Short Stories

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Josephine is a widow who lives in Lakeview, a suburb in New Orleans. She's a retired principal who still has a tender heart for children. She raised four boys herself and they're all serving the Lord. Her oldest son is a minister at a home church, her second son is a doctor who has a writing ministry, her third son works for a gospel record label and her youngest son is a plumber who gives out tracts at his job. Josephine's late husband, Phillip, was a paralegal for many years and later started his own law firm. He and Josephine were married for 40 years and made sure that Christ was the foundation of their family. They didn't do devotions, rather each family member read the bible and allowed God to reveal Himself to him or her personally. Phillip believed that by doing this, the children will not be saved simply by what their parents believed, it will be because of the Holy Spirit's conviction. This method worked. As teenagers, the boys lost interest in God. They were involved in promiscuity, drugs and even Islam. But Josephine's cancer scare made them realize that they too were mortal and had to face God one day. Just a few years later, two of the boys came to Christ and about ten years later, the other two became Christians.


After Phillip's death, Josephine went through a long period of grief. She dedicated her whole life to raising a godly family and she succeeded. But she wondered, "What's next for me, God? I'm retired but I'm bored too. So many people need You out there and I wanna be Your vessel for the remainder of my life." As she turned on Eyewitness News one morning, she saw Sally-Ann Roberts announce,"Here are two four-year old adorable twin boys, Manuel and Michael. They are in need of a loving foster home." Josephine's heart was touched. She always wanted to raise more children in the admonition of the Lord, but she didn't know where the money would come from. She doesn't qualify for Social Security since she isn't 65 yet and she no longer works. Josephine then thought about what the apostle Paul said, "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus." She told herself, "I'm gonna stand on this promise and adopt these boys. I can make a difference in their lives."

After months of paperwork, classes, background checks and prayer, Josephine brought Manuel and Michael home. The boys ran around the living room and made joyful sounds. "These are going to be great years for us", she smiled. Josephine then brought the boys to the kitchen and sat them in the chairs. She took out some Quaker oatmeal, butter, milk and sugar. As she cooked it, the boys were singing to themselves and clapping. "You all are making joyful noises to God in the morning", laughed Josephine while shaking their hands. While the boys ate, Josephine ironed their clothes and put them on the boys' bed. She then returned to the kitchen and washed their faces. Then she put on their clothes and brought them to the front room with her. The boys wrestled with each other and played with Josephine's sons' old toys. They seemed so happy and carefree but trouble was just around the corner.

Months later, Manuel developed a mild stage of blindness. Josephine had to escort him everywhere and keep an eye on Michael at the same time. The doctors told her that through surgery Manuel's blindness won't get worse. But the operation was expensive and Josephine only had $700 in her life savings. So she called one of her sons. "Everett, I need you and your brothers to come up with some money. Manuel has a mild case of blindness but if he doesn't get this surgery it'll get worse." "Okay, mom I'll call them right now and see what we can do. How much is the surgery?", he asked. "$1,340. I'll combine my life savings..." "No, Mom! I don't want you to use your last few savings. We will come up with the money and we're also praying for you", he interrupted. "Thanks, Everett. You all make me proud", said Josephine as she hang up.


Weeks later, Manuel's blindness progressed. He could only see with one eye and Josephine still hadn't received the money for the surgery. "I know God is in control of this situation. I have nothing to worry about." She then bathed the boys and dried them. As she put on their clothes, she heard the mailbox close. Josephine excitedly hurried to the mailbox and took out the mail. As she opened the envelope from Everett, it was sad news. "Mom, I couldn't get the money from my other brothers. Hank just lost his job last week, Bernard needs money for his eye surgery and Dan had to pay the mortgage. I'm sorry, mom. I begged them to send at least two or three hundred dollars each and I was gonna put in $300 dollars. But they refused." Josephine felt betrayed by her own children. How could they not help her in a time like this? "They promised they would give me the money", she cried. The next morning, she spoke with the doctor about her situation. "Maybe we can find some organizations and sponsors who will help pay for the treatment", he said. After months of trying, Josephine was a able to pay for Manuel's treatment. His eyesight has been partially restored and has little trouble seeing.

But there was another problem. Josephine couldn't forgive her childrens' betrayal. She loved and took care of them but they abandoned her. Josephine was filled with bitterness and anger. After she put the boys to bed, Josephine prayed for the power to forgive her sons for what they did. "Father, in my own strength I can't forgive them. They really hurt me this time. But because You live inside me I can. Forgive them through me", she cried. As she got up, Josephine sat in her bed and read the Bible until she got sleepy.

By Thanksgiving Day, all of her sons came. "Hey, mom! We're so glad to see you and the boys!", said Everett. Josephine's sons had apparently forgotten about what they did to her. But instead of bringing it up, she said, "Come see the boys. They're in Everett's old room playing with the Lego toys." While she never forgot about the betrayal, Josephine refused to be bitter but better because of it. She chose to show love, grace and kindness to them, just like God did for her.

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