Victory Collection-Book One

The Blue Rose

The Blue Rose

He wore a blue rose in his lapel the first time they met. "Hi, I'm Jason Bell. Let me guess, your name is rose." "No", she said, "Cynthia Brook." He went on: "Do you know the saying: "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet?" You are wearing the sweetest fragrance. And may I say, you are the prettiest girl in this room _ maybe any room." She smiled but was thinking that was probably what he said to every girl. He was sincere. She was exquisite, but with a natural beauty that she tended to underestimate.

Although the club was crowded, he asked her to dance. "Do you always wear a blue rose?" she asked, making her voice a little louder. "It is the first time, but I think it might become a habit." He smiled, as though he had said something profound. She smiled back. He seemed authentic, "But these days, it is hard to tell".

Another guest asked to break in on their dance. Jason was polite and willing to oblige. But, he looked at Cynthia. Neither of them wanted their dance to end. Cynthia said to the man: "Thank you; maybe another time." Jason was pleased by her gesture. They shared many dances but, more than anything, enjoyed conversation. They found they had very much in common. Then, she confided that she was a Christian. He said he was Jewish. The conversation was not as effortless anymore. They shared the first half of the bible and a love for God. But, the differences were major. Both families were very strong in their beliefs.

Yes, Jesus was a Jew, but Christians believe he is God in the flesh, born into a Jewish nation. Although the pair had mutual respect, they spoke honestly about their incompatibilities. They knew that continuing to see each other would be a challenge, if they didn't have their parents consent. It would make it next to impossible. Cynthia's father finally told her she could see Jason but not alone. Her older brother, David, would go along. That might satisfy Jason's family too.

Jason thanked her brother for making it possible for them to be together. He also made a point of telling him that David is also a Jewish name. David and Cynthia agreed, being very familiar with biblical accounts of David and Goliath, and David, the king. God made a promise to David and to Abraham before him, to make of them a great nation.

David asked Jason if he knew that there were 14 generations between Abraham and David; 14 between David and the exile to Babylon; and 14 from the exile to Jesus Christ. God worked out his plan in detail. Jason was aware, and they discussed the matter further. Then, Jason asked if they knew there are codes in the Old Testament, that named well-known figures throughout history as prophecy. Cynthia said she had read a book about it, but it was a little complicated to understand.

They discussed the discord in the Middle East, between Jacob's 12 sons, who became the 12 tribes of Israel. God's new name for Jacob was Israel. Therefore, the term "the children of Israel, the slaves who Moses freed from Pharoah, referred to the descendants of Israel (Jacob). And the strife between Grandfather Abraham's son Isaac (born to him in his old age and promised by God) and his son, Ishmael (the child of his wife's handmaiden). Isaac was Abraham's legitimate heir (Genesis 12:2-3 King James Bible). Even though Ishmael was not the intended heir, God made a covenant with him as well (Genesis 17:20 King James Bible). Abraham, then, became the patriarch of Judaism (through Isaac) and Islam (through Ishmael), as well as a forefather of Christianity.

Not all of their third-party dates were deep discussions. They went to the ice cream parlor and the zoo and took a small boat out on one of thousands of lakes in Michigan. Some people were swimming, but the water was very cold. They even fished, and Cynthia caught a three-pound trout. Not enough to eat, so they went to a restaurant instead. David had a date, so they made it a foursome for dinner and dancing. It was pleasant for Cynthia and Jason to be in each other's arms again. They secretly admitted fantasies about such times. They longed to be alone and to share affection. But, David had strict instructions, and Cynthia promised to abide by her father's rules.