A New Me

-10-

T H I R D  P E R S O N ' S P O V

IF ANYONE HAD TOLD ANIYAH LAST MONTH THAT she would be living with her brother and would quit her job as a prostitute, she would've laughed. But yet here she was, tossing and turning the bed her thoughts running wild. She didn't know what was going on with her life anymore and whether or not she should be happy or disappointed. It was no longer in the familiar structure she had once known. Her life was running ahead of her and she felt as if she couldn't catch up. After staring at the ceiling for a few more minutes, she forced herself out of the bed and into the bathroom where she brushed her teeth and headed out, only to be met by the chaos of that morning.

"Aniyah hey! You finally awoke," a now-approaching Jada said, a smile on her face.

"Yeah. I couldn't really sleep last night so I woke up earlier than usual," Aniyah replied.

"You know since you are awake, I was wondering if you maybe wanted to come to church with us? We're leaving in about 30 minutes so that should give you some time to get ready."

I knew she would ask me that. "Jada you know I don't do church. That's just not me."

"But would one service hurt?" she pleaded. "I know you aren't a fan of going to church and I won't force or push but maybe it would help with whatever you are going through."

"Sorry, Jade. I know that you would love for me to come but I- I really don't think that'd be a big help to me anyways."

"Okay. But hey, I did make pancakes, and if you want, you can eat them. See you later?"

"Okay then."

Aniyah headed toward the kitchen and watched as the family finished getting ready and headed out. After hugs and goodbyes, they left, leaving Aniyah alone in the house on the island. Maybe I should have gone. At least then I wouldn't have to be alone. Would it really be that bad to just go? She had been there before and she hadn't been judged or shown hate by any of them. Deciding that it wouldn't be so bad, she got up from the stool and hurried and got ready, showering and doing her hair and makeup, only putting on mascara and lipgloss. Slipping on her tan wrap dress and nude heels, Aniyah headed out and found a nearby taxi to drive her. Maybe being there would help her with the chaos she was feeling. After half an hour and thankfully, no heavy traffic, she entered the congregation to find Pastor Dave already on the stage and Charles and Jada in their same seats from last time.

"Aniyah!" Charles exclaimed when he saw her and Jada instantly removed her purse from the chair next to her so she could sit. "You came."

"I guess I did," Aniyah replied and leaned back in her seat and putting her full attention on Pastor Dave.

A N I Y A H ' S P O V

"What did God do for me is a question I get asked by non-believers all the time. And that is what I want to talk to all of you about. And I know that many of you might say, 'He sent his son to die for us', but there's more to that. After the fall of Adam, we became captive to death which as we all know is God's greatest enemy. When Jesus died for us, he took the captivity captive and removed death from us, and gave us eternal life which we can see in John 3:16 which is a verse I think we all know. He also became flesh to redeem us. Now, back in the Old Testament, we can see that sacrifices were continually made with animal blood as a temporary, notice I said temporary, way to atone for their sins. God began to look for a permanent sacrifice and we see that in Revelation 8. Heaven was silent because no one was worthy, not even the angels. So he offered himself and became flesh so he could be the permanent sacrifice. He offered his blood and that was the blood we see in Hebrews 9:12. And it says, 'He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.' "