The Devil Made Me Do It by Colette R. Harrell Read Free Book Online Page B

had been drinking, but to hit her? Was he crazy? The hallway mirror provided proof of his madness; his handprint was red against the lightness of her complexion; the wetness in her eyes testament to her pain.
    Roger’s chest heaved from exertion as though he was trying to control himself. “See what you did?”
    Grabbing his jacket and stomping to the door, Roger spun around, heading straight for Esther’s purse. He rifled through it, found her wallet, and pulled out all of her cash; then he pushed the bills down into his pants pocket, patting it in satisfaction.
    Mission accomplished, he walked out the door, reminding her, “Girl, don’t you go anywhere.”
    Esther felt cold hard rage, but she squashed it down and fled into the kitchen. All of a sudden she was hungry; frantically so. She grabbed containers out of her refrigerator. She placed a hefty amount of leftover fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens on an oversized plate, as tears trickled down her face. While she heated the food in the microwave, she went to the sink and ran cold water. Afterward, she soaked a paper towel and applied it to her cheek, then slumped down onto the nearest kitchen chair.
    She held her cheek and prayed. “Lord, I don’t want to be here. Help me be a doer of your Word and not return evil for evil. Give me the grace to sustain this marriage or the mercy to leave it. In your precious Son, Jesus’s name. Amen.”
    The microwave buzzed, and like a champ coming out of his corner, Esther came out of her daze. She looked down at all the food and remembered Roger’s hurtful words. With purpose, she covered her plate and placed it in the refrigerator.
    Marching through her living room, she picked up her purse and Bible and rushed out of the house. The cold towel pressed to her face, she was late for church.
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    â€œI can dance, dance, dance, dance, dance, dance, dance, all night,” the choir sang, and when the pastor called out, “How long?” They answered, “All night.” And the refrain continued.
    The guest speaker had preached an anointed sermon into every heart present. The spirit was strong in the sanctuary, and the saints were dancing in the aisles. Some had caught the spirit so strong that they were running back and forth in front of the altar.
    Evangelist Graham, Reverend Gregory’s guest speaker, returned to the pulpit, “Do you believe, church? Well, where your heart is, so is thy treasure. Will you sow a seed today that will grow to be harvested later? If so, come now and bring your best!”
    Esther jumped up with her wallet in her hand and ran to the altar. She was the first there, and the church clapped for her enthusiasm, but when she opened her wallet, it was bone dry. Esther looked around, stricken with humiliation. She was so busy making sure her face was not bruised, she had forgotten Roger had taken all her money.
    When she turned to run out of the sanctuary, Evangelist Graham blocked her path.
    He pulled her to him by her arm and hugged her tenderly.
    He prophesied to her. “My daughter, be not ashamed for God is with you. You have sowed through your faith. Although the storm in your life rages and the weight of its rain is heavy, God loves you, and He has never left you nor forsaken you. He wants you to know that your inner light shines brightly. Hold on, sister, daybreak is coming.”
    As the words hit her, Esther slumped in his arms and wept for proof of God’s love. She walked down the aisle and was touched and patted by those who called to her. “Keep your head up, baby,” “God loves you,” “Blessings to you, sister.” Each word restored a little of her back to herself. God was truly awesome. Esther felt renewed.
    Later, she entered the church’s parking lot and inhaled the crisp night air. She was lighthearted, and her worries were miles away, probably sitting in some bar. She