"Son, where have you been?"
"Out on a date, Pops!"
"With who?"
"Oh, a little chicky dee."
"Uh huh. Does this have anything to do with JoJo?'
Tommy felt naked in front of his daddy. How did he know??
"Sir?"
"Tommy, we are both blessed in so many ways. Would you agree with that?"
"Sure, Daddy." Tommy was wondering where this conversation was going.
"I've watched you for the last year. Year and a half. You are not the same Tommy."
At that moment, God convicted Tommy. He knew exactly what Fire was talking about. But, he decided to play dumb.
"How so?"
"Son, I was lost. Going to Hell. I saw a spark in you! That spark was Christ. I also saw it in Dan. God used the two of you and other people, other things, and His Spirit to bring me over to his side."
At first Tommy just sat there. He remembered the courageous young man of God he used to be.
What happen? He thought
Fire spoke again, "I owe you big time, Tommy. So here goes....That spark is not in your eyes. You have quit listening and playing Christian music. I told you before: I am not against your rock music as long as you listen and play Christian music. I believe music feeds the soul. You are starving your soul by not listening to God's music. One more thing...you have quit going to church."
Again, Tommy just sat there. He had been running from God. And, he had fooled himself to think otherwise.
Finally Tommy managed, "Dad, I feel lost."
"Good news, Buddy. You aren't lost. You have just lost your way."
"What do you mean?"
"I know you still love God, but you have been running from him."
"Daddy, you're right."
"The reason you don't want to go to church is you will be convicted. You know the Light, which is Jesus. Your life style has made you ashamed to go near the Light. Son, most of us go through these times."
"Really?"
"Absolutely! We battle our flesh, evil, and the world!"
"What can I do?!"
"You need to get right with God."
"How?"
"Pray. Confess your sins. Allow Him to forgive you. Let God wash over you. Read the Bible."
Tommy replied, "I have not read the Bible in so long, I don't know where to begin."
"Two suggestions: 1)Each morning read the Proverb that corresponds with that day's date. 2) At night, read a chapter from John."
"Ok. Sounds good. What else?"
"Start going to church. Many things will work themselves out when you go to worship."
Tommy was grateful God had changed his father. At one time, he was the spiritual leader of his father. Now, his father---like Fire said---was returning the favor.
"I am going to go talk with God in my room. Thanks, daddy."
The older Wildfire and the younger Wildfire hugged. It had been a while.
"Tommy, holler if you need me."
"I will, Dad. Thanks."
When Tommy got to his room, he got still and talked with God. Something weird happened. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw JoJo. After 3 times, Tommy got it. He had been rotten to JoJo.
Tommy swallowed hard and picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number.
JoJo answered. "Hello."
"Hey, JoJo."
"Tommy? Are you OK?"
"Well, kinda. No, not really."
"What's wrong?"
"JoJo, for a long time now, I have been chasing after the wrong thing. I began to hate myself. Heck, I didn't realize it until I talked to my Daddy tonight...Earthly and Heavenly."
"Wow! I am sorry, Tommy."
"JoJo, I am the one who is sorry. I apologize for trying to wreck your life. I realized the only reason I was striking out at you in hate, was because I hated myself. Will you forgive me, Buddy?
"Sure, Pal."
"By the way...There is nothing between Samantha and me. We went to the show tonight, but we were both miserable."
"Really?"
"Yea, Bro. Why don't you ask her out."
"I believe that is a good idea, Tommy."
"I know it's late. I will not keep you. Thanks for understanding."
"Sure, Buddy. Thanks for calling."
The two hung up, and God smiled.
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