The Awakening of John - Episode 24/25

Tuesday evening had come round again, and it was with some dread that John faced the prospect of house-group. Not this week because of the uncertainty of Bob’s responses, but because of Trevor’s determination to come out to the group. Bob seemed in very happy mood which John found disconcerting. He’d tried talking about it over dinner: “I’m really anxious about tonight…” Bob looked up, a forkful of spaghetti poised. “Anxious?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye. “Yes! You know I am, because someone that I care about might get hurt…” Bob nodded, the fork finishing its journey. John could see that he wasn’t going to get an answer until Bob had finished eating. Finally, he replied: “I like that you’re concerned on Trev’s behalf. Me too. How about we look at the possible outcomes?” 

John nodded, “Ok…” Bob nodded for him to continue as he took a bite of garlic bread. “Option 1, Trev shares, Dorothy doesn’t understand and someone spells it out and someone else patronisingly explains that it’s a sin and invites everyone to pray. 

Option 2, everyone studiously ignores what Trev has said and moves on to the next thing. Option 3, it descends into a theological argument with Trev dying on the sidelines…”

“Yep” nodded Bob, “that pretty much sums it up except for Option 4. See, there’s always an option 4.”

“Go on then, what’s option 4?”

“Trev shares, then one of your options starts to happen, but unexpectedly, people begin to listen to the Spirit and grace and peace abound. Really good spag bol by the way, the extra oregano really made a difference.” John ignored the compliment, “But those first three options are really horrible – can’t we just skip to option 4?” Bob chuckled. “Oh, wouldn’t that be nice – and yes, it’s always a possibility – and you should definitely pray for that… but avoiding mess doesn’t make things cleaner, it just avoids it getting dealt with…”

...

John had arranged that he and Bob would meet him outside so that they could all go into house group together. Trev was clearly anxious and Bob had gently put his hand on his shoulder when they’d met, defusing John’s instinct to tell a joke or talk about the weather. People were clearly pleased to see Bob again which took them nicely into the usual start to the evening as Stephen prayed before asking if anyone would like to share anything. John’s stomach did a somersault as he saw Trevor open his mouth, but before any sound came out, Bob spoke. “You’ve all been really welcoming, and I just wanted to say how much I appreciate that. Making outsiders feel welcome is such a kingdom value I always think – and it’s not easy, we’re all different, different experiences, different backgrounds, different views, different senses of humour…” and with that, he patted Trevor on the knee and everyone smiled. “So, thank you.” There were murmurs of reciprocal thanks and Trevor spoke into the hubbub. “I agree with Bob – I know I’m different, but you’ve accepted me, put up with me...” there were deprecating noises, but Trevor continued, “which is why what I’m about to share makes me so anxious – I’m afraid you might not want welcome me afterwards…”

“Well, as long as you’re not about to confess to being an axe murderer or a politician, I think you’re safe.” Said Tony with a forced laugh which a few joined in with.

“I’m gay” said Trevor and the room fell silent.

For a moment, all of John’s fears came to the fore and he noticed Bob looking at him invitingly. Plucking up courage, he turned to Trevor and said: “Well, don’t keep us in suspense Trev, who’s the lucky bloke?”

All eyes were now pivoted to Stephen waiting to see how their leader would respond before taking their lead from John. Sensing the pressure, Stephen grabbed for his bible and mumbled something unintelligible. Bob spoke gently: “Stephen, why don’t you lead us in prayer, that’s a precious thing Trev’s just shared…”

Slowly Stephen put the Bible down and looked into Bob’s eyes and then at Trevor and into the silence prayed “Holy Spirit, come.”

And Bob smiled.


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