Gavel Down’s Weblog

“Well, oddly enough, I found work keeping books at a motorcycle dealership in Pasadena.  That enabled me to pay my rent and bills while I was trying to break into modeling.  I soon realized that I was no longer a big fish in a little pond, but rather, much the opposite. I felt like a minnow in the ocean.  I was missing my family, home and my small town of Leeds, Alabama terribly. I grew up right outside of Birmingham.

I began to grow closer to the people at the dealership.  They were a close-knit group. The shop, Two Wheels Forever, was a family run business.  The owners, Terrance and Julie Pickerd, took me in like one of their own children.  Julie was the first person to ever take me for a ride on a Harley.  She didn’t mess around, either, Parker.  Let me tell you, I held on for dear life.  Julie could hold her own out in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles.”

Parker’s eyes were locked on Haley, his mind painting a picture with every word she spoke.  “But you know, Parker, Julie took me on a road called Angeles Crest Highway.  It led us straight into the Angeles National Forest.  Before I knew it, we had escaped the mean streets of L.A., and we were weaving our way through some of the most gorgeous and heavenly land I had ever seen.  I’ll never forget that first ride.  The Lord deposited something in my spirit that warm California day.  I heard Him say that He was bringing someone into my life. Little did I know it would be sometime before I understood fully what that meant.”

Parker asked Haley, “Did you ever get your modeling career off the ground?”

Haley answered “My first year in Pasadena I got an agent, Kris Hollinger.  Getting an agent was no easy task.  When I would share my convictions and standards for working and my strong Christian beliefs, most people laughed and would say something like, ‘Good luck with your modeling out here.  You should probably just go back to the farm in Alabama.’  But Kris was different. He told me, ‘It may be an uphill battle, kid, but I believe I can help you get started.  You will have to be very persistent and also very patient.’ I was prepared to do both.  I explained to him that I had a good job to get me by until the modeling jobs started coming in.  Kris said, ‘Honey, I can find you work as long as working with me is not a problem. I’m no saint, you know?’  Parker, I thought Kris had some feminine qualities about him, and he had just confirmed my suspicion.  I replied, ‘Kris, you need to know that I deserved to go to hell.  Had I not accepted the redeeming blood of Jesus and what He did for me on the cross, that is where I would have ended up.”  Kris was taken aback.  He had braced himself for some condemning, judgmental discourse. On the contrary, Haley simply shared how much Jesus loved him.

Kris and I hit it off fine. I desired that my relationship with Christ would reveal the love of God to Kris.

“Well, did Kris find work for you?” asked Parker.

“He did, Parker.  The first few years I did a lot of work for mail order and catalogue companies, modeling their clothing lines.  Then things started picking up.  I did a few T.V. commercials for hair color, non-stick cooking spray, and one for Cadillac.  But over time, I realized it wasn’t for me.  I knew deep down inside that Jesus had a different plan for me.  I had made friends with another model.  Her name was Rosanna, a very lovely young lady.  Kris was her agent, also.  We had worked together on a couple different photo shoots.  One day we were working together and I sensed she was extremely troubled.  I asked her if she wanted to talk.  She told me that she was pregnant.  And get this, Parker, Kris was the father.”  Parker’s face contorted as he muttered, “Huh?”

Haley replied “Yeah, my first thought also.  I had been praying for Kris to be delivered from the deceit and lies that had such a grip on him.  But, whoa Nellie, this was not exactly what I had envisioned.  Turns out Kris and Rosanna had genuinely fallen for each other.  They both told me that they wanted to give their lives to Christ.  They told me that I had lived my faith in such a way that they wanted to know Jesus like I did. I prayed with them both that day.  They married and later started going to the church I was attending in Pasadena.

“Are Kris and Rosanna Alice’s parents, then?  I thought you were her mother.” Parker asked Haley.

“I am her mother, Parker.  Rosanna carried her and gave birth to her.  But neither Kris nor Rosanna were ready to start a family at the time.  Rosanna confided to me the day she received Jesus as her Lord that she had scheduled to have an abortion.  She was so ashamed and guilt laden for ever considering killing Alice.  In my heart I knew Alice was to be my daughter.  However, it was Rosanna and Kris that first requested that I adopt her.  I wept for so long in both of their arms as I realized I was stepping into God’s plan for my life-and for Alice’s.”

Parker’s eyes began to fill with tears.  “Haley, it is so interesting how Heath and Alice have hit it off so well.  They both are very special children with so much to be thankful for.  I had such a peace in my heart when I decided I would adopt Heath.”

“Parker, when I saw how much you loved little Heath; when I learned of what you two had been through, my heart went out to you both.  Don’t take this the wrong way… what I mean is… I knew we were going to be good friends.”

For the first time, without shying away, Parker could look straight into Haley’s eyes. Parker softly confessed, “I have always been intimidated by women. I mean, like in high school, I wasn’t a jock. I was withdrawn from the IN crowd. I had a few close friends, but really, the idea of me talking to someone like you…”

“Someone like me?  What do you mean?”  Haley inserted.  Parker continued, “You’re so attractive, guys are drawn to you the second you walk into a room.  My experience around girls like you is that they felt they were above me.  You know, too good to be around me.  They tried to use their God given beauty to manipulate and control other people.”

“Parker, I didn’t hang with the IN crowd, either.  People with an elitist mentality make me nauseous.  My Lord humbled Himself; God became a man, one of His own creations.  Am I going to think I’m better than someone else when Jesus, the Son of God, made Himself a man of no reputation?  I quickly discovered out in the L.A. modeling world it’s the same ole’ game, people attempting to manipulate and use each other to get ahead.  More than once I was offered the ‘big contracts’ if I would be willing to sleep with the right person.  And I saw girls that were following that path; I saw the emptiness and pain that they were living in as they drank and used drugs to mask and numb their pain.  I tried to reach out to many of them. I shared that there was someone who truly loved them. Someone who would not just use and discard them, and that someone was Jesus. That was the only thing that kept me modeling, Parker; an opportunity to minister God’s love, mercy and grace to some very hurting people.

Parker sat quietly, deeply impressed with hearing Haley’s heart and genuine love for others.  He had seen the true and surpassing beauty of his new friend, her heart.  He gazed around his studio; he looked at Haley, he thought about how surreal life seemed to be at that moment.  There was such a subtle, quite peace and presence of Jesus in the place.  Parker was experiencing something he’d never had before. He couldn’t turn away from Haley’s soft blue eyes.

Haley was at ease and appreciated Parker’s listening to her. He had allowed her to share her life’s victories and challenges. She had no doubt that Parker cared about who she was as a person on the inside.  Just then, a sleepy Alice came slowly plopping down the stairs mumbling, “I want to go home now, I’m tired, mom.”

Haley took Alice into her arms. “Ok, sweetie, let’s go get your jacket on.”

As they stood up, Parker thanked Haley for the compliments and encouragement on his artwork.  Haley responded, “I enjoyed everything tonight, Parker. Thanks for having us over.”

Parker was self employed as a sign maker.  His parents had always encouraged him to follow his desire to be an artist, after recognizing his God given ability in drawing and painting.  His business, however was largely commercial work, advertising and such.  Parker did do landscapes, portraits and whatever else he took a notion to draw or paint.  But those mostly stayed hidden down in his basement studio, where the walls were covered with various artwork he had completed.  It seemed Parker’s very reserved nature not only had kept his social life on the back burner over the years, but it had also limited him professionally, with his tendency to not market his more personal artwork.

Haley had taken a job offer in the town of Pocatello .  She had been in the state of Idaho just a few times before going to interview for this job.  She was now employed as an accountant at the prestigious Hearn’s & Holder law firm.

Parker and Heath began sitting with Haley and Alice at church, largely due to Heath and Alice’s insistence. After services on Sunday nights, they began to make a usual routine of getting ice cream at the Tasty Freeze. This suited the two youngsters just fine. For the most part Parker had grown to be at ease around Haley, mostly due to Haley’s penchant for  practical jokes.  She knew how to disarm Parker when he would start to be tense and uptight.  She was good for him, and much needed in his dealing with the loss of his twin brother Dallas.  Being a father figure to Heath came natural to Parker. It seemed effortless as Heath and Parker had always been close.  Parker seemed to bring something that was needed in Haley and Alice’s life, also.  Haley had tried to make a career out of modeling in Los Angeles after graduating college in Alabama .  After only a few short years, things had not gone the way she had envisioned them.  She most certainly had her own share of hurt and pain she was working through.

One Saturday evening after barbecuing some hamburgers at Parker’s house, Haley asked about his artwork and her desire to see his studio.  Heath and Alice had fallen asleep while watching reruns of Green Acres on the Classic T.V. channel.  Parker knew it was going to be an uphill battle in trying to keep Haley from seeing his personal artwork but he tried, none the less.  “It just smells like paint down there, it reeks, really, trust me.  Here, I’ll show you the new Hearn’s & Holder sign I just finished out in the garage!  It’s sweet!”  Haley stepped closer to the stairway leading down to the studio and said, “You know Parker, I really appreciate that gesture, but I work there, and I will see that sign everyday of the week.  Now why don’t you just lead the way and show me all the artwork you have down there.  Heath has told me that I absolutely must see the studio”.

Parker knew it was a lost cause in trying to divert Haley’s attention. He turned and slowly, step by step, descended to the basement studio.  Haley followed with a slight smile of accomplishment on her face.  Upon entering, Parker slid the three dimmer switches on.  Haley was awestruck!  It was not the grungy, cluttered, stereotypical mess of a workshop that she had pictured.  Parker had built the studio with the vision of selling his work out of it, and it was gorgeous.  It had plush tan carpet, beautiful pine wood walls, leather couches and chairs, recessed lighting, a professional grade sound system; and a small kitchenette in the back corner.

But what amazed Haley the most was the many pictures that were displayed throughout the room.  “Parker, these are magnificent.”  Haley’s eyes gazed from one work of art to another.  “Why in the world aren’t you selling these instead of doing signs?  People would pay good money to have these in their houses. They are so good!”  Parker sat on one of the couches looking at his shoe.  “You know, I bought these spiffy leather shoes for less than $50 bucks at Jerry’s Shoe Emporium.  It’s not pleather either, they’re the real deal,” Haley chuckled, “You’re the real deal, kid.  You’re gifted.  Come on, what gives?  Granted, the signs you do are quality.   But this,”…she paused, slowly turning, “these are your heart and soul, these are what move people.” Haley blew a small cloud of dust off of the studios elaborate stereo system as she hit the (ON) button.  “Do you play Beethoven down here while you work?” “Not so much” Parker replied; still eyeing his shoes.  The surround sound speakers began delivering pleasant guitar and stringed instrumental music.

Haley plopped down on the couch also.  “May I ask you something, Haley?”  Parker carefully inquired.  “Go ahead, cowboy, shoot.”  She responded.  Parker continued “Would you tell me about, well, who is, what I was wondering was… never mind.”  Haley said, “Alice’s father?  Is that what you’re asking about?”  Parker nodded, “Let me tell you a bit about my life, Parker.  Ever since junior high and high school, I was told I could be a professional model.  I wasn’t a cheerleader or anything like that.  I preferred playing sports myself much more than cheering others on to play.  I went to college, Parker.  I got my degree in accounting.  Working with numbers always came easy to me.”  Parker blurted, “I bet you had a ton of boyfriends.” Haley raised her eyebrows looking at Parker as if to say, “What?!”  Parker’s mind was following just behind his words and he began to stumble, “I uh, no, what I meant…” Haley, enjoying having him in a noose, loosened the rope.  “I know what you meant, cowboy.  I had more than a few guys that worked all too hard at taking me out on a date.”  Haley’s random reference to Parker as “cowboy” always puzzled him.  He thought that was probably her only motivation in doing it and never gave her the satisfaction of questioning it.

Haley continued, “Parker, I have to admit, I enjoyed all the attention that I got.  But I was raised in a Spirit filled, Jesus lovin’ home. Not perfect mind you, but I loved the Lord and wanted to serve Him in all that I did.  I never had a boyfriend growing up or in college.  I just concentrated on getting my degree and figured there would be plenty of time for romance and starting a family later.  But I was restless, Parker. I was bored with numbers and academics, I guess.  The idea of heading to L.A. and trying the modeling gig all of a sudden seemed so glamorous; so exciting to me. And talk about numbers,  girls were making six digit incomes being in front of the cameras. That did not seem boring at all.”  Parker’s mouth was all but hanging open at the thought of leaving Pocatello, or even the state of Idaho itself had rarely crossed his mind, let alone moving to L.A.  “What happened out there?”  He curiously prodded.

The woman looked at Parker as he tried his best to hide his nervousness.  As controlled and calmly as he could, he extended his right hand and said, “Hi.  I’m Parker, Heath’s uncle.  But I guess you already knew that, as Heath just told you.”  The lady shook Parker’s trembling and somewhat sweaty hand saying, “Nice to meet you, Parker and Heath.  My name is Haley and this is my daughter, Alice.  We are fairly new to this area.  My Pastor recommended I come here.”  Heath chimed in, “Hey, let’s go get some ice cream!”  Parker could not hide the awkward cringe that crept upon his face.  Ten-year old Alice tugged at Haley saying, “Can we, can we mom?”  Haley smiled and asked, “What do you think Parker?”  To which he said, “Absolutely, ice cream sounds great right now.”  At this point Parker was thanking Jesus for Heath’s forwardness.

They all met at the local Tasty Freeze and ordered their treat of choice.  Parker asked Haley if she would allow him to pick up the tab.  She kindly agreed.  Alice and Heath hit it off immediately.  They were like two peas in a pod; laughing and giggling as they were each trying to poke their finger in the other ones ice cream cone.  Parker had ordered a large chocolate malt, his usual, while Haley got a strawberry sundae.  The two children ran over snatching a booth by the window, both sliding in on the same side.  This, of course, left Parker and Haley sitting next to each other.  Haley slid in first next to the window and across from Heath.  The young boy could not have been happier with his new friends that he had made that night.  Parker methodically and somewhat mechanically sat down beside Haley in the booth.  She was indeed a very attractive and kind lady.  And Parker was not accustomed to being in such close proximity to any woman, period. He made certain not to scoot too close or to crowd her in the least.

Haley was quite amused with him as she tried to ease Parker’s nerves by bumping his elbow as he was about to eat a big spoonful of malt.  This all but lodged the plastic utensil in his left nostril, resulting in more than a little of his delicious chocolate malt being applied to his face.  To be expected, Alice and Heath burst into uncontrollable laughter along with Haley.  Her intended gentle nudge turned out to be more of a BAM!  Parker was stunned, completely stunned.  He oddly started to apologize, then caught himself in mid sentence.  He could not contain his calculated and concerted composure any longer.

The proverbial ice or should we say “ice cream” had been broken.  As Heath was overtaken in laughter, Parker loaded his spoon with a fresh dose of malt, bent it back, then launched it right at Heath’s face.  However it veered off target, hitting him right below his chin on the neck.  Alice squealed in excitement, as at this point “it was on!”  In reckless abandon, she took her cone and plopped it on top of Heath’s head!  Haley was gasping for air, she was laughing so hard.  “Like mother, like daughter, eh?” Parker spoke while looking at Haley. “You are the one who started this whole thing, aren’t you now?  This means war!”  At this point, completely out of character, Parker reloaded his plastic catapult and commenced to aim it at Haley. She was obviously anticipating this daring move on Parker’s part because before he could launch his next frozen projectile, she grabbed the spoon with one hand then his malt with the other hand.  Parker was in dismay at Haley’s cat like reflexes. She now held the malt over his head while threatening him, “We can all stop now and call a truce, or would you prefer to wear this malt home, Mr. Parker?”  Parker submissively squeaked out, “Truce, please.”

That night, as Parker and Heath drifted off to sleep they both realized that a wonderful healing was taking place in their hearts.  And it was happening through a divine connection that only the Lord Jesus Himself could orchestrate.

Proverbs 3:5-6 {Amp}

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

The next few weeks found Parker not being able to get some information out of his head concerning his brother’s body.  Dallas’s sergeant informed Parker that two of the three soldiers were found together in their Humvee, but Dallas was recovered about 300 yards away, and he appeared to have set off a landmine.  They were not able to positively identify his body, but they were certain it was him from the dog tags, uniform and there being no other soldiers missing.  These facts would remain unsettled in Parker’s mind for a long time to come.

A few months had passed and full legal custody of Heath had been granted to Parker.  Both Heath and his uncle could not have been more pleased with this decision.  As the months slipped by, they were bonding together more tightly than ever before.  In certain times of being vulnerable, Heath would open up to Parker and share some of the hurt and pain that was residing in his tender heart.  Parker prayed with Heath every chance he could, encouraging him to allow Jesus to bring healing and restoration into his life.  One Sunday night, at the end of their church service, there was a sweet time of worship.  The keyboardist played softly as believers worshiped and glorified the Lord.  Some did so with hands uplifted, while others lay on the carpet praying in the Spirit.  Heath sat with his face cradled in his trembling hands.

His heart had always been tender to the Lord, but he found himself struggling to win the battle that was raging in his mind.  He had been fighting off feelings of worthlessness and rejection, and now, with both of his parents gone, he dealt with false thoughts of being abandoned by God Himself; thoughts that were hurled at him by the enemy.

Dallas and Parker had both been rooted and grounded in their relationship with Jesus and the word of God.  When Dallas was deployed, Parker would pick up Heath from Colleen and take him to church.  On occasion, Colleen would also attend with Parker and Heath, but she struggled to see and receive God as the good and loving heavenly Father that He is.  She had experienced a terribly abusive earthly father while growing up.  Parker’s knowledge of this was the thin thread that enabled him to continue to love and pray for his sister-in-law the way he knew he should, despite the hurt that she had bought upon little Heath and Dallas.

As Heath sat in his chair, two soft hands touched his shoulders, and he heard a loving and affectionate voice say, “Young man, would you mind if I pray over you?  I believe the Lord has led me to do so.”  Heath’s wet eyes peered up to see a woman that he was not familiar with. He nodded yes, as his face returned to his waiting hands.  Deep in his spirit he had been craving for an embrace that only a mother could give.  The woman with both hands on his back began to pray in the Spirit as she stood behind Heath.  The little 10 yr old boy began to completely break down, weeping uncontrollably.  He had tried to handle the adversity he was experiencing in such a way that would make his strong Marine father proud, if he could only see him.  But Heath found himself at the end of his own strength; a place that left him reaching towards the only strength and hope he could trust in; a place of faith in his Lord Jesus.

The woman was flooded with compassion as she sensed this innocent young boy had been going through a tremendous struggle and fight in his life.  She wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly as the Holy Spirit began to share with her heart the pain and loss that was residing inside this fragile young vessel; who was also a very brave and courageous young man.  She began to weep and weep as she held little Heath.  Others gathered around laying hands on both of them as they sensed God working deeply in Heath’s heart.

The woman began to speak words that only Jesus could have for Heath, “You will make it through this time of adversity.  You will rise triumphant in the midst of the trial you are facing.  My word resides inside of you, My Spirit lives inside of you. My victory is your victory.  My blood has purchased your salvation.  Nothing shall by any means harm or destroy your life!  Take courage!  Take courage!  Take courage my young warrior!” Heath’s heart, his spirit, his entire being was flooded with the overwhelming peace of the Lord.  He slumped to the floor, just wanting to lay there soaking in the mighty presence of Jesus.  He had heard the Lord refer to him as others had referred to his dad, “A warrior!”

After everyone had sensed a release from the intense time of prayer and ministry, the congregation began to disperse; heading outside.  Parker observed the woman who had prayed over Heath.  He thought she was very attractive and he was more than a little curious where she had came from, as he had not seen her before.  As he was working to see her left hand a young girl came up to her and all but tackled her.  The two were laughing and joking.  Parker felt like he had been deflated, as it was obvious that this was the beautiful lady’s daughter.  Just then, Heath walks right over to both of them and introduces himself saying, “HI! My name is Heath and that is my Uncle Parker standing over there.”

Parker was both in awe of Heath’s boldness and also seriously contemplating scurrying away by heading for the back door.  He had been a content bachelor for years and, if left up to his extremely reserved demeanor, he was going to stay that way for a long, long time.  But now, with Heath playing a much bigger role in his life, things were changing fast.  Just then he heard a small voice ring out, “Hey Uncle Parker, come meet my new friends!”  “Gulp!  Jesus, help me please?”  Parker prayed as his palms began to instantly sweat.

He would usually take months before he would orchestrate saying a simple, “Hello.” to any woman he was interested in.  That time frame had now been squeezed into mere milliseconds as Heath waved his arms frantically saying, “C’mon, hurry up!  We can all go for ice cream at the Tasty Freeze. Can we please Uncle Parker?”  At this point his knees were barely holding him up as he reached the three of them.  Again, silently Parker prayed, “Lord, please give me strength, and please shut Heath up…..please?  I can’t take this kind of pressure.”

The crisp fall leaves crackled and crunched underneath Heath’s scuffed dress shoes as he held tightly to his uncle Parker’s right hand.  They both slowly walked across the little white church’s gravel parking lot.  Parker caught eyes with the young 10 year old before he closed the pickup door, and in a shaky voice he said. “We are going to make it, kid.  Let’s just get through today, ok?”  The young lad nodded with eyes looking downward, then his tender face melted into tears as he began to weep, his gentle yet strong uncle pulled him tightly to his chest as they both wondered if they could really be going through this.

Heath was an only child.  His mother, Colleen, had deserted him and his father, Dallas, one month ago.  Heath’s father, Dallas, was Parker’s twin brother.  Dallas had been serving his country proudly as a U.S. Marine for the past thirteen years.  Parker had to have the toughest conversation ever with Dallas only one short month ago.  It had become common knowledge around town that Colleen was being unfaithful to Dallas.  And it broke Parker’s heart to have to inform his best friend, his twin brother of the situation. The abuse Heath endured came not only from Colleen but from a callused man who despised Heath’s father for being an honored warrior.  A young and fragile 10 yr old boy would fight his best to defend himself against the drunken rages this man would carry out against him late in the night as Colleen many times lay passed out in the other room.  Colleen knew Parker had become aware of what was going on, and that Dallas was to be home soon, so she left, wanting to avoid any consequences for her selfish and destructive actions. At the time, an extensive child abuse investigation was being conducted regarding Colleen.  One July morning, she packed her suitcase and left without even saying goodbye to Heath. She had not been seen or heard from since. Heath now lived with Parker and was looking forward to spending as much time as he possibly could with his father, as Dallas was to be released from duty in only three months. Parker was very close to Heath.  They both loved Dallas very much, and while Dallas was deployed, Parker was the closest person to a loving parent that Heath had.

Then, one week ago, Dallas and two other soldiers were ambushed while returning from a daily patrol deep in Iraq. Today was the funeral and military memorial service honoring Heath’s dad for his dedication and service to his country.  Earlier, as Parker and Heath drove down the churches entryway, standing on the other side of the road, they both noticed people yelling and chanting, and holding up signs.  Heath was grieved as he read one sign that said, “No Honor for Killers!” Parker began to explain to the confused young boy, “Heath, your father gave his life for a country that believes people should have the right, freedom and liberty to express themselves.  And to be able to worship as they choose.  But I will never understand some of the choices people make in the name of that precious freedom that we enjoy.  And without brave soldiers like Dallas in our country’s history they wouldn’t be there protesting.”

As he was speaking, the thunderous roar of well over one hundred motorcycles passed the pickup Parker and Heath were in.  Heath lit up in wonder as he gazed at the numerous American flags that were attached to all the bikes.  It was the Patriot Guard, an organization of bikers that support the brave men and women of the United States Military.  They were made aware of the vicious protest being staged, and had shown up, forming a complete barrier to shut out the distraction.

Afterward, as Parker began to shut the pickup door on Heath’s side he heard someone walking up behind him.  There was one lone Harley sitting in the parking lot.  Then a deep raspy voice spoke from behind Parker, “Heath, I never knew your father Dallas personally, but I served my country years ago in a place called Vietnam.  It would be an honor if I could give you a ride home on my bike today. That is if you are interested.”  Heath’s countenance instantly changed.  He looked at Parker with pleading eyes.  Parker said, “Have at it boy, I think it will do you good.”  Heath climbed on the back of the bike and said, “I will show you where to turn at.”  All the while plotting the longest route possible in his excited mind.

Heath listened to the roar of the pipes as the cycle accelerated; he felt the rush of the wind pushing against his face, he gazed up as the winding black top led them under enormous green and white cottonwood trees, he held on tight to the sides of the leather vest of the generous and caring new friend that he had made.  A mist from the wind gliding over the face of a nearby lake seemed to embrace Heath’s soul as if God Himself was salving this young boy’s wounded spirit.   Heath’s eyes curiously looked into the bikes rear view mirror as he tried to make out the name on the front of the man’s vest.

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.