to let things happen in His time. Nothing will stand in the way of God’s purpose. Have . . .” “Patience. I know.” Sela laughed. “Will I ever get it? I think I will live with that word haunting me my entire life.” “Your heart just gets ahead of you. You will be fine. Go, know that I am here. God is present always.” Sela hugged Joyous, smoothed her clothes, took a big breath, and walked down the stairs to the kitchen. Her parents were both sitting at the breakfast bar drinking coffee. Sela’s father smiled, stood, holding out his arms. “How is this, my girl? Ready to take high school by storm?” Sela walked into his arms resting her head on his shoulder. Her mother smiled over the rim of her cup. “You look very grown up. I am proud of you, but I miss the little girl with her backpack that was bigger than she was. Don’t grow up too fast. You’ll deal with responsibilities your entire life.” Sela moved from the circle of her father’s arms smiling at her mother. “Thanks, Mom. I’ll try to be patient. I know what that word means; it’s really difficult to practice it.” Her father picked up the paper, folded it and laid it back on the table. “You want me to drop you off at the high school on my way to work?” “No, Dad. We’ll take pictures first. Mr. Monroe is taking us. Thanks.” They heard the front door open, and Emily rushed into the kitchen, breathless and flushed. She hugged Sela while bouncing on her toes, squealing, “Can you believe it? We’re going to high school. Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson. Sorry I’m so hyper but . . ., she grabbed Sela shaking her, we’re going to high school.” Laughing, Sela removed Emily’s hands from her shoulders, “You said that already and . . . I know.” She bounced with Emily, “We are going to high school.” They danced around the kitchen a moment. Sela’s mom grinned and said, “If you girls want pictures you better move it up, high school won’t wait for you.” “Where’s Zach? Isn’t he coming?” Emily frowned. “He just texted, I told him to meet us out front. We have to take them where we always do.” The girls rushed to the door, stepping onto the front porch. They saw Zach jogging up the walk.

“Wow, sorry I’m late. I had to change my shirt a couple of times. Do I look okay?” Both girls giggled, each taking an arm. “You look like a high school boy.” Emily teased, “Hurry, we have to get our picture.” Zach obediently sat on the porch step. The girls sat a step up, leaning in, so Zach was between them. Her mother snapped a few shots and shooed them off. “Hurry, Jack is waiting. You need to be on time. Good luck on the sign up for your group.” Sela waved at her mother, “Thanks, love you! The sign up isn’t today, but we’ll need all the luck we can get.” They piled into Mr. Monroe’s car.

The friends chattered and laughed but when they pulled in front of the native stone building, they became sober, silent. There was a sense of history. The stones seemed both ominous and awe-inspiring. Sela broke the silence, “Well, here we go. Thanks, Mr. Monroe.” Emily’s father acknowledged them with a wave and said, “You bet, it was no problem.” He looked at Emily, “See you tonight sweetheart. You’re all going to be fine. You’re ready for high school, I’m just not sure high school is ready for the three of you.” Emily rolled her eyes, and they exited the car. The friends stood at the bottom of a number of steps, looking from one to another. Zach spoke. “Your dad is right Em. We’re ready. Let’s go. We’ve got this.” They climbed the steps and were swallowed into the throng of chattering students. The day went quickly and Sela rushed to her locker to grab her tennis clothes. Emily slid up beside her. “So? How was the first day of High School?” Sela continued to load her back pack. “I think, setting some priorities is in order. I will never keep up with everything and get TNT off the ground.” Emily laid her hand on Sela’s shoulder. “Teamwork Anderson. You don’t have to do it alone.” Sela dropped the bag down to the floor. “You’re right, Em. Having so many friends to work with, I shouldn’t be overwhelmed. Staying organized will keep me grounded. Tonight, I need to get my table planned and be early tomorrow to set up for the activity fair. Now I have tennis, then about two hours of homework. I think I’ll need to learn to juggle!” She grinned, “Are you changing in the locker room?” Emily hauled her bookbag over her shoulder. “Yep, I’ll walk with you.”

Sela rushed to her room and fell back on her bed. Halo bounced through the door, jumping on her bed, licking her face and nipping at her until she was giggling helplessly. “Stop, Halo. I can’t breathe.” Sela rubbed his ears, petting his coat. “Thanks boy. I needed that. It has been a wonderful day, but I’m beat. I hope Vic saw some of this day. Do you miss him, boy?” Joyous appeared. “Vic knows all that you are doing. He will return when you need him.” Sela smiled at Joyous and sat up. “Thank you for being here for me Joyous. I hope I’m not in over my head. With tough classes, tennis and TNT, I feel a little overwhelmed . . . actually, a lot overwhelmed.”

Joyous touched Sela’s shoulder. “Remember that you are an instrument in God’s plan. He will create opportunities to fulfill His plan. It will all fall into place.” “Thanks, Joyous. I know you’re right. I will take one thing at a time. God will lead me through. So . . . that means I need to get to work on my Geometry. First things first. I can’t help save the planet if I don’t pass high school.” She jumped up opening her backpack. “Ugh, this will take a while.” Joyous smiled and faded, “You’ve got this, Sela.”

2 TNT Bust

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. —Aristotle Onassis

Sela got a pass to go the TNT sign-up table 5th hour. She was nervous and excited. She shuffled paper, watching the other group leaders do the same. There were more activities than Sela realized. She wondered how students would decide what they wanted to do. The bell rang. Students filled the hall, pushing and bumping. Sela smiled watching them throng around tables signing up for Forensics, Science Club, Robotics Club, Technology Club, Key Club, and Honor Society. It seemed like they didn’t even see her. Finally, a girl stopped. She shuffled through the papers, smirking at Sela. “So, this is a new club? What social issues are you going to deal with that we don’t already address. I mean, you’re a freshman, right? You don’t know what we do. We already have recycling club and the school has policies about bullying.” “Yes. They’re policies. We will offer students a platform to share their stories. We’ll invite professionals to speak, for insight on the lasting effects of destructive behaviors. Not just bullying but social cliques, prejudice, even some mental health areas, like social anxiety and depression.” The girl nodded. “Sounds very idealistic. I hope it works, but how will you get kids to do all this talking?” She pinned Sela with a doubtful look. “I’ll check back with you in a couple of months if you’re still a group. Sorry.” Sela continued to smile and hand a few flyers to people as they brushed by, but it squelched her confidence. She was running questions through her head. A boy slowed and perused the table. She handed him a flyer and watched him walk away, folding it into a paper airplane that he launched at the back of his friend’s head. “Perfect, that’s what my plans are, paper airplanes.” Gathering her things, she took them to her locker. Squatting down, Sela, re-filed the papers into the file box she’d squeezed into the narrow space and thought about what the girl had said. Was she right? Was this idea just an ideal? Am I kidding myself? Emily slid in behind her and pressed their hands onto her shoulders. “What ya doin’ down there?” She breathlessly dove into a re-counting of her day. I have a terrible teacher for Geometry, but Mr. Richard will be a blast in College Prep. What’s wrong? You look like you just lost your best friend, but I am your best friend and I’m not lost.” Sela looked up. “Seriously? No one signed up for TNT. Not one person. I got one, ‘let me know when you succeed’, and that’s it.” Sela dropped her shoulders, stood, and grabbed her backpack. “Call me after soccer. I’m going to tennis. With my luck, I’ll break the other leg.” Emily playfully punched her in the arm. “Anderson, you need to work on your attitude. Someone always tells me to, ‘let go and let God’, you should try it.” Sela dropped her head. “You’re right. I need to give it time. Right now, I feel defeated. I’ll work on that coach.” Walking to the tennis courts, Sela chastised herself for being negative. A good workout will help. She waved at Heidi as she trotted up to the court. Heidi waved her over. “Come on Anderson, let’s do some drills.” Sela took a breath. “Drills, yeah, that’s what I need.” She forced a smile and jogged to the

court where Heidi was waiting.

Sela pushed the door open and yelled, “I’m home, Mom. Gonna go shower and die.” Her mother peeked around the doorway from the kitchen. “Okay, we’ll talk later. You look exhausted.” Sela waved behind her as she trudged upstairs. As soon as Sela knew her mother hadn’t followed, she looked around, “Joyous? Are you here?” “Sela, did the TNT sign-up go well?” Sela squinted, “Don’t ask. I’m taking a shower. I thought a hard workout would make me less disappointed, but I am still grumpy.” “So . . . the sign-up wasn’t a 5-star event?” “Hardly, the sign-up doesn’t know what a star is. Only one person even stopped long enough to talk, and she said ‘sounds idealistic’, and ‘good luck with that.’” Joyous raised her hand to speak. “Don’t even start with the patience thing. I can’t do that right now.” Sela grabbed a towel. “Sorry. We can talk when I have the energy to filter what I’m saying.” Joyous smiled as she faded from Sela’s view. Sela placed her phone on the floor beside the tub. She didn’t want to talk, but she had told Em to call her. Settling into the decadent, hot, bubbly water and laying her head back felt heavenly. Sela was brought back to the present by her phone, playing “With a little help from my friends” by the Beatles. Zach’s ring tone. Sela reached for the towel and dried the bubbles from her hand.

Hey, what’s up?

How was the sign-up?

Total bust. I’m doing something wrong. Although one flyer was used as a paper airplane. How can we reach them?

Take it easy. Nothing happens overnight. We’ll show that TNT is important and can make a difference. We’ll find with ways to reach out.

I don’t want to miss something.

We won’t, Sela. This is the first week. Just take it one day at a time.

Sela smiled into the phone. I know Zach, patience, my biggest flaw, but right this minute I want to wallow. I’ll pray about it and stop expecting instant success. Thanks for keeping me grounded.

That’s what friends are for. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Bye.

Sela slid into the bubbles thinking about the day. What Zach said made her realize she was spoiled. Expecting instant success was unreasonable. He was right, they needed to prove to the student body that they were proactive; show students they can be an important part of their future.

After enjoying her bath and blowing her hair dry. Sela skipped down the steps, humming, and glided into the kitchen. The aroma of lasagna permeated the air. “Mm, it smells heavenly. I’m starved.” Her mother handed her a loaf of Italian bread. “Good, you can make short work of putting garlic butter on this and warming it while I make a salad.” “Aye, aye, captain.” “Your mood has improved since that bath. I may have to try it if it has such restorative properties. What did you put in the water?” “Hilarious. I was just bummed. No one signed up for TNT today, but Zach called and gave me an encouraging pep talk.” Her mother smiled, “And what was that?” “We have to show the students that we are proactive. They will see that we are creating positive change and making a difference.” “Zach is a good friend. You’re lucky to have him and Emily in your corner.” Sela wrapped her arms around her mother. “I’m lucky in so many ways, Mom. This last year I learned something about what others have to deal with.” Sela backed up and reached for the bread. “Zach and Emily have had trials I’ve never had. Kids like Mara have grown up with nothing. One parent . . . I haven’t had trials. Not personal ones.” She paused with the butter knife in mid-air. “I don’t even have to share my parents. I am so blessed. It’s almost unfair. Like this girl who burst my bubble today. She said our group is idealistic and shallow. She’s right. The only way I can grow this group is to show them that I care about where they come from and I put my Ideals into action.” “You’re on the right track, Sela. Be aware of another’s circumstance and don’t judge them if you haven’t walked in their shoes. Grow your small group by taking part in the activities that they notice. Words are only words without action. Circumstances can change at any moment. Take nothing for granted.” Sela put the bread in the oven. She sensed something different in her mother’s tone. “That sounds a little ominous, Mom. Something going on?” Her mother looked up. “No, I’m just saying, ‘we never know’.” Sela’s father came in from the study and kissed her mother on the cheek. “Did I miss something? Sounds like a heavy conversation.” Her mother smiled at him. “I was just saying that things can change in our lives. Nothing should be taken for granted.” Sela felt the tension between them. She looked from one to the other. “There’s something going on.” The timer rang, sounding like a siren in Sela’s head. Sela’s dad’s smile didn’t meet his eyes. “It’s okay. We’ll talk after supper. Let’s enjoy our meal and your mother’s hard work.” Sela sat down at the table. As they filled their plates, it felt like the walls were pressing in. Every word spoken felt forced. Her father asked her about her day. “It wasn’t what I hoped for . . .” She looked at him. “I can’t eat until I know what is wrong. What are you keeping from me?” Her father pushed back from the table. His look was apologetic. It scared her. “You’re right. We would have waited until this weekend to discuss it, but that’s not fair to you.” He paused and took Sela’s hand. “I had a physical last week. They found some anomalies in my blood. I don’t want to scare you, that’s why we were going to wait. They will need more tests.” Sela pulled her hand away. “Anomalies? What does that mean? Cancer?” Her father cast his eyes down, defeated. “We don’t know. I feel fine. I do not feel sick, and I don’t want you to worry.” Sela’s eyes welled with tears. Her heart seemed to have lodged in her ears. Her world was unraveling like a ball of yarn. She pushed away from the table. Her father stood and enveloped her

in his arms. “We’ll get through this, honey. It could be nothing. I wanted to wait, but you’re too intuitive.” He held her back and looked into her eyes. “It’s not fair to let you worry. Your mother is a fierce prayer warrior, and she has been on the warpath.” He looked lovingly at her mother. Sela backed away and slumped back into her chair. “I should have known after Emily’s mom died that no one is protected from the world. This girl told me today that I was an idealistic little freshman. She was right. I’ve never had to deal with anything. How do I know what faith is? I’ve never questioned it. Is this a test? Is God punishing me for taking my life for granted?” Sela’s tears were streaming. “Sela.” Her mother’s voice was unwavering. “We will not give in to despair. God’s not testing your faith or punishing you. He will see us through. When we find out what we’re dealing with we’ll take it one step at a time.” Sela nodded. “I need to go to my room. I’m sorry.” She stood and mechanically walked up the stairs to her room. “Joyous? Joyous?” Joyous appeared. “Is God testing me? Am I being punished?” “Sela, you know I am here to protect you from harm. I cannot protect you from life. God sees your pain and hears your prayers. None are spared from the human condition, but you are blessed with the gift of faith. He will see you through. Do not doubt it.” Halo jumped up on her bed. Victor manifested and wrapped her in his wings. She cried and prayed. She thought about Emily and her loss. It had been hard to watch Emily go through her mother’s death, but Sela had not understood how it felt to lose someone you loved. She asked Victor and Joyous to leave her alone with her thoughts. “I need to process this by myself. Thinking I had a special protection from the world was wrong.” Left alone and looking at herself in the mirror, Sela said, “You do not understand what pain is. Hard things have always happened to someone else. It’s your turn. Where is your faith? Be strong, grow up.” Sela went back down to the kitchen. She stood behind her father’s chair, wrapping her arms around him. Her parents were still at the table talking in quiet, loving tones. They hadn’t touched their food. They were depending on God to get them through this. She sat down. “We better bless this food and eat before it is totally cold.” Later, Sela called Emily. They talked for an hour.

Shall I come over Sela? I can. I’ll stay home tomorrow and work on my homework. Dad will understand.

No, I just want you to pray that Dad gets a positive report. If I ever made you feel you didn’t have the right to question God, Em, it was wrong. I’ve questioned everything. I thought He had a purpose for me in TNT; that He needed me; that I was special.

You are special Sela and you will get through this. You and Zach got me through some black days, I’m here.

I know. I just don’t feel like I have a handle on my life right now. We’ve got all this stuff with TNT, and I’m not sure it matters. Does it matter? I can’t make sense of it. I might stay home tomorrow and try to wrap my head around this. Will you tell Zach? I can’t talk

anymore.

Sure, Sela, I’ll tell him and Chad. Take some time to work through this. You know we’re here for you.

Thanks, Em. You’re the best. Bye.

Sela went out to her tree. She slid her hands down the familiar bark and looked up at the stars. The air was cool, and the fallen leaves were wet. Why now, God? I thought you wanted me to start TNT. Are you testing me? I’m only fifteen. Do I have to experience pain to accomplish what you need me to do? Wasn’t I doing all that you ask me to do?” Halo knew there was something wrong and crawled up in Sela’s lap. She petted him and wiped her tears on his soft fur. He whimpered and snuggled closer. “You’re so smart, Halo. You know I’m upset and you’re trying to comfort me. I have to hurt for a little while. I don’t want to be comforted; I want God to just take it away, make it not true, but I’m afraid He’ll say no. My faith is just not big enough . . . at least not tonight. Not when I feel like God is hanging me out in the wind to see if I can hold on. Let’s go in the house, boy. I need to rest. It will be better in the morning.”

Thank you for reading this sample of Hero’s Purpose. At the bottom of the pro-file page there are links for social media and book purchase options.

For I know the Plans I have for You Jeremiah 29:11

Sela and her friends are determined to launch Teens for a New Tomorrow at Rossville High. TNT is a platform for young people to create change in social and environmental issues.

But . . . Sela doesn’t count on the interference of a senior girl who wants to snuff out the group or the family health crises that tests her faith and purpose.

Can Sela find a balance in God’s plan and her reality?

Hero’s Purpose is a coming-of-age Christian story that will resonate with middle-grade faith-based readers. The author creates a believable protagonist whose struggles are relatable to anyone who has gone through an experience questioning God’s will. Book Review Directory ww.bookreviewdirectory.com

Praise for Heroes by Design

Heroes by Design is a tender story of middle-school teens leaning on their faith and each other to withstand peer pressures and to stand up to life’s tests. When one friend suffers a grievous loss, the others reach out for heavenly guidance to provide strength during the difficult time. Teens will find comfort and assurance in Deb Irsik’s story, and older adults will gain compassion and insight into the challenges young people face.

Michael D. Graves, Author 2016 Kansas Notable Book: To Leave a Shadow www.meadowlark-books.com

Deb Irsik has worked in the beauty industry for over twenty-five years and is the owner of Makin' Waves Salon. She is a Kansas girl and shares her life with her husband Mike, and children John and Emily. Deb is a member of The Kansas Authors Club and Emporia Writing Group. Poetry and Lyrics have always been a part of her life but she felt a call to write MiddleGrade Christian fiction after her daughter found it difficult to be “that God girl” in eighth grade.

“It is my hope that my books will encourage young people to hold on to values and faith as they navigate their teen years.”

Book I of the Heroes series, Heroes by Design, was released in May of 2019; Book II was released in October of 2019. Deb continues to write poetry in the quiet spaces between paragraphs.

Deb can be found online;

https://instagram/debirsik https://facebook.com/D.A.IrsikAuthor https://twitter.com/writerwannabe1 https://www.amazon.com/Heros-Purpose-3-Heroes-Design/dp/1732907846