When the last customer left the lobby, it was already past all of our scheduled times to leave, but I couldn’t wait to get off from work to go see Jimmie Sue. I was looking forward to seeing her big smile and warm greeting. We were talking nonstop when we got the chance. It seemed we covered so many things while sharing various subjects, it felt like we knew one another forever. I dreaded facing the fact that things would be changing soon because she was nearing the end of her schooling. Then it would be onto graduation and then her career. She would not be at Jerry’s anymore when I would stop for supper. I was feeling a little anxious, when I heard the Lord say, “Be anxious for nothing son, don’t worry about tomorrow, for I hold the future for the both of you in my hands.” I immediately repented for allowing worry and made up my mind to enjoy each day as it comes. I entered the door with a smile, and we had a wonderful visit as usual. I could tell she was also feeling the changes coming and commented that she was praying that God would work out all the details. I already told her the Lord was miles ahead of us, not to worry.
This week was going by quickly, and I called Carl every day to check on Cindy, but she was still about the same, and the doctors were still running tests. Carl said that the doctors were saying according to her tests that she has some problem with her immune system, and the doctors have warned his mom and dad that if she had that condition, she may never wake up. They are saying her white blood cells are elevated and that they were keeping a close eye on her. I told him I would continue to praise God for her full recovery. We have prayed and we are not going to receive that negative report. “Carl, we are going to receive the report of the Lord. That report is there is healing, and miracles in his name.”
As I hung up the phone, it rang, and I quickly retrieved it. It was Jimmie Sue. I welcomed her call after this ordeal with Cindy. And after talking to Carl about her progress, it was nice to get into a different frame of mind. I am falling more in love with her with each visit at Jerry’s and with every conversation we have. I find myself wanting to pull completely away from the situation with Cindy, but I know that wouldn’t be right. Her family needs all the prayer and encouragement that they can get.
The next day I called Rob and told him the news concerning Cindy, and I asked him and Beth to agree with me in prayer that her brain responds to the treatment.
Chip: “When she responds to the treatments, the doctor can take her off the sedation, which will allow her to wake up. The doctors are concerned about her getting pneumonia. I want to at least pray with her and hopefully she will receive Jesus. I want to let her know I am moving on, but I want to make sure that Cindy is well on her way to recovery. I’ll let her know that I will pray for her and continue to support her as a friend.”
Rob: “Of course we will continue to praise God with you. Father, I agree with Chip right now that Cindy responds to the treatments, and we thank you and praise you for the answer. We thank you that Cindy is waking up and thriving, and she will be able to walk out of that hospital fully recovered from all her injuries. We speak to her immune system that it is strong and functioning the way you created it to function. Amen!”
Chip: “Amen! Oh, and I hope to see you at the gym Saturday. We have to keep up our strength you know, for our next baseball tournament. We are going to start practice again pretty soon, and you’ve got to stay in shape.”
Rob: “Yes, I plan on working out on Saturday, and you know some of our guys are quitting the team this year?”
Chip: “Really? No I wasn’t aware of that.”
Rob: “Yep, Ted and Carl are quitting. Ted is moving to Norman, Oklahoma to work with his dad in the church he grew up in. His dad is experiencing some health problems, and he can’t keep up with all the responsibilities that come with being a pastor. And Carl is being transferred to Virginia Beach at the Naval Recruit Office there. His wife is thrilled because that is where her family lives. So we need to do some recruiting ourselves to find some great team players. We are having a men’s prayer breakfast two weeks from now, so I think that will be a great time to run it by all the guys.
Before I forget, Beth is here reminding me to ask you how you are doing with the Cindy situation. Do you need some prayer too? I know how you felt about her, and I am sure your emotions are raw. That was a freaky thing to happen in the middle of all your dating problems.”
Chip: “Yes, at first I didn’t know what to think, it surely was a freaky thing to happen; but frankly, if it hadn’t been for me meeting Jimmie Sue, I may have been drawn back to her. If nothing else, I may have felt obligated to stay in the relationship. I tried to call her a few times before the accident, but she didn’t respond to my calls so I thought it was pretty much over anyway. I am so thankful for that, now that I met this girl and because of what the Lord told me about her. I have so much to tell you but it will take a while, so I’ll tell you another time.”
Rob: “Oh, sounds exciting. But did I here you right? Did you say this girl’s name is Jimmie Sue?”
Chip: “Yes, I had the same reaction when she told me her name, but it is true. Her name is Jimmie Sue.”
Rob: “Now I am sure looking forward to hearing this story soon. Now let me pray for you before we hang up.”
Rob prayed that God would give Chip strength to endure and words of wisdom to speak to Cindy’s family and that he would be an instrument to bring them to Christ. He prayed that he would be in the right place at the right time and allow Chip’s heart be filled with compassion and the love of God that surpasses all his human understanding. “Again, I agree with Chip on Cindy’s quick recovery and thank you for always hearing us when we call on you. In Jesus name, thank you Lord for the answer.”
Chip: “Thanks, Rob. Hey, I promised the Lord that I would attend the Friday night service Pastor Mike was teaching on the Love of God and that I would attend church services on Sunday.”
Rob: “It will all work out Chip. It will be good to come when you can get settled in and focus. Right now things are pretty tense in your life. You will need these meetings as you and Jimmie Sue get free from some of your schedules.”
Chip: “I know, but this is the time to keep filled up on God’s word and keep a hearing ear open to all the new things happening in my life, as well as hearing His Word concerning Cindy and her family.”
Rob: “Rest easy bud, it will be alright. I have got to get off, Beth has dinner ready.”
Chip: “Okay, see you later bro.”
On my way to eat dinner that evening, I prayed, “Lord, help me to get through this week. I want so to get started on these meetings and glean all I can from you.” The Lord was so good and seemed so close these days because I immediately felt a peace come over me that permeated every part of me. I began to sing a song of praise; and boy, oh boy, the Spirit of God came over me like a flood. I just kept singing until I reached the restaurant. I was in a different state of mind; and all of the sudden, I felt refreshed. Also, I was hungry as a bear.
As usual, I was met at the door with a big smile from Jimmie Sue, remarking how cheery I looked. “Oh”, I said, thinking on her remark and realizing that the Lord’s visitation was showing up evidently on my face.
Chip: “Awesome! How are you doing today Jimmie Sue?”
Jimmie Sue: “I am pretty stressed out, but I am hanging in there. The question is how are you? I heard about Cindy’s accident on the news, and I saw the damage done to the cars involved. It looked like a pretty bad accident. Have you heard anything concerning Cindy’s condition today?”
Chip: “No, I haven’t called to ask about her yet. I told Carl, her brother, that I would check on her after work today. The doctors have kept her sedated to keep her from moving around with all the injuries. When I talked with Carl yesterday, she had elevated white blood cells, and the doctors were quite concerned. I talked with Rob, and we prayed that God would allow her brain to respond to treatment. I am a little confused that they ran this again on the news because it happened a couple weeks ago.”
Jimmie Sue: “Yes, I found that strange to. It appears that the other two that were driving the other cars involved in the accident, have recovered from their injuries; and have been released from the hospital. It seems one of them had an alcohol level way above the normal levels and is trying to say that Cindy Freeman was responsible because she veered over into his lane.”
Chip: “Wow, I find that hard to believe!”
Jimmie Sue: “Why?”
Chip: “Because, one of her pet peeves when driving is to follow the law and don’t allow distractions. She would never talk on her cell phone or put on make-up, etc. So I think he will have trouble making that accusation stick. I would testify to that in a court of law for her, if she asked me too.”
Jimmie Sue: “It sounds like this guy is trouble, and he is looking to pass the buck onto her. He is probably hoping she won’t be able to remember all the details due to her brain injury. I will continue to pray for her and let’s agree together she remembers every detail.”
Chip: “Amen, I agree with you. Thanks Jimmie Sue. My prayer is that it is not a long recovery, because the waiting is what works everybody over and wears on you. I want to move on, and I feel like I am stuck. So please join with me and others that are praying for a speedy recovery.”
Jimmie Sue: “I will, and do agree.
She grabbed my hands and started praying what the Lord said, that Jesus declared that if any two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where any two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.
Jimmie Sue: “Father, Chip and I agree that Cindy will make a quick and speedy recovery, that her memory will return to her fully and justice will be done on her behalf. Amen, so be it!
She looked at me with those big green eyes and said, “I will continue to praise God with you Chip to the completion of that agreement. Amen!!!”
Chip: “Amen, Jimmie Sue! It is done! Thank you so much for that. I felt nothing but true and pure faith in that prayer. How refreshing!!”
Jimmie Sue: “You know Chip, no matter how tired I am or what seemingly has transpired in my day, I spend time with God. I found my day goes so much better and orderly when I do. Oh, things happen, but I know that God is with me, and everything will work out for my good.”
She in the same breath said, “Oh, I am so sorry Chip, I haven’t taken your order yet, and I need to get going. Our special this week is fried cod, fries, and a drink for $6.99.”
Chip: “Sounds good! I will have an ice tea with my meal. And, is it possible to have a salad instead of fries?”
Jimmie Sue: “Sure! The boss doesn’t like to do that with specials, but I will work it out.”
Chip: “Thanks!”
I was sitting there sipping my ice tea when Todd, a friend of mine, walked into the restaurant.
Chip: “Hey Todd!”
Chip: “Hey buddy, where have you been lately? I haven’t seen you at the gym or Church.”
Todd: “Well, I have been there, but not as often as I need to. I am working tons of overtime.”
Chip: “I hear you on that one! I have had a long hard last few weeks myself.”
Todd: “Really, why is that?”
I explained the events that had transpired with Cindy’s accident.
Chip: “Cindy and I had some gaps in our relationship; right in the middle of the added pressure with the Ambassador’s keeping up our winning streak. We pulled out the win with the play off, but it was too close for our comfort.”
Todd: “Yeah, I missed going to them, but I read in the news that you guys won. I am sorry to hear about your girl. That is just awful!”
Chip: “Well, we really had stopped dating a few weeks before this happened, but I went to the hospital after it happened to be with the family. Do you want to sit down and eat with me? I have just now placed my order, so have a seat and have dinner with me.”
Todd: “Yeah sure! I come in to see this sweet waitress named Jimmie Sue and get up the nerve to ask her out again. Can you believe a name like that for girl? I will call her Sue if we start a relationship.”
Really?! If I didn’t have enough going on in my life, here comes a buddy of mine, wanting to take out my girl? I had this churning in the pit of my stomach. I thought to myself “It will be over my dead body, that you will get her.” I surprised myself and couldn’t believe that thought went through my mind, but I wasn’t expecting any competition, and this unnerved me.
Chip: “How long have you been coming here Todd?”
Todd: “I have been coming over a year or so but just stopped for a while because I started working so much overtime. And when I had time, Karen Combs and I hung out. I am getting pretty worn out with so much overtime, but we have a lot of special orders coming in for custom made cabinets. And on top of that, we have had some trouble with some of the stains being inconsistent in color. There have been some redoes, and the boss is jumping up and down about it.”
Chip: “Oh, I know who you are talking about. I met Karen at a Birthday Party Beth had for Rob. She is a nice girl and seemed to be smart, as well as a dedicated Christian. I think I remember her being passionate about missions.”
Todd: “Yep, that’s her! She is called to missions, and I am called to cabinets.
Giggling nervously, Todd said “I do not know if I am that dedicated to give up what I am doing to move to Africa, or India, etc. She eats, breath, and constantly talks about it. I do not fault her on her passion to do it and finally told her, I thought God had someone with like passion that He will send to her. But that just wasn’t what I felt to do. She was broken up about it, but I feel I couldn’t string her along in a relationship when I just wasn’t in the same call she was. I felt that if we married or continued our relationship, I would just hold her back; and I didn’t want to do that.”
Chip: “I agree, brother, with you about that, but I am sure it hurt to let her go. I applaud you for laying down any selfishness on your part to continue that relationship, even though it sounds like you have real feelings for her.”
Todd: “Yes, she is a great catch, and someone that has like passion will have a great life with her. She is sensitive and kind, with a great humor. I really love her for her dedication, and strength in God.”
Chip: “You are really a stand- up guy, Todd. I hope you do not get upset with me, but my eye is on Jimmie Sue as well.”
Todd replied, “Oh, I seen her first.” giggling as he eyed me with a serious nod.”
Chip: “I know, but she has a right to pick, right? I mean, you haven’t put a ring on her finger, and she has expressed to me already that I am her guy.”
Todd: “True, but, hey, give me a chance.”
Chip: “I will step aside, Todd, if she chooses you. I would want her whole heart in a relationship, not a portion, or mixed up about what she wants. That is a rule I made for myself. In other words, I do not want to date a girl that is like that. After all, that was Cindy’s problem. There is nowhere to go in a relationship like that. Anyway, that is what I found out these last few months. The Lord has been gracious to me, and I am glad I never made concrete plans with Cindy. I usually ate a Frank’s down the street but one day the Lord spoke to me to move on to Jerry’s Diner. I always wanted to check Jerry’s out, but you know how people are; we get in a rut sometimes with our routine. But I was feeling kind of low because Cindy and I were not clicking; and, through some much needed words from Rob reminding me I was on the wrong road with her not being a Christian, I obeyed that small still voice and checked out Jerry’s. I am so glad I did, because Jimmie Sue and I have talked and grown close over a short few weeks.”
Todd: “Well, I am still hoping against hope that green-eyed gal chooses me. I know she is a great girl.”
Todd winked at me with a little irritation in his voice.
About that time Jimmie Sue came bouncing around the corner with my order in her hand. I kept my eye on her and took notice of her expression as she saw Todd sitting across from me in my booth. Her eyes went to the floor for a second and she lifted her head and eyed Todd with this expression. I wasn’t sure if it was good, bad or indifferent.
Jimmie Sue: “Well, hello Todd! I thought you were dead!” she said, giggling nervously! “I haven’t seen you in a long time. What is going on in your life?”
Todd: “Oh, you know, work, this, and that! But I thought I would come around and see one of my favorite people. How have you been?
Jimmie Sue: “Never better, Todd. I am moving along quite nicely, and I am happy. I want to get my schooling over with, but things couldn’t be better. What can I get you to eat tonight?”
Todd: “I’ll have the usual burger and fries and tea to drink.”
Jimmie Sue: “Coming right up!”
She looked at me and winked! And she let Todd see her wink. I felt better but still a little uneasy thinking to myself, “Todd was a great finish carpenter and made mega bucks”, but I wasn’t going to let him move in on Jimmie Sue. I immediately said in myself, “Lord, help me. You know what you shared with me about this girl. I don’t understand what is happening. Todd is my friend, and we go to the same Church and gym. Things could get awkward and ugly as far as our friendship.” The Lord spoke to me and said, “Calm down, and be at peace son; Todd has already pursued that direction with Jimmie Sue, and it did not work out.” Ok, I am just going to relax. Jimmie Sue returned to our table with Todd’s drink in hand, and it seemed she was sending Todd her own message. She gave me a big smile while rolling her eyes, and she gave me a short head nod like, “go along with my gestures”. She then reached over and rubbed my shoulder.
Jimmie Sue: “Is there anything else I can get you, handsome?”
Chip: “Some more ice tea when you get a chance, no hurry! After that, I got the feeling she had no interest in him; and, of course, that made me feel somewhat better. She heard a dink of the bell at the service station with a voice saying, “Order up!”
Jimmie Sue: “Oh, that should be Todd’s order, I will be back shortly.”
Todd: “Oh, I could use some BBQ for my burger on the side please.”
Jimmie Sue: “Coming right up!”
Todd: “Are you and Jimmie Sue going out?”
Chip: “Well, we have been talking about it, but it is difficult for either of us to find a day that is open to do so. We have a lot in common but right now she is buried in her studies, preparing for her final exams. But we have shared much concerning our lives in a very short time.”
Todd: “I can see that, but you won’t object to me asking her out, do you?”
Chip: “Go for it Todd,” as my stomach began to churn again, “I do not have any hold on her.”
Todd: “I think she is an awesome gal, and I really would like to get to know her better.”
Jimmie Sue returned with the tea and commented again with a cheery smile, “Here’s your ice tea good looking, do you need some more ice cubes?”
Chip: “No, Jimmie Sue, I think I am good.”
Jimmie Sue reached over and filled Todd’s glass without comment, and I could see Todd swing his head around in disgust out the corner of my eye. He quickly reacted with a direct look at Jimmie Sue, and I could see he wanted to get away, because the message she was sending him was loud and clear that she was not interested in him. Her comment gave my heart comfort that she was letting me know also that she wasn’t interested in Todd. In fact, she couldn’t have been any clearer about it, with her calling me handsome in front of Todd. Thank You, Jesus! I could go home tonight knowing that all is well with my feelings for her, even if Todd hung around and tried to change her mind. I waved at her to bring my bill so I could go on home, and she nodded and came to collect my money after about 10 minutes.
Jimmie Sue: “Hey, can you hang around for a bit so we can finish our conversation? That is, if you have time to talk?”
I realized what she was doing, and it wasn’t long until Todd gobbled down his burger and asked for his ticket. He shook my hand and left. He wasn’t happy about it, and I know his ego was wounded; but I was thrilled she let him know where she stood with him. It wasn’t long until she headed to my table and thanked me for staying. I told her I didn’t mind because I had feelings for her, and I could see Todd made no secret of the fact that he had his eye on her.
Chip: “He said he had been coming in over a year but was just now coming back.”
Jimmie Sue: “Really! He said that?”
Chip: “Yes, why, has he been in pestering you in the past?”
Jimmie Sue: “Oh, yes, he used to come in all the time, but I started asking the other waitress to wait on him when he did. He kept asking me to go out with him, and I told him I did not have time for dating right now because of my schedule. He was persistent until I just flat told him I wasn’t interested. Then, I didn’t see him again until Christmas of last year, and he kept asking me out, and I finally gave in and went out with him on a couple of dates. He was nice, but he is just not who I see spending my life with. Thank you so much for staying and did you mean what you said? That you have feeling for me?”
Chip: “Yes, I meant it. And I have so much to tell you, but I was just going to move slowly and let things develop in time.”
Jimmie Sue: “Chip, can I ask you a question? When are you going to ask me out?”
I must have looked like I swallowed an elephant because she sat back in the booth as if she couldn’t believe what fell out of her mouth.
Jimmie Sue: “Oh, that was out of line. Sorry, I can’t believe I asked you that, especially after the last few weeks and the terrible events that have transpired.”
Chip: “No, No, Jimmie Sue. I have a lot to share with you, but I would love to take you out. But I overheard you telling one of your co-workers that you didn’t have time for a relationship right now because of your big tests and soon graduation.”
Jimmie Sue: “Oh, I did say that, didn’t I? Well, to make a very long and boring story short, I was also dating a guy I went to college with; but I know he is not the one for me either so I told him I just didn’t have the time for a relationship right now. To be honest with you, I have been trying to wait on God concerning the right guy and not waste time on dating a lot of guys. I have prayed about it, and I want that special person He has in mind for me. I want someone who makes me feel alive. Fireworks, you know? And the first time I saw you when you walked into the restaurant, I had this peace come over me and excitement at the same time. It is hard to explain, but in my heart I knew you were different.
My heart skipped a beat, and I could hardly get the next words out fast enough. Chip: “Oh, gosh, I have so much to tell you. The same thing happened to me when I first saw you. I have so much to tell you, but I do not want to do it now. It will take a bit, and it looks like the restaurant it getting busy. Can you call me when you are done with work tonight?”
Jimmie Sue: “Yes, indeed! It will be probably around 9:00. Will that work for you?”
Chip: “Yes, that works for me!”
I went home with a bounce in my step, thanking the Lord for his quick response concerning Todd’s comments about Jimmie Sue. I had bills to pay, so I quickly open them and went to computer to pay them online. Then I jumped in the shower and relaxed a bit. I was grateful for Jimmie Sue agreeing with me in prayer over Cindy’s quick recovery. What thrilled me the most was when she grabbed my hands and, without reservation, prayed a very powerful and complete prayer over someone she did not know. “Awesome!” Is all I can say! The phone rang around 8:45, and I answered with somewhat of a sexy voice when I heard male voice on the other end. “Hello”, I quickly responded!
Carl: “Chip, it happened! Cindy is awake and seems to being doing ok!”
Chip: “Oh, praise the Lord, Carl! I just had another in agreement in prayer about her quick recovery. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am.”
Carl: “Yep! The doctors took her off the sedation this afternoon around 2:00. She slowly woke up and began to stir around. I got a call on my cell phone at work from Dr. Sims, and I immediately called mom and dad. Doctor Sims said she still had a ways to go, but he thinks she is going to be fine. Outside she is still going to feel some pain with her other injuries. I thought I would call you at your request to be able to come and visit her.”
Chip: “I will for sure come to see her but let me give her a couple of days to visit with the family first. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to the Lord for answering prayer. Don’t forget to thank him, Carl.”
Carl: “Chip, I won’t, and I thank you for all you have done in keeping her lifted up before the Lord. I will forever be grateful.”
Chip: “No problem, Carl!”
About that time his call from Jimmie Sue was coming through.
Chip: “Listen Carl, I have another call I have to take, can I call you tomorrow?”
Carl: “Sure thing, bud!”
Chip hurried to retrieve the call from Jimmie Sue and said, “Hello”; and without taking a breath, said “You’re not going to believe it!”
Jimmie Sue: “What! What is it Chip? Are you okay?”
Chip: “Never better my little flower”, giggling, “I was on the phone with Carl when you called, and lo’ and behold, Cindy is awake, and doing well!”
Jimmie Sue: “Oh Chip! Thank the Lord for his answer to our prayer.”
Chip: “You have no idea how relieved I am. I felt unable to move on like I wanted too until I knew she was going to be okay. I knew her family needed all the support they could get, especially Carl. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am. Truly, I am so glad he honored all the prayers and our agreement. Thank the Lord!”
Jimmie Sue: “I know that had to be a load off your mind, and I could tell it was pressing on you but that is what drew me to you as well.”
Chip: “What do you mean?”
Jimmie Sue: “I saw you have a compassionate and caring heart, which I think is a rare thing to find in people today.”
Chip: “Oh, I thought everyone felt the same way. I guess I never stopped to think about it. Thank you for the telling me that, but I do not know if I deserve such praise, because in my heart, even though I cared about Cindy’s welfare, I wanted it to end at the same time.”
Jimmie Sue: “That might be true, and I would say that is a normal response being that the relationship was ending, but you stepped up Chip and are walking it out with them. To me, that says a lot about your character. I will take you all day long to be on my side over some people that say they are Christians, but I will stop right there in my comment about that. I think most of us can use a kick from the Holy Spirit concerning these things, and I certainly am not the judge. After all, I don’t want to keep you up too late, but I do want to hear a little about what God told you about me.”