Chapter Thirty One

It was late Saturday afternoon, and Tim was headed to the Lepley’s to explain what was going on with Monica. Surely they would wonder what happened when they didn’t hear from her. Tim was convinced the Lepleys would be crucial to Monica’s recovery; like parental figures. They would help reassure Monica and would most definitely pray faithfully for her. When he arrived at their house, he took a moment to pray. He didn’t want his emotions from the previous night’s happenings to add unnecessary drama to the story. Tim wanted to meet with them to formulate a game plan of how they would continue to support Monica when she was released, should she still desire to stay clean.

Lord, I’m here for one reason. I want Monica to have the best support system available when she’s released. Hank and Joyce have offered themselves and their home to her whenever necessary. I want Your words and Your heart of compassion to lead this discussion. Please help us formulate a realistic plan to help Monica. Please be with her at the center, as I’m sure it’s not going well right now. Comfort her body, protect her mind, and help her accept the therapy offered to get past the constant need for the drug. I remember those days. It’s horrible. Thank you for the opportunity she has to get clean, and help her not to waste it. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

As he walked with a confident step toward the front porch to ring the bell, he noticed a car with two young people inside backing down the drive from behind the house. Tim didn’t know who lived with the Lepleys at the moment, but he slipped up a hand in greeting as the young man saluted. Tim turned his attention back to the house. He felt good about what would happen here. Hank and Joyce had always been behind his ministry, and the first to volunteer to be a support system for people going through the program.

Hank answered the door. “Hey, Tim. Glad you could make it. Come on in. The Missus is just putting together a little something for us to snack on while we chat. Make yourself at home.” Hank waved at the couple now at the street, then opened the door wider for Tim to step through.

The men shook hands, and Tim replied “Thanks, Hank. I know these aren’t ideal circumstances, but we knew Monica would have to go through detox sooner rather than later. I just have to fill you in on a couple details prior to her admittance to the center.” They paused in the entryway for a moment before Joyce could be heard from the kitchen.

“Now Timothy, you just take that jacket right off and make Hank hang it on the hooks in the entry way. Then you get settled in at the table. I’ll join you in a minute. Hank, make sure you hang up his jacket.” The men smiled at one another as the clattering in the kitchen continued. Tim thought he smelled cinnamon. As Hank took his coat, he sniffed the air loudly. “Yep, she made her world-famous cinnamon coffee cake, and a few other trays of things. I’m not sure what all is there. But it looked good. I just got a small peek before getting shooed out of the way.”

Tim raised both his eyebrows, but before he could comment Hank summed up his thoughts. “She always makes way more food than we need, but somehow before whatever gathering is over, most of it manages to be gone. Watch yourself.” With that he patted his protruding abdomen and led Tim to the dining room table. A moment later Joyce came in carrying a tray laden with baked goods and mugs of coffee. “I wasn’t sure when you’d eaten last, so I made some food. Hope you like cucumber and tomato sandwiches. And there’s a coffee cake and blueberry scones. I’ll be right back. I just need to get another tray.”

She bustled out again, and the men began filling their plates. The food all looked good to Tim, who hadn’t eaten lunch that day. The table was set with the plates all at one end, and the trays of food on the other. Joyce was making her last trek into the kitchen, and returning with a tray of cold drinks. She put the final tray in place, sat down with a sigh and said “There. I think we’re finally ready to pray. Tim, would you do the honors please?” Tim said a short prayer asking for wisdom during their meeting, thanking God again for the Lepleys and blessing the food.

Conversation was light during the meal, and Tim purposely didn’t get into any important details until his appetite was satisfied. Tim pushed his plate away and refused more food. He was debating mentioning he would host the next meeting, if only to save him from gaining a belly like Hank’s. Joyce certainly was a fine cook. He would have to show better control in the future. Either that or increase his daily run.

“So as you can see, it won’t be easy from here on out.” He began. “There is obviously no trust on my end. I think the sooner she gets into Charlotte’s place in Tennessee, the better. You know how many people she has helped. Sometimes just a change of scenery and a real chance to start over is all people need. That and the Lord, of course.” Joyce had been nodding her agreement.

“I think it’s a fine idea, Tim. But we need to wait and see what happens these next three days. Do you think she’ll make it? Hank looked over at Tim too, a question in his eyes. “If she doesn’t, what’s the next step? It’s all well and good to plan things out like all will go the way we want, but you know better than we do how quickly circumstances change. What if she leaves the detox and you can’t find her? Sure, you know where she lives, but there’s no guarantee she’ll let you help again.”

Tim had thought about that. He knew he couldn’t force Monica to do things his way. Tonight the Lord had totally intervened. There had been a room for her, and a space in the program she’d needed. He was confident she would see through the three days. “You know, I just have a feeling it’s going to be ok. I think the Lord really opened the door here, and they way things stand, I think she’s too scared not to follow through. I made it perfectly clear that I was done playing games.” I plan on calling up there tonight to check in. What they tell me will give me a good idea of what we’re up against. I’m sure she’s wishing she never met me.” Tim gave a wry smile. “Whatever the case, we just need to be vigilant in prayer. The Enemy is going to be hitting her hard while she’s there, bringing up all kinds of failures in her past, her addiction, her thoughts, and using them against her to make her want to leave and get a hit. She’s still under the impression it’s the only thing that will help her.”

He looked back and forth between the Lepleys. “But we know better." Hank gave him an understanding smile, and spoke. "Why don’t we bring it before the Lord right now? We’ve talked about everything we can. The Lord will lead in the rest. Would you like to start Tim?” Hank asked gently. Tim did.

They took the next hour to pray for Monica. They prayed for her physical recovery; that it would be quick and complete, and also spent quite a while asking the Lord to protect her mind from the things the Enemy would surely throw at her. Joyce asked that God would show her His love, and allow them to continue to be a positive influence on her life. She prayed any bitterness that Monica held onto would be shattered, and she would see herself as God saw her, and claim the blood of Jesus every day.

It was a refreshing time for them all, and brought them closer together, uniting them further in their purpose. They knew God wanted to do something wonderful in Monica’s life. They just had to trust that His will was perfect, no matter the outcome. They also had to trust that Monica would listen to the Lord.