Forever Blessed (Women of Prayer) Read Online Free Page A

on us. We have an appointment and it’s best not to keep him waiting.”
    Each woman entered into her own private prayer closet, some on their knees, some standing up and some sitting in the chairs placed around the room. Tears fell, voices raised and hearts cried out for mercy for children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The Holy Spirit was working overtime, wooing hearts while the faithful prayed. All of heaven stopped and listened, for the Father was pleased.

 
     
     
     
     
                                                            Chapter Four
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Laney sat on the wicker couch and watched her children play in the backyard. She had never seen them this carefree and childlike. The kids weren’t the only ones who were relaxed. She’d slept for six hours solid before she’d been jolted awake by one of the other lady’s kids yelling in the backyard. For a moment she was disoriented and had panicked. Now as she watched them play, she knew they were just being kids. Having fun and not worrying about how much noise they made. Laney felt someone’s presence and looked up, panic in her eyes.
    “Hey, girl. I heard there was somebody new. I’m Keisha.” Keisha sighed and plopped down on the matching wicker chair. “Those your kids? They cute.”
    “I’m Laney, Laney Sanders, nice to meet you.” Laney looked at the girl sitting across from her and smiled. Her kids were her weak spot. “Yes, they are. Thank you.”
    Keisha leaned toward Laney. “So, he beat you bad?”
    Laney quickly looked from her children to this nosy woman. “What did you ask me?”
    “Oh sorry, I didn’ mean to make you mad. Ms. Sheila, she’s always telling me to mind my tongue. See, ‘round here we don’ got no secrets. We share. I thought you know that. My bad.” Keisha looked at the ceiling of the porch. Curiosity got the better of her. “Well? Did he?”
    Laney’s mouth dropped. “I don’t think that is any of your business. Who do you think you are?”
    Keisha shook her head, pursing her lips. “Well, do you know Jesus? You ain’t gonna make it ‘less you know Jesus. Mmmm-Mmmm…no ma’am.”
    “Keisha, are you preaching again?” Sheila came through the screen door with a pitcher of iced tea and glasses on a tray. She handed one glass to Laney. “I see you have met Keisha.”
    Sheila smiled and turned to Keisha. “Keisha, I need to talk with Laney for a bit.”
    “Okay.” Keisha looked from Sheila to Laney.
    Sheila smiled, “Keisha, I want to talk with Laney alone.”
    “Oh, I got ya, Ms. Sheila. Sure. I know when Keisha’s not wanted.” Keisha eased off the chair and headed to the kitchen.
    Sheila smiled apologetically to Laney. “I’m sorry about that. She doesn’t have the greatest sense of propriety. We’re working on that.”
    Laney took a sip of her tea, “Oh, it’s ok. I need to stop being so sensitive. It’s obvious I’m here and we all know why. Why am I still trying to hide it?”
    “Well, these are some of the things we talk about here. You’ll learn a lot about yourself through the healing process.”
    Laney looked to Sheila and smiled, grateful for the wisdom and safety she provided.
    “Thank you, Sheila, I couldn’t have done this without you.”
    Sheila looked from the playing children to her friend. “This is what I do, Laney. I help women in your position get away from husbands who don’t deserve them.”
    Sheila waved her hand toward the grand home that they were now sheltered in. “All this is for you. This was my dream for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was a little girl and watched my mom being hit again and again by my father, I knew I was going to do something. Everything in my life has led me to this moment, to this place. I am very thankful to be able to be here for you.”
    Sheila continued. “We have to talk about some practical things. Your van has been moved.