Alo's POV:
Rubbing his sweaty palms against the smooth fabric of his dark grey dress pants he sighed. He felt like this every time he spoke in front of a crowd. A nervous energy swept through him. It always dissipated when he stepped on the stage. As the Holy Spirit took over and used him to convey Gods message for his people. The cares of the world vanished momentarily and all was calm. He was a true believer and that was a key component in the job description.
As a pastor and as a man of faith he had to act a certain way. Eyes were always watching and tongues judging him but he knew that no one was perfect. First and foremost he was a man. One of Gods greatest creations but he was also a work in progress because no ones perfect. He had his share of demons and pitfalls but he took it a day at a time. Like everyone else besides he was only human.
Taking a calming deep breath he exhaled slowly. As a feeling of peace came over him. Since he was in a teen he'd been preaching and now at the age of twenty-five people still questioned his ability to lead a small congregation like New Hope Rising. They thought that he was too young. Too naive and not seasoned enough to save souls and share the word.
He understood their concerns but Jesus was young when he started sharing the gospel in the temple. Not that he was Jesus but age really was nothing but a number. Like everyone else he experienced loss and times of joy but he knew it was a test. Instead of hating or turning away from God he understood that everything has a season. A reason for being and a reason for ending. Man wasn't meant to live forever. It's just a fact of life.
He didn't deny the fact that for a while his sorrow and grief shook his faith, briefly. He wavered and questioned God but slowly he found his way back from the pits of despair. His loss was so devastating but he didn't let it consume him. If it wasn't for his family and his faith he would have lost all hope. He would have given up a long time ago.
Through prayer and council he was able to heal but it was still an uphill battle. He wasn't perfect but he was trying. Several times throughout the day he found himself in the same position. Slowly kneeling he resting his elbows on the worn black leather couch as his palms lay flat against each other intimately connected. Bowing his head slightly it hung like a low hanging piece of fruit. His mind clear as he opened it and his heart to God. Prayer was his saving grace and a direct connection to his everlasting father.
Sighing, he opened his mouth to speak. His voice deep and his words clear as he prayed for clarity, patience, wisdom, and a giving spirit. At times his Christian walk was rocky but he had his family, friends, and his faith to keep him in check. Well for the most part anyway. Hearing a familiar knock on the door he brought his prayer to its conclusion. "...Lord, once again I ask you to guide your servant so that I will be able to guide your people. I thank you and put none before you. In your mighty name I pray, Amen."
Slowly standing he smoothed the wrinkles out of his pants. He was ready and prepared to do what he came here to do. Walking across the purple and gold embellished carpeted floor he approached the door. Turning the knob he opened it. Walking out of the room closing the door to his office behind him. He walked down the hall with his head held high and his worn Bible clutched in his left hand.
Reaching the three steps which lead to the stage he took a deep calming breath. Walking up them he could hear the choir singing the last verses of a song. Their voices where harmonious and powerful as they sang the ending part of a tune that he recognized as Deidrick Hadden's A Sinner's Prayer. He could hear the voices of the parishioners mingling with the choir and at that moment he felt invigorated.
As the pianist finished tickling the ivory and the drummer beat his last beat he stepped onto the stage. Thanking the choir for their lovely song as he stood behind the podium. Standing there he looked out on the crowd of 50 or so people. Some of the faces were familiar and others were new. It made him proud that they were still growing in number. His gaze stopped as his eyes met a pair of dark brown ones.
The woman was beautiful but she had on too much make-up. She had flawless dark brown skin, captivating dark brown eyes, and a slight smile on her full lips. He stared at her and it was as if he couldn't take his eyes off her. Despite the heavy make-up and tight black dress there was something about her. He watched captivated as she nervously glanced around the church. She looked as if she was out of place.
But when she stared at him he could see intelligence and interest in her eyes as well as sadness and sorrow. He could identify and relate to that. Smiling he began his sermon not breaking their eye contact. Today, he was going to preach well talk about having a forgiving spirit. It was a subject that has been on his heart a lot lately.
Forgiveness. Everyone deserved it. He just prayed that God forgave him for what he was thinking about doing to the beautiful stranger. He prayed for restraint because he would need it and more so he didn't cave in. Like his body wanted him to do. He was a man of faith but before that he was human. He was a man.
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Comment and vote. What do you think of Alo? A PIC of Alo on the side... Isn't he hot?
