My Steps Are Ordered

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by
Michelle Lindo-Rice

 

 

 

 

 

What happens when her husband finds out she's in love with his brother?

 

 

 

The Second Installment in the On the Right Path series

“Ms. Lindo-Rice writes with heart, humor, and honesty . . .”
–
Shana Burton,
author of
Flaw Less
and
Flaws and All

 

“Michelle Lindo-Rice has written a sweet story of the power of love despite the main character's (Tiffany's) sordid past . . .” –
Michelle Stimpson,
best selling author of
Falling into Grace

 

“The author's writing is crisp and her characters' emotions are authentic . . .
” –
Pat Simmons,
award-winning and bestselling author of The Guilty series.

 

“The author did a phenomenal job in drawing the reader's heart and spirit into the characters . . . Ms. Lindo-Rice developed an endearing, engaging, multilayered story with realism and redemption . . .” –
Norma Jarrett,
Essence
bestselling author of
Sunday Brunch

 

 

Praise for
Walk a Straight Line

 

 

“I could feel the breeze and smell the scent of the flower garden the wind was carrying with it; that's how fresh this story is . . . I loved how the story flowed.” –
E.N. Joy,
BLESSEDselling author of the New Day Divas series

 

“The message of resilience in Colleen's story is powerful and important . . . as is the message of commitment, love, and friendship that comes through . . .” –
Rhonda McKnight,
bestselling author of
An Inconvenient Friend
and
What Kind of Fool

I acknowledge my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My heartfelt gratitude goes to my sons, Eric and Jordan, or my “two eyeballs,” for their encouragement and understanding.

To my parents, family, loved ones and friends at Agape Church of God and the Charlotte County public schools, I thank you for being in my corner. Special mention goes to Glenda Clark and Colette Alexander, who support me every step of the way. And I owe a very special mention to my unpaid “editors” and feedback crew, Zara Anderson, Sobi-Dee Ophelia, and Jane Adams.

I want to extend a special thank-you to Rhonda McKnight. Her skill and craft are helping me become a better writer. I still have much to learn.

I would also like to thank Felicia Murrell for her editing skills. She's fast, thorough and has an eye for details.

And I wish to thank Victoria Christopher Murray, a best-selling author, who encourages me. Her willingness to advise and share speaks about her character.

And Joylynn Ross, the acquisitions editor, literary genius, and author at Urban Books, deserves my thanks for taking a leap of faith in me and for believing in my work.

Finally, I must express my deep appreciation to all the new readers who reach out to me on various social media and who make it all worthwhile. To all the book clubs and bloggers who feature me and read my work: Thank you.

“
The steps of a good man are ordered by
the Lord : and he delighteth in his way.”

–Psalm 37:23

 

For many of us, the road to salvation has been paved with many mistakes and failures. Sometimes, we know better but choose to go our own way and to satisfy our wants. But we can delight in knowing that we serve a perfect God, who loves us and who forgives us all our sins. When we accept Christ, He throws our past in the sea of forgetfulness and remembers it no more. However, we do have consequences that we might have to face, but He will be with us every step of the way.

As Christians, we are flawed and human, but we have an advocate in Christ Jesus, who pleads for us and sends us His Holy Spirit to comfort us. We also have a secret ingredient for abundant life—hope. Though we face the same battles and trials as everyone else, we hope for a brighter day, when God will wipe away all tears and our sorrows will be turned into joy.

Thank you for choosing to read my work. It wasn't by accident, but by divine ordination. Be entertained. Be blessed.

Sincerely,

Michelle Lindo-Rice

Dedicated to

 

Glenda Momrelle-Clarke,

A sister, a friend, woman of God, and one of my biggest cheerleaders.

 

 

We Agree

 

We came into this world alone
But we were not destined to end it that way
We yearned for someone with whom we could share
The myriad paths in life just waiting for us to choose
Our lives were full but without true meaning
We developed our talents but were still dreaming
Then we awakened and discovered that our souls
connected
And we acknowledged finding that missing link
The person with whom everything clicks
The one who invigorates, rejuvenates, entrances,
The mind, body and soul
At first, admission was a struggle
But eventually we accepted defeat
For love had conquered
Our wandering, seeking hearts
And captured the essence of who we are
Now we are tightly woven
Where does she begin?
Where does he end?
That is a mystery
Only God holds the key
For what He has joined together
No man can put asunder
So from this day onward
We walk together
For the two of us,
We agree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by
Michelle Lindo-Rice
For Glenda and Andrew Clarke Jan. 22, 2006

The present day . . .

 

It can't be.

No. It's impossible.

Immobilized, Pastor Keith Ward felt suspended in time. His breath caught. His yellow tie, sprinkled with tiny red polka dots, threatened to choke the life out of him.

The voices of the choir faded in the distant echo. All around him people praised and rejoiced while Keith felt the scales around his heart chip away.

Time stood still.

Leaning forward, Keith squinted to focus into the distance. That's her all right. She was here. His psyche must have known something. No wonder she'd been on his mind.

Gina Ward.

His brother's wife.

And, the mother of Keith's child. Yes, he was a father.

Keith's heart slammed into his chest. Its beating sounded like thunder booming to his ears. Gripping the handles, Keith eased his body out of the chair, intending to pursue the woman who had twisted his insides and stolen his heart.

He had to go to her.

As he soon as he stood, Keith felt a moment of disorientation; belatedly realizing the crowd was standing and cheering. It seemed as if they were giving him a standing ovation. Flabbergasted, Keith watched Gina leave. All of his thoughts about his sermon left the forefront of his mind.

He turned his head to see his assistant, Natalie Henderson, or as he called her, “The Hawk,” gesturing towards the podium. She mouthed the words, “Go. Go,” with frantic hands.

Keith gritted his teeth, clenched his fists and closed his eyes.
Lord, help me. Help me.
He repeated scriptures to temper the need that filled his being.

The crowd shouted praises, presuming he was hearing something from God. Summoning every ounce of self-control he possessed, Keith stepped up to the stage. He opened his Bible, worn from use. He'd refused to get a new one. This one had sentimental value.

Then, with authority and anointing, he addressed his parishioners waiting on a word from God.