“You look beautiful!” Chloe twirled her young friend around in circles.
Abigail caught her breath and smoothed out her dress. “It is not much of a wedding garment.”
Chloe lifted her chin with a wrinkled hand. “It is perfect.” She looked deep into her young friend’s eyes. “And you are perfect in Christ, being united with your groom who is also perfect in Christ.”
“I do not feel very perfect.” A tear escaped down her cheek. “Father will not…”
“I know.” The old woman patted her hand. “It is not yet his time to believe. But he will.”
“How, when he will not even acknowledge us?” Her voice trembled. “How can we share this Good News that wells up within us if he will not even be in our presence?”
“Ah…” Chloe picked up the veil and then placed it over the bride’s head. “That is what you said about your mama, too.”
“Yes, but Father is so very stubborn. He forbids even the mention of Jesus.” Abigail grabbed Chloe’s hands. “If they would come.”
“I know. But your mama wisely remains submissive to your father’s declaration even though her heart is breaking.” She twirled the bride one last time. “But we must take every occasion to bring your father into the fold. Yes?” She smiled. “He will be a sheep someday.”
“Thank you, Chloe.” Abigail’s smile was warm and full of unexplainable joy.
“And what have I done to deserve your thanks?”
“You never gave up on me.”
“That was not me my child. It was Jesus who was seeking you all along.”
One Another Living 