Listed below are extracts from the book with statements of faith. But not using words like a preacher would. Here they occur in ordinary conversation, usually between two or more struggling teenagers. Click Read more... to see any additional information. Use the Search box in the sidebar. E.g. Entering forgiveness will bring every post containing this word.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praise,_my_soul,_the_King_of_heaven
Praise my Soul the King of Heaven was Peter's choice for the opening hymn. The rest of the music he'd left to Janet. He reached for her hand as they sang one of the first bits of Christian teaching that she'd given him. 'Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven' had a special significance today. It meant a new start. That he had been forgiven by Janet and God and could put all his past mistakes behind him forever.
Peter's gaze was fixed on the Cross, now lit so brightly that it was impossible to see anything beyond where they sat.
Charlene gasped. Remembering the white light in the Dublin river. Which had saved her life and been the first step in getting to know a God she'd pushed aside. God had been in that light. She was sure. Just like he was in what she saw now. Tears of joy poured down her face.
And then, the light began to fade as though it had done its work. Charlene wiped her eyes and looked at Peter. Expecting to see the same angry and disturbed person that she had tried so hard to help understand things differently. But his face now showed nothing of the sort. The pain and anger had gone. Replaced with a calm look of wonder.
‘I've never seen anything like that before,’ Peter whispered. ‘Was it just the sun... shining through a break in the clouds?’
‘Is that what you think?’ Charlene said, fighting back more tears.
‘No. There wasn't light from any of the other windows, and it's been overcast all day. Was it... could it be some sort of... sign? Like you saw in Dublin?’
Charlene nodded.
‘What does it mean?’
She held Peter's hand. ‘I think God is reminding us that it's the Cross that saves. What Jesus did for us. And that's what we must put our trust in. We may believe Jesus existed, that he was the Son of God, he's alive today, and that he loves us... That's all true and what many people think, including the devil. But it's not enough. What makes us followers of Christ is believing that he sacrificed his life for us. And by doing that, he paid for all our sins, so we're right with God. It's this belief that brings us close to God, which is where he wants all three of us now.’
Peter picked up Badger, placed him on Charlene's lap, and then put his arm around her. ‘Charlene, God, will know he doesn't need to remind you any of that,’ Peter said quietly. ‘But I was walking away from him. Would he do something like that to make me think again?’
Charlene smiled. ‘Yes, he would. And I be reckoning you believe that too.’
Peter, none of us can get through this on our own—we need each other. And most of all, we need God. We're a team that he brought together on a journey... with God guiding us. Where we go and what happens is in his hands, and we must trust. He won't let us down
‘I don't think I can go on believing in a God who does this to a good person like Janet.’
‘That's just what the devil wants, and he uses every opportunity to make us feel like this, especially when God seems to be ignoring us. But we must resist and not abandon him because things don't go the way we be thinking they should. And we can help keep our faith strong by remembering how God has worked in our lives...
Janet, how can you talk like this? You're just down. Where's your faith? You can't... die, you just can't...’
He turned away, fighting back the tears. ‘A God that does that... after all our prayers... he isn't the God, you taught me to believe in. I'm done with him if that's the way it is.’
‘Please don't say that. God often does things we don't understand or want. But we've got to trust. And believe he knows what's best for us...’ Janet's voice trailed away as she lay back.
‘I wish I had something to hang onto like you. Janet started me thinking about where I was with God, but... I never went back to learn more. Now it's too late, and I'm bloody angry. That's not something he'll like, I bet.’
‘Not at all. God expects us to tell him if we're cross or hurt. He wants more than anything for us to be straight with him. Then he can be helping.’
‘Charlene... I once asked Janet why Mum and Dad had to die—why an all-powerful God had let this happen. She said that God had a reason which we couldn't know. We just had to trust. But she was sure something good would follow despite the pain I was going through... Janet was right because meeting her changed my life so much. For the better. And so, I began to think that the way I was living with Mum and Dad… and without God, well maybe this was the reason they died.’
Peter shook his head sadly. ‘And now, with Janet, it seems like the same thing. All over again. Because of me—this time because I'd abandoned God and was treating the best friend I'd ever had terribly. Even though I'd said sorry and was trying to make up for how I'd hurt her... I know I'm forgiven, Charlene, but why didn't he make Janet recover? Did God really have to teach me another lesson? That's what I've been thinking over and over again.’
‘You mustn't blame yourself for Janet's death. Please, Peter. That be very important... We now know that her blood problem was far more serious than anyone realised. Yes, what happened in the sea didn't help things, but the despair you went through that night was down to many people, not just you. Your new parents. Who didn't provide you with the care they should. And everyone who persuaded you to search for your sister—putting you through scary things, only to find out that she had died tragically. And me. The worst of all. Who let you fall in love, live like we were married, only to abandon you.’
He kicked a stone. ‘I suppose what makes it hurt more is that this time, I can't understand how anything good can come from Janet dying so young. All I see is a tragedy. For Ricky, me, her dad, you, all her other friends, the parish.’
‘Peter, Janet was right when I think she referred to St Paul's words in the book of Romans. Everything that happens to us is for our good if we love God and are trying to live as he wants. And that certainly includes you. But just as it took time for you to see positive things from your Mum and Dad's dying, I be thinking the same will apply to losing Janet. I guess this sounds heartless talk right now, but I honestly believe you will see good come from the horror you are going through right now.’
Peter stared out to sea. ‘Just a short time ago, I'd have probably been angry at what you've just said. But not now. Because you taught me trusting God means sometimes you have to believe what you don’t want to... Janet had no doubts that God was in control over whether she recovered or not, and she trusted his wisdom. So I must do the same. But it still makes what's happening hard to understand.’
As they began to walk down towards the beach, Charlene slipped her fingers into Peter's hand. She smiled sadly. ‘Me too. Despite what I said, and even though I really believe it, I'm also struggling.’
She was like an angel God had sent to look after him. Just as Janet had been when he'd first come to Cornwall. Not long ago, Peter would have laughed at such an idea. But he now knew better. The God he believed in worked in precisely this way. Janet and Charlene had taught him that.
After a little, Peter spoke. ‘Dad's words about Janet being in heaven were so good to hear. Even though I knew that already. They must have made anyone who doesn't believe in Jesus think a bit.’
Charlene nodded. ‘The reminder that going to heaven isn't automatic and demands a conscious decision from each of us is something that I reckon should be part of every funeral. The priest can give thanks for someone's life, but there's nothing he or anyone else can do for someone who died without saving faith.
Charlene smiled kindly. ‘I suppose that's the best thing anyone could want when they die. To be remembered for the love they gave. More than any achievements, that will keep them in people's memory long after they've left this world.’
Peter grimaced. ‘I guess if I want anything like that to happen for me, I've got to start doing a lot of things differently.’
‘No, I don't think so. Just keep being who you really are. And be remembering that the world wants you to prove your worth, while to God, you are priceless. Just as you are. Nothing you can do either increase or decrease your value to him. Put Jesus first in your life, trust him, and let him guide you in everything through the Holy Spirit.’