Chosen by God

Chapter One: Life and Death

Sage had always been close to her mother. They had a special bond that was unbreakable. Her mother had always been her rock, always there for her when she needed her. So when Sage's mother asked her to drive her to the store, she didn't hesitate.

As they were driving, Sage's mother suddenly turned to her and said, "Sage, I need to talk to you about something."

Sage was taken aback. Her mother had never seemed so serious before. "What is it, Mom?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I just want you to know how much I love you, Sage. You are the light of my life, and I am so proud of the person you've become," her mother said, her words filled with love.

Sage smiled, feeling her eyes tear up. "I love you too, Mom. You mean everything to me."

But their moment of sentimental conversation was sharply interrupted. As they entered the store, they saw that it was being robbed. Two men were holding guns and demanding money from the cashier.

Sage's heart raced as she saw the terror in her mother's eyes. She knew they had to move quickly to stay safe. They hid behind an aisle, listening to the chaos unfold.

In that moment, Sage realized just how unexpected and fragile life can be. She thought about all the times she had taken her mother for granted, and her heart sank. Sage was a devout Christian, but this experience made her wonder about life and death. Just because the Bible promised her survival during the end of the world, it did not necessarily ensure the safety and longevity of her mother.

Finally, the robbers left, and Sage and her mother made it safely out of the store. But the experience had changed Sage forever.

As they got into the car, Sage's mother could sense that something was wrong. "Sage, are you okay?" she asked.

Sage looked at her mother, tears streaming down her face. "No, Mom, I'm not okay. I just realized how much I need you in my life, and how much I don't want to lose you."

Her mother looked at her with understanding, her own eyes welling with tears. "You won't lose me, Sage. I'll always be here for you."

"But what if something happens to you, Mom? What if I lose you?" Sage asked, her voice shaking.

Her mother reached over and took her daughter's hand. "Nothing will happen to me, Sage. We just need to have faith in God's plan."

But Sage couldn't shake the feeling of fear and uncertainty. She was determined to do whatever it took to make sure her mother was saved, no matter what.

For the next few days, Sage couldn't stop thinking about the robbery. She kept thinking about how quickly things can change and how unexpected life can be. She found herself praying more and reading the Bible more often. She knew that she needed to find a way to make sure her mother was safe.

And then, one day, as they were driving together, Sage just blurted out, "Mom, I want you to come to church with me."

Her mother was surprised by the sudden request, but she nodded her head. "Of course, Sage. I'll come with you."

Sage beamed at her mother. She felt a sense of relief wash over her. Maybe this was the answer to her prayers.

The following Sunday, Sage and her mother walked into the church together. Sage felt a sense of pride and joy as she watched her mother listen intently to the preacher. She knew that this was just the first step in getting her mother saved.

As they left the church, Sage felt a renewed sense of determination. She knew that she needed to keep pushing forward, keep striving for her mother's salvation.

But just as she was feeling hopeful, the unthinkable happened. A car crashed into them as they were driving home from church. Sage's mother was killed instantly.

Sage was completely devastated. She felt like her world had ended. How could God have let this happen? She had prayed so hard, had done everything she could to keep her mother safe.

As Sage sat in the hospital waiting room, her heart breaking, she realized that the only way she could move forward was to hold onto her faith. She knew that her mother was in a better place, with God. And she knew that she had to keep living her life in a way that would make her mother proud.

The weeks that followed were some of the most difficult of Sage's life. She struggled with grief and guilt, wondering if there was anything more she could have done to save her mother. She felt lost and alone, unsure of where to turn.

But then, something miraculous happened. Sage received a sign from God, a message that gave her the strength and courage to keep going. She knew that her mother was watching over her, that she was in a better place, and that God had a plan for her.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Sage began to build a new life for herself. She found comfort and solace in her faith, and she knew that her mother would always be with her, watching over her and guiding her.

And though the pain of her mother's loss never completely vanished, Sage realized that she could still be happy, still find joy and purpose in her life. She knew that her mother would be proud of her, that she would want her to keep living, keep striving, keep searching for the answers that would bring her closer to God.

As she closed her eyes that night, Sage knew that she was following in her mother's footsteps, and that she would continue to seek and search for the light in a world that could often be filled with shadows.