Jasmine Meets Pastor Rick
Jasmine awoke, accepted the light as it blasted through the half covered window, then …. she crawled toward a seated position until she sat all the way up. It was early, she was feeling groggy, emotionally drained but also a bit relieved, it was all finished. That day, that anticipated day was now over, it was one that she could finally put entirely behind her. At least she could leave the entire swarm of disappointment behind her.
It was a weekend of sheer sorrowful disappointment and unfulfilled expectations. She was shocked, crushed and hurt but it was now behind her, it would remain so -forever. Thankfully she’d never have to relive that day.
She held on to the notion that her mother was still looking for her, she wondered constantly about her mom… this was something she did without fail, on a daily basis.
A fleet of ranging emotional responses dashed about through the feeling spaces of the body, mind and emotional system that river-flowed through the cellular vessel of Jasmine.
She was still feeling sad, distraught even -but….
One thing changed her view of the world, she felt an outpouring of -love, this love that she felt came from her roommates. She noticed a softness, a new level sensitivity …. She had begun closing down to people but now she wanted connect with these young girls.
She appreciated them…
Received all the kind words, gestures that complemented the teeth revealing smiles that gave her a new perspective. Jasmine was in awe of what her roommates could do, how they could lift her up in this terrible moment.
These were new people as far as Jasmine could see & they were now-dearly appreciated.
Her roommate Yola began to speak in a tone that uplifted young Jasmine, this was highly cathartic. Jasmine often resisted the therapy and clinical professionals she’d been recommended to see, but Yola knew what to say.
Yola suggested that Jasmine meet a pastor who visited their facility regularly; he was scheduled to be there at 10 AM every Wednesday morning. He’d walk gently along the corridors just outside the classrooms where beginning Algebra was wrapping up.
Then he’d usually sit on the pine chiseled bench and pray. A few students noticed, observed his prayer and some ventured his way. One young girl, Sarah J. always made sure to greet him.
…….
….”oh, I don’t know,” Jasmine moaned.
Following with more uncertainty that began to unfold.
………”…….. I don’t —-know….”…. This time she was pressing her teeth and humming as she finished releasing her long vowel, “owwww….”
Jasmine often took solace in the ways she expressed sounds, playing with words was something Mr. Paul had always encouraged her to do. He also taught her about consonants, vowels and how -she could orchestrate the chorus of sounds, in rhythm as they ricocheted through her mind and finally escaped her mouth. Mr. Paul had emphasized that these were her choices and hers alone.
—“Just come with me, Jazzy girl…” Yola insisted. This was presented in such an upbeat voice and cheerful tone, Jasmine stopped resisting. The invitation was irresistible, she finally gave in and agreed.
……”….. ooookk….” In a long, winding drawl, when she stretched out sounds in this way it also gave her time to process.
Jasmine gave in and decided she would join Yola to go into the corridor to speak with Pastor Rick.
Wednesday morning was coming soon and Jasmine had something new to look forward to. Pastor Rick had never pressured or attempted to pull young Jasmine into his prayer circles, so Jasmine never really considered meeting with him. Now, however, she had given her word and committed herself to try something new.
Off she went, the time had come for Jasmine to meet Pastor Rick.
“Have a seat,” “…. It’s Always good to see new faces, thank you for joining us. ..”. Pastor Rick pleasantly welcomed young Jasmine as she took a seat near him.
“Thank you Pastor Rick, I’ve wanted to come pray with you but…. This time I feel I really need something, maybe a good prayer?” Jasmine was surprised how clearly she articulated herself in this encounter.
Feeling a bit more confident now, she sat up and then, before she spoke another word, Pastor Rick went into prayer.
“Jasmine would you like to pray for anyone or anything in particular?”
“Yes, Pastor Rick, I’d like to pray for my mother…. I want her to come see me…”. Jasmine implored.
“Ok, Jasmine, we can pray for your mother and pray that she will come see you..” Pastor Rick calmly replied.
“God we gather here in your name, in your glory, we pray…. We pray that you will reveal your presence and spirit to all these young women in this time of need…. God, we pray for your strong hand of firm assistance, we pray that you will bring Jasmine and her mother closer, bring her mother here to us Lord and show us that she is loved and missed by her daughter. God, please show young Jasmine that her mother is well and that she loves young Jasmine. … God, we thank you …. We look to you, Dear God and we know you will light our path, we thank you God. In humble words and in pure humility, we pray. … Amen”
With that, all the girls began to look up. The prayer had finished and they did feel a sense of calm that often escaped them as worry was an all too familiar burden on their nervous systems. Jasmine relaxed into the moment.
“Thank you Pastor Rick”, Jasmine looked him in the eyes and felt compelled to nod as she spoke. She began to feel a greater sense of resolve, for that she felt -grateful. She even released an easy smile as she sat up taller.
It was now time for lunch, Jasmine stood deliberately and offered another word of thanks. This day was looking up, Jasmine was ready, it was time to eat.
Philip Dane 