Lead Me Home by Stacy Hawkins Adams Read Free Book Online

said a silent prayer for energy and patience, grabbed the shoulder bag that held her Bible, study worksheets, paper, and pens, and stepped out of the van.
    She hoped she didn’t look as raggedy as she felt, but if she did, she knew she couldn’t complain. Millions of women worked outside of the home every day, and she had merely organized a classroom and sat in on staff meetings with other Sherman Park teachers this week. It was time to admit the truth: she was a wimp who had been spoiled for nearly twenty years.
    She chuckled at her confession. She wasn’t sure why God sent her this teaching position in this particular season, but she was still excited about it, and she intended to learn whatever lessons he had in mind and hopefully use the experience for good in other ways down the road.
    Shiloh was entering the church when a beeping horn caught herattention. She paused and turned toward the sound. Jade waved as she whipped her SUV into a parking space next to Shiloh’s van.
    She leaned out of the driver’s side window before turning off the ignition. “Wait for me—I’ll walk in with you!”
    Shiloh roused a smile.
    Jade jumped out of the car and trotted toward Shiloh in her skinny jeans, a loose-fitting beige linen top, and bronze sandals. Shiloh grudgingly made another confession as she approached: If Beyoncé had a fraternal twin, it would be Jade.
    Why, Lord, why?
    Jade opened her arms and hugged Shiloh, who loosely reciprocated.
    “Thought I’d get here early again, in case you need my assistance,” Jade said. “You did well tonight, though—got here on time!”
    Shiloh had a ready retort, but decided to behave. “Where are Naima and Nicholas this evening?”
    “Hanging out with my mother. She’s visiting from California, and was happy to have some time alone with her grandbabies.”
    Shiloh and Jade stepped inside the church’s rear entrance hallway. Jade kept pace as Shiloh moved about the building, turning on lights throughout the education wing, in anticipation of men’s Bible study taking place, too.
    “No youths are coming tonight, right?” Jade asked.
    Shiloh shook her head. “They’ve moved their Bible study night to Tuesday, right before youth choir rehearsal.”
    Jade nodded, then paused as Shiloh turned on the last light on her route, in the room where their group would be meeting.
    “You know, I’ve been thinking,” Jade said. “Week before last went well, and I enjoyed leading the women in a discussion. It might be good if you and I co-facilitate the Wednesday night Bible study. That way, when you’re running behind, I can pitch in. Especially since I hear you’re going to be working now.”
    Shiloh, who had begun rearranging chairs, stopped and peered at Jade. “Who said I needed help?” What she really wanted to know was who had told Jade she’d be working? The only one she’d mentioned it to at church was Sister Marlene.
    Jade put a hand on her hip and leaned her head to one side. “You’re not being territorial over how God’s Word gets delivered, are you?”
    Score one for Jade. Shiloh didn’t have a ready response, and she knew she sounded defensive. The real issue was Jade inviting herself into this role. And her lack of grounding in the Bible, despite having been married to Vic for twelve years. Or maybe she did know the Bible well, but most people considered her an expert in hair and makeup, rather than prayer and meditation. She still hadn’t shared what had sparked her sudden interest in the Wednesday Bible study, and Shiloh continued to have questions about her sincerity.
    “I’m not being territorial, Jade,” Shiloh finally responded. “I just want what’s best for the women. Let’s talk to Pastor Randy about this later, okay?”
    Jade pursed her lips. Shiloh knew she was offended that Shiloh hadn’t suggested asking both of their husbands.
    “I’ll see what Vic has to say tonight,” Jade said softly. She moved past Shiloh to take one of the seats