Just Good Friends

Chapter 60

SAM's POV

"Somebody say 'Amen'!"

"Amen!"

"Praise Him!"

"Hallelujah!"

I was sitting in a pew at our church next to my moms and Antonio. Sitting on the other side of Antonio was Mrs. Justine, her husband Mr. Joe, Diggy, and his younger siblings. We were all in the same row listening to Pastor Palmer preach his sermon on this first Sunday of the new month. As per Christian tradition, everyone in the congregation wore white and you know they showed out! Older ladies wore the biggest hats you'd ever see in your life; the deacons wore their formal suits with white shoes to match; and the choir had on their white and gold robes while fanning themselves to cool off from the heat, despite it being 40 degrees outside and snowy.

"Before I let y'all go home to y'all Sunday dinners and family time -- I know that's what y'all waiting for -- let me leave you with this last word," Pastor Palmer speaks from the podium in the pulpit. Some of the congregation clap their hands and chuckle at his remarks.

"Go on, Pastor!" A member of the congregation shouts.

"As the choir sang, be not weary in well doing. In time, it shall come to pass..." the pastor continues. Galations 6:9 and 10 says: 'And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.'"

"Amen!"

"Let me say that again. Do good unto all men... do good and good will come to you. As we start this new month of February, remember to treat others how God would treat his own. Whether it's a family or friend, stranger or foe -- do good unto all men. Let's walk into this new month with the spirit and the love of Jesus. If someone makes us angry or treats us wrong, if we feel overlooked at work, if somebody's talking bad about us, or maybe we just run into a hurdle we just don't feel like getting over..."

"Preach it!"

"Stop and breathe. Don't say anything nasty, don't roll your eyes or your neck, don't punch nobody in the face. Instead, show them love and kindness. Pray for them. Because the better you treat people, the better your blessing. Can I get an 'amen'?"

"Amen!"

"Amen! Let us all rise as I close out this beautiful Sunday with a prayer..."

***

After the service finally ended, I stood up and stretched my arms above my head, glancing outside the tall stained glass windows at the fresh snow which was falling a bit heavier now since this morning. Even though it'd be cold outside, I was so ready to leave this place. I haven't been to church in a good minute because of my basketball schedule, but it was kinda nice. Lord forgive me of my sins, but I do not be wanting to come here. 

One of my pet peeves about coming to church is how long it takes for everyone to leave. For example, during the service, I was sitting at the end of the row so I could easily make my escape if I wanted to. I could've been up and outta the building minutes ago if my mama and everyone else didn't wanna hold these long conversations. It's like they gotta say goodbye to every single member before they leave. Why can't we just say goodbye to people immediately around us and keep it pushin'?

Ready to go, I put on my winter coat and leave our row, with Antonio slowly following behind. Mama was chatting with Mrs. Justine about who-knows-what; I also peeped Diggy and his siblings talking to one of the deacon's wife. I let out a sigh and Antonio, wearing a white suit with a light blue dress shirt and dark blue striped tie, raises an eyebrow.