THROUGH THE EYES OF MERCI
“But with Baxter getting knocked up, I figured church couldn’t be the worst place for Belinda to hang out.” Baxter is pregnant? Ms. Fuller pauses and chortles, “Then again, some really do believe Mother Mary was a virgin.” She pinches her eyebrows into little horns and clucks her tongue as if to add, “Like that could be true.” Of course Mary was a virgin! Merci’s thoughts frantically walk back through spring semester to the last time she’d spoken to her roommate, Baxter. “But let me tell you something,” Ms. Fuller’s friendly laughter morphs into a sardonic sneer accentuated by her horned brows and pursed lips. Merci glances towards the concrete staircase leading out to the concourse. Uneasiness pervades the enthusiasm she’d felt all week looking forward to the game. Belinda, where’d you go? “I know your type. You act sweet and loving.” She leans down and levels her gaze with Merci’s. Raising a fist to her heart, she adds, “But inside, you’re no different than the rest of us.” The drum of Merci’s heart pounds in her ears as she studies the woman. What have I done to prompt such comments? “I got my eyes on you. Hurt Belinda, and I hurt you. Don’t forget that.” Silence settles between them despite the
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thunderous crowd. What do I say to that, God? “Ms. Fuller,” Merci carefully formulates her words. “You’re absolutely right. I am just like you and everyone else.” She pauses, “I’m in need of a Savior. Every day, I ask Jesus to help me live my life worthy of the sacrifice He made for me. Not because I must earn His love, but because I want others to see Him in me. Every day, I choose to live my life intentionally—to build people up, show love and kindness, tell others about how God reveals Himself to me and makes me new.”
WITH GOD’S GRACE AND HELP, WE CAN ALL LIVE OUT THE TRUTH AND LOVE OF CHRIST. Merci is relieved to see Belinda pressing her way down the aisle toward them. “I forgot what section we were in!” She laughs and plops onto the bleachers with a thud. Merci wraps an arm around the girl’s shoulders. “I’m so grateful God brought Belinda into my life. She’s a great friend, and I know God has great plans for her.” Belinda grins, bewilderment spreading across her face. “Me too.” In 1 Peter 5:8, the Bible tells us to stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to
