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ridiculously short, nor did he have a muscular, mouth-watering physique. He was, in all meanings of the word, “okay.” He wasn’t someonethat would cause a woman to do a double-take but because they worked so closely together on the Pastor’s Anniversary Committee, Lisa got a chance to observe the way he carried himself. There was no doubt that Eric truly loved the Lord, and that alone made him more desirable than anyone named on People magazine’s list of “Sexiest Men Alive.” Eric genuinely walked according to the Word, unlike RJ who had been a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
    If Eric didn’t push for things to go to the next level, Lisa would probably keep things like they were and continue finding creative ways to tell the truth to her mother and daughter without actually lying. Like tonight when she categorized this date as a “meeting.” It wasn’t so much as she didn’t want them to meet Eric, but rather she was hesitant about him meeting them. She, her mother and Chanelle weren’t exactly the Huxtables. If Dysfunctional were a last name, it would likely be theirs. The nerve of Chanelle getting drunk! And then—
    â€œYoohoo. . .Earth to Lisa,” Eric called out, waving his hand in front of her face.
    â€œI’m sorry; did you say something?”
    â€œYes. I said we are very blessed to be part of one of the greatest churches in the city.”
    â€œUm hmm. . .”
    â€œAbundant in Christ is virtually incomparable to any other church in Columbus. Pastor Ross is really doing some great things. One of my dreams is to start my own church and be a shepherd of God’s people.”
    â€œUm hmm. . .”
    â€œAm I boring you?”
    â€œNo, it’s not you. I’m sorry. My mind is elsewhere.”
    â€œWould you like to talk about whatever is troubling you?”
    â€œThanks, but I’ll pass.” Eric was a single man with no children.The last thing Lisa wanted to do was scare him off with horror stories about her daughter. “There’s no need to burden you with my concerns. I’m sure you have more important matters on your mind.”
    â€œCurrently you’re the important matter on my mind. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to bear one another’s burdens and as a servant of the Lord, your problem is my problem. Being concerned about you is one of my obligations.”
    â€œThanks, but I really don’t feel like talking right now.”
    â€œThat’s okay. Do you want to continue this evening another time? It’s obvious that I’ve lost your attention.”
    â€œI’m sorry; I feel horrible.”
    â€œDon’t. I’m not offended. You probably just need a little quiet time. The best thing you can do right now is talk to our Father. He’ll definitely have the solution to your problem. As a matter of fact, would you mind if I prayed with you before we leave?”
    â€œNo, not at all.”
    Right there in the middle of the park walkway, they turned and held hands while Eric proceeded. “Father God, I ask in the Name of Jesus that you be with Lisa. Lord, let not her heart be troubled. Whatever is concerning her, deal with it and take the burden off her mind. Give her peace about each and every situation in her life. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. . .Amen.”
    After the prayer, they walked silently back to their cars, still holding hands. “I’m glad we agreed to have dinner at your place next Monday. I’m looking forward to it, but I hope I don’t have to wait until then to see you again.”
    What in the world was he talking about! Lisa didn’t recall such an agreement. He must’ve mentioned it when she’d drifted off mentally. Lisa imagined that she said something like “Sure, okay,” without really paying attention to what she was answering. Lisawasn’t ready to take this step, but Eric was standing there with