The Truth Is the Light by Vanessa Davie Griggs

Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
    â€”1 Kings 18:21

    â€œD addy, I just want to thank you for coming,” Clarence said to his father in the church’s vestibule when the two of them met up after the rest of his family had gone home. His mother had volunteered to take Gramps back to the nursing home.
    â€œSure. I’m glad I was able to make it,” Reverend Walker said.
    â€œSo what happened to your other engagement?”
    Reverend Walker hesitated a few seconds. “It was something I was able to do at another time. So, that’s what I decided to do.”
    Clarence was quiet for a half a minute, hoping his father would go into more details. He quickly realized that was all he was going to get on what had caused his father to change his mind. “Well, I’m happy you came. It was really special seeing you here for something as important as my baptism.”
    Reverend Walker visibly sighed heavily. “Well, I just wanted to come and speak to you before I left. I need to get on back home now.”
    â€œSo, the rest of your family didn’t come with you?”
    â€œNo. I came by myself. I didn’t realize everybody was going to be here like this. Of course, I knew your mother and Knowledge would be here. But there was Gramps, your two children, Knowledge’s entire family, including Isis. Isis hardly comes to church anymore. At least, she doesn’t come to Divine Conquerors. Seems to me she’s putting that job of hers above everything and everybody, including God, which can be dangerous. So, I admit I was surprised to see her here tonight. And you even managed to get your ex-girlfriend slash drama queen to the second power to come—ol’ Miss Tameka Washington. When I saw her a little while ago standing here talking to you, I literally stopped in midstride.”
    â€œDaddy, you’re not being fair to Tameka. She’s not a drama queen. Mama got Tameka and the girls here. You know how much Mama cares about us. She talked Tameka into bringing Valencia and La-la to dinner earlier today at her house, and then they all came here. Everyone seemed to enjoy the service tonight.”
    Reverend Walker nodded his affirmation, then placed a hand on Clarence’s shoulder. “Now, you know that giving your life to Christ in a particular church doesn’t necessarily mean you have to become a member of that church. There’s a difference in being saved, which is to come into the body of Christ, and congregational membership.”
    â€œYes, I know.”
    â€œAnd you know there’s nothing that would make me happier or prouder than to have you come back and hook up with me and your brother over at Divine Conquerors Church. Wouldn’t that be something . . . the three of us working together again for the Lord?”
    Clarence didn’t want to ruin this time with his father. “That would be something, Daddy.”
    â€œWell.” Reverend Walker smiled as he nodded. “You pray about what God would have you do. You know the right thing that you ought to do. But pray about it, and you’ll see that God is telling you to come on home where you belong. Now, if you want to really talk about some rejoicing, there will be a great celebration when you come back home to us . Yes, I can promise you that. I promise that.” Reverend Walker hugged Clarence.
    â€œWe’ll talk some more later. This is just the beginning of things with us, Clarence, just the beginning. I know God has a calling on your life. You know it, too. Just don’t let the devil mess you up. People can do a good thing without it being the right thing. You always want to do the right thing when it’s at all possible.” He slapped his son’s back.
    â€œBye, Dad. And thanks again for coming.” Clarence watched his father walk out the door. He looked around the now practically empty place and