Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2023 15:15:22 GMT -5
White lettering begins to bleed through darkness, reading:
"Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God."
Psalms 92:12-14
Six people sit at a dinner table, taking turns between speaking and eating. The dining room gives the impression of some level of wealth, with a dust-free golden chandelier hanging over the table and a China cabinet pressed against a back wall next to a window. The window peaked out over a hedge to a picturesque evening that provided only the slightest of glares in the dining room. The patriarch, a man somewhere around the fifty year mark, sitting at the opposite end was the unfortunate one who had to deal with it occasionally whenever he shifted in his seat to the right to grab his glass of tea.
Four others at the table could account for his family. There was a woman who looked to be only a few years younger with her hair cut in a bob and teeth that had been artificially whitened. There were two toe-headed boys around the same age who hadn't seen adolescence yet, and were mostly snickering to each other much to the ignorance of everyone else at the table. The last member of the family was a girl who looked to be a teenager, anywhere from fourteen to seventeen really, with blonde hair and dressed conservatively in a lavender cocktail-style dress. She seemed to be the only one who wasn't really enjoying herself, her concentration taken more by playing with her food than engaging in conversation. Her eyes seemed fixed down at her plate, but every once in a while she would dare sneak a glance at the last occupant of the table.
This was David Carroll, head of the Spirit and Truth Church located in Ridge Manor, Florida, which has seen its congregation grow by almost quadruple in size since just this past March. That is no doubt due to the success that David has had since entering the Universal Wrestling League, but there's also something to be said about the charisma the man himself seems to possess. There may not be too many people who care for professional wrestling in Ridge Manor, but they see someone from their town on television, and they hear words that they find comfort in. Sometimes that's all it takes. Tonight, David is being as congenial as he can to the family that are sharing their dinner with him. He's dressed to almost mirror the head of the family, wearing a similar suit but with light brown in color rather than navy.
David: "Mr. Preston, I can't tell you how thankful I am to be invited into your home. You are a most gracious host."
Mr. Preston: "Come now David, you made me promise to call you by your first name, so once again I must insist that you call me Harland."
David chuckles lightly and nods his head.
"David: "Fair enough, Harland, fair enough. Your hospitality is appreciated all the same."
Mr. Preston: "You're quite welcome, young man, and might I add that it's extended to you whenever you like. It cannot be understated how much you've helped Ridge Manor in the last few months, what with people coming from all different towns and counties to hear you speak and spending their money at our stores and restaurants after."
David: "All in the name of God, sir, always in His name. And be careful with that offer, because if Mrs. Preston…"
David now looks over at the wife, who blanches when he does.
David: "…prepares meals this good every night, then you might not be able to keep me away."
The adults all have a nice chuckle at the comment. The two boys roll their eyes, and their older sister keeps her eyes down.
David: "Seriously though, this meatloaf is fantastic. I may ask for seconds!"
Mrs. Preston: "My pleasure, help yourself! The kids don't seem to like it as much."
All of their kids' plates have decent sized of uneaten proportions of meatloaf on their plates. In fact, none of them seem to be actually eating their food.
David: "Well it's their loss."
David gives another quick smile and continues to eat.
Mr. Preston: "Say, weren't there a couple of folks filming you for a documentary the last time we spoke? How's that coming along?"
David: "Unfortunately that has been put on hold for a while. It seems that the filmmakers and myself didn't quite see eye to eye on what it should be about. I wanted to put the focus on Spirit and Truth Church and this town, they seemed to want to dive into my personal life. I tried to tell them that I am but a vessel for the Lord and my life before is just inconsequential, but they had a difference of opinion."
Mr. Preston: "Oh, well that's a shame. You know these media types, always trying to dig around for the dirt rather than just sell an honest story."
David: "Yes sir, especially when religion is involved. They seem to think that the world doesn't want to hear anything uplifting anymore, but wants to just focus on the bad. Try to tear down the walls of the Church rather than help build them towards the heavens. No matter though, the Church will prevail, as it always does in times of crisis."
Mrs. Preston lets out the tiniest of gasps, holding her hand to her chest.
Mrs. Preston: "Do you think we're in times of crisis?"
David: "Why yes ma'am. Now more than any other time in history, people use the wonderful technology of the internet to bear false witness and testimony, spreading lies about all religions. I'm sure you've heard the term 'fake news' before? It comes at you from all sides, and sad to say there are even those who claim to be on the side of God that publish hate speech. That's why it's important to remain vigilant. Keep in mind the wolves in sheep's clothing expression, because it's getting harder and harder to tell who the enemy is."
A small measure of silence fell over the table for a few moments, even the two boys falling silent. David took a sip of iced tea before clearing his throat and continuing while facing Mr. Preston.
David: "Which brings up a point that I wanted to discuss with you in private, but there's nothing sinister and I see no reason to keep it from the rest of your family. That plot of land just southwest of Lake Elizabeth; it's my understanding that presently we're being out-bidded by about six thousand dollars."
Mr. Preston: "Six thousand, two-hundred and seventeen dollars, to be precise. Unfortunately, given the position that I hold, there's very little else I can divulge to you."
David: "That's quite alright, Harland. You've been the greatest mayor that Ridge Manor's ever had as far as I'm concerned. And I profusely apologize if you think that I was trying to dig up some dirt on the rival bidders."
David dabs the corners of his mouth with a maroon cloth napkin before proceeding.
David: "For you see, sir, I already know all about Tyler West and Emily Rodriguez, and the rest of their group. And I understand their rights to wanting to live in a commune of sorts. It just concerns me greatly to have a bunch of marijuana growers in this town is all."
Mr. Preston, who was about to shovel a forkful of mashed potatoes into his mouth, abruptly drops his fork on the plate. Its clattering startles everyone else at the table other than David.
Mr. Preston: "Marijuana? I didn't know anything about marijuana. They said it was hemp and other all natural products."
David: "And they would be correct, if not a little misleading. You see, marijuana comes from hemp. They come from the same plant, and hemp actually has the psychoactive ingredient you see in marijuana."
Daughter: "That doesn't sound right."
Her comment drew everyone at the table's attention. Looks of concern from her mother, joint looks of surprise from her brothers and a look of consternation from her father. David's expression, however, was blank.
Mr. Preston: "And now just how in the world would you know that? There something you want to share at the table?"
If it were possible for a person to literally shrink inwardly, the teenage girl probably would've done it. Unseen to anyone at the table, a smile flashes over David's lips before he raises his hand and firmly puts it on Mr. Preston's arm.
David: "I doubt that Mandy would have any first-hand experience with that stuff. We have to remember, everything is on the internet nowadays. An unwanted article probably popped up on her computer while she was doing her school work. It's not so long ago that I was her age, and I recall the morbid curiosity that I had with any and every topic."
Everyone at the table begins to settle down as David removes his hand and Mr. Preston clears his throat, nodding his head.
David: "This is why I think it's important to know who is going to be moving into our fair town. It gives me great concern these city folk coming in and trying to take a slice of our paradise, them influencing our children. They're probably very friendly and wear cool bandanas that cover unwashed hair, and probably would always have treats for our children whenever they came by. The amount, that extra six thousand, two-hundred and seventeen dollars…I feel it within our reach. With that money buying that land, Spirit and Truth Church can expand its influence, the right influence mind you, and it starts with building a bigger church. Our current home cannot accommodate the influx of followers that have started flocking every Sunday, just wanting to be a part of our community."
Mr. Preston is nodding the entire time that David speaks, his eyes growing ever intent as he fully absorbs the words and their meaning. Finally, he slaps the table.
Mr. Preston: "After dinner, I'm going to get my checkbook."
David's eyes soften as he shakes his head slowly from side to side.
David: "Harland, Hand to God I promise you that I did not come here for a handout…"
Mr. Preston: "I know you didn't, David, but I don't consider this a handout. My whole family is part of the Spirit and Truth community, and I consider this an investment in that community you've managed to cultivate in a short amount of time. I think growth in the church will do this community more good than a bunch of hippie pot farmers."
David laughs at the last comment by his gracious host.
David: "Well, since you put it like that, I have to tell you I am just over the moon. This is wonderful news for the church! We can talk about that after dinner though like you said, for now, I just want to dig in to the rest of my meal.
Mr. Preston: "Amen to that! Say, are you still hosting your youth group on Wednesday nights?"
David: "Yes sir, every Wednesday. I haven't seen Mandy there in some time though. I do hope she comes around soon."
Mandy avoids eye contact with David, who looks at her with his head cocked to the slightest as if studying her. If one didn't know any better, and if this wasn't a Man of God, one might call the look predatory. But it's a look that nobody else at the table recognizes.
"Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God."
Psalms 92:12-14
Six people sit at a dinner table, taking turns between speaking and eating. The dining room gives the impression of some level of wealth, with a dust-free golden chandelier hanging over the table and a China cabinet pressed against a back wall next to a window. The window peaked out over a hedge to a picturesque evening that provided only the slightest of glares in the dining room. The patriarch, a man somewhere around the fifty year mark, sitting at the opposite end was the unfortunate one who had to deal with it occasionally whenever he shifted in his seat to the right to grab his glass of tea.
Four others at the table could account for his family. There was a woman who looked to be only a few years younger with her hair cut in a bob and teeth that had been artificially whitened. There were two toe-headed boys around the same age who hadn't seen adolescence yet, and were mostly snickering to each other much to the ignorance of everyone else at the table. The last member of the family was a girl who looked to be a teenager, anywhere from fourteen to seventeen really, with blonde hair and dressed conservatively in a lavender cocktail-style dress. She seemed to be the only one who wasn't really enjoying herself, her concentration taken more by playing with her food than engaging in conversation. Her eyes seemed fixed down at her plate, but every once in a while she would dare sneak a glance at the last occupant of the table.
This was David Carroll, head of the Spirit and Truth Church located in Ridge Manor, Florida, which has seen its congregation grow by almost quadruple in size since just this past March. That is no doubt due to the success that David has had since entering the Universal Wrestling League, but there's also something to be said about the charisma the man himself seems to possess. There may not be too many people who care for professional wrestling in Ridge Manor, but they see someone from their town on television, and they hear words that they find comfort in. Sometimes that's all it takes. Tonight, David is being as congenial as he can to the family that are sharing their dinner with him. He's dressed to almost mirror the head of the family, wearing a similar suit but with light brown in color rather than navy.
David: "Mr. Preston, I can't tell you how thankful I am to be invited into your home. You are a most gracious host."
Mr. Preston: "Come now David, you made me promise to call you by your first name, so once again I must insist that you call me Harland."
David chuckles lightly and nods his head.
"David: "Fair enough, Harland, fair enough. Your hospitality is appreciated all the same."
Mr. Preston: "You're quite welcome, young man, and might I add that it's extended to you whenever you like. It cannot be understated how much you've helped Ridge Manor in the last few months, what with people coming from all different towns and counties to hear you speak and spending their money at our stores and restaurants after."
David: "All in the name of God, sir, always in His name. And be careful with that offer, because if Mrs. Preston…"
David now looks over at the wife, who blanches when he does.
David: "…prepares meals this good every night, then you might not be able to keep me away."
The adults all have a nice chuckle at the comment. The two boys roll their eyes, and their older sister keeps her eyes down.
David: "Seriously though, this meatloaf is fantastic. I may ask for seconds!"
Mrs. Preston: "My pleasure, help yourself! The kids don't seem to like it as much."
All of their kids' plates have decent sized of uneaten proportions of meatloaf on their plates. In fact, none of them seem to be actually eating their food.
David: "Well it's their loss."
David gives another quick smile and continues to eat.
Mr. Preston: "Say, weren't there a couple of folks filming you for a documentary the last time we spoke? How's that coming along?"
David: "Unfortunately that has been put on hold for a while. It seems that the filmmakers and myself didn't quite see eye to eye on what it should be about. I wanted to put the focus on Spirit and Truth Church and this town, they seemed to want to dive into my personal life. I tried to tell them that I am but a vessel for the Lord and my life before is just inconsequential, but they had a difference of opinion."
Mr. Preston: "Oh, well that's a shame. You know these media types, always trying to dig around for the dirt rather than just sell an honest story."
David: "Yes sir, especially when religion is involved. They seem to think that the world doesn't want to hear anything uplifting anymore, but wants to just focus on the bad. Try to tear down the walls of the Church rather than help build them towards the heavens. No matter though, the Church will prevail, as it always does in times of crisis."
Mrs. Preston lets out the tiniest of gasps, holding her hand to her chest.
Mrs. Preston: "Do you think we're in times of crisis?"
David: "Why yes ma'am. Now more than any other time in history, people use the wonderful technology of the internet to bear false witness and testimony, spreading lies about all religions. I'm sure you've heard the term 'fake news' before? It comes at you from all sides, and sad to say there are even those who claim to be on the side of God that publish hate speech. That's why it's important to remain vigilant. Keep in mind the wolves in sheep's clothing expression, because it's getting harder and harder to tell who the enemy is."
A small measure of silence fell over the table for a few moments, even the two boys falling silent. David took a sip of iced tea before clearing his throat and continuing while facing Mr. Preston.
David: "Which brings up a point that I wanted to discuss with you in private, but there's nothing sinister and I see no reason to keep it from the rest of your family. That plot of land just southwest of Lake Elizabeth; it's my understanding that presently we're being out-bidded by about six thousand dollars."
Mr. Preston: "Six thousand, two-hundred and seventeen dollars, to be precise. Unfortunately, given the position that I hold, there's very little else I can divulge to you."
David: "That's quite alright, Harland. You've been the greatest mayor that Ridge Manor's ever had as far as I'm concerned. And I profusely apologize if you think that I was trying to dig up some dirt on the rival bidders."
David dabs the corners of his mouth with a maroon cloth napkin before proceeding.
David: "For you see, sir, I already know all about Tyler West and Emily Rodriguez, and the rest of their group. And I understand their rights to wanting to live in a commune of sorts. It just concerns me greatly to have a bunch of marijuana growers in this town is all."
Mr. Preston, who was about to shovel a forkful of mashed potatoes into his mouth, abruptly drops his fork on the plate. Its clattering startles everyone else at the table other than David.
Mr. Preston: "Marijuana? I didn't know anything about marijuana. They said it was hemp and other all natural products."
David: "And they would be correct, if not a little misleading. You see, marijuana comes from hemp. They come from the same plant, and hemp actually has the psychoactive ingredient you see in marijuana."
Daughter: "That doesn't sound right."
Her comment drew everyone at the table's attention. Looks of concern from her mother, joint looks of surprise from her brothers and a look of consternation from her father. David's expression, however, was blank.
Mr. Preston: "And now just how in the world would you know that? There something you want to share at the table?"
If it were possible for a person to literally shrink inwardly, the teenage girl probably would've done it. Unseen to anyone at the table, a smile flashes over David's lips before he raises his hand and firmly puts it on Mr. Preston's arm.
David: "I doubt that Mandy would have any first-hand experience with that stuff. We have to remember, everything is on the internet nowadays. An unwanted article probably popped up on her computer while she was doing her school work. It's not so long ago that I was her age, and I recall the morbid curiosity that I had with any and every topic."
Everyone at the table begins to settle down as David removes his hand and Mr. Preston clears his throat, nodding his head.
David: "This is why I think it's important to know who is going to be moving into our fair town. It gives me great concern these city folk coming in and trying to take a slice of our paradise, them influencing our children. They're probably very friendly and wear cool bandanas that cover unwashed hair, and probably would always have treats for our children whenever they came by. The amount, that extra six thousand, two-hundred and seventeen dollars…I feel it within our reach. With that money buying that land, Spirit and Truth Church can expand its influence, the right influence mind you, and it starts with building a bigger church. Our current home cannot accommodate the influx of followers that have started flocking every Sunday, just wanting to be a part of our community."
Mr. Preston is nodding the entire time that David speaks, his eyes growing ever intent as he fully absorbs the words and their meaning. Finally, he slaps the table.
Mr. Preston: "After dinner, I'm going to get my checkbook."
David's eyes soften as he shakes his head slowly from side to side.
David: "Harland, Hand to God I promise you that I did not come here for a handout…"
Mr. Preston: "I know you didn't, David, but I don't consider this a handout. My whole family is part of the Spirit and Truth community, and I consider this an investment in that community you've managed to cultivate in a short amount of time. I think growth in the church will do this community more good than a bunch of hippie pot farmers."
David laughs at the last comment by his gracious host.
David: "Well, since you put it like that, I have to tell you I am just over the moon. This is wonderful news for the church! We can talk about that after dinner though like you said, for now, I just want to dig in to the rest of my meal.
Mr. Preston: "Amen to that! Say, are you still hosting your youth group on Wednesday nights?"
David: "Yes sir, every Wednesday. I haven't seen Mandy there in some time though. I do hope she comes around soon."
Mandy avoids eye contact with David, who looks at her with his head cocked to the slightest as if studying her. If one didn't know any better, and if this wasn't a Man of God, one might call the look predatory. But it's a look that nobody else at the table recognizes.