Minister Satara stood at the pulpit, his presence commanding yet humble. He... began reading Jeremiah 29:11: His voice was rich and steady, drawing everyone’s attention. “Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt undeserving of the plans God has for you? Have you ever looked at your life and thought, ‘How could the Lord use someone like me?”Nalah felt a warmth in her chest; the question struck a chord as though the Minister had peered into her heart and seen her doubts and fears deep within her. 

“Let me remind you,” he continued. “God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called. Remember....  David was only a shepherd boy, but he went up against Goliath and eventually became a king. ..... the Minister scanned the congregation, his gaze thoughtful and searching. When his eyes briefly met Nalah’s, she felt an inexplicable peace. It was as if time slowed, and for a fleeting moment, the walls she had built around her heart began to waver, intertwining with a small voice whispering. Listen..

To Nalah, the Minister’s voice softened, taking on a more personal tone. “God sees you as you are—broken, scarred, uncertain—and still, He calls you His own. There is no mistake you’ve made or wound you’ve endured that will separate you from God’s love....you are...a child of God, destined...., to live a future filled with hope.” Nalah’s eyes began to fill with tears, but she didn’t dare let them fall.

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A Redacted Excerpt Passage — by Y.D. Rowland
Portions of this scene have been intentionally withheld. What remains preserves the heart of the moment, while leaving space for discovery when you step fully into the story.