A Place With No Name (revamped)

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Temple City, California

Annalisa Green -- April 5th, 1992
Location: 9723 Garibaldi Ave, Temple City Christian Church

"And he said, trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Trust in the Lord, believe in the Lord, and He will guide you. He will help you."

I listened to the pastor preach. For the first time in a few years, I've been digesting his words and really listening to everything that he was saying. God has been so good to me lately, so great.

And I felt that this sermon was dedicated to me. Like I was supposed to listen to it. Without a problem, I am. I am listening, and I understand it.

"Can I get an Amen, people?"

"Amen." The congregation said. I even clapped my hands.

Aunt Jolene glanced at me with a proud smile. She loved that I have been engaged with the Lord's word every Sunday and was happy that I was finally giving things a chance. I've always believed in God, and prayed to him every chance that I had, but she felt that I was only doing it to satisfy her. Now, she wanted me to do it for me. And I have, and it feels incredibly good.

After a while of preaching, the pastor asked us to stand and bow our heads for our prayer before departing.

I bowed my head, taking in every word. "Father, we come to you today, thanking you for waking us up this morning, and protecting us as we leave our homes to join together in worship. We love you and we ask that you cover us with your blood on our way home, and for everyday of our lives. Lead us, and give us a sign that everything will get better, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen."

"Amen."

Lifting my head, I leaned down to grab my bomber jacket, and car keys. Aunt Jolene suggested that I'd drive today, and I had no problem with that.

She pulled me into a warm hug, kissing my forehead. "I love you so much, Jolee. I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you." I smiled softly. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, just let me talk to Evangeline really quick."

"Okay. Please don't invite them over this time. I'm really tired," I practically begged. I loved Angel, but today I didn't want to deal with her.

Her eyes soften, and she nodded. "Alright, baby. Gone and go to the car. I'll meet you two there."

She gave me another kiss on the cheek before I walked out of the church. Uncle Harry was already waiting by the car when I stepped outside. I hurried to unlock the door and climbed inside to unlock the passenger side. Afterwards, he got inside and sighed.