StylisM

Chapter Two: The Gate

As I got to the gate I glanced out of the window. The rain was coming down so hard you could barely see the runway lights. I walked up to the gate attendant where my flight was to departure from. The gate attendant was repeating “flight 2533 has been canceled due to inclement weather.” I was thinking ‘ain’t that a bitch!’ At this point I was boiling inside. Although the rain was coming down extremely hard I couldn’t believe it had the power to cancel my flight. So at that moment I buried my anger and frustration and asked the gate attendant “what is the inclement weather you guys are talking about?” I guess she didn’t hear me or was completely ignoring me. She had this monotone voice as she spoke into the microphone. I then proceeded to raise my voice as I repeated myself. “Excuse me ma’am can you tell me what is this inclement weather you speak of?” She without a word pointed towards the window where the rain was beating against the glass. Although I knew what she was trying to tell me I didn’t want to accept it. As I turned towards the direction she pointed towards I felt like I was in a cheesy movie. As my eyes caught the view of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She had a perfect bronze complexion even in the terrible airport lighting. Her hair was long and brown. She was wearing a navy blue business type skirt suit. She was walking towards the gate attendant. I tried not to stare but her walk had me in a trance. It was like everything around her had faded away and all I could see was a glow surrounding her as she gracefully came closer. When she got to the attendant I was finally able to break free of my trance and had to look away to keep her from thinking I was some crazy freak. I over heard her ask the attendant why the flight was cancel when it was only raining? I looked up at that time and looked over at her again. I couldn’t believe my eyes she was gorgeous. My eyes caught her eyes they were light brown like hazel she smiled as I began to fall into the trance once again. It was immediately interrupted by the sound of the attendant “Ma’am the flight is not only canceled because of the rain but also because of the lightning.” We both looked back at her. I thought to myself why couldn’t she have just told me that? However, things were starting to look up I mean at least I had some eye candy. At that moment I did something I had never done before. I walked up to her she turned towards me and smiled. I fought hard to not fall once again into a trance. But I manage to find the strength and courage to just say “Hi.”

Chapter One: “Inclement Weather”

“Have a good weekend”, said one of my coworkers. The sun was almost gone and the moon was a crescent that back lit the sky. It was a rather normal day no big deadlines no gripes however I was happy the day was ending and the night was beginning. I sat in my office chair and thought damn I have been single for over a year. Although the time to myself has had its rewards I still missed the companionship that love brought. I looked out my office window and said to myself it’s Friday and this weekend belonged to my new love.

I was nervous yet anxious to spend our first weekend together. It has been awhile since I felt this way. I began to update the last of my files and shutdown my computer. I got a chill as I watched my computer go through the shutdown process knowing the time was getting closer. I really didn’t know why I was so nervous I have been on weekend trips before. I guess it was more than just a weekend trip it was a start of the next level. I grabbed my jacket and walked down the hallway towards the elevator. “Hey guys have a great weekend.” I said to everyone that was still at the office. As I got to the elevator the doors opened automatically. That has never happened before, maybe it was a sign. Nah! I pushed the button for the garage. As the elevator made decended to the garage floor I thought about when I first met Lana my new love.

I was on my way to a business meeting over the holidays. I remember stepping out the elevator at the airport and seeing an onslaught of people aimlessly trying to maneuver throughout the airport. I dodged my way throughout he holiday crowd. Even though it was a mad house inside I was glad to be away from the rain outside. It had been raining for what seem like forever but it had only been two days. I don’t even remember seeing what the sun looked like. I looked at the flight board as I started seeing flights being cancelled one by one by similar weather at there destinations. I was hoping, no praying my flight wouldn’t be delayed. Although I would only be traveling for work purposes it was far better than being stuck in a crowded airport during the holidays. I guess that’s the joy of being promoted to regional sales VP. I had recently received the promotion but I remember thinking it was my life that need some kind of promoting. I couldn’t even at that time remember the last date I was on. And sex, well just say, it wasn’t an issue because there was none issued to me. As I got to the gate area and after having my bags, shoes, and jacket searched. I heard over the intercom “Flight 2533 has been canceled, repeating flight 2533 has been canceled due to inclement weather.” Son of a bitch! This is fucked up! I thought to myself. Inclement weather? It’s just raining! I kept walking to the gate to find out how long my flight was canceled and what exactly is “inclement weather.”

As I continue my journey down this path the sun shines on my face. The weather is a perfect blend of light, wind and warmth that restores my faith. I look over the horizon and see my life among the trees as free as bird it flows. Give me more strength to proceed. My obstacles ahead seem so small for what I have already faced. However I will not underestimate the power of the smallest demon I must face. I stroll along thinking of the life I so desire to lead. I remember the mission the province in which I much succeed. My hard times are far from over yet my life’s work is nowhere nearly done. I will endure more pain more suffering but this time I will not be alone. My mind, heart, body and soul will carry each other whenever one falls. No matter what the outcome of the battles a part of me will still stand tall. The deceit of my peers once brought me to tears but the same tears have now made things clear. I see the ones in beside me who stand in front to shield me from the fire and rain. It is their love their desires that shines so bright when the light in my life no longer remains.

“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19, ESV)  

Ever heard the phrase “guilt by association?”

It means that even if you’re not doing something wrong or offensive or illegal, but you’re with someone who is, you could be considered “guilty” as well. 

Well, Jesus was not one to do anything wrong, but He did offend people…often. He spoke truth to people who didn’t want to hear it. He bucked religious traditions. He didn’t settle for the status quo; He challenged people to live according to a higher standard. 

And today, over 2,000 years after His death, Jesus’ words continue to make some people angry. He’s someone people argue over, grapple with, and question…a person some love and others hate. 

So, if you identify with Jesus and you’re one who loves Him, guess what? You’re “guilty by association.” In other words, being a Christian automatically makes you a target for those who hate, disagree with or don’t understand Jesus.

If people make fun of you for your faith, don’t be surprised. What you believe and what “the world” (people who don’t know Jesus) believes are different. If people give you a hard time for being a “Jesus freak” or reading your Bible or not doing some of the stuff your friends do, don’t freak out. Jesus said this would happen. 

Look at the verse above. Jesus basically said, “Don’t be surprised at how ‘the world’ treats you. People who don’t know Me will treat you like they treat Me–badly.”

So, when you feel persecuted, take heart. It means you have something in common with Jesus.

Fire once consumed me engulfed me in pain. The torment pushed me out in the cold, as I dropped to my knees and prayed for rain. The torrential storm concealed my tears. As the sun began to rise I stood up and faced my fears. I looked around and although I still was alone I looked up to the heavens and asked “give me the wisdom to be strong.” The clouds faded away but I still had pain. However, I had the power to start my journey again. Like a hurricane my mind was like the wind no direction no purpose but my eyes could see again. I then realized that life gives us what we need. Sometimes it’s our hearts that carry all the greed. As I walked down the path that I once peregrinated. I didn’t reflect back on the lifestyles I once segregated. Instead I looked ahead and envision the end of the road. This time it was clear there was truly no end to the future that remains untold. Down this path I know obstacles will lie, from burned trees of anguish to puddles of desire. I will stay on the path and no matter what and look to the skies for salvation, direction, and for the answers to my life. After the rain I still remained wet and heavy as the burdens still stay. But now I see my purpose and now I am safe. Fire will no longer consume me and separate me from my dreams. I will be more than I am by any means.