Ethics of a Thief (30 page)

“You must be Matt?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Pastor Thomas Wright, but call me Pastor Tom
.
” His handshake was firm. His smile was warm and friendly.

“My office is this way.” After the man pivoted, Matt followed.

The sparse office had a few old filing cabinets, a desk and three chairs. The
opened
window blinds
let
in the flood lights from the parking lot. The tan colored walls held his credentials. There was a painting of Jesus leaning on a large rock while praying.

“What can I help you with, young man?”

Matt slowly gave an overview of his criminal past, his family history and how his relationship with Abigail developed into love.

“When she rejected me
last week
, I became despondent. After days of agony, it
finally
came to me that I needed God. So I asked for forgiveness. Afterward, I felt clean inside. Suddenly it came to me to turn myself in and pay restitution.
But I did hope that I would get a lighter sentence
because I
didn’t have any
priors
.”

“That was a big step in the right direction young man.”

“
Well. The
next morning,
while
listening to a T.V. news reporter
, I discovered that an
Iraqi was found on the Yacht.
It was my
first
glimpse of
God’s love and help.”

“Well good for you. I’m glad you’re acknowledging God in this.”

“One thing lead to another resulting in working out a deal with the FBI in return for immunity. Part of the deal was if I ever commit insurance fraud again, the agreement is void.”

“Good for you young man, I’m happy for you.”

“E
verythin
g’s
great for me, except with Abigail.”

“So why are you telling me this young man?”

“For one, I plan on attending this church and wanted you to know about my past.”

“Son, everyone here has a past
. We are all
sinners saved by grace. You’ll be in good company. I’m proud of you for repenting.”

“Repenting?”

“Yes. That means you no longer want to steal, right?”

“Oh yes.” Matt said while leaning forward. “I need to understand something.”

“What?”

“When I told Abigail about wanting to meet you, and to attend your
church,
she became distant
. She
told me to never call again and hung up. Does it offend other Christians when someone becomes a believer?”

The man laughed hardily. When he stopped, he said, “No son. We’re elated when someone becomes a believer.”

“So why did you laugh?”

“Son, the woman thinks you’re conning her
,
that’s all.”

“But
why? I was telling her the truth. Besides,
we hit it off so well and have great chemistry.”

“Is she a believer?”

“Yes. She’s a strong Christian woman, why?”

“If that’s true she would never want a man who didn’t share her faith.”

Matt sat with his head low as he glanced up
,
“If that’s the case
,
she should be happy for me and for us.”

“She would, if she believed you, but she doesn’t.”

“I’m confused,” Matt said while staring at the
p
astor.

The man
leaned forward, “To her, it’s too good to be true. Within a week after rejecting you, you became a Christian and have a clean slate, and want to attend church. She just isn’t buying it. It’s as simple as that.”

Matt slumped further into his chair.

“
If the lady
thought you
were telling the truth she
would be elated.
If she
pulled away, she must have felt manipulated.”

“What should I do to convince her?”

“You won’t like my answer,” he said while leaning back with hands folded.”

“Try me.”

“Young man you need to adjust to your new life. Forget about her for a while. First you must make some significant changes
. Attend
church
, and
our men’s group.”
He looked at Matt for a while.
“You
must find
a new career
, and
make new friends who support your direction. Those are
some
tangible signs of a redeemed life. You must stay firm in your faith for months or even a year before dating anyone.”

“What should I do about her?”

“Put her on hold. If you’re meant
to be with her,
she’ll wait
.
Are you willing to
trust God
?
”

“Yes. I’m willing to do that. Where do I start?”

“I recommend you get some good Christian Counseling.”

After Matt leaned forward he said, “Can you recommend someone?”

“That’s the right attitude. Take actions now, don’t wait.” The man handed him a business card for a therapist.

As Pastor Tom and
he
were standing and saying goodbye,
he
leaned
forward, and gave Matt
a long bear hug. He said, “I’m proud of you son. You’re making all the right decisions. If you need help, my door’s always open. You’re now a child of the living God, so welcome to our family.”

“What do you mean family?”

“At the moment you accepted Christ you became part of one big Christian family. We need you as much as you need us.
At times you will inspire someone here, and other times a person will
encourage you.”

As he
chok
ed
back tears
, he said,
“Thank You
.
” I have never felt so loved and supported, not even by my own parents.

Dr. Hinrichsen is known as, “The Trash Talking Therapist.” She specializes in finding our mental trash and helping us to recycle it by accepting a more accurate belief. Our unconscious is unable to determine fact from fiction. It will automatically support what we believe and help it come true. Therefore, if we think we can't, our subconscious will assist that belief. Likewise when we think we can, our subconscious will help us find a way to make that become a reality.

Dr. Hinrichsen is a self-made-millionaire, has a PhD in Christian Counseling, and holds three Master's Degrees. She has co-authored several non-fiction books, and authored
Ethics of a Thief
, which is her favorite. Her hobbies include oil painting, sculpting and golfing, but her passion is spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Visit her author website at
marygalehinrichsen.icrewdigital.com

and
trashtalkingtherapist.com