Sticks, Stones and Pulpits

Join Eli Coleman on a heartwarming journey of faith, forgiveness, and redemption in "Sticks, Stones and Pulpits." Delve into a gripping tale of a young black man's struggle with doubt as he grapples with the mysteries of his blind grandfather's past. Experience the power of a transformative encounter that reveals the profound impact of love, resilience, and divine intervention. Discover the unyielding strength of faith in the face of adversity and the enduring legacy of hope that transcends generations.

• Short story
• Spirituality & New Age
• Religion

								
Chapter 1
Every Sunday morning, without fail, young Eli Coleman would don his Sunday best attire: a crisp white shirt, brown trousers, shiny shoes that squeezed his toes, and his oversized blue jacket. His wild black hair would be slicked back with just the right amount of gel, as deemed by Olivia, his grandmother. When Olivia wasn't watching, Grandpa John would sneak two butterscotch candies and a peppermint into Eli's pocket, giving him a gentle pat and a sly wink, silently instructing him to keep their little secret. Ever since his parents tragically passed away in a car accident when he was just 5 years old, Eli had been living with his strict yet loving grandmother and his blind grandfather. Grandpa John was a reverend at a local African American church, where he was adored by the community for his compassionate heart and wise words, offering solace and support to their brothers and sisters in the neighborhood. 

Chapter 2
Eli couldn't shake the curiosity about his grandfather's blindness, but Grandma Olivia would only shake her head and murmur that he was too young to hear the story. As the years went by, Eli's curiosity grew in secret. It wasn't until he was 23 that he finally mustered the courage to ask Grandpa John about the harrowing incident that had left him blind. Grandpa John patted a spot next to him on the couch in his private office, “It’s finally time that you know the truth, my boy, it happened after one sunny Sunday afternoon when I preached about Proverbs 20:6-7 - “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him" These two big, burly men, found me after the church service and cornered me in my office, saying that I was making wild accusations against them and their lack of faith. One man held me in a forceful grip while the one threw a mysterious liquid in a small bottle right in my face - a burning acid.” Eli's eyes widened in shock as he listened to his grandfather's story. The thought of such a cruel and senseless act left a bitter taste in his mouth. Grandpa John continued, "The pain was excruciating, and I thought I would never see again. But in that darkness, I found a different kind of sight, a clarity of purpose and faith that I had never experienced before."

Chapter 3
As Grandpa John spoke, Eli could hear the strength and resilience in his voice, a testament to the unwavering faith that had guided him through the darkest moment of his life. It was then that Eli truly understood the depth of his grandfather's wisdom and the power of his words to inspire and comfort others. From that day on, Eli carried his grandfather's story in his heart, a reminder of the fragility of life and the strength that could be found in the face of adversity. And as he walked to the church every Sunday, he felt a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the lessons that Grandpa John had imparted to him. Little did Eli know that his own journey of faith and resilience was just beginning, a path that would be shaped by the wisdom and love of his beloved grandfather, or that he would meet the men who blinded Grandpa John many years ago. 

Chapter 4 
Years passed, and Eli grew into a fine young man, carrying the lessons of faith and resilience that his grandfather had taught him. He found solace and strength in the words of Proverbs that Grandpa John had shared with him, guiding him through the challenges and triumphs of life. One fateful Sunday, as Eli made his way to the church, he noticed two unfamiliar faces lingering near the entrance. Something about them sent a shiver down his spine, a sense of unease that he couldn't quite shake. As he approached, the men turned to face him, their eyes filled with a mix of guilt and defiance. Eli's heart raced as he realized who they were – the same men who had blinded his grandfather all those years ago. Anger and disbelief surged through him, but he remembered the lessons of forgiveness and compassion that Grandpa John had instilled in him. With a deep breath, Eli approached the men, his voice steady but firm. "I know who you are," he said, his gaze unwavering. "And I know what you did to my grandfather. But I also know that forgiveness is a powerful force, one that can heal even the deepest wounds."

Chapter 5
The men looked taken aback, their faces reflecting a mix of shock and shame. They had expected anger and hatred, not forgiveness and understanding. As Eli spoke, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders, a sense of peace and resolution settling in his heart. In that moment, Eli realized that his journey of faith and resilience was not just about overcoming his own challenges, but about extending grace and compassion to those who had wronged him. And as he walked into the church, with the men who had once caused so much pain, he knew that he was following in the footsteps of his beloved grandfather, guided by God’s love and forgiveness. “Eli, I see that you’ve met Solomon and Saul Kingsley, the two men who were once blinded by their anger, but now have taken the next step in their faith and will be baptized next Sunday morning. Will you join me in welcoming these two men into the kingdom of Heaven?” Grandpa John smiled warmly as he held open the church’s door. 

Chapter 6
Eli stood frozen in disbelief, his heart pounding in his chest as he processed the words of his grandfather. Solomon and Saul Kingsley, the very men who had inflicted such pain and suffering on Grandpa John, were now seeking redemption and a new beginning through baptism. As Grandpa John's words sank in, Eli felt a surge of conflicting emotions – anger, forgiveness, doubt, and hope all swirling within him. Could he truly welcome these men into the church, into the fold of their community, after all they had done? But as he looked into the eyes of Solomon and Saul, he saw something he hadn't expected – remorse, humility, and a genuine desire for forgiveness. They stood before him, their heads bowed in shame, but their hearts open to the possibility of redemption.

Chapter 7
With a deep breath, Eli nodded at his grandfather, a silent acknowledgment of his willingness to take this next step in their shared journey of faith and resilience. Together, they walked into the church, the sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows, casting a warm glow over the congregation gathered inside. As the waters of baptism cleansed Solomon and Saul of their past sins, Eli felt a sense of peace wash over him, a sense of unity and healing that transcended the pain of the past. In that moment, he knew that forgiveness was not just a word, but a powerful act of grace and love that had the power to transform even the darkest of hearts. And as he looked at his grandfather, standing tall and proud by his side, Eli knew that their journey was far from over – but with faith, resilience, and a heart full of forgiveness, they would walk it together, hand in hand, guided by the light of love and redemption.

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