Pretty & Perfectly Pimping

Chapter 20: In His Will Temple

Although arriving 15 minutes early, the church parking lot was over capacity. Male attendants were directing traffic on the flooded street as vehicles started to line on the side of the road. For blocks, people flocking to the oldest church in the city as the historic architecture hovered over the slum neighborhood located in downtown Banksville. However after a few moments of seeking, Ma and I eventually found a place to park. The sound of the soulful church choir echoed from outside the building, following the voices of the congregation singing along.

"The name of the church is still called In His Will Temple." Ma jokingly said while reaching to side hug me as we walked toward the church. "I know it's been a while." I responded while giggling. Growing up in this church produced so many fond memories. Approaching the entrance, a flash memory produced the image of Anthony Hunter attempting to kiss me on my lips. We were ten years old and Anthony thought he could have any girl he wanted because he was the pastor's kid but his charm never worked on me. However quickly interrupting the thought of my past, was a thought of my present. Since our conversation yesterday, imaginations of Shawn sitting alone in a cold Texas jail cell occupied my mind but I tried to shake it from my thoughts.

Finally ushered to our seats, Ma and I both stood up to join everyone else in praise and worship service. Not fully in tune to praising God, I looked around the room taking notice of small changes. Of course people are always evolving, but the faithfuls were vastly aged. Pastor Hunter was no longer the strong forty-something man he used to be. Instead he fashioned a head of gray and a wooden cane. While clapping my hands, I noticed First Lady Hunter moving her thick body with the music as she sat with the other church mothers. She was always a beautiful woman with such grace. Even though I never knew why, my Ma could never stand her. Nevertheless, consisting of about 20 members, the choir sung Ricky Dillard's "Amazing." The musicians did not miss a beat as the lead singer begin walking the floor in between pews.

After the song was complete, a young light skinned man walked up and stood at the podium to speak. The navy blue suit he wore complimented his body well and although he wore glasses, his features were very masculine. Even speaking in a tone that appealed to a younger crowd but also offering the church sound the older members wanted. The minister looked familiar but I had difficulty figuring him out and eventually gave up the guessing game to listen to his message.

"Prayer is simply a conversation with the Lord. It is how we communicate with God. In Matthew 6:9...the King James Version...Jesus said to his disciples; After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name." Said the youthful minister with strength in his voice. "You suppose to pray without ceasing...that means pray in the good, bad, and ugly. AT ALL TIMES!" The man of God shouted. I knew this sermon was from God himself because it touched me. Struggling to remember the last time I prayed was discouraging. However reminded that we can always go to God in prayer and that he hears us, his children. The message did not only affect me because the yells of Amen, Hallelujah, and Glory to God increased. Eventually producing an outcry as the overwhelming power of the holy ghost entered to dwell in the building. I was able to experience God's presence and it was amazing!

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After service I visited and spoke to a few members. It was wonderful seeing people that I haven't seen in years. I walk to greet Pastor Hunter who remained seated in the pulpit after service, the young speaker approached me throwing his long arms gesturing for a hug. "Vivian, you are still beautiful!" He exclaimed while eyeing me up and down. I tried to pretend to know him but still offered a look of uncertainty. "My God, you don't remember me. It's me, Anthony!" He continued with such excitement. Before responding I thoroughly glanced at the young man, this time recognizing his once boyish features. "Yes, it is you! Oh my God it's been years! How are you?" I exclaimed while being truly happy to see someone from my childhood.

"I am well. God has truly been great to me!" Anthony said while fixing on his neutral color bow tie. Before I could ask he told me a brief summary of his life. I was shocked to know that Anthony had been married three times and had eight kids. Although he was still married to his last wife, they were separated. He said taking over the ministry two years ago after Pastor Hunter's stroke saved his life. "So Vivian, do you have any children?" Anthony asked while quickly embracing a few church ladies who appeared to be single. "Ugh, actually I don't but I'm engaged and hopefully some little ones will come once we're married." I responded also voluntarily offering and stretching the truth about my marital status. I could tell Anthony wanted to know that information. I was never attracted to him even though he was a handsome. His whorish ways were a major turn off but women and from what I heard, some men flocked to him like he was Jesus himself.

Just when I was trying to come up with a way of escape from this conversation, Pastor Hunter recognized me from a distance and demanded for me to come where he sat. I quickly gave Anthony another hug and sprinted over to the pulpit. I was scared to walk in the area where ministry takes place because growing up, us children was scolded for being in that area. We were told it was sacred. I remember LaShonda and I getting a switch put to our tailbones for playing near the pulpit. Even to this day, I was terrified! "Get over here child, nobody gonna whip you!" Pastor Hunter said while laughing. After pausing I eventually managed to get across the threshold and embrace my childhood spiritual father. "My little Vivian, you are such a lovely young lady." He continued while holding and patting my hand.

I remember always being around Pastor Hunter and him taking me almost everywhere he went. There was this special connection we shared that was unexplainable. Even to this day, he would occasionally write me letters, send money or gifts, and ask my Ma about me. Although there was much controversy about our relationship, I didn't care about what others thought but what he said next even startled me. "You look just like my mother when she was your age!" Pastor Hunter said while pulling out and pointing at a locket enclosed with a picture of his mother. I briefly stared at the photo. "In fact you, I want you to have this." He continued but before I could grab for the piece of golden jewelry, my Ma walked up and snatched me from the man of God.

"What are you doing? Pastor Hunter has not been in his right mind for years now! He probably don't even know who you are and you look like you were over there taking advantage of that poor man." My Ma said with raged glowing from her eyes. I never seen my mother like this before but it frighten me. However I was so embarrassed that I simply pulled away from her and ran out the church while everyone including myself tried to figure out what just happened.