THROUGH THE EYES OF MERCI

Stand Firm

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, as she navigates the challenges of university life. In the last issue, God gave Merci the courage to run from a situation in Clive’s bedroom that could potentially dishonor Him. Now, maturity is on her side as she starts her senior year. It’s time for her to operate within her position of authority in Christ. She must stand in her faith regardless of opposition or discord.

Merci smooths the comforter on her bed and looks around her bedroom. Moving day was exhausting, but she smiles at the results. Purchase textbooks, restock the fridge, and meet the new roomies top Merci’s to-do list her first week back to university. Summer break whizzed by too quickly.

A girl with a swath of thick, straight black hair draping her left shoulder, the other half of her head shorn smooth, appears at the door. “Hey. I’m Baxter.” She steps aside to reveal a blonde sporting a faded retro tracksuit. “And this is my tag-along little sister, Belinda.”

The girls don’t look related, but Merci is happy they’re friendlier than her last apartment mates. “Nice to meet you.” She drops the sweatshirt she’s folding and reaches out a hand. When neither accepts, she drops her arm to her hip and says. “Are you new?”

“She is.” Baxter takes on an air of superiority. “I’m a junior. You?”

“Senior.” Merci smiles, not wanting to sound like she’s one-upping the girl. Last year was tough. She came through with Bs, but not without solid effort. And a lot of prayer. If it hadn’t been for Karis, it would’ve been so much worse.

“Cool. Now we know who to call for beer.” Baxter laughs, and Belinda follows her lead.

“I don’t drink.” Merci’s words drop like a thud, and an awkward silence settles around them.

“You don’t have to partake.” Baxter smirks, turns quickly, and pulls her sister by the arm. “Gotta get the fish back to the dorms.” Belinda trails behind like paparazzi clinging to a rock star.

Merci puckers her lips, then blows out a tuft of breath. Could be worse.

“Feels like a real apartment.” Merci is pleased to meet another roommate already sprucing up the place with curtains and artwork. “Let me guess. Interior design?”

“Nope. Chemistry.” She’s a petite, fair-complected girl with a Czech name Merci promises to learn. “Call me BeBe,” she says with an accent.

It takes grit to go against the crowd.

Merci loves how the year is starting—until a note and a $20 bill taped to the fridge grab her attention.

Merci, can you pick up a case of cold lagers for me? Keep the change. Baxter

What in the world? That girl’s bold. Merci snatches her keys and heads for the door. Baxter will never know I saw the note.

She glances towards Clive’s door, praying she doesn’t see him. She feels stupid every time she thinks of that night. How embarrassing to just run out of his room like that.

Her cell signals a text just as she plops into the driver’s seat of her sedan.

I left cash on the fridge for beer. Did you get it?

What am I doing? Avoiding her new roomie isn’t the answer—especially since they set up a group text. Instead of escaping, she heads back up to the apartment to explain her stance to Baxter. I may as well get this over now.

It takes grit to go against the crowd. Merci is tempted to give in to Baxter’s request. She wants to live in peace with her new roommates and not seem so adversarial. But she also wants to live according to God’s Word. Does the Bible say anything about buying beer for underage drinkers? The boundaries will continue to be pushed if she doesn’t hold to them now. What would you do?

Ephesians 6:10 says, Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power (NLT). Paul goes on to instruct believers to put on the full armor of God in order to stand against all strategies of the devil. God knows we need the belt of truth, body armor of His righteousness, shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit to remain strong, especially when we must do so alone.

Is the enemy pulling you in a direction you don’t want to go? Is he blurring the lines that seem so easily erased? Ask God for the strength to be obedient to His Word. And for the courage to go against what the world might say is acceptable.

Merci faces a common dilemma, one so simple she’s tempted to look away. Why must life always be so challenging? She desires to be a living witness for God, and that fuels her to stand firm. She knows what she must do. But at what cost?

Ask God for the strength to be obedient to His Word.

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 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.