WEB NOVEL: SET APART

Written by Abby Caymol | May 13, 2024

Jeremiah

While preparing for lunch, I noticed a missed call on my phone from Mr. Jose Ferrer. Later, I sent him an apologetic message for not answering his call earlier. He replied that it was okay and he just wanted to invite me to their Church on the coming Sunday. I expressed my interest in attending, but unfortunately, I had to work that day. He said it was okay and that I could join them next time. After informing another officer I would take my break, I left the checkpoint area and walked to the coffee shop. While waiting in line, I saw Abrielle and her friend sitting in front of the coffee shop during their break, but I pretended not to see them. During this time, I thought about the last time I went to Church with my parents in Miami.

If I visit a Church, I don’t know what to expect. I don’t know how to react because it would be different this time because God is speaking to me. After making my order and getting my drink, I searched for a seat away from Abrielle and her friend. Once seated, I opened the Bible app. The verse of the day was about when Jesus visited Martha and Mary. In the story, Jesus and the disciples journey to Jerusalem, and there is a village where a woman named Marta welcomes them. She has a sister called Mary who listens to Jesus’ teaching. Her sister Martha is distracted by all the preparations for the big dinner. Martha talked to Jesus to tell Mary to help her with all the work, but Jesus replied that Martha was worried and upset about so many things. Jesus also said that there is only one thing needed: Mary has chosen the good part that would not be taken away from her.

The story may be short, but it is incredibly meaningful. As I read it, I couldn’t help but see myself in Martha. I constantly worry about what others think of me, especially my friends. I’m afraid they will judge me or call me names if they discover my journey towards knowing God. I know I’m only fooling myself, as these thoughts and fears will eventually come to light. But what if my worries are unfounded? What if my friends support me instead of criticizing me? What if people don’t care at all? 

In the story, Jesus reminds us that only one thing is necessary and that Mary has chosen the good part, which will never be taken away from her. But what exactly is this “good part” that I’m missing out on? What is it that Mary has chosen that is so important and enduring?

I want that so badly in my life. It felt awful that I was hiding my feelings for God. I knew in my heart that God had lit up something in me so that I could also bring light to my friends. Nobody lights a lamp and hides it; instead, they put it on the stand so that those who enter may see the light. I closed my eyes briefly and thought about praying to God but hesitated. I wanted to ask God for wisdom but didn’t know what to pray for. I needed to understand what Jesus meant when he said Mary had chosen the good part that could never be taken from her. Suddenly, an encouraging thought came to my mind as if it was speaking loudly, and these words just wanted to come out: “The joy of resting in peace with God amid chaos.” It was followed by the question, “How?” Then, another thought came to me: I was distracted.

As I read about Martha in the Bible, I realized that I struggle to find joy and peace with God when I focus on the things that worry me too much. Martha needed rest with Jesus, and so did I. The only way to overcome being distracted by so many worries is by following the example of Mary, who was attentive and listened to God’s voice. As I reflected on this, my phone alarm went off, signaling the end of my break. I felt overwhelmed with all the revelations I had discovered but knew I had to return to work. As I walked back to the checkpoint, the word “wisdom” filled my mind. I checked The Fruit app, and the first thing I saw in my newsfeed was a Bible verse from Proverbs 1:33a that says, “But all who listen to me will live in peace.” These words of God spoke directly to my heart, and I want to believe in everything God has shown me and not doubt.

Once again, I felt goosebumps all over my body. I tried to ignore the feeling by scrolling up my newsfeed, but a verse from Romans 8:26 caught my attention. It said, “Similarly, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” My heart raced as I read the verse. I wondered if someone was watching me. I was amazed, but simultaneously, I felt afraid that God could see my thoughts. I couldn’t believe I was considering praying to God, but I didn’t know what to say. Suddenly, powerful verses appeared on the screen, and I felt joy in my heart, knowing that God had heard me. This is precisely what Jesus meant when he talked about Mary. Focusing on God, no matter what challenges come our way, will keep us from being distracted by worries, and we will always belong to God.

A well-known Bible verse from John 10:27 reads, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This verse means to me that Jesus is the only path to peace. If we seek Him by listening, we will discover life, and the Lord will bestow favor upon us. After returning to the checkpoint and my assigned area, I waited for passengers to arrive.

As I waited, I noticed Abrielle walking towards me. As she drew nearer, she flashed her badge, smiled, and nodded at me. I hadn’t seen her full name earlier, but when I read it on her badge, it read, “Abrielle Joy Ferrer.” Suddenly, my heart skipped a beat. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

I returned her badge without displaying any signs of panic or emotion. I felt a coldness rising through my head as she walked away. I remembered Mr. Jose Ferrer telling me in our first meeting that he had a daughter working in the airport. Suddenly, endless thoughts ran through my mind. The enemy Mr. Jose Ferrer mentioned earlier was now giving me another thing to worry about. I knew I had to remain calm and focus on God. Mr. Jose Ferrer and I had already built a friendship based on our shared faith. I had expressed to God my desire to have a friend with whom I could share my thoughts about God and my spiritual journey, and I had found that friend in Mr. Jose Ferrer. I don’t want to end my friendship with Mr. Jose Ferrer, but I can’t continue pretending I am unaware of the truth. I don’t want to live a dual life. If Abrielle is Mr. Jose Ferrer’s daughter, what should I do?