The Devil Made Me Do It (30 page)

Thanks to Pastor Adams and counseling, she was facing her pain and reconciling with her own imperfection. This gift for Mother Reed would be the pinnacle of her wedding celebration.

Monica set a plate of steaming spaghetti in front of Briggs. She poured sweet tea in his frosted glass and stood with her hand on her hip. “You need anything else, sweetheart?”

Briggs shook his head and marveled at the change in Monica over the last months.
Lord, don't let me wake up if I'm dreaming.

She cleared her throat. “I was wondering if you thought it would be a good idea to start a teen girls group at the church. The program for the young men has taken off so well that I think we should consider branching out.”

Briggs questioned her. “Who would run it? I'm already busy with the new young men's program, and I'm hesitant to add more to my schedule right now. We did promise to make more time for each other, and I don't want to go back on my word.”

“What would you think about me running it?” Monica touched Briggs's shoulder. “Hear me out, please. My childhood was pretty rocky and as a result, I made some mistakes because I didn't have a Mother Reed in my life. I've been watching these young girls in church, and while the young men's pants may sag, these girls' leggings are too tight, and their blouses too low.”

Briggs chuckled. He was delighted that Monica was really sincere in wanting to do something for someone else.

“Don't laugh at me, Briggs,” Monica sulked.

“You've got it all wrong. I'm pleased that you came up with this all on your own. I don't ever remember you wanting to be involved in church like this.”
Except when you were faking it,
he thought. Briggs shook off the past and vowed to keep moving forward.

Monica clapped her hands. “Good. Guess who I'm putting on the committee?”

“I can't imagine. Enlighten me,” Briggs said as he continued to eat his food.

Monica announced. “Ta, ta, ta, da . . . Sister Abigail Winters.”

Briggs's fork paused midair. “You're kidding, right?”

“Nope. One thing I learned in the modeling business, keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. I promised she would no longer be a loose cannon at church, and I meant it. And, just to show you, I'm keeping all my promises; I did as you asked and scheduled us for counseling sessions. I'm ready, now.” She placed her arms around Briggs's neck and snuggled into its crook. “Besides, we have to keep my baby's daddy happy.”

Briggs threw down his fork and pushed his plate away. “Yes!!!” He grasped Monica around the waist, and she squealed as he placed her over his shoulder and headed down the hallway. He pushed the half-open door to their bedroom in and slammed it behind them, the food long forgotten.

With the northerly wind whipping around the city, the temperature in the Stokes's bedroom was Caribbean hot.

 

 

Lawton and Esther cuddled on the Wileys' love seat. It had been a great dinner, and afterward, the family lounged in shared contentment.

Mrs. Wiley called over to Esther. “Did you remember to ask Tamela to let her youngest be the flower girl?”

“Yes, Mama, she was excited, but still ghetto.”

Her mother grinned. “What did she say?”

Esther paused, looking around to make sure she had everyone's attention. “She wanted to know if I was buying the dress, because I know she still hadn't been able to find a job yet. So she can't be helping nobody else be happy right now.”

Elizabeth bubbled up in laughter along with everyone else. “Girl, that child is so wrong. I hope you set her straight.”

“I sure did; when we finished, not only am I buying the dress, but I'm buying her shoes and having her hair done as well,” Esther stated with a straight face.

“Honey, those are your daddy's people,” Elizabeth said, laughing out loud, joining her daughter's amusement.

Hickman Wiley winked at his wife and had a belly laugh.

Esther quieted, threading her fingers through Lawton's. “It would have been nice if I could have found Deborah and had her as a bridesmaid.” She looked faraway. “We always promised to be in each other's weddings.”

“I like the idea of a simple wedding, since it's your second one. Just Phyllis will be fine, honey, you'll see. If Deborah's family hadn't moved away, we might have had a chance of finding her. We just have to always remember Deborah in our prayers.”

As Lawton rubbed Esther's hand gently between his more brawny pair, Mother Reed smiled. She could honestly say, she didn't see any of this coming. But, like she told Briggs months before—God always had a ram in the bush. After a turbulent year, they were going into a season of calm winds and golden skies.

“Share the good news, Mother,” Mr. Wiley said. “Your smile brightens this day.”

“It is well,” she stated.

“Thank you, Jesus. It is well,” Phyllis cried out, intending to share their great news with everyone tonight. She and Charles had finally decided to adopt.

Each person seconded Mother Reed's statement with joy and thanksgiving. It was important to be grateful in the good times and thank Him from whom all blessings flow.

Esther kissed Lawton's cheek and whispered into his ear, “It is very well.”

They grinned and burrowed even closer. They knew whatever the season, they would embrace them together.

 

 

The Leader sat with his head in his claws. He would have to face the Mentor, and it would not be a good meeting. He had fired everyone who worked for him, and he would soon join them in the fiery dungeon. Many of his plans had failed, but he knew that some weeds planted would eventually flourish. Maybe then he would be allowed to prosper once again. He knew the history of man, and if they took their eyes off He who is Holy, he and those like him would be ready. All he needed was time . . .

1. At the beginning of the book, Briggs and Esther's affection was very physical. This affection was leading toward sexual intimacy. Should Christians engage in “playing around”?
   
2. Esther's desire to be Cinderella was thwarted by prejudice. As a result, she felt shame and guilt. Have you ever experienced a situation that was done to you, but left feeling you, were at fault? How did you handle it?
   
3. Satan had a plan to attack Esther and Briggs in their youth. Why do you think he destroyed Esther's relationship with her two best friends? Has anything ever come between you and a childhood best friend?
   
4. Mother Reed was a strong mentor and spiritual guide for those around her. Her health emergency caused an uproar in the church. Why do you think so many members panicked at the possibility of her death? Do you have a spiritual mentor?
   
5. Briggs and Monica's marriage were based on a lie. Can a couple overcome a lie of this magnitude and have a successful marriage? What does the Bible say concerning this?
   
6. Monica's character in the book began as selfish and controlling. She later said she was committed to the work it would take to change. Do you believe Monica's change was real? Should Briggs believe that she can remain a good wife?
   
7. Lawton came into the picture after Esther's feelings were hurt by Briggs. Do you believe that Lawton and Esther moved too fast? Can their relationship last?
   
8. Several characters in the book at some point did the difficult work of self-examination. Is this something you think everyone should consider doing? How often?
   
9. Roger was a character that professed Christ and accepted salvation in prison. Do you believe that people in prison who get saved stay committed when they are released? Why or why not?
   
10. Briggs and Esther had an emotional affair. Is this adultery? Why?
    
11. Did you want Briggs to leave Monica and have a relationship with Esther? How does that line up biblically?
    

Love Zion church was enjoying a time of togetherness and favor. But, the devil wasn't giving up, and now the angels are showing up to engage in battle. In the midst of it all, did Esther get her happily ever after? And what about Briggs and Monica? Was she really pregnant this time? And more important, is Briggs the father? Have Esther and Briggs closed the book on their past? One thing is for sure, all of Esther's past is not behind her. Deborah's back and she knows the secret Sheri took to her grave. Will Esther be able to forgive her childhood friends? So many questions . . .
Tell The Truth and Shame the Devil
provides the answers.

 

The second book in the Heaven over Hell trilogy is due to be released in 2015.

At the mature age of sixteen, Colette (Ford) Harrell had a severe case of chicken pox. Not even wanting her best friend to see her Frankenstein appearance, and being bored out of her mind (no smartphones, Xboxes, cable, or Netflix in those days), the two friends decided to write a soap opera. Every morning, Colette would place her written pages in the family mailbox, and then she would retrieve her best friend's pages in return. This was the beginning of her love for telling a good story in written form, and she has taken pen to paper ever since. By the way, the
Mod Squad
script they later sent to Hollywood was never picked up . . . but Colette's dream to one day write a novel was birthed.

Colette is a wife, mother, author, poet, songwriter, and playwright. Holding a master's degree, she is a director of social services. No, she's not Superwoman—red is not her best color, but she believes God has a plan for every life. She is cofounder of COJACK Productions, a Christian entertainment company and is an active member of her church, Kingdom Christian Center, where she is involved in several ministries. She is also a motivational speaker—teaching customer and human service workshops on state and national levels.

A Detroit native, she currently resides in Ohio, writing with humor and compassion to engage and minister to the human heart. Her motto is:
Whatever you do, do it “for love alone.”

The Devil Made Me Do It
is her debut novel. It looks at our choices and shows us the natural and supernatural consequences behind them. You get a close-up, Technicolor view of the devil's intent to destroy us in any way possible. She wrote the book to answer the question: What would happen if you knew what
really
went on behind the scenes of your life? Would you make different decisions? Or, would you continue along the path of destruction, claiming at every turn that “the devil made you do it”? In this delectable read, romance, suspense, humor, and the paranormal supernatural all come together, and some lives will
never
be the same.

www.uchisglorybookclub.net

 

UC His Glory Book Club is the spirit-inspired brainchild of Joylynn Jossel, Author and Acquisitions Editor of Urban Christian, and Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Author for Urban Christian. This is an online book club that hosts authors of Urban Christian. We welcome as members all men and women who have a passion for reading Christian-based fiction.

UC His GLory Book Club pledges our commitment to provide support, positive feedback, encouragement, and a forum whereby members can openly discuss and review the literary works of Urban Christian authors.

There is no membership fee associated with UC His Glory Book Club; however, we do ask that you support the authors through purchasing, encouraging, providing book reviews, and of course, your prayers. We also ask that you respect our beliefs and follow the guidelines of the book club. We hope to receive your valuable input, opinions, and reviews that build up, rather than tear down our authors.

Urban Christian His Glory Book Club

—We believe that Jesus is the Christ, Son of the Living God.

 

—We believe the Bible is the true, living Word of God.

 

—We believe all Urban Christian authors should use their God-given writing abilities to honor God and share the message of the written word God has given to each of them uniquely.

 

—We believe in supporting Urban Christian authors in their literary endeavors by reading, purchasing and sharing their titles with our online community.

 

—We believe that in everything we do in our literary arena should be done in a manner that will lead to God being glorified and honored.

 

We look forward to the online fellowship with you.

 

Please visit us often at
www.uchisglorybookclub.net
.

 

 

Many Blessing to You!

 

Shelia E. Lipsey,
President, UC His Glory Book Club

Urban Books, LLC
97 N18th Street
Wyandanch, NY 11798

 

The Devil Made Me Do It Copyright © 2014
Colette R. Harrell

 

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

ISBN: 978-1-6228-6314-3

 

 

 

This is a work of fiction. Any references or similarities to actual events, real people, living or dead, or to real locales are intended to give the novel a sense of reality. Any similarity in other names, characters, places, and incidents is entirely coincidental.

 

 

Distributed by Kensington Corp.
Submit Wholesale Orders to:
Kensington Publishing Corp.
C/O Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Attention: Order Processing
405 Murray Hill Parkway
East Rutherford, NJ 07073-2316
Phone: 1-800-526-0275
Fax: 1-800-227-9604