An American Job by Blessed Magazine Ministries

An American Job

An American Job By Laraine Turner

An American Job

Chapter 1 Wednesday, July 17, 3:44pm “You did it again Job! The market settled at $2.13 a share! We just made three million in less than one hour!” Tony shouted. “I told you just have a little faith and all this would turn around for the better; and it did” laughed Job. “We need to go out and celebrate; let‟s say we go to the Green Room tonight and it will be my treat?” “No. Not tonight. Me and my wife; we always go to Bible study and we‟ve never missed it since we‟ve been married” replied Job. “Bible study! Are you serious man? We just made three million dollars and you want to go to a Bible study meeting instead of celebrating? “That‟s right because if it wasn‟t for my faith in God”. Tony nods his head from side to side. “Yes, faith in what God can do. There would be no three million and certainly no celebrating. You need to bring your butt to Bible study with me and thank the Lord for His blessing”. “Not me. I can‟t sit around listening to a bunch of broke, depressed individuals. And, certainly not be in the company of some desperate person seeking individuals who just talk about some holy presence that they can‟t see or feel; I just can‟t do that Job”. “First of all, not everyone who goes to church is broke; we‟re not depressed and not all of us are looking for a companion” states Job. “And, furthermore, we can see and feel our Lord because He lives within us and all around us. If you would come to church more often; then maybe you could experience what we already know”. “You do what you do and I‟ll continue doing what I do; but, tonight, I‟m taking my butt over to the Green Room, fill up on the good stuff, find me a beautiful woman and wake up in the morning with a three million dollar hang over” laughs Tony. “Yea, but you better make sure she‟s a woman from top to bottom if you are going to fill up on the good stuff; you know what happened before”. “See, now, you didn‟t have to go there my friend”. They both laugh. 3

An American Job

Chapter 2 Later that evening, Job and his wife Gloria arrive at the First Baptist Church where Reverend Peterson presides as the Senior Clergy. “Good evening Brother Job and Sister Gloria; glad you both could make it” “Good evening to you too; Sister Jones”. They enter the church and proceed to the front of the sanctuary. “Hello Sister White, how are the twins?” asks Gloria. “They are doing better. The doctor said that they should be released from the hospital in a couple of days. We are all so excited and can‟t wait to get them home” explains Sister White. “We have been praying earnestly to the Lord for their healing”. “Yes, and we sure appreciate everything that you have done for the family, Sister Gloria”. “Honey, let‟s sit over here” Job motions to his wife. “I‟ll be talking to you soon; God Bless” Job and Gloria make their way to the third pew and sit down as the Clergy calls the service to order.

An American Job

Chapter 3 Across town Job Jr. and his wife Kina are celebrating their seventh anniversary at Panache‟s Ristorante. “To my husband, Job; my wonderful husband of seven years. I adore and love you with all my heart. Happy Anniversary, Baby!” Kina announces. “And to you my Love, you have made my life complete and full of joy and happiness. Your smile awakes me every morning and your tender kiss sends me to bed each night in peace. I could not have wished for a better companion than the one I was given” replies Job Jr. “Happy Anniversary my Love, with all my heart”. Kina and Job Jr. embrace and kiss each other tenderly. “Get a room you two, get a room!” laughs their friends who are celebrating with them. “So Job; is it true your Dad cleaned up on Wall Street this morning?” asks Jack. “I haven‟t spoken to the old man today, but if that‟s what you heard; then maybe it‟s true”. “GNN stated that he and his partner walked away with over three million dollars” added Marsha. “Three million, Baby is that true?” asks Kina. “I‟m not sure” replies Job Jr. “That‟s a lot of money man; your Dad has the golden touch or something. It seems like whatever he does, money just flows”. “Hey Job, have your old man touch this ten dollar bill and I bet by this time tomorrow, it will be ten thousand dollars” chuckles Jack. “Cut it out Jack; my old man is just good with numbers, no magic or anything supernatural. Job Jr. states in an irritated tone. And, besides, I thought we were here to celebrate my anniversary with my Baby, not talk about what my Dad may or may not have done”. “You‟re right man; let‟s celebrate seven, long, dreadful years of marriage to the same woman” laughs Jack. “You‟re such a jerk, you know that Jack” Marsha replies.

An American Job

Chapter 4 At home, Gloria reminds Job of their son‟s anniversary and suggests they call him. “Job, we need to call Jr. and his wife. Today is their anniversary. Can you believe our son has been married for seven years already?” “It‟s been that long?” asks Job. “Doesn‟t seem like it, but it has”. “I remember when he came home and told us that he had met someone very special. How he wanted us to love her like a daughter”. “Yeah, and when we met Kina, we both felt as if we had known her all our lives. Kind of like when your parents met me for the first time. I remember your Dad told me that if I can‟t love you more than myself, then I had no business with you. Remember that?” “Like yesterday. My Dad was so hard on you, but he didn‟t know what a wonderful man you were to me then and are to me now”. “And I promise to continue being the best husband that I can be to you for the rest of our lives together. This I promise before the Lord” states Job. Gloria picks up the phone and dials the home of their son. “Hey Job, this is Mom, give me a call when you get in. Me and your Dad just wanted to wish you and Kina a very happy anniversary and many more to come. Here‟s your Dad” Gloria hands the phone to Job. “Happy Anniversary to you and Kina, Jr. and; may the Lord continually bless your union. Talk to you soon”. Job hands the phone back to Gloria. “Baby, we love you, hope all is well. Talk to you soon”. Gloria returns the phone to its cradle. “They‟re out celebrating probably with friends” states Job. “I figured as much”.

An American Job

Chapter 5 Thursday, July 18th, 6:30am The next morning, Job is awakened by a singing blue jay perched outside their bedroom window. The sky has a slight overcast with clouds blinding the sun. Gloria stirs in her sleep as Job gets out of bed and walks to the bathroom. Inside the bathroom, Job looks at himself in the mirror. Hints of gray are seen peeking through his dark brown sideburns and character lines are forming on his forehead. His hair is cut low while a well trimmed mustache compliments his face. Job thinks to himself ’fifty-five and look like thirty-five; not bad‟. “Honey, do you want me to brew coffee or would you prefer hot tea this morning?” Gloria yells through the door. “Hot tea will be fine”. Job turns on the hot water faucet and lets it run until the water gets hot. Takes one of the pink flowered wash cloths off the silver towel rack and tosses it in the sink and proceeds to wash his face. Downstairs, Gloria prepares bacon, eggs and wheat toast for breakfast with a fresh, squeezed glass of orange juice. The coffee pot whistles while hot steam escapes the spout. “Honey, breakfast is ready when you are!” Gloria shouts to Job. “Be right down, just getting out of the shower!” Gloria, forty-seven with reddish-brown hair resting on her shoulders also has hints of grey growing in her roots. She is a slender woman with rosy pink lips and oval shaped green eyes. Her hair glistens in the light as though beads of oil were shimmering down. Gloria and Job were wed forty-four years ago in a little white church on Pearly Hill. Their wedding consisted of a small gathering of just family and a few close friends. They had met one day at a church convention where Job was assigned as an Usher and Gloria was a vendor of exotic hats. They dated for almost a year before Job popped the question of marriage to Gloria over dinner at his parent‟s house and ever since, they have had a very blessed marriage. After they were married for six years, God blessed them with a son. Their lives blossomed before the Lord. God blessed them with the house of their dreams, blessed the labor of Job‟s hands and gave Job the wisdom with stocks which made Job a very, wealthy man. Job and Gloria joined the First Baptist Church and made it a point to attend all services. They were both good Tither‟s and through their generous contributions, the church was able to finance a left wing. The left wing consisted of seven rooms. Five were used as classrooms for Sunday school. Another used as the office for the Clergy and the last a daycare facility for low income families. 7

An American Job

Job prospered in the sight of the Lord; for he feared God and walked upright in God‟s presence daily. “Honey, I‟m off to the office” Job kisses Gloria goodbye as he heads out the door. “Are we still on for lunch at 2:00?” “Of course, I wouldn‟t miss that opportunity for nothing in this world” replies Job. “Great, I‟ll see you later”. Job walks out the door to his car and with his remote, turns off the alarm and unlocks the door. Once inside, Job puts on his seatbelt, inserts the CD titled „God is in Control‟ and starts the engine. Gloria looks out the window and they wave each other goodbye as Job backs out the driveway onto the street. As Job drives past houses in his neighborhood, he observes children waiting alongside the sidewalk for the school bus and other working class citizens getting in their cars. Job‟s attention is caught as he looks to his right and observes Ms. Daniels as she brings her trash to the sidewalk in her usual green robe and yellow curlers. She waves as Job passes and then proceeds back into her house. Job turns the corner onto Amber Street and joins the wait with others as the yellow school bus arrives and turns on its lights. The children gather at the door. As the door opens, the children begin to push each other as they board. Little Jennifer, who lives across the street from Job, waves to her Mom Sandra who is standing on the corner watching her daughter board the bus. As the children begin to find their seat, the bus driver turns off the lights and proceeds with his route. As the school bus makes it turn onto Cedar Street, the patiently waiting cars begin to merge into traffic going their perspective ways.

An American Job

Chapter 6 Job arrives at his office which is located within the First Bank of Americus building on the sixteenth floor. As he passes the security desk, Security Officer, Robert nods a good morning to him while issuing a visitor‟s pass. “Hold the door” Job shouts as he runs to catch the elevator. “You made it” an occupant states as the door closes. “Yes, barely” As the elevator continues up, the door opens on the seventh floor and Mr. Grayson from Liberty Mortgage boards. “Mr. Stevens; how are you today?” asks Mr. Grayson “I‟m blessed Fred. What about yourself?” “I would be doing better if I had made three million like you did yesterday” he chuckles. “Yes, the Lord is still blessing” “Well, I need for Him to start sharing whatever He is sharing with you with me” “He will, just have a little faith” “So that‟s your secret? Faith” “Yes, that‟s all He requires to move on our behalf” Fred chuckles and nods his head side to side “I got to hand it to you Job, you just don‟t quit when it comes to your religion” “Well, my Lord didn‟t quit on me when He went to the cross and died” “Yeah, I know all about that stuff. No need to preach it to me this morning” Job lowers his head and rides to the sixteenth floor in silence. “Well, talk to you later Fred” “You got it buddy” 9

An American Job

Job exits the elevator and walks to his office suite. As he opens the door, Maggie from suite 1611 exits her office and walks towards him. “Good morning Job. How are you this beautiful morning?” she asks “I‟m blessed Maggie and how are you?” “I‟m good, I think. I was hoping that maybe you could come by my office later and look over some documents and possibly render some pointers” “Why don‟t you drop them off with my secretary and when I get some free time today, I‟ll look them over and get back to you” “I have a better idea. Why don‟t we meet for lunch and look them over together? I‟m free around one” “That‟s not a good idea and besides, I‟m meeting my wife Gloria for lunch today” “Lucky woman” Job and Maggie just stare at each other for a while. Maggie owns and operates an escort service and most of her clientele were businessmen just like Job. Maggie was also the talk of most men who worked in the building. She was very slender with long blond hair. Her eyes were the bluish of blue. She was considered a Barbie Doll; curves and all. Guys wanted to date her. Some for recognition, while others so they could toot their horn to the fellas. But, Job was one of the few who wasn‟t persuaded by her looks and charm. Finally, Job broke the silence. “Well, I got to get to work. Like I said, just drop those documents off with my secretary and I‟ll take a look at them” “Sure thing” Maggie proceeded down the hall, but then stopped and turned again towards Job. “Hey, like I said, she‟s a lucky woman” Job just nods his head in agreement and then enters his suite. “Good morning Boss” Paula says as Job closes the door “Good morning Paula, how are you today?” “I‟m doing just fine for a sixty-five year old lady”

An American Job

“God is good isn‟t He?” Job asked, but it was more of a statement. “All the time, Paula replied. All the time” Job passes Paula‟s desk and opens the door to his office. Inside, he places his briefcase on the sofa next to the window as he takes off his jacket and slings it across the arm. He looks down at his desk and notices the telephone message light is on and presses the button to listen. “Hey Job, this is Tony. I won‟t be in today. Got in late this morning and man, I have the worst headache. I don‟t know why I can‟t just say enough before I get this way” Tony sobs. Job quickly erases the message before Tony begins to cry. Tony always breaks down and cries after he gets wasted. Job knows that this is his routine and can almost recite every word that he will say. He sits down behind his desk and opens the right drawer to retrieve his Bible. After laying the Bible on his desk, he opens it. His routine is to read from whatever passage he opens the Bible to. As the Bible opens, Job looks down to see that it has opened to the book of Job. „What a coincidence‟ he thinks to himself. He begins to read from the fourteenth book beginning at the fourteenth verse. ‘If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time, will I wait till my change come’ Job sits back in his chair and thinks for a moment on the verse. As he was growing up, his Mom would tell him about Job and how he suffered for his righteousness. How God allowed Satan to test the loyalty of Job and how he lost all; including his family. He also remembered that his Mom would tell him how God was going to use him in a big way some day. Job‟s Mom was known as the Singing Missionary. She was always traveling from church to church bringing God‟s Word and rendering uplifting songs of praise. When Job turned twelve, his Mom would make him sing right alongside of her. Sometimes he wouldn‟t mind, but most of the time, he regretted it. Job smiles as he remembers his younger days, but then the smile fades as he thinks on the day he had to bury his Mom. She had died in a car accident. At the hospital when Job met the man that hit his Mom‟s car, he had wanted to take his head off, but it was his Mom who said to let it go and forgive. She said this as the breath left her body. “Mr. Stevens, Paula speaks through the intercom, your wife is on line one” “Thank you Paula, send her through” “Hey Honey, is everything alright?” Job asks. “Yes. I was just sitting here thinking about our life together and how we have had forty-four of the most incredible years” 11

An American Job

“Honey, that‟s so sweet of you to say that” “Do you realize that in a couple of months, we will have been together for forty-five years?” “It seems like we were married just yesterday. I love you so much Honey. I thank God every day that He allows me to live to love you” Gloria begins to cry. “Now Honey, I don‟t need you crying alright” “It‟s just that, I love you so much” “Let‟s just thank God for each other” Gloria agrees. “I‟ll see you later Honey” “Alright, see you soon” The call ends and Job returns the phone back to its cradle. “Mr. Stevens, you have a call on line two; A Mr. Wickey from AAA Investments”. “Yes, I was expecting his call. Send him through Paula” “Yes Sir” “Richard, good morning” “Good morning Job; got that report you asked for” “I knew you could do it” “You know me” “How did you make out yesterday on the market?” asked Job. “I just wish that I could have come up with more money, but I came out alright” “That‟s good to hear” “Just don‟t forget me when you get one of your hunches again” 12

An American Job

“I won‟t my friend” “I‟ll send this report to you right away, it does look promising” “That‟s great news Richard, can‟t wait to view it” “Alright buddy, talk to you soon” “Yeah” They both hang up and Job smiles as he sits back in his chair. He closes his eyes and begins to pray to God. ‘Dear Father, I want to thank you for all your blessings in my life and those that are touched by your Word through me. I will continue lifting up your name to your people. I will continue praising you. I worship you with all my heart, mind and soul. You are my Rock. You are my Light. You are my Savior. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for loving me the way that you do. I can’t begin to tell you how much I love and adore you. You are….” “Mr. Stevens, your son is on line one” “Thank you Paula” “Hey Son” “Hey Dad” “What‟s going on?” asks Job. “You tell me Dad. News has it that you became three million dollars richer yesterday” “Yes, Tony and I did well yesterday with the grace of God on our side of course” “Hey Dad, don‟t sell yourself short. You‟re the best I‟ve seen with numbers” “In all things, I will always give God the praise” “Yeah Dad, whatever you say” Job Jr. chuckles. “So what did you and Kina do on your anniversary?” “I had to work, but afterwards we met with a couple of friends and had dinner. Nothing really, I guess”

An American Job

“Well, the main thing is that the both of you are still together and you love each other; that‟s the most important thing of all; don‟t you think?” “You‟re right Dad and you know you and Mom have an anniversary coming your way too. Any special plans for the big forty-five?” “We were thinking of maybe the Holy Land. She has always wanted to visit where the Lord traveled and ministered.” “That would be awesome Dad and with your new found money from yesterday, that shouldn‟t be a problem.” “I guess you‟re right.” Job chuckles. “Dad, got to go, but me and Kina was hoping you and Mom could come to dinner tonight at the house. Think you can make it?” “I don‟t see why not. I‟ll talk to your Mom and get back in contact with you. Sound alright?” “Yeah Dad, that sounds ok.” “Alright; then we‟ll talk soon.” “Ok, bye.” “Bye Son.” Job returns the phone to its cradle and turns to look out the window.

An American Job

Chapter 7 Friday, 4:02am “Job” A voice was heard in the still of the night. Job stirs. “Job” The voice calls out in the darkness again. “Honey, do you need something?” asks Job. “What, what are you talking about, I didn‟t call you” his wife responds while pulling the sheets above her face. “Go back to sleep”. “I thought you called me”. “I didn‟t, now go back to sleep, you were probably dreaming, that‟s all”. Job slides under the covers and after a while drifts back to sleep.

An American Job

Chapter 8 Saturday, June 18 - 4:02am “Do you love me Job?” A voice whispers in the night. “Do you love me Job?” “I love you honey” Job answers while clutching his pillow. “Hahahahaha!” Laughter is heard in the distance. “What!” Job rises up and looks around the room. “What is it Job? Another bad dream?” his wife asks. “I don‟t know, I thought I heard someone laugh.” “Laugh, when?” “Just a minute ago, you didn‟t hear it?” “No.” “I guess it was just a dream, but it seemed so real”. “Honey, it was just a dream, nothing more. Let‟s go back to sleep alright?” “You‟re probably right”. Job and his wife Gloria lie down to continue their sleep. “You should know by now that I love you, you don‟t have to ask” states Job. “I know and you‟re right, I don‟t need to ask” replies Gloria.

An American Job

Chapter 9 Sunday, June 19 - 10:17pm As the night draws close to midnight, Job and Gloria prepare for bed. “Job, do you want me to make us some hot chocolate?” Gloria asks. “That would be fine, but could you put a little milk in mine‟s, it helps me sleep better” “Sure” replies his wife. Job enters the bathroom and as he turns on the light a face appears, but immediately disappears from within the mirror.

An American Job

Chapter 10 Monday, June 20 - 12:00am “Why are you here Lucifer?” asks an Angel of the Lord. “Here to speak to the Almighty, maybe even form a wager between me and Him”. “The Lord will have no dealings with you, now turn around and be about your business!” the Angel yells. “Tell the Almighty that I am here and wish to speak to him about his servant Job” Lucifer replies. “Let him in” God commands. “Let us hear what he has to say”. The Angel opens the door and Lucifer walks in. As he makes his way to the great throne of God, the Son‟s of God begin to murmur. “What business do you have with my servant Job?” God asks. “I have observed his life and how you protect, promote and prosper him in all his ways”. “Job fears Me and keeps My Law”. “Yes, he keeps your law and fears you, but any man would if you were to bless him like you bless Job”. “Job has shown Me that he is a man of great integrity” states God. “Yes, yes, but would he be so perfect in your eyes if he lost all that he had?” “Get to the point Lucifer!” God commands. “Let me show Job what it feels like not to have the luxuries of life and I promise he will turn his back on you” states Lucifer. “Why should I allow you to afflict my servant Job?” asks God. “Are you afraid that your little golden boy will disappoint you or better yet, turn his back on you?” “My servant Job even if he lost all would not turn his back on Me, but would continually serve me all the days of his life”. “Prove to me that he will by allowing me to take away all that he has” asked Lucifer.

An American Job

“I will allow you to afflict Job, but not one hair on his head will you harm” commanded God. “As you command, Lucifer replies as he makes his way out of the court of the Lord. As you command”.

An American Job

Chapter 11 Monday, June 20 - 4:02am “All that you have will be as the wind and you shall turn your back on God” a voice whispers in the darkness. Monday, June 20 - 11:54am “Excuse me Mr. Mordac, but Mr. Thomas wants to see you in his office”. “This is the moment we‟ve both been waiting for Susan!” states Job. Job heads out of his office and makes his way to Mr. Thomas‟s office.

An American Job