CrossReads Short Takes
When the Vows Break 3
by Lakisha Johnson
After the broken hearts, crushed promises and shattered trust caused by sin and fleshly lust;
Came pain, forgiveness and the chance to start over but is it too late for some to recover?
The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:12-13, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” But how can you hold on when it seems everything is fighting against, what you’re praying for?
These six friends have endured a lot and it doesn’t seem like an end is in sight. With more storms and broken hearts, more shattered trust and crushed promises; some are on the verge of giving it all up.
Will they hold on, long enough, to go through God’s process of recovery and restoration or will it be more than they can take? Find out in the finale of When the Vows Break?
The Runaways
by Sadie Cuffe
You’re an ordinary Jane Doe with an ordinary life — a little house with a roof that leaks only when it rains, a car with more Bondo® than body, and a job with dear friends who are ready to say good-bye to this life. But to someone who was dumped on the steps of the Home for Lost Children as a newborn and who’s always carried the forgettable name of Jane Doe, you know you’ve got it good. In fact, you’ve got everything you’ve ever wanted … except a real family.
God delivers on the desires of your heart with a tough-nut orphan who needs a home, an octogenarian stripped of his precious independence, and a wealthy old woman who longs for love just as mush as you do. These three need you desperately, and you need to be needed; but family is a mystery to you, especially dysfunctional families with money, prejudices, and fierce loyalty.
When you jump into the Lockhart family squabbles you discover your new boyfriend, Simon, who says he’s Mr. Right, has a PI file detailing your juvenile-delinquent past and labeling you a gold digger. You’ve always cut and run before, but can your faith give you the courage to stay and stand up for your ragtag family of 80-year-old-Clark, who’s an orphan just like you; lonely Ramona, who needs you and loves you but just happens to be Simon’s grandmother; and seven-year-old Jimmy who expects you to adopt him, if he and you can stay out of trouble long enough to pass the evaluation?
It’s your chance for a real family of your own, but you may have to go through personal hell-and-back to prove to yourself you deserve to be loved.