Britt Diane
Your Future Favorite Christian Author. Inspiring and transforming lives through written words.
Britt Diane
Your Future Favorite Christian Author. Inspiring and transforming lives through written words.
Your Future Favorite Christian Author. Inspiring and transforming lives through written words.
Your Future Favorite Christian Author. Inspiring and transforming lives through written words.
What is this I see? People singing in jubulee? Harmonies that make my ears ring. The ground is paved with gold and precious stones. I stop to marvel and stare. How can this be? Four headed creature roam about. Some surrounded with eyeballs making sure they dont miss a thing. All of our garments are a shade of white I’ve never seen. Some people only have halos and some also have wings. A beautiful city I’ve seen just to wake up and realize it was all a dream.
No honking horns. No crowded subway cars. No mothers yelling at kids To stay close — don’t stray away.
Its all in the distance. As far as the hot air balloons I wish I could ride in. But this mountain cave does me justice.
Warm and majestic. Built just for me to Escape And rest in.
I feel free On my swing High above the city What a sight to see.
My stomach dropped to my ankles as I glanced over the edge. I couldn’t tell if he could sense the fear swelling in me. John Acosta. He was 5 foot 10 with caramel brown skin. I just had to swipe right. With his profile picture showcasing his muscular build, a smile with a set of beautiful teeth and dimples as deep as the ocean, I couldn’t resist the date offer. I had to see if this piece of God’s art was really wanting to spend time with me or if I was getting catfished. It was at that very moment, I realized I shouldn't have told him I was an adventurous and competitive person. I just wanted to peak his interest since he was in his bicycling gear in a few of his pictures.
“You said you like adventure and competition. So, I figured this would be something we could do. I’ll see you at the bottom.” He chuckled as he effortlessly flung his body over the edge.
I was mortified but his smile was refreshing. It cooled the fire blazing inside me for a small fraction of time.
“Not my idea of a rooftop lunch, but I’m up for the challenge,” I yelled through gritted teeth. Who was I kidding? I had a mini heart attack while riding the elevator up here. There is no way I am getting on the side of this 800 foot tower with my extreme fear of heights. I started to back up slowly but was stunned when I felt something as hard as a brick wall hit my back.
“Not so fast ma’am. That’s the only way down. The door is locked and won’t be opened again until tomorrow morning. It gets really cold up here overnight so I don’t suggest waiting.” A man's voice protruded through the wind.
My throat fell to my chest.
My body quivered as the equipment guy tugged and pulled on each strap. He explained where to place my hands and how to position my body but my attention was on the sky and how far I would have to abseil. He could sense my fear.
“The way you walked backwards when you bumped into me is the same way you are going to walk down this building. Keep your eyes on the glass windows and stay focused on your next step. Take deep breaths. You will be fine.” His pep talk was soothing. It was like he could hear the internal prayer I was saying to my Creator.
“Father God, your hard headed daughter has gotten herself in yet another pickle. Yea I know, I know. You told me not to get on the dating app and I did it anyway. Forgive me Lord. I have to do better. In the meantime, could you please get me out of this one? And if I must take on the consequence of being disobedient please see me safely to the bottom. In the name of Jesus it shall be done. Amen.”
My quivers went into overdrive as I took my first steps over the edge of the building. I looked down to see where John was. Big mistake. The distance between me and the tiny specs I happened to catch a glimpse of sent me into a panic.
“I can’t do this!” I screeched while stiffening my legs and hugging the lines for dear life. “Hey, hey! No stiff legs remember.” The equipment guy grabbed my hands. “This hand here and this hand here. Eyes straight. Keep your legs bent and slowly walk backwards. Concentrate on your steps. You can and will do this. John is under you and I am above you.” He gave me a wink and hand motioned for me to look straight ahead. I closed my eyes for a second and whispered, “Thank you Father for this helpful man.”
“Tiny steps. Don’t look down. Tiny steps. Don’t look down.” I repeated to myself as I began my descent. I started to loosen up as I got comfortable in my step to hand rhythm.
If the equipment guy was a little cuter I wouldv’e told him I was no longer interested in his overly adventurous friend and asked if he was single. I wished I got his name so I could look him up later. I couldn’t believe I was still capable of being shallow while in a life or death situation. This world view of a biological clock and desperation to solve my own fear of dying alone has me being foolishly impulsive. Why am I like this? And why am I trying to figure this out on the outside of a skyscraper?
Before I could get back into focus I heard a WHOOSH and bird chirps surrounding me. The stabbing pains from their beaks on my neck and back cause my feet to slip and my face hit the tinted glass. A few seconds later I realized I was sliding down the building at lightning speed. I yelled for help but was unsure anyone could hear me. As I began to panic I felt my body slam into what felt like another brick wall.
“It’s okay I got you. I got you. Calm down. I got you.” John reassured me as he wrapped his arms around me. “It..it…birds…” I managed to cry out between sobs. “It’s okay. I know. I saw the whole thing. Shhh. I’m going to turn you around and you are going to wrap your arms and legs around me. We are gonna walk down the rest of the way together.”
John tried to make small talk as we finished our adventurous date together but I was over it. It was nice to be carried, but not nice enough to risk the plans of a second date. Once we were all planted safely on the ground I took a moment to step away to thank God I was still alive and safe then I bid them farewell.
It comes to you like a thief in the night. Just when you assume things are going right, A calming quiet comes in with all its might.
It’s been waiting for you. Seeking the right time to pursue. It’s on a mission to serve conviction and truth.
Running is not a choice When you hear that still small voice Roaring louder than noise.
I watch the ants crawl around the rough green sky. A four legged creature we call Duke walks on the grassy sky barking at me uncontrollably. “Shut up Duke” I yell as I continue to slightly sway back and forth. He continues to bark back. An apple falls from the limps of the ground that holds my 100 pound body. It hits my favorite converse kicks causing me to almost slip. It now lays amiss the sky. It is ripe and ready to be devoured by the critters whom occupy the sky I have found so interesting. I hope this distracts Duke so I can continue to enjoy my observations. I could watch life take place in the sky for hours if mom would let me. It’s always fun hanging upside from our tree in the front yard. But nope. Duke continues to bark until mom tells me to get off the tree and come in the house.
I expected to get the internship and then focus on building the relationships leading up to it.
I want it so badly to join in the lead membership group and focused more on what the requirements were to get in rather than getting to know the establish members.
I crave the lifelong partnership so deeply that I ignore the red flags being tossed at every play. I didn’t want to believe they were, are, and will always be the actions they gave.
I ignored friends and family for it.
I wanted the happily ever after instantly so I had the baby before knowing myself enough to know that waiting and patience is a virtue.
Being accepted instead of rejected was the mission so I gave my mind, body, and almost my soul for it.
Sometimes we fall in love with ideas, not people.
Blinded by the vail of selfish pleasures and desires.
The consequence is building foundation on sand and not on the rock.
When you move in haste on ideas you miss the true way.
“I’m sorry the number you called has a voicemail that has not been set up” Jackie swiftly hung up the phone. Why is this man not answering his phone? Her thoughts were running wild. She knew that Devin was a busy man. He had just sealed the deal on opening yet another dispensary location after his first location was awarded the top favorite dispensary in the state. However, since becoming a new member of the empty nester’s club, Jackie was craving a little more attention than usual. The transition from having someone to entertain at home to going home and figuring out how to entertain herself was not the transition she assumed it to be.
Once Jackie came to the conclusion that the walls in her home were not privy to responding to her cunning jokes she decided to take up an internal job offer that more or less forced her to travel for weeks at a time. This gave her the ability to see the world and meet people from different backgrounds that could possibly feed the attention she was used to receiving and it would all be on her employer’s dime. The thought of leaving Devin for weeks made Jackie’s stomach turn, but she knew that she couldn’t depend on any man, especially one as busy as a top tier business owner to fill the void of this new life transition. She did want to see him before she embarked on her new journey though. She even put on his favorite mint green and lavender floral sundress, let her locs hang down like he likes, and drowned herself in her favorite lavender perfume he bought her for her birthday. She wanted to leave a lasting impression since she would be gone for a while but it seemed to her that it was all a waste because she couldn’t get a hold of him.
With disgust written on her face, she reached for the phone to dial his number again. Before she was able to finish dialing his number the sudden sound of chatter from the lobby swept her office. The continual compliments and appreciation Jackie heard made her curious so she decided to worry about what was going on with Devin later and go see what was causing ruckus in her usually peaceful work environment.
As she walked into the lobby she recognized the Shaghaf cologne scent that filled the air. The back of the 6 foot 3 muscular body frame and neatly cornrowed locs confirmed her assumption on who was catching the attention of her employees. Confused about why he was there at her office, Jackie mentally prepared for the worst.
“Devin? What’s going on?” Before she could continue her questioning Devin turned around to reveal that he came bearing gifts. One being an adorable black Yorkshire Terrier covered in brown spots. The other gift being a basket full of flowers, dog treats, dog toys, and a portable kennel for the Yorkie.
“I know it's been a tough time for you since sending your only child to college. My sister told me that getting a pet really helped her once all of her kids left the nest. And I wanted you to know that you have something and someone waiting for you when you get back from your trip. I’ll keep him while you are gone and make sure everything is right with the Veterinarian.” Devin explained.
“Awwww this is too sweet! What’s his or her name?” Jackie managed to get out behind a choked up throat and teary eyes. “He doesn’t have a name yet. I thought we could take him for a walk for lunch and come up with one.” Looking at the red and black checker collar around the Yorkie’s neck Jackie caught a glance at the nameplate. There was no name on the front but the back read, “My mommy’s name is Jackie Stanley”. It also had her phone number on it. She could no longer hold back the tears in her eyes.
Remembering where she was in the moment, Jackie looked up at her employees who all had tears in their eyes. They basked in the glory of a man showing his appreciation to a special woman in his life. She wiped the tears from her face as quickly as they fell, looked over at her assistant, and told her to tell everyone she will contact them next week because she would be out of the office the rest of the day.
“At least they got a good angle.” Chesney scoffed. She was disgusted at the fact that her story made headline news. She assumed that it must be a slow news week being that her beautiful high cheek accented chestnut face was the biggest spread on the front page of the local newspaper. If only people could see her in her natural beauty instead of a photo taken inside of a county jail. Her palms began to get sweaty as the anger from images of the unexpected incident instantly began to flood her mind causing her body temperature to rise. As she tossed the newspaper paper to the ground. She tried to stay away from watching tv because she figured living in a smaller town buzz would eventually get around and she wanted no parts in remembering what happened. It was her nosey neighbor Karen who always worried about other people’s business that felt the need to bring the public announcement to her attention. Chesney could see in the twitch in Karen’s sea blue eyes and tell from her matter of fact tone that she was loving every minute of the exposure.
“I can’t believe this is happening”, Sandra thought as she watched the disoriented women flip over tables and yell explicit words at the man she thought she would be spending the rest of her life with. Sandra was amazed at how fast the woman was moving with a belly sticking out just as far as hers did. She couldn’t imagine having the energy since her last trimester and been doing a number on her ability to move due to discomfort and easily becoming winded. Sandra gazed in disbelief at the woman as she went for the table that was elegantly decorated with pink and gray Minnie mouse favors and baby confetti. Everyone’s gasps and whispers were so loud they made a ringing in her ear. She had to do something quick before the woman destroyed her beautiful custom made Minnie Mouse cake with the name Cassie written on it in opulent calligraphy. “Wait! Stop!” Sandra yelled out while moving as fast as she could to block the woman from reaching the cake. “What is going on here Kevin?” she questioned franticly and out of breathe. She could see the guilt and shame on Kevin’s face. Something had been off with him for a while. She had sensed that something wasn’t right with Kevin for weeks but when she asked he would just brush her off and tried to make it seem as though everything was fine. “I’m his wife and we have been married for 8 years now.” The woman proclaimed. She rubbed her belly “And you see this? This is our baby that’s due any day now. Not baby number 1. Not number 2 but number 3.” Sandra’s baby moved immensely as she got a pang in her stomach from what she had just heard. The collective gasps in the room from family and friends made Sandra’s heart skip a beat. Was this really happening? Was this really going on in front of everyone whom she considered her world? Sweat began to fall down the side of her face. She tried to take deep breathes to slow her heart rate but her tightened throat made it hard for her to do so. With her mind now full with rage Sandra repeated grittily “What is going on Kevin?” “I - I been trying to tell you for a while. I- I just did not know how.” Kevin explained timidly. Any other day Kevin’s 6 foot slightly muscularity frame, dark hair, and grey eyes would easily make her anger melt away. But this event that was supposed to be one of the most important days of her life had been ruined on his account. Not to mention the fact that everyone in her life had front row seats to the reveal that she had been a side chick the whole time they had been together. How could he do this Sandra thought. Why would he not explain things from the beginning and give her a chance to decide if she wanted to take on the role instead of deceiving her and making her believe she would someday be Mrs. Kevin Maxwell. This was supposed to be the start of her family. This was supposed to be the beginning of their dynasty. This was all too much for Sandra. She started to feel lightheaded. Her legs began to feel weak. She heard one last gasp in unison as she began to fall and land on the beautiful custom cake she wanted to protect.