Luminous Steps

01

Chapter 1: A Chance Encounter
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"Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials."
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬
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Ashanti hurried down the crowded sidewalk, dodging passersby as she hastily walked to her favorite cafe. Late again for her morning routine of coffee and quiet contemplation before work. She prayed a silent plea for her usual cozy armchair by the window to still be available.

Rounding the corner, the sweet aroma of roasted beans beckoned as always. With a sigh of relief, Ashanti spied her spot unoccupied through the large glass pane. She pulled open the heavy oak door, the chime sounding her arrival.

The regular barista Brandon flashed a friendly smile. "Right on time, Ashanti. Your house blend will be out in a moment." He chuckled knowingly at her punctuality.

Sliding into the plush velvet chair, Ashanti relaxed into its familiar embrace. Her eyes drifted shut as she inhaled the calming scents, releasing built up stress from the hectic morning commute. Feeling her spirit rise in this sacred place, she prepared her heart and mind for communion with God.

That's when Ashanti noticed him. Sitting alone at a small bistro table nearby, an intriguing stranger intently read from a worn paperback. Something about his pensive expression captured her attention, radiating a soul deep pondering she understood well from her own journey with faith.

Curiosity got the better of her reserve. After thanking Brandon for her coffee, Ashanti ventured over. "Mind if I join you for a moment?" She gestured politely to the empty chair.

The man glanced up in mild surprise, taking in Ashanti with appreciative eyes. He nodded, unconsciously dog-earring his page as he closed the book. "Of course, please." His softspoken invitation was accompanied by a gentle smile that reached within to stir something unexpected.

Ashanti sat, returning the smile warmly. "I hope I'm not interrupting. It's just, that focused look said you were deeply immersed in something meaningful. May I ask what has you so engrossed this morning?"

He tilted the worn paperback cover toward her so she could read the title - A Basic History of the Bible.

Intrigued further, Ashanti met his gaze expectantly.

"I've been on quite a spiritual journey these past few years," he began carefully. "Always asking questions, seeking answers in philosophy and religion but never fully finding what I'm looking for. Something about the concept of faith has continuously drawn me back, even as organized practices push me away."

He shrugged self-effacingly. "So here I am, having another go at trying to comprehend scripture on its own merits rather than through the lens of tradition or institution."

Ashanti nodded understandingly. "Questioning is so important, and doubts don't diminish faith - they strengthen it by forcing us to wrestle with what we believe until we arrive at real truth, not just what we're told to accept. I think your openness to explore different perspectives is admirable." 

A flush of relief colored his cheeks at her non-judgment. Taking a tentative sip of coffee, he ventured, "So what brings you here every morning amongst these walls of books?"

And so their conversation flowed as Ashanti candidly shared her testimony of finding spiritual solace through prayer and study. A kindred spirit seemed to have found her that fateful morning, opening possibilities neither could foresee.