Inspirational Stories of Faith
Book 1- Sandwich Shop Miracle
By H.B. Barstrum
Copyright Text © 2014 H.B. Barstrum All Rights Reserved
Check Out These Other Titles By H.B. Barstrum:
Inspirational Stories of Faith (Book 2) – Through Troubled Storms
Inspirational Stories of Faith (Book 3) – Supernatural Gift
Inspirational Books of Life Lessons (Book 1) – Secret Revelation from Beyond
Inspirational Stories of Faith Trilogy Series
Unlikely Romance (Part 1) – The Clean Romance Chronicles
Unlikely Romance (Part 2) – The Clean Romance Chronicles
Seasonal Inspirations
Simple Truths About Life- Haiku Poetry Collection (Book 1)
Simple Truths About Love- Haiku Poetry Collection (Book 2)
Simple Truths About Family and Friends – Haiku Poetry Collection (Book 3)
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Special Thanks
This story is dedicated to my mom Janice, Cheryl C. and Kathryn S. You are three of the coolest, strongest women I have ever known. I want to be just like you when I grow up!
And a very special thanks to you, the reader for entrusting me with your time. I hope to entertain and inspire you.
Table of Contents
Other Titles By H.B. Barstrum
Special Thanks
Chapter 1: Dark Roads & God’s Light
Chapter 2: Losing It All
Chapter 3: Devils in Hoods
Chapter 4: Magical Blessing
Please Share Your Thoughts
Chapter 1: Dark Roads & God’s Light
“Oh Jack, I wish you were here,” Loretta whispered as she looked at the picture of her and her husband Jack above the cash register.
She smiled, remembering when the two of them cut the bright red ribbon for the grand opening of their sandwich shop, J&L’s Sub Shack. Those were happier times in their life. They were so proud to finally own their own business. It was something they both wanted since they got married thirty-five years ago. But she knew those times were long gone.
Loretta walked to the long silver refrigerated display counter next to the cash register to verify her inventory of food. She checked to make sure there was enough deli meat, vegetables, cheese, deli salad and condiments. At the other end of the display counter, she checked the small bakery bread oven and refrigerator positioned against the pale yellow wall to make sure she had enough bread and cold drinks as well.
Loretta let out an audible sigh, walking back towards the cash register. That’s when she saw her friend Carol approaching the doors of the sandwich shop.
“Hey Ms. Loretta,” Carol greeted as she opened the door, entering the shop.
“Hi Carol,” Loretta said. “What can I get you?”
“I just wanted to stop by and talk to you for a spell,” Carol answered. She walked to one of the tables and pulled out a chair, sitting down. Carol crossed her legs, showing off her shiny black pumps. The smells of fancy perfume and cotton candy emanated from her. Carol sat her brown and tan handbag and keys on the table, commenting, “We’ve been missing you lately at the women’s meeting at church. Everyone’s worried about you sweetie.”
Loretta joined Carol at the table, fixing the vinyl red checkerboard table cloth. “I like that sundress Carol. The flowers are very pretty,” Loretta complimented, wiping off her green apron and blue jeans before placing her hands on the table.
“Why thank you Loretta. I got it on sale for 50 percent off. But I’m sure you know I didn’t come by to show off my dress. I came by to check on you. Like I said, we’re all worried about you.”
“I’ll be fine,” Loretta asserted. “It’s just been so hard to readjust since Jack’s been gone. I miss him so much. Things just don’t work the same without him.”
Carol extended her hand to touch Loretta’s and clasped it for a few moments before releasing it.
“I can only imagine how I would feel losing my husband Michael, especially to something so senseless such as a drunk driver. But isolating yourself is the worst thing you can do right now. You haven’t been coming to service like you used to and when we do see you around, you haven’t been looking the same. There’s no light in your eyes. How’s your blood pressure been? Have you been taking your medicine? “
“With all of the cost of Jack’s funeral and hospital bills, I haven’t been able to take them like I need to. I’m just so behind on bills. I am barely able to keep this place going.”
“Then why don’t you let us help you? Michael and I were just talking about putting together a fundraiser for you at the church. I’m sure you could use the money.”
“I know, but-“
“But nothing,” Carol interrupted. “You cannot do everything in this world alone. I know it’s hard Loretta, but please don’t let the devil turn your heart. The Lord will provide for you if you let him lead the way. He is always there in your time of need.”
“I know your right. But why Jack? Why?” Loretta implored in a desperate tone. “Jack did not do wrong by anybody. I need him. His son needs him. It was just too soon for him to go.”
“Honey, none of us knows when our time will come. All we can do is live the best we can while we are here. Jack would not want to see you like this.”
Loretta sat up one of her arms with her elbow touching the top of the table. She leaned the side of her head against the palm of her hand and looked down. Carol continued to gaze at Loretta who was visibly upset.
“Will you please pray with me Loretta?” Carol offered extending her hands across the table with her palms opened.
“Okay,” Loretta complied, placing her palms on top of Carol’s and bowing her head down, closing her eyes. Carol then followed, doing the same.
“Oh heavenly father,” Carol began, “Forgive us for our trespasses and our imperfections. We ask for your loving grace as you guide us in the path of your glory. Please release all bitterness, pain and sadness from our hearts. Fill our spirits with your kind patient love. Because you have forgiven us, we ask that you help us forgive those who have wronged us. Holy Spirit, we plead as your children that you bless us with the insight and strength to protect us from Satan’s grasp so we may follow your path to righteousness. We trust that you shall provide for all of us. For as long as we believe in your wisdom and accept you into our hearts, you will never forsake us and we are instantly healed from all forces that try to destroy us. Grant us infinite peace and fruitfulness in your name Lord. Thank you father, amen.”
The room was silent for a few moments as the two of them began to open their eyes. Carol smiled at Loretta as she began to stand up, grabbing her things. Loretta stood up with Carol as she walked towards her and gave her a hug.
“Thank you Carol,” Loretta acknowledged. “Are you sure I can’t get you a sandwich or something to drink?”
“No, I will be fine,” Carol responded. “I just wanted to come by and chat with you. Make sure you were doing okay. We are here if you need us. Please remember what I said.”
“I will,” Loretta said, nodding her head.
Carol left the sandwich shop just as quickly as she came in, leaving Loretta alone again. Loretta decided she would clean up the tables until the lunch crowd came in.
Loretta walked to the cleaning cabinet under the stainless steel sink that sat next to the refrigerator. She pulled out a lemon scented
antibacterial cleaning spray, disposable latex gloves and some paper towels. Loretta made her way back to the other side of the food display counter where the tables were and began cleaning them one by one.
As she cleaned the tables, Loretta began to think about her conversation with Carol. She knew Carol’s heart was in the right place. Loretta had helped on many occasions to raise money for the church and for its other parishioners, but not for her personally. She was ashamed to ask for assistance although she desperately needed the help to pay off the escalating bills.
Loretta felt that if she did ask for the church’s help that she was going to be seen somehow as a charity case. She prided herself on helping and caring for others. However, the thought of her needing help frightened her.
Loretta knew she was going to have to make a decision about the offer. She just wasn’t sure how to go about it.