Page 108 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Reason To Sing

the alter. I am joining so many. I kneel on the worn carpeted
steps and bury my head in my hands. I whisper to God through
my tears and sobs:
Jesus, I need you in my life. I surrender everything I am. I make
this commitment to you. I need you to be my strength. I need your
comfort. I need a friend. I am so scared. Please, please help me to be
strong. Oh God, I need you.
Someone joins me on my step. She gently places her warm
hand on my back and leans in towards me. She hands me a
tissue. I dry my eyes and turn my gaze to her, still kneeling.
“Thank you.”
“Not to worry.” She silently waits for me to contain my
crying. “What’s your name?” she asks softly.
“Kelita.” I am still sobbing.
“How old are you, dear?”
“I’m 14,” I stutter.
“Would you like me to pray with you, Kelita?”
“Yes. Yes, I would. Thank you.”
“Kelita, what has brought you down to the alter tonight?”
I pause. What has brought me to the altar tonight? Not
sure I can really put it into words. I take a deep breath and try.
“I just felt like I was being guided. I’m going through a lot of
stuff right now at home.” The tears are welling up again. “And
I just really felt that what the pastor was saying was directed
at me.”
She pats my back tenderly. “I’m so sorry you’re going
through some tough things right now. Is there anything
you’d like to share with me?” She seems caring and genuinely
interested.
“It’s my mom. She’s got cancer and she’s not doing so well.
And my dad passed away a few years ago. I guess I’m just really
needing God to help me with everything. I’m really scared.”

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