Tommy and Samantha walked into the Beauty Theater on Main Street that unusually cold night in early March of 1976. Wonder Woman, the movie, came out in January, but it had taken 2 months to make its way to Smallville. The two were excited. Not about being with each other---they were using each other to get at JoJo. The thought of Wonder Woman on the big screen was going to be cool!
Meanwhile, JoJo sat in his room stewing. He was rocking out to KISS, when his momma called him to supper.
JoJo yelled back, "I'm not hungry."
Within ten seconds, his mother and father were at his door thinking the boy was dying. They had never heard the words 'I am not hungry' come from JoJo's mouth.
Alice started, "Son, lie down!"
Dan chimed in, "Should I call the doctor?"
JoJo shot back, "What in the world are you talking about?"
They were all practically screaming due to the volume level of JoJo's stereo.
Finally Dan yelled, "Turn that mess down!!"
JoJo turned the music down, and asked again, "What are you talking about?"
"Son, you are 14-years-old. You have never uttered the words 'I'm not hungry,'" Dan explained.
"Oh...I...I..." JoJo didn't know what to say.
Alice was still concerned. "JoJo, we just want to know if you are alright."
"I'm fine. May I eat in a little while?"
Both parents agreed, hugged JoJo, and went back downstairs.
Back at the Beauty Theater....
Tommy said, "So, tell me Samantha...what's going on with you and JoJo?"
"We're just friends."
"Oh, so he didn't mind me taking you to the show?"
"Hmmm. I really don't know."
A sly grin crept over Tommy's face.
Samantha chided him, "Be quiet. The movie has started."
JoJo decided his rocking out may have released some pressure, but he was still angry. He turned on his latest Pat Terry album. He hoped the Christian music would calm him. Amazingly, it did. Then, he began to have a conversation with God like he had never had before.
Hey Heavenly Daddy. I know you are running the whole world, and maybe my problem is small. After all....I am saved. Thanks, Jesus. I have 2 parents. I have a home. I am healthy. I love music. God, there are so many things I am thankful for...
Then it hit JoJo...
I am really thankful for Samantha.
I know you brought her into my life. into my family's life. Lord, I like her. You know what I mean. I want her to be my girlfriend. I confess I was a little worried what others might think if...if (a tear fell from JoJo's eye) I asked her out. Because she's poor. (Now, JoJo was sobbing.) Daddy, I ain't nothing without you. Forgive me for thinking I was something because of the things you have given me! Please don't let it be too late for Samantha and me.
JoJo grabbed his Bible to find the verse he read that morning.
Proverbs 11:16; A gracious woman retains honor, but ruthless men retain riches.
Lord, Samantha is a gracious woman, and so is my momma. My dad and me care too much about riches. Forgive us! Help us to treat our women right.
JoJo almost fell asleep. He was at peace. He knew Samantha was his girl. He forgave Tommy. JoJo accepted God's forgiveness, and headed downstairs for some food. He was starving!!
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