THROUGH THE EYES OF MERCI

Ears That Hear

BY KELLEY RENE

Women World Leaders presents “Through the Eyes of Merci,” written by award-winning author Kelley Rene. Kelley writes contemporary fiction to illustrate biblical truths in the mundane, the exhilarating, and even the stormy circumstances of life.

“Through the Eyes of Merci” follows the fictional character, Merci Rivers, a third-year transfer student navigating the challenges of university life. In the last issue, God provided an answer to Merci’s prayer for friendship through a stranger who invited her to a student Bible study. Her faith was bolstered, and now she looks forward to every meeting. In this edition, unexpected attention forces her to choose between what feels right and what the Bible says is right. There isn’t always a clear distinction. Or is there?

Merci draws in the fresh, buttery scent of popcorn and falls into a chair on the third row of the Campus Life Fellowship basement. Several months have passed since she received the flyer from Karis, and Merci has attended every meeting. Both love soccer and studying arduously and are bonding through their faith in God.

Karis steps up to a makeshift podium to kick off the Bible lesson. “Welcome, everyone.”

Random “Heys!,” “Thanks,” and a “Woot” echo around the room.

Karis’ teaching captivates Merci until a warm hand brushes hers, stirring butterflies in her belly. Clive leans in to whisper hello, and the butterflies swirl into her chest. She shushes him with a giggle, secretly pleased he’s finally shown up after numerous invitations.

“Tonight’s theme is Ears that Hear,” Karis circles the sides of her face with open palms. “You can read the parable of the sower along with me in Matthew 13.”

Merci pulls a thick Bible from her backpack.

“Whoa,” Clive scoffs, “that looks straight off my Grandpa’s coffee table.”

Merci shushes him again.

Clive points to a guy sitting two rows ahead. “He’s got to be a great hearer with those ears.” Clive’s laugh is infectious, and several attendees snicker along.

Merci shoots him a shy glance then attempts to shush him once more.

Karis continues, explaining the parable of the sower highlights the importance of nurturing the seeds of one’s faith by studying and obeying God’s Word. She explains that following the world is often easier and more satisfying than drawing a line in the sand and choosing not to cross over, even in the most subtle of circumstances.

Karis pauses before finalizing her sermonette. “The takeaway? Those with ears that hear allow the Word to bear fruit in their lives for God’s glory.” A quick prayer ends the Bible study.

Merci whispers her own prayer, Lord, help my roots to grow deep. Help me to choose Your way above all else.

She opens her eyes just as someone yells, “Dodgeball!” As suddenly as he arrived, Clive leaves her side and moves to the center of the room with the others, ready to get in on the fun.

“Can I speak with you?” Karis asks as she grabs Merci’s hand and, without waiting for a response, leads her to a corner. “What are you doing?”

A guy yells, “Watch out!” just as the ball slams against thewall above their heads.

Merci grabs the ball and hurls it back toward the heart of the crowd. She laughs, her attention drawn to Clive as he bobs back and forth to avoid elimination.

“Don’t get mixed up with him,” Karis warns as the ball hits her on the butt, her gaze on Merci. Merci swats the ball back toward the few remaining in the game.

Spectators line the walls, talking and munching popcorn. Suddenly, shoes screech, and a thud of bodies fall onto the tile floor, drawing ire from the onlookers.

“He’s gonna need ice.” A girl calls out.

Clive humps over in the middle of the floor, cradling his knee with a look of agony. Merci, happy for the distraction, busies herself caring for Clive.

Back at the apartment complex, Clive leans against Merci as they hobble up the stairs together. The scent of his soft musk captivates her senses. She tamps down giddiness.

Once inside, Clive drops the bag of melting ice into the kitchen sink and guides them toward a back bedroom. Easing onto a bare mattress, he motions for her to join him.

Excitement mixes with trepidation, a mild warning alighting in Merci’s mind. He will think I’m foolish if I don’t stay and hang out.

“Relax.” He pats the mattress again, then reaches his arms out to her. “We’re just talking.”

His soft eyes and gentle smile make her forget her earlier prayer. Lord, it’s okay if I just hang out for a little while, right?

Clive scoots closer as she settles next to him.

The blaring alarm in her spirit reaches deafening levels. Merci hops out of reach and runs for the door without a second glance behind her.

Merci finally feels accepted at her new school—like she belongs. She’s so thankful for Karis. Through their friendship, they are both strengthening their faith in God.

Although she is unashamedly studying God’s Word, the world still comes against her. Clive’s attention feels so special, it almost causes her to ignore numerous warnings.

Being disciplined in reading your Bible, going to church, and defending and living out your faith can be challenging. But through obedience, prayer, and perseverance, it becomes easier. God wants to transform our lives. Don’t let the world seduce you into its pleasures and comforts. As we read in Psalm 92:12-14, The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. (NIV)

Stand firm in your faith, and don’t let the temptations of this life draw you away.

Merci ultimately chose the wise counsel of her godly friend and listened to the Spirit within her. Following Christ comes at a price, but one that will pay dividends—future dividends.

Along with her chapter in Embrace the Journey, Kelley Rene has published three novellas, Saving Sabine, Romanian Runaway, and Kamilah. She is thrilled to be a contributor in the Women World Leaders’ Miracle Mindset: Finding Hope in the Chaos, releasing in summer 2023. When she’s not scribbling out stories, you’ll find her crocheting, kayaking, enjoying a good book and cappuccino, or cuddling her precious grandbabies. Read more at kelleyrene.com.