WEB NOVEL: SET APART

Written by Abby Caymol | Apr 13, 2024

Abrielle

“I’m curious, Charity. Can I see who’s viewing my stories on Blessbook?” I asked, concerned. 

Charity replied, “Blessbook only shows those who view your stories if they are your friends. There’s no other way to see who’s viewing your stories.”

“You know, Charity, it’s been bugging me. Sometimes, I get a bunch of views on my stories, but most of the time, it’s just one. I can’t help but wonder who these people are. Could they be the ones who send me private messages?” I pondered aloud.

“It’s strange, isn’t it? It’s like they’re waiting for my posts. I wonder if it’s The Fruit app users or people who know me from the airport. It’s a bit unsettling, to be honest,” I shared, my concern evident in my voice.

Charity reminded me that maybe they were encouraged by my posts about God. “Who knows?” she said. “Maybe your posts are making a difference in their lives.

Charity mentioned that a lot of people would visit my profile. She said that people see things out of curiosity or seeking encouragement. I’m glad that whatever they view on my profile is about God. While we were talking, Charity remembered that some officers at a checkpoint were talking about me being on The Fruit app. “Abrielle, why did I just remember this? Jeremiah was sitting with those officers at that time! They were talking about you in The Fruit app. I couldn’t hear what else they said because I was with a passenger then, and we needed to go.” She exclaimed. My heart raced. Could it be that Jeremiah is one of my viewers? It made me want to find out more. “Hold on, we can’t be sure if they were viewing your stories,” Charity reminded me.

“Charity, let’s take a picture right now. Others on Blessbook will view this story right away,” I suggested. We took a typical picture while chatting with a smile. It’s already uploaded; within five minutes, some others had already viewed the post. “See, I told you! They’re waiting for my post!” I made a defensive remark, to which Charity asked if I had received any private messages from other people. I said yes, but most hide behind counterfeit accounts, so I choose who I respond to depending on their message. Unlike in The Fruit app, some users are very open about their thoughts on God and the verse I posted. The people who sent me private messages were direct and intentional about what they wanted to say. Their message’s purpose was easy to understand. I also told Charity I wouldn’t respond if I knew they were using fake profiles. “You can tell if it’s a genuine account or just an imitation,” Charity explained. I agreed with Charity. I understand some people don’t want to reveal their identity, but what’s their true intention?

Charity reminded me to stay focused on the purpose of my encouragement regardless of who sent me private messages or viewed my stories. She warned me that the enemy could use curiosity to distract me from God without my knowledge. I struggled to understand what she meant but was preoccupied with many thoughts. I closed my eyes and prayed to God for peace about the people viewing my stories on Blessbook. I prayed that every word of God would guide them and lead them to the truth, for God’s word is living and powerful, able to change lives. I prayed that the Holy Spirit would sanctify them with truth, for God’s word is truth. And in Jesus’ name, I prayed they would find what they were looking for.

Jeremiah

I was assigned to stand behind the millimeter wave scanner in the checkpoint area. From there, I could see all the passengers and employees coming inside. I saw Abrielle come and place her belongings in the bin for the X-ray scanner belt and show her badge to an officer. I accidentally looked at her as she passed me, and she stared back. A wave of curiosity washed over me, wondering if I had done something to upset her, as she always seemed surprised when we encountered each other. However, I decided to let it go.

Soon after, Eden and Elijah came towards me, and Eden recognized Abrielle from The Fruit app. I was considering sharing my newfound interest in Christianity with Eden, but only if she was open to the idea. So, I cautiously asked her what she thought of Abrielle’s posts about God. Eden explained that although she found them motivating, she wasn’t interested in soaking up everything Abrielle had to say.

I agree with you. Her posts are overwhelming. She mostly posts about God, and not many people are interested in those topics nowadays,” Elijah commented. I changed my mind about my plan. Eden asked me, “What made you ask us?” “Oh, nothing. Just curiosity,” I replied. “Do you follow her?” Eden asked with a grin. “No, I’m not following her,” I lied. I felt a pounding sensation in my chest. I didn’t want Eden and Elijah to know that I was trying to connect with Abrielle or that I watched her reels. I felt guilty about something. I asked myself, “What happened to my fresh learning from the book I was reading?

I am working on improving myself, but I’m still struggling with something. Even though I see some progress, I feel like my transformation is not complete. There seems to be a missing piece to the puzzle, and I don’t want to end up back where I started. I was thinking about downloading a Bible app on my phone, and when I did, I was amazed at its features. You can read the Bible, access different plans, and even track your emotions and receive a verse related to them. This app would help remind me of things I sometimes forget. Today’s verse was significant to me: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” (Psalms 34:4-5) The word “radiant” really spoke to me.

As I was reflecting on my mixed emotions about opening up to Eden and Elijah, I felt like the Lord heard my thoughts. I realized that seeking the Lord requires searching and looking for Him. However, my heart is not fully ready yet. It’s like a planted seed that needs sunlight, watering, love, and patience to grow. Although the scripture says that God delivered me from my fears, I know I am not entirely delivered from all my fears because I doubt God. I hesitate to share my faith journey with my friends because I haven’t wholly trusted God. I’m not ready yet, and I’m also struggling with the lies that I’ve said. But I’m hopeful that if God is real and sees me, He will answer my request for deliverance from fear and give me the confidence to open up to others. I want to seek the Lord profoundly and sincerely this time.