The praise music was loud, the atmosphere was electric, and people poured in through every entrance. East Boulevard, specifically 13987 East Boulevard, in Richmond, Georgia, was always the place to be on December 31st of every year.
It was the home of Greater Grace Christian Ministries, and even hordes of sinners stopped by on New Year’s Eve to pay tribute to God and give Him a tip for His blessings before hitting the clubs.
“Hurry up. I’m trying to get to my seat,” said Vicki. “I don’t want to have to tackle anybody at the end of the year, but I will if I have to.”
Drops of royal blue sequins fell from her shiny custom-made dress and left a trail on the polished marble floor and the gray carpet as she continued muscling her way from the foyer into the new sanctuary.
“Oooh, I would love to see you tackle somebody. Do it girl. You know I’m the Tik-Tok Queen, and that would be pure Tik-Tok gold.” declared her friend, Trina, as she fanned her hand in front of her eyes, envisioning the scene happening in real time.
“We made it. God is good!” Vicki said as she pumped her fist triumphantly into the air as if they had won a competition.
They both plopped into sturdy, purple-cushioned chairs. A white dove emblem was emblazoned on the back of every chair and the name of the person who donated the money to buy the chair was elegantly engraved on the dove’s body.
“V, look over there,” Trina said as she elbowed Vicki in the arm. “There’s Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumber. What in the world are they wearing?” she asked as she zeroed in on two ladies dressed in dark brown and white circular puffy dresses. There were puffs on their arms, waists, and hemlines.
Vicki’s eyes landed on the spot where Trina’s sharp, pointy, and rainbow-colored fingernails were now stabbing the air. Vicki laughed so hard she snorted, drawing unwanted attention to herself.
“They look like chocolate-covered marshmallows. Can you say smores?” Trina said. “God, please deliver them from an ungodly sense of fashion,” she added as she tilted her head towards heaven in prayer mode.
“Trina, please behave. I’m trying to focus on the Lawd’ Girl. I’m so ready to leave 2024 behind. God brought me through, but it was a brutal year!”
“Tell me about it. You know I had to drop my fine gingerbread man the day before Christmas. That’s just cruel and unusual punishment for any woman.”
“I still can’t believe he tried to hustle me–the hustler extraordinaire,” Trina said, digging her fingernails into her chest. “The devil is a liar, and the truth was not in him!” She added.
“So. You lied to him many times.”
“That’s different, V,” was her only defense.
“Girl, I am not going there with you tonight. What’s your New Year’s resolution?”
“You know. Real talk V,” she said as she switched gears faster than a race car driver, shifting from silly to serious in a millisecond. “I need to stop hustling. It’s like my life is a washing machine, and I’m stuck on the cycle of pain and disappointment. But hustling is all I know.”
Vicki, seeing that Trina was revealing a vulnerable and transparent side of herself, which was rarely seen, gently placed her hand over Trina’s hand. She leaned in and said, “Well, maybe it’s time you learn a new way of thinking and doing things. Ain’t no way in the world I could make it without Jesus.”
“I know you’re right, but the truth is, I’m scared He’ll let me down too. Every man I’ve known has let me down. My daddy, my granddaddy, my so-called boyfriends, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera,” she stated.
“Jesus is not like any of them. He’s the only one who will never let you down. You know you’re one of my besties, but I’ve even let you down. I’m human just like all of those men are. But Jesus, He’s perfect. It’s impossible for Him to fail you.”
Tears made a surprise appearance in Trina’s eyes. Embarrassed by this show of emotion, she quickly jerked her head to the left side of the sanctuary searching for another victim to ridicule. She found one.
“Girl, who told him to wear those shoes? They look like shoes a Christmas elf would wear. Somebody please tell him he missed his sleigh ride back to the North Pole.”
Shaking her head at Trina’s antics and deflection, Vicki bowed her head and thanked God for softening Trina’s heart and for bringing her to Watch Night Service, even though she was showing out, and being, well, Trina.
I would love to hear what you gleaned from this story. Please share a Comment below.
© 2024 Felicia Harris-Russell. All rights reserved.
This Post Has 6 Comments
Beautiful story of friendship and friends extending the most precious relationship with our Heavenly Father!
I was captivated with your excellent words detailing the church culture and atmosphere!
Especially, the ladies rushing in and leaving a trail of sequins as they sought to get a good seat and plopping down and began looking around people watching instead of joining in on the Worship Service!
I have definitely, been there!
Great job!
Your Creative Writing at it’s finest!
Ruby, I LOVE what you gleaned from this story — friendship as well as friends pointing the way to Jesus for others to follow!!
I can also relate to rushing through the church doors to get “my” seat and then looking around to check people out!! ** SMILE **
So grateful you’re a part of my Community. Happy New Year!!
The story was interesting as well as relatable with “Watch Night” being a Christian church tradition. The friends exhibit the ability to share personal thoughts and people watch while attending church service. The rush to their self assigned seats were noted. The story title was captivating. Interested in reading more about the storyline. An awesome read. Well done!
Wanda, I love what you gleaned from the story! Yesss, Watch Night is definitely a tradition, and I’m glad to hear that you want to hear more about Vicki and Trina:-) Thanks for connecting to my Community. Have a BLESSED, BEAUTIFUL & BRIGHT NEW YEAR!!
This is a really great thought-provoking story. I have some downtime waiting for the carpet cleanersto finish up and I’ve been using it to think about resolutions and goals for this year. Your story has got me thinking.. when am I Vicki? And more importantly, when am I Trina? I’d like to think that I’m Vicki more often than not, but I know that’s not the case. Thanks for sharing this beautiful story, I’m new to your blog but will definitely be coming back.
Jeanie, I love the thoughts you shared — When am I Vicki and when am I Trina? Great insight!! WELCOME to my Community, and Happy New Year!!