Down from the Cross Read Free Page A

for the past twelve years told me they were going to cut back and lay off a number of their employees. I happened to be one of them. I am the caregiver to my aged, ailing mother, which keeps me from getting a second job even if I could find one. She needs medicine I can’t afford to buy for her, the landlord just raised our rent five percent, and my beautiful cocker spaniel died last week of pneumonia. Now do you see why I am upset? Tell me what you’re going to do about
those
things?”
    He gave her an incredulous look. “Even if there is a God, I’m not sure even
He
could take care of all those things to your satisfaction. That’s a pretty tall order.”
    On the verge of tears, she pressed herself into the propped-up pillow, squeezed her lips tightly together, and crossed her arms, locking her hands into her armpits. “Well, for your information, nothing is too hard for my God. I’m trusting Him to take care of everything, and I know He will!”
    “If you are counting on God to provide you with a job, you may be out of work for a long time,” the man countered with a smile that held no hostility. “You’d be much better off going to an employment agency. At least they’d know where the jobs are.”
    “God will provide. He always does,” she responded with a positive air, willing herself to remain calm and trying to maintain her dignity. Mildred moved up close to the bed, carefully eyeing her patient. “I’m not sure this conversation is good for you.”
    Keene leaped to his feet. “I–I’m so sorry. I never meant to upset her. I’ll come back tomorrow when she’s feeling better. I know this day has been hard on her, and she needs rest.”
    “I won’t be here tomorrow. I’m going home as soon as the doctor releases me.” Jane stared at the man, amazed he had taken the time and effort to come to the hospital so soon after their accident. He didn’t need to check on her, yet he had. He could have simply let his insurance company take care of the details and not been bothered. From the look of his beautifully tailored suit, starched white shirt, and designer tie, he was probably some highly paid executive. However, unfortunately, he lacked the best thing in life. A relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Some things money simply could not buy. “Besides, I’m sure you have better things to do with your time than check up on me.”
    He leaned against the bed, took her hand, and cradled it in his. “Oh, but I wanted to check on you. I’m afraid you’re going to be hearing from me a lot for the next few weeks, until you’re fully recovered.”
    “That’s not—”
    He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Oh, but it is necessary. I may not believe in God, but I believe in doing the right thing. Making sure you are all right, your hospital and doctor bills are paid, and your car is either repaired or replaced are going to be the number one priority on my agenda until things are back to normal for you.” He gave her a smile that resonated with warmth and concern. “Now, tell me, is there anything I can do to help you?”
    Jane stared at him.
Is this guy for real?
    “Just tell me, and I’ll do it gladly.”
    She continued to eye him suspiciously. Although it appeared money was not a problem for him, it was nonetheless a generous offer.
    “I don’t want you worrying about anything but getting your head and that leg well,” he said, and from the sympathy she could read in his eyes, he surely meant what he said. “You must let me do something to help you. Just name it.”
    She forced a small smile. “Well, if you hear about any job openings, you might let me know.”
    He paused thoughtfully. “What sort of skills do you have?”
    She gave a slight shrug, wincing at the pain in her leg. “I–I really don’t have any skills. The only place I’ve ever worked is Big Bob’s Discount House. I started there my senior year of high school, stocking new merchandise, and I’ve been there ever since,