Book Title: Sunshine Through Clouds
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The air was electric as we sat in hushed, deathly silence, waiting for the verdict to be handed down from a pompous judge. Suddenly he started speaking in a slow, easy drawl.
Yesterday we felt he would be fair, honest, and favorable to the plaintiffs and their witnesses; he seemed concerned and understanding as he listened to the causes of action.
With a start, my mind came to attention. I did not like what I was hearing. The judge, who was talking today, did not sound like the man of previous days. My thoughts quickly became a battlefield of emotions. Immediately I wondered who had bought him off; what he was saying sounded so corrupt, I felt nauseated. I leaned over and whispered to my husband, Albert, sitting beside me,
"I cannot stand it. I have to get out of here." I reached for my purse on his lap, where he had been using it for a writing table.
Instantly Albert whispered, "No, you are not. You sit still. That wouldn’t be a good Christian testimony."
I struggled to get my purse, but my attempts were futile against his strong grasp. During that brief struggle, I glanced up to catch the unfriendly, judgmental eyes of the defense attorney watching us with interest. I settled back to listen.
A few moments later, I knew I could not listen any longer; this was the fourth day of a dreadful nightmare. I hastily snatched my jacket, leaving my purse behind, and quickly stood up and stepped around my husband. I marched across the courtroom to the exit, casting a final accusing glance at the betrayer -– the pompous judge –- only to find my efforts wasted; his eyes were averted.
I quickly closed the door behind me. The resounding bang echoed down the corridors of the stately old courthouse. I had not purposely slammed the door, but I made no effort to be quiet. Somehow, in my flight, I felt a little better hearing the echo of that door delivering my strong disapproval to everyone in the courtroom.
As I made my hasty departure, I had no idea where I was going. I only knew I had to get out of there to avoid an explosion of built-up emotions.
I descended the three flights of marble steps that somehow looked menacing to me. A breath of fresh air greeted me as I stepped outside. Pausing a moment before descending another flight of steps to the sidewalk, I glanced across the street and saw a Goodwill store; I made a hasty decision to go there for refuge.
During my descent to the sidewalk, I glanced at the store again, and it suddenly looked threatening. In my good clothes and dress shoes, I started marching across the courtyard and down the sidewalk; I was in a hurry, and I was angry. The following song became my agonized prayer:
***************
I Must Tell Jesus
I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.
I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;
He is a kind, compassionate friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
Make of my troubles quickly an end.
Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior,
One who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;
He all my cares and sorrows will share.
Author: Elisha A. Hoffman
In addition to the following books co-authored with her husband, Albert, Aimee Anderson is also the author of Broken, Yet Triumphant.
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