Stone's Diary: Kairo

Chapter 60.) Prayer Warrior

It was September the 1st, summer vacation was ending in a few days, fall was in a few weeks, and the Stone family was planning a new trip to NOLA. They didn't have a set date in mind but being that Kaari's due date was nearing, they wanted to wait until it was safe for both newborns to travel. The Goonies were prepping with Dajon for their new season to start.

Ava and Lucky were still hanging out and getting to know each other. Kayla and Michelle were cheering their best friend on but also reminding her that it was ok to say no and want to be alone at times. Everyone seemed to be shocked but proud of Ava for giving dating a chance but, of course, the men were impatiently waiting to meet this mystery guy that seemed to pull Ava out of her shell.

It was noon, the Stone's, Davidson's, and Henson's were sitting in Church listening to some well-needed words. It's been a while since everyone had been in Church and although the timing was wrong, it was Kaari's idea for them to do so. And being that King was dealing with his issues, Renae felt as if that would be a good thing. She was aware that he often felt as if God had forgotten about him or was punishing him for the lives he took.

But, she wanted him to remember that even Jesus surrounded himself with sinners. At the end of the day, it was best to see a person for what they were than to have someone pretend and then catch you by surprise in the end. The sermon of the day was about trust and relationships. Ava felt a bit exposed with the relationship part and King felt as if both topics were directed solely to him.

He had been slipping in the trust department when it came to being honest with Renae about his problems. Mental health was a big thing of hers and he should have known that she out of anyone would understand how he felt inside but he was afraid. He was still embarrassed about how deep he allowed himself to get with alcohol all those years.

When he knew he had a problem, he kept denying and ignoring it. Drowning himself deeper and deeper each time he picked up a bottle. He was still, unconsciously in a state of grief about the entire ordeal and had no idea how to overcome it or fully kick his urges. As a recovering alcoholic, he was aware that he would always be just that; recovering. And though he was ok with it, he knew that he couldn't depend on Renae to help him scratch the itch with sex but it helped him. It may have been a temporary bandage, but to him, it helped.

Renae was a creative and creator and expressed herself through dance and writing. King wasn't sure how to express himself the way that he expected others to do. All he knew was rage or bottling things up and expressing his vulnerability through sex. It wasn't wise to try and kick one bad habit by picking up another, but for King, it worked.

Yeah, the thoughts would still be there afterward but as long as he got a chance to verbally express himself even during intercourse, it was therapeutic.

"There are two main themes throughout Psalm twenty-seven, David running to God for protection and shelter, and David expressing his desire to know the Lord more. These two things cover a very important topic that would provide a lot of encouragement to people today. Because as we know, reaching out for help is sometimes viewed very negatively and creates an attitude of liberation and pride."

"Dam- I mean, mm," King mumbled.

"This attitude then translates into people's relationship with God, and they are unable to fully surrender their situation to him and allow him to work in their lives," the pastor dabbed at his forehead and paced for a bit, "It is also very hard to put your trust in God when you don't know him very well. It is important to encourage people that they need to continue to develop their relationship with God as well and that the better they know him, and understand his character, the easier it will be to surrender their situations and trust that God is there for them. Despite feeling alone or as if nobody cares or understands you!"