The Gifts of Faith - Message in a Dream - (Ch. 7)
A Restless Night
She could see herself walking in the early morning mist of the dawn. The great oak where she had first met Hope loomed in the distance. Although there was a chill in the air, it seemed inconsequential. Faith was propelled toward the tree. She soon saw two images; one she recognized, the other was not quite clear.
Is my imagination playing tricks with me?
The closer she came to the tree, the more she was kept from its life. No matter how hard she tried, no matter how many steps she took, Faith could only take her seat in this play from the outside looking in.
The earthy scent of fresh-brewed coffee awakened Sarah from a light slumber. Bleary-eyed, she made her way to the kitchen where Faith was bustling about making an omelet and slicing fresh fruit. Sarah helped herself to the much-needed brew.
“Good morning, Faith.”
“Mornin’, sweetie. How’d you sleep?”
Cupping the mug in both hands, Sarah took a long, slow drink before responding.
“Not very well; my mind was going a million miles a minute. When I finally drifted off, I had the weirdest dream.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” Faith finished slicing the fruit, filled a bowl and placed it on the table.
Sarah scrunched her nose and furrowed her brow, a unique expression she wore subconsciously when reaching for the right words to flow from her memory to her mouth. Faith grinned – just a smidge – at recognizing Sarah’s effort to bring congruity to a situation that didn’t make complete sense. At least not yet.
“I’m not sure how I got there, but I was under the mighty oak in the field where Hope spoke to us yesterday. At first, I had no idea why I was there. It was misty, I was in my nightgown and rather confused. Just as I was about to come out of my dream, Hope appeared, but I didn’t recognize her at first. She came to me from beyond the tree and I almost didn’t see her. She seemed to be a part of the mist. When she finally came close enough for me to make her out, she appeared in a much less congruent form than when she first made herself known to me.”
Faith interrupted Sarah at this point.
“I was there, Sarah! I had a dream too, although now I realize it wasn’t a dream at all. I found myself drawn to the mighty oak, but could only go so far. Some kind of force kept me from coming close, but I saw two beings, one of which I recognized. Now I know it was you. After what you’ve told me so far, I know why I didn’t recognize the other person. I’ve only seen Hope twice and both times it was during daylight hours. She rode in on a rainbow – for lack of a better description. Nevertheless, Sarah I’m not so sure this was a dream. I saw the two of you from afar, but was not allowed a view better than that of a voyeur. Please, go on!”
Hope's Message to Sarah
“Sarah, I’ve drawn you here for a reason. I’ve watched you over the years and have complete faith in you to carry out the task I must assign. You have been by Faith’s side through thick and thin. You’ve never doubted, nor chastised her. You know of her gifts. You also know she has a special purpose on this Earth.
Her mission is not an easy one. It requires help from me. But, I must admit…my strength is wearing thin. Souls need human bodies to feed them with the life they need to thrive and become strong. I was denied that. I had lain stagnant in Mama’s womb for 15 years until Faith was born. It was another six years before I made myself known to her. In the meantime, my rainbow was the vehicle allowing Nathaniel, a human, to survive his ordained mission. I failed him because I was beginning to weaken. I thought I had enough strength to meet with Faith and help Nathaniel take the cancer from Mama. My timing was off. I was distressed by not being there in time to save both of them. Now Mama is dead and Nathaniel is diseased. His purpose on this Earth has become compromised as the result of my miscalculation.
At first my intent was to combine my soul with Faith’s. I now know that would have been a grave mistake. She needs all of her fortitude to carry out her purpose. Because of her gift of seeing souls, hers works overtime. I can’t compromise that.
It has become apparent to me that I must join with you in order to bring the trio of souls together as they were intended. Please don’t be afraid. Your love for Faith and your open mind and loving heart will only fortify what I have to offer.
I’m tired and my plenitude is diminishing. You are strong. You can carry me. I will nourish your soul and make it possible for Faith and Nathaniel to carry on with their missions. However, it will not come to be unless you are willing. Are you open for this journey, Sarah?”
“Faith, for some reason, I knew that Hope made herself known to me because I was to be a conduit. I didn’t hesitate in welcoming her. As I nodded and responded “yes” her soul faded even more. At the same time, her rainbow became brighter then both were gone. The last thing I remember is curling up at the base of the mighty oak – completely exhausted – until the smell of coffee woke me up a few minutes ago.”
Much to Think About
The only sound to be heard at that moment was the tick of the wall clock. Both girls were deep in thought, each drinking in the perplexity of the shared dream that wasn’t a dream at all.
“Faith, the timing of Hope’s plea for rest, your meeting with Nathaniel and my being trusted with this spiritual message is all related. I know it in my heart, but the purpose still eludes me.
It’s almost time to open the shop. You go take your shower while I do the dishes. I think we both need some time to think.”
Mondays at Bouquets and Rainbows were typically slow, allowing the curator and her partner to catch up on invoicing, payables and inventory. This gave the girls plenty of time to mull and discuss, mull and discuss on this particular Monday.
“Sarah, I think I’ll invite Daddy over for dinner tomorrow. I’m ashamed to say I haven’t been very diligent in keeping in touch with him since we opened the store. I have this nagging feeling that Nathaniel reappearing after all these years may have something to do with Daddy. I need to know he’s okay. Furthermore, I’d like to find out if he knows anything about Nathaniel. What do you think? Are you with me?”
“That’s a great idea, Faith! I haven’t seen Hal in ages. Tell you what… today at lunchtime I’ll go to the organic market and pick up some chicken. If you don’t mind, I’ll make dinner tomorrow – chicken and dumplings with cornbread. If I recall, it’s your dad’s favorite meal. How’re you fixed for flour and cornmeal?”
“Chicken and dumplings is perfect! I’m good on cornmeal and flour, but you might want to pick up some buttermilk. Daddy has had a glass of buttermilk with his meals for as long as I can remember. Get some coconut while you’re there. I’ll make ambrosia for dessert.
And Sarah, I love your new look.”
“What new look? I’m a wreck today!”
“The rainbow colors I now see in your soul. Very becoming!”
Shauna L Bowling
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© 2014 Shauna L Bowling
