Twenty-Eight
THE MIRACLE CONTINUED TO PLAY OUT, AND CODY COULD DO nothing but stand by and humbly credit God for every great thing happening to the Lyle High football team. The changes happening to the small town. After the Arlington win, the Buckaroos played road games against Lawrence Central, Warren Central, and Cathedral and pulled out wins at each.
Tonight they were back at home against John Marshall High — their last Friday night game of the season. A win tonight and Lyle would go from a winless two years to an undefeated run heading into play-offs. Cody was alone in the locker room again, this time at his desk in the office, going over plays. But he couldn’t keep himself from thinking back over the last three months.
His flashbacks to his time in Iraq had all but faded from his waking hours. Only in a dead sleep did he occasionally have nightmares of that time. His counseling hours had dwindled because he simply didn’t need them. On top of that he’d kept up on the visits with his mother, usually every Sunday afternoon. Cody hadn’t brought Cheyenne along yet. Not when his mom still asked about Bailey at least every other visit. She still wanted to blame herself, believing that Cody and Bailey would be together if it weren’t for her. Privately, Cody agreed with her, but her situation wasn’t the only problem. Bailey didn’t need him … he understood that now. At any rate, things had turned out this way, and now there was no going back and rewriting the past.
“I want you to meet Chey one day,” he told her last time they were together. “But you can’t bring up Bailey.”
“I know.” His mother nodded, obviously frustrated with herself. “I’m trying, Cody … but that girl’s in my heart.” She reached for his hands and gave them an understanding squeeze. “I know somewhere … deep inside of you … she’s in your heart too.”
Comments like that meant that bringing Cheyenne was still a long way off. But the rest of their visit had gone better than most, more uplifting and encouraging. Cody brought a makeshift scrapbook with some of the articles that had been written about him and the team. His mother had only limited computer access, so the scrapbook gave her a window to his football season and all that was happening.
Before he left, her eyes teared up. “Cody … I’m so proud of you.” She pulled the scrapbook close and gave a bewildered look, as if there were no words that might sum up how she was feeling. “Look at you, son … you’re famous. Everyone knows about you.”
Not everyone, he reminded her. But he told her then about the Sports Illustrated article, and the possibility that they would do a feature story on him after this week’s game. Again she was stunned, happier than he’d seen her since she’d been locked up. “The impact you’re making … I can’t believe it, Cody … even with a mess-up of a mother like me.”
Cody spent their last ten minutes together convincing her that she wasn’t a mess-up, but just a person whose addictions were stronger than her. And like always he encouraged her to keep up with her accountability group. “I love you, Mom.” He stood and hugged her shoulders, letting her lean on him. “Read your Bible and believe what it says. You’re free. Now you need to start living that way.”
The memory of their visit faded and Cody stared at the playbook on his desk. But once again the images and words blurred together and all he could see was Bailey Flanigan’s Facebook page, the way it looked last night. He and DeMetri had talked long about the game and then the kid had turned in for bed. And like he hadn’t often done in the last few weeks, Cody found his way to Facebook.
She was in a relationship, of course. Same as him. Facebook photos didn’t lie, and now in addition to the photos they’d taken of themselves, the one Bailey had in her album marked “Fun in the City” … there were pictures taken by fans, where Bailey and Brandon were tagged as a couple. Of course, he didn’t need to go to Facebook to see how close the two had become. He could see that at the local Safeway. The two of them had been photographed at the zoo in Central Park, and again heading into her apartment building.
As much as it still hurt to see her with Brandon, he wished he could make a public statement in response to some of the comments people had made about those pictures. People wondering why a good Christian girl would take Brandon into her apartment. Cody released a sad chuckle. Anyone who would question Bailey’s faith and innocence didn’t know her. It was that simple.
Anyway, at least she was happy … as much as it was hard to think about. Still Cody was glad to see the smile on her face, glad she was making an impact in New York City. And she was … Cody had no doubts. Bailey wouldn’t have settled for anything less than making an impact on the people around her. So the fact that she was smiling had to mean her life was going well.
Cody sighed and tried once more to focus on the playbook. Cheyenne had looked over it with him last night, and they both laughed at the way she tried to interpret the X’s and O’s. “Okay,” she finally admitted, “I give up. It looks like a tic-tac-toe game.”
Sweet girl, Cody told himself. Wonderful girl. Cody gathered his thoughts and ordered them safely to the back of his mind. If he was going to help his team take care of business tonight against John Marshall, he needed to focus. And with an hour before the team arrived, there wasn’t a minute to lose.
The time passed quickly, and in a rush of activity the team arrived and dressed down in their uniforms, taping ankles and adjusting shoulder pads, their voices a chorus of anxious nervous energy and absolute determination that tonight the league title would be theirs to take.
Cody gathered them twenty minutes before kickoff. “You’ve risen to the challenge … you’ve done what we set out to do that first day at spring practice. You’ve played Lyle football His way … God’s way.” Cody didn’t want the season to end. He’d loved these guys, their struggles and foibles and miracles and mishaps. The few who had been drinking had sworn off partying, and Arnie Hurley’s girlfriend found out she wasn’t pregnant, and the two of them broke up when she wouldn’t adapt to the cleaner life Arnie wanted. Yes, Cody’s players had listened and believed him. And along the way they had allowed Cody to lead them in faith through the most unlikely football season of all.
Not an eye in the room wasn’t full of intensity and passion as they came together, their fists raised in the center of their huddle this one last time before the regular season came to an end. “One more time, men … you’re going to go out there and take care of business one more time.” He raised his voice. “Whose way?”
“His way!”
“Whose way?”
“His way!” The sound grew and filled the locker room. “Whose way?”
“His way!” The guys shouted and bellowed their approval, their belief in the common purpose between them.
“Okay, men … league title on three.” He hesitated, feeling the echo of their battle cry deep in his heart and soul. “One … two … three …”
“League title!”
With that Cody and his assistant coaches jogged out to the field behind a stampede of Lyle football players. As he reached the edge of the field, Cody almost stopped mid-step. If he’d thought the place was packed before, it was half empty compared to the people who had flocked to the field tonight. Before he could go another yard, a man jogged up to him and motioned for him to stop.
“Coach … I’m Hans Tesselaar … reporter with Sports Illustrated.” He grinned. “I had to see this one for myself.”
“Great,” he shook the man’s hand. Of all the writers at SI, Hans wrote the best stories. He had a way of mixing real life with lore and leaving a person deeply moved by the power of competition and the bond of teamwork. “You can follow me over to the bench. Hang out on the sidelines. Then we can talk afterwards, if that’s okay.”
“Perfect.” Hans was younger than Cody expected … in his midforties maybe with a kind smile. Cody had a feeling the guy would be blown away by tonight’s game. Not just his team’s performance, but the presentation that would happen at halftime. Yes, this was the perfect game for the reporter to attend. Now it was a matter of getting down to business and winning it. Cody hurried the rest of the way to his team’s bench, organized his clipboard, and reviewed his plays once more. Then — with the roar of the crowd behind them — John Marshall kicked off.
Cody called in a play for DeMetri, a fake pass that if done right could open the game with a touchdown. He crouched low over his knees, his eyes on the team. “Come on, Smitty … you do this … you got this …”
The snap was good, Arnie reeled back like he was going to throw to one of his wideout receivers, but in a blur of motion DeMetri took the ball and sprinted for daylight. Cody and the rest of the team ran along the sidelines, cheering him on. As the Buckaroos took a seven-zero lead, Cody exchanged a quick grin with the Sports Illustrated reporter. Already he could see the man was swept up in the small-town support and the miracle unfolding beneath the Friday night lights.
John Marshall hadn’t had a losing season in ten years, so it was no surprise when they responded with a touchdown, marching eighty yards and knocking seven minutes off the clock to tie the score. Lyle was up by just three points heading into halftime, but before the team ran for the locker room, they lined up on the field and watched as Larry Sanders met up with his little sister near the jam-packed stands. He hoisted her onto his sturdy shoulders and brought her out to the fifty-yard line.
The athletic director handed him a mic, but before he could say a single word, the applause began. Slowly at first and then louder, with an intensity that brought the entire town to their feet, cheering and hollering and clapping for Larry and his sister and the love of a football team that would give everything they had to save the life of one sick little girl.
In the end, there wasn’t much Larry could say, not much he needed to say. He thanked the businesses and families, the backbone of Lyle … and then he turned to the sidelines and thanked his teammates. Finally he hugged his sister tight, holding onto her for a long time before the two of them left the field together, the girl on his shoulders once again.
Cody caught a glimpse of Chey and Tara in the stands, the two of them hugging the way so many of the fans were. The clapping continued and Cody looked back at the reporter again. He was wiping his eyes, and the sight made Cody know for certain one thing: Hans Tesselaar got the story. Got it with his heart — where the message mattered most.
The reporter joined them in the locker room for Cody’s halftime talk, and though he didn’t ask questions, he scribbled furiously. As Cody drew his men into a huddle once more, and as they chanted the words that had become familiar, Cody mouthed a message to the man. “You might want to get this.”
Hans nodded and pulled out a small video camera. Cody led the guys one more time through the cry that by now came from deep within their souls. When it was over, the team ran out onto the field and proceeded to tear apart the John Marshall defense. Hurley threw touchdown passes of seven and thirty-eight yards to Larry Sanders, and after he caught the last one he ran by the stands and pointed to his little sister.
Again the crowd erupted into a standing ovation, one that lasted through much of the fourth quarter. At the final whistle the Buckaroos had soundly taken hold of the league title with a forty-five to fourteen thrashing of John Marshall. Like most of their home games, the fans poured onto the field, filling every open spot and clamoring around the football players for a chance to congratulate them, pat them on the back, or wish them the best for their upcoming run through play-offs. But before they could do that, DeMetri yelled for the team to follow him.
Every day after practice last spring, DeMetri had taken the jog to the end zone and prayed by himself, prayed for the coaches and the players and his role on the Lyle team. But here, beneath the lights of their last league game, the entire team took the jog with him. In the end zone they all dropped to one knee, close together so that it was impossible to tell who had their arms around whose shoulders. Cody and the other coaches ran over to join them, and for the next several minutes the guys took turns thanking God … for the season, for the unlikely wins, and for bringing Cody to them. But most of all for the miracle He was giving Larry’s little sister.
“Really, God,” DeMetri finished the prayer, “the miracle was for all of us. We were all sick in one way or another.”
Cody thought about DeMetri’s low point — when his mother had been put in prison and the kid had been sleeping in the wrestling room at school. He blinked back tears, listening.
“We set out to play football your way, and we did that,” DeMetri continued. “Now we ask that You do one more thing for us … help us never forget this season. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Hans found Cody and shook his head, his eyes wide. “I didn’t know this still existed. I feel like I’m on a movie set.”
Cody grinned and looked around him, at the celebrating and rejoicing, and even at Cheyenne still grinning ear to ear up in the stands. “Yes … I’ve felt that way all season long.”
They made a plan to talk more the next day. Hans even hoped to fly Cody to New York for a weekend to meet the rest of the Sports Illustrated staff. Again Cody could hardly take it in. He agreed, and they parted ways. Cody finished talking with parents and well-wishers from the town, and finally an hour later he and Cheyenne drove back to Indianapolis. DeMetri was staying the night at Joel Butler’s house — where most of the team was meeting to watch Remember the Titans and get pumped up for the play-offs.
Cody was glad the team wanted to spend time together. Better than going their separate ways when they had so much to celebrate — and certainly better than partying the win away like so many football players around the country would do after a game like tonight’s.
The ride home was quiet, and Cheyenne admitted to having a headache. “I’m sorry, Cody. I’m so happy for you … really. Maybe I need more sleep.”
“Don’t be sorry.” He smiled, hiding his concern. “I want you to feel good, Chey.” He held her hand and let her sleep the rest of the way home. When they reached her apartment he walked her to the front door and kissed her goodnight. “Get some rest.”
“I will. Thanks, Cody.” Her smile tugged at his heart. “You were amazing out there. Your guys … the town … Larry’s sister.
All of it.”
“You forgot one thing.” He backed up a step, not wanting to keep her when she didn’t feel good. He gave her a final smile. “You were there, Chey. I felt your support every minute.”
She grinned, clearly grateful for the compliment, and then she waved once more and went inside. When the door closed behind her, Cody climbed in his truck and drove home to his apartment. Once he was inside he stepped out on his small patio, sat in his folding lawn chair, and stared at the stars. Cheyenne was amazing. He was blessed to call her his girlfriend. She deserved a guy who would cherish her and treasure her and maybe he was that guy. In time he would have to think about taking their relationship to the next level. That was the right thing to do.
Cody breathed deep and leaned over his knees. He had so much to be thankful for. His football team … the town of Lyle … the love from Cheyenne … his mother’s progress … and his faith. So much.
Cody absently twisted the friendship ring he still wore on his finger. He still loved what it stood for, the Bible verse it contained. There was no reason to take it off, really. Besides, never mind about the past. God had blessed him completely and fully — beyond his expectations. He had learned much these last months … lessons that would last a lifetime, he was sure.
What more could he possibly ask for?
BAILEY DUG HER LADLE INTO A VAT OF GRAVY and poured a scoop over a mound of mashed potatoes. Then she passed the plate to the bearded guy on her right. It was his job to add several turkey pieces, and then at the end of the line of volunteers a homeless person would be given an early Thanksgiving dinner.
It was the Monday night before the holiday, a perfect time for Bailey and her castmates from the new Bible study to serve at the mission in downtown Manhattan. The crowd of hungry people filled the room, more so than Bailey expected. The work would last another few hours at least, and Bailey was grateful. This sort of faith in action could truly change the lives of her castmates.
And they were open to change now. They met Monday mornings at Starbucks across from the J. Markham Theater. Francesca had expressed her disapproval a few times, but she had also admitted that since it wasn’t an official Hairspray Bible study, there wasn’t much she could do. Somehow, Bailey still had her job.
She ladled another scoop of gravy over another mound of mashed potatoes. Gerald worked on her left, making pleasant conversation with the people who passed through their line. Gerald had the kindest heart of anyone on the cast. He understood better now God’s calling for him. He hadn’t given his life to Jesus yet, but that would come. Bailey had no doubt.
“You’re moving a little slow, lady,” the bearded guy on her right elbowed her lightly in the ribs. “Pick it up.”
She looked at him, at the familiar teasing eyes she had come to love over the last few months. “Hey,” she leaned close, her voice a whisper. “Don’t hassle me, Brandon. I’ll pull off that beard and they’ll chase you out of here.”
He chuckled, pressing the fake beard firmly into place. Even the cast hadn’t figured out who he was with this disguise. Of course, Brandon had arrived separate from her and just as the meal was being served — all intentionally. Bailey had merely introduced him as Jorge, a friend in the business.
They went back to work, serving tirelessly for the next few hours. After that, she and Brandon found a quiet table and shared dinner with the street people gathered around them. Moments like this she was sure she’d made the right choice, and she was grateful beyond words for Brandon. He was moving here in a week, and that combined with the fact that they were going to have Christmas together with her family made Bailey thrilled about all the future held. She had learned so much in New York City, and she had much to be thankful for. Her Bible study … the fact that she still worked a dream job on Broadway … her family’s health and love … and Brandon Paul. Bailey smiled at him and memorized the way she felt right now.
Because she could hardly ask God for more than this.
READER LETTER
Dear Reader Friends,
Now that you’ve journeyed with me through the first two books of the Bailey Flanigan Series, I’m sure you’re thoroughly confused. That’s okay … I feel that way a little too. As we learn from God, we’re bound to feel a little confused. I think God must like when we can’t see the happy ending ahead. It makes us rely that much more fully on Him.
As I mentioned before, the character of Bailey Flanigan was inspired by my daughter, Kelsey. In real life there is no Cody Coleman, no Brandon Paul. But the way she lives for God, and her passion for His word and His truth are a mainstay in her real-life story — the way they are with her fictional character: Bailey.
In addition, Kelsey is the oldest of six — the others all boys, three of whom were adopted from Haiti. When I write about Jenny and Jim Flanigan, I am — for the most part — writing about my family. Kelsey and I have the relationship that Bailey and Jenny share — an open communication that has allowed her to trust me with any conversation, any decision, any heartbreak. I have had the privilege of raising this one-in-a-million girl, and the very great responsibility of seeking God’s wisdom in helping shape her into the young woman she is today. Along the way I love hearing about your one-in-a-million daughters, and the way God is working in their lives too.
And so, along the years — through the Firstborn Series, Sunrise Series, and especially during the four books in the Above the Line Series, we watched Bailey grow up. We watched as she developed a love for Cody Coleman and musical theater and a longing for the dreams God had placed in her heart. When Cody pulled away from her and Brandon Paul stepped in, I knew Bailey needed her own series.
Of course, that story wouldn’t be complete without a season of learning.
The story of Bailey has many twists and turns ahead. The books to come will be Longing … and finally Loving. I think you’ll be amazed at where God takes this fictitious girl. Here’s a funny, fictional fact: The books in the Bailey Flanigan series will release over the next eighteen months. But during that same time, we’ll follow Bailey through three years of life.
Ahh, the marvels of storytelling.
Anyway, thanks for joining me on Bailey Flanigan’s journey … and yes, the journey of one more ride with the Baxter Family. Some of you may have ideas about where Landon’s story is headed, but I think you might be surprised. I guess I have to always remember what Jenny Flanigan told Ashley … when we’re too weak to walk on our own, God will carry us.
As always, I look forward to your feedback. Take a minute and find me on Facebook. I’m there every day — hanging out with you in my virtual living room, praying for you, and answering as many questions as possible. I have Latte Time, where I’ll take a half hour or so, pour all of you a virtual latte, and take questions. We have a blast together, so if you’re not on my Facebook Fan Page, please join today. The group of friends there grows in number every day, and each of you is very special to me.
You can also visit my website at www.KarenKingsbury.com. There you can find my contact information and my guestbook. Remember, if you post something on Facebook or my website, it might help another reader. So please stop by. In addition, I love to hear how God is using these books in your life. He gets all credit and He always will. He puts a story in my heart, but He has your heart in mind. Only He could do that.
Also on Facebook or my website you can check out my upcoming events and get to know other readers. You can hear about movies being made on my books and you can become part of Team KK — a community that agrees there is life-changing power in something as simple as a story. Please post prayer requests on my website or read those already posted and pray for those in need. If you’d like, you may send in a photo of your loved one serving our country, or let us know of a fallen soldier we can honor on our Fallen Heroes page.
When you’re finished with this book, pass it on to someone else. By doing so, you will automatically enter my “Shared a Book” contest. Email me at [email protected] and tell me the first name of the person you shared with, and you might win a summer day with me and my family. In addition, everyone signed up for my monthly website newsletter is automatically entered into an ongoing once-a-month drawing for a free, signed copy of my latest novel.
There are links on my website that will help you with matters that are important to you — faith and family, adoption, and ways to reach out to others. Of course, on my site you can also find out a little more about me, my faith and my family, and the wonderful world of Life-Changing Fiction™. You can also follow me on Twitter. I give away books all the time, and I’d love to see you there!
Finally, if you gave your life to God during the reading of this book, or if you found your way back to a faith you’d let grow cold, send me a letter at [email protected] and write, “New Life” in the subject line. I encourage you to connect with a Bible-believing church in your area, and start reading the Bible every day. But if you can’t afford one and don’t already have one, write “Bible” in the subject line. Tell me how God used this book to change your life, and then include your address in your email. My wonderful publisher Zondervan has supplied me with free paperback copies of the New Testament, so that if you are financially unable to find a Bible any other way, I can send you one. I’ll pay for shipping.
One last thing. I’ve started a program where I will donate a book to any high school or middle school librarian who makes a request. Check out my website for details.
I can’t wait to hear your feedback on Learning! Oh, and look for Bailey Flanigan’s Book No. 3: Longing … in stores this fall. Until then my friends, keep your eyes on the cross and remember this:
When you see just one set of footprints, God is most definitely carrying you.
In His light and love,
Karen Kingsbury
www.KarenKingsbury.com
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What does the word learning stir in your heart? Explain.
2. Have you or someone you loved learned a major lesson lately? Tell about that.
3. What did you learn about growing in your faith by reading this book?
4. Explain how Bailey felt she was a failure after Chrissy’s death. Explain how you do or don’t relate to this personally. Share an example.
5. Have you ever felt like you failed God? Talk about that time.
6. What does God want us to learn when we feel we’ve failed Him?
7. The Bible tells us in Lamentations that God’s mercies are new every morning. How can that truth change the way we view our failures?
8. What lessons did Cody learn in this book? Describe the characteristics that make Cody so willing to help.
9. Do you know anyone like Cody Coleman? Talk about how they love to be needed, and what that has looked like in their lives.
10. What lesson from your childhood made the most impact on you? Why? 11. There is a cost to pursuing dreams. Lessons must always be learned along the way. What dreams did you have when you were growing up or what dreams do you still have, and how did God teach you lessons about those dreams?
12. The story of the Lyle High football team coming together to earn prize money for a sick girl with cancer was one that touched Cody deeply. Talk about what this part of the story meant to you.
13. Have you ever seen people come together to help someone in your church or family or community? Tell about that time.
14. Brandon Paul learned that our lives are but a mist that appears for a little while. What does that mean to you?
15. Did you learn anything from the character of Brandon? Do you think there are real-life celebrities like him? Why or why not?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
NO BOOK COMES TOGETHER WITHOUT A GREAT AND TALENTED team of people making it happen. For that reason, a special thanks to my friends at Zondervan who combined efforts with a number of people who were passionate about Life-Changing Fiction™ to make Learning all it could be. A special thanks to Moe Girkins — whose commitment to excellence at Zondervan was unparalleled, and to Steve Sammons, who may be one of the only execs in publishing who actually gets the big picture of what we’re doing for the kingdom. Also, of course, a special thanks to my dedicated editor, Sue Brower, and to Don Gates and Alicia Mey, my marketing team. Thanks also to the creative staff and to the sales force at Zondervan who work tirelessly to put this book in your hands.
Also, thanks to my amazing agent, Rick Christian, president of Alive Communications. Rick, you’ve always believed only the best for me. When we talk about the highest possible goals, you see them as doable, reachable. You are a brilliant manager of my career, and I thank God for you. But even with all you do for my ministry of writing, I am doubly grateful for your encouragement and prayers. Every time I finish a book, you send me a letter that deserves to be framed, and when something big happens, yours is the first call I receive. Thank you for that. But even more, the fact that you and Debbie are praying for me and my family keeps me confident every morning that God will continue to breathe life into the stories in my heart. Thank you for being so much more than a brilliant agent.
A special thank you to my husband, who puts up with me on deadline and doesn’t mind driving through Taco Bell after a football game if I’ve been editing all day. This wild ride wouldn’t be possible without you, Donald. Your love keeps me writing; your prayers keep me believing that God has a plan in this ministry of Life-Changing Fiction™. And thanks for the hours you put in working with the guestbook entries on my website. It’s a full-time job, and I am grateful for your concern for my reader friends. I look forward to that time every day when you read through them, sharing them with me and releasing them to the public, lifting up the prayer requests. Thank you, honey, and thanks to all my kids, who pull together, bringing me iced green tea, and understanding my sometimes crazy schedule. I love that you know you’re still first, before any deadline.
Thank you also to my mom, Anne Kingsbury, and to my sisters, Tricia and Sue. Mom, you are amazing as my assistant — working day and night sorting through the mail from my readers. I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know. Traveling with you these past years for Extraordinary Women and Women of Joy events has given us times together we will always treasure.
Tricia, you are the best executive assistant I could ever hope to have. I appreciate your loyalty and honesty, the way you include me in every decision, and the daily exciting website changes. My site has been a different place since you stepped in, and the hits have grown a hundredfold. Along the way, the readers have so much more to help them in their faith, so much more than a story. Please know that I pray for God’s blessings on you always, for your dedication to helping me in this season of writing, and for your wonderful son, Andrew. And aren’t we having such a good time too? God works all things to the good!
Sue, I believe you should’ve been a counselor! From your home far from mine, you get batches of reader letters every day, and you diligently answer them using God’s wisdom and His Word. When readers get a response from “Karen’s sister Susan,” I hope they know how carefully you’ve prayed for them and for the responses you give. Thank you for truly loving what you do, Sue. You’re gifted with people, and I’m blessed to have you aboard.
And to Randy Graves, a very special thank you. Randy, you and your family have been friends to our family for more than a decade, and now as my business manager and the executive director of my One Chance Foundation, you are an integral part of all we do. What a blessing to call you my friend and coworker. I pray that God always allows us to continue working together this way.
Thanks also to Olga Kalachik, my office assistant, who helps organize my supplies and storage areas, and who prepares our home for the marketing events and research gatherings that take place here on a regular basis. I appreciate all you’re doing to make sure I have time to write. You’re wonderful, Olga, and I pray God continues to bless you and your precious family.
I also want to thank my friends at Premier — Roy Morgan and your team, along with my friends at Extraordinary Women and Women of Joy. How wonderful to be a part of what God is doing through all of you. Thank you for including me in your family on the road.
Thanks also to my forever friends and family, the ones who have been there and continue to be there. Your love has been a tangible source of comfort, pulling us through the tough times and making us know how very blessed we are to have you in our lives.
And the greatest thanks to God. You put a story in my heart, with a million other hearts in mind — something I could never do. I’m grateful to be a small part of what you’re doing! The gift is yours. I pray I might use it for years to come in a way that will bring you honor and glory.
About the Author
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR KAREN KINGSBURY is America’s favorite inspirational novelist, with over 15 million books in print. Her Life-Changing Fiction™ has produced multiple bestsellers, including Leaving, Take One, Between Sundays, Even Now, One Tuesday Morning, Beyond Tuesday Morning, and Ever After, which was named the 2007 Christian Book of the Year. An award-winning author and newly published songwriter, Karen has several movies optioned for production, and her novel Like Dandelion Dust was made into a major motion picture and is now available on DVD. Karen is also a nationally known speaker with several women’s groups. She lives in Washington with her husband, Don, and their daughter and five sons, three of whom were adopted from Haiti.
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WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT KAREN KINGSBURY’S BOOKS
Karen’s book Oceans Apart changed my life. She has an amazing gift of bringing a reader into her stories. I can only pray she never stops writing.
Susan L.
Everyone should have the opportunity to read or listen to a book by Karen Kingsbury. It should be in the Bill of Rights.
Rachel S.
I want to thank Karen Kingsbury for what she is doing with the power of her storytelling — touching hearts like mine and letting God use her to change the world for Him.
Brittney N.
Karen Kingsbury’s books are filled with the unshakable, remarkable, miraculous fact that God’s grace is greater than our suffering. There are no words for Ms. Kingsbury’s writing.
Wendie K.
Because I loaned these books to my mother, she BECAME a Christian! Thank you for a richer life here and in heaven!
Jennifer E.
When I read my first Karen Kingsbury book, I couldn’t stop…. I read thirteen more in one summer!
Jamie B.
I have never read anything so uplifting and entertaining. I’m shocked as I read each new release because it’s always better than the last one.
Bonnie S.
I am unable to put your books down, and I plan to read many more of them. What a wonderful spiritual message I find in each one!
Rhonda T.
I love the way Karen Kingsbury writes, and the topics she chooses to write about! Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us, your readers!
Barbara S.
My husband is equally hooked on your books. It is a family affair for us now! Can’t wait for the next one.
Angie
I can’t even begin to tell you what your books mean to me…. Thank you for your wonderful books and the way they touch my life again and again.
Martje L.
Every time our school buys your next new book, everybody goes crazy trying to read it first!
Roxanne
Recently I made an effort to find GOOD Christian writers, and I’ve hit the jackpot with Karen Kingsbury!
Linda
When Karen Kingsbury calls her books “Life-Changing Fiction™,” she’s merely telling the unvarnished truth. I’m still sorting through the changes in my life that have come from reading just a few of her books!
Robert M.
I must admit that I wish I was a much slower reader … or you were a much faster writer. Either way, I can’t seem to get enough of Karen Kingsbury’s books!
Jillian B.
I was offered $50 one time in the airport for the fourth book in the Redemption Series. The lady’s husband just couldn’t understand why I wasn’t interested in selling it. Through sharing Karen’s books with my friends, many have decided that contemporary Christian fiction is the next best thing to the Bible. Thank you so much, Karen. It is truly a God-thing that you write the way you do.
Sue Ellen H.
Karen Kingsbury’s books have made me see things in ways that I had never thought about before. I have to force myself to put them down and come up for air!
Tabitha H.
I have read many of Karen’s books and I cry with every one. I feel like I actually know the people in the story, and my heart goes out to all of them when something happens!
Kathy N.
Wow, what an amazing author Karen Kingsbury is! Her stories are so heart-wrenching … I can’t wait until the next book comes out…. Karen, please don’t ever lay your pen down.
Nancy T.
Karen Kingsbury’s words leap off the page…. I just finished a new series last night and once again she has touched me beyond compare!
Kendra S.
Other Life-Changing Fiction™ by Karen Kingsbury
Bailey Flanigan Series
Leaving
Learning
Longing (Fall 2011)
Loving (Spring 2012)
9/11 Series
One Tuesday Morning
Beyond Tuesday Morning
Remember Tuesday Morning
Lost Love Series
Even Now
Ever After
Above the Line Series
Above the Line: Take One
Above the Line: Take Two
Above the Line: Take Three
Above the Line: Take Four
Stand-Alone Titles
Oceans Apart
Between Sundays
This Side of Heaven
When Joy Came to Stay
On Every Side
Divine
Like Dandelion Dust
Where Yesterday Lives
Shades of Blue
Unlocked
Redemption Series
Redemption
Remember
Return
Rejoice
Reunion
Firstborn Series
Fame
Forgiven
Found
Family
Forever
Sunrise Series
Sunrise
Summer
Someday
Sunset
Red Glove Series
Gideon’s Gift
Maggie’s Miracle
Sarah’s Song
Hannah’s Hope
Forever Faithful Series
Waiting for Morning
Moment of Weakness
Halfway to Forever
Women of Faith Fiction Series
A Time to Dance
A Time to Embrace
Cody Gunner Series
A Thousand Tomorrows
Just Beyond the Clouds
This Side of Heaven
Children’s Titles
Let Me Hold You Longer
Let’s Go on a Mommy Date
We Believe in Christmas
Let’s Have a Daddy Day
The Princess and the Three Knights
Go Ahead and Dream
Far Flutterby (Fall 2011)
Miracle Collections
A Treasury of Christmas Miracles
A Treasury of Miracles for Women
A Treasury of Miracles for Teens
A Treasury of Miracles for Friends
A Treasury of Adoption Miracles Miracles — a Devotional
Gift Books
Stay Close Little Girl
Be Safe Little Boy
Forever Young: Ten Gifts of Faith for the Graduate
www.KarenKingsbury.com
FOREVER IN FICTION®
FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS NOW, I’VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF offering Forever in Fiction ®* as an auction item at fundraisers across the country. Most of my more recent books have had Forever in Fiction characters, and I love that you, my reader friends, look forward to reading this section to see which characters in the coming pages are actually inspired by real-life people.
In Learning, I bring you three very special Forever in Fiction characters — all of whom are friends with my character Betty Keller. Betty offers her home as a place for Bailey Flanigan to live while she’s in New York City, and Betty’s three friends are part of her weekly summer Bible study. Each brings their own unique personality, likes, and strengths to the study — creating a rich context from which Bailey is able to learn much. And learning is the whole point of this chapter in Bailey’s life.
The first of Betty Keller’s three friends is my auction winner — Barbara Owens. Barbara won the Forever in Fiction package at the Owasso Community Resources Benefit Auction in April, 2009. A beautiful woman known by her friends and family as being friendly and orderly, passionate and giving, Barbara is also the CEO of her own company. No one ever forgets Barbara’s smile, or the way she helps those in need. She is married with three children and seven grandchildren, and she likes to decorate, sew, cross-stitch, and spend time with her family. Barbara, I hope that you enjoy seeing your name here in Learning, and that in years to come you and your family will be touched when they read about your character here, Forever in Fiction.
The second of my Forever in Fiction winners won the Crossings Christian School Auction in March, 2009. She chose to name her mother Maria “Irma” Rangel as a character in my Forever in Fiction program. Irma has been married more than fifty years to Al, and together they have four daughters and five grandchildren. The family loves to gather around Irma at any get-together, where she’s often the silliest one in the mix. She loves telling jokes and laughing, and she is loving and loyal to all people — especially her family.
Irma retired from working on an assembly line and she lives a simple, quiet life. People easily recognize the petite Irma for her high cheekbones, olive-toned skin, and full smile — features that make her extremely beautiful, especially in her younger days. Irma, I am certain you and your daughter will smile when you read about yourself here in Learning, where you will be Forever in Fiction.
Finally, the third winner is Laura Rogers, who won the Simmons Cooper Cancer Institute Auction in October, 2009. Laura chose to honor her mother Sara Quillian, who died at the age of seventy-three. Sara was married for more than fifty years, and together she and her husband raised five children and enjoyed seven grandchildren. Sara was a trailblazer for her time, and worked as the first female editor of her university newspaper. She went to law school for a year, just to prove she could. She was an intelligent woman, always in the middle of all things social.
Sara constantly opened her house to the friends of her kids, or Campus Crusades workers. She also frequently hosted missionaries in her home and her pastor and his wife, for dinner. Sara was opinionated in her love for God, church, family, and a good conversation. She liked iced coffee and she loved a new pair of red shoes. Laura, I hope that you smile when you see your mother as a character here in Learning, and that you will forever be touched by the way she has been honored here, Forever in Fiction.
A special thanks to all three of my auction winners and your belief in the power of story. I pray that the donations you made to your respective charities will go on to change lives, the way I pray lives will be changed by the impact of the message in Learning. May God bless you for your love and generosity.
For those of you who are not familiar with Forever in Fiction, it is my way of involving you, the readers, in my stories, while raising money for charities. The winning bidder of a Forever in Fiction package has the right to have his or her name or the name of a loved one written into one of my novels, forever in fiction.
To date, Forever in Fiction has raised more than $200,000 at charity auctions. Obviously, I am only able to donate a limited number of these each year. For that reason, I have set a fairly high minimum bid on this package so that the maximum funds are raised for charities. All money goes to the charity events. If you are interested in receiving a Forever in Fiction package for your auction, write to [email protected] and in the subject line write: “Forever in Fiction.”
*Forever in Fiction is a registered trademark owned by Karen Kingsbury.
Preview
BAILEY FLANIGAN SERIES
Leaving
Karen Kingsbury,
New York Times Bestselling Author
The Bailey Flanigan Series begins with Bailey leaving Bloomington for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City. She’s determined to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive.
In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan.
Love, loneliness, big opportunities, and even bigger decisions highlight the first book in the new Bailey Flanigan Series that features members of the popular Baxter family and finally completes the Bailey Flanigan/Cody Coleman story.
Available in stores and online!
ABOVE THE LINE SERIES
The four novels of the bestselling Above the Line Series follow dedicated Hollywood producers, as they seek to transform the culture through their film. The books also feature characters from the much-loved Baxter Family. Follow Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison as they journey through the world of moviemaking and learn all that glitters is not gold, and that success could cost them everything — their relationships and their ideals. Each book in the series focuses on a different part of the process and the various struggles they face to reach their goals of making a movie that changes lives.
Available in stores and online!
Unlocked
A Love Story
Karen Kingsbury,
New York Times Bestselling Author
Before You Take a Stand …
You’ve Got to Take a Chance.
Holden Harris is an eighteen-year-old locked in a prison of autism. Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal — on the inside, in a private world all his own. In reality, he is bullied at school by kids who only see that he is very different.
Ella Reynolds is part of the “in” crowd. A cheerleader and star of the high school drama production, her life seems perfect. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him … the way he is drawn to the music. Then, Ella makes a dramatic discovery — she and Holden were best friends as children.
Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied, and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school. Including her boyfriend, Jake.
Ella believes miracles can happen in the unlikeliest places, and that just maybe an entire community might celebrate from the sidelines. But will Holden’s praying mother and the efforts of Ella and a cast of theater kids be enough to unlock the prison that contains Holden?
This time, friendship, faith, and the power of a song must be strong enough to open the doors to the miracle Holden needs.
Available in stores and online!
Shades of Blue
Karen Kingsbury,
New York Times Bestselling Author
In between a checkered past and a fairytale future, a decision awaits.
Brad Cutler, twenty-eight, is a rising star at his New York ad agency, about to marry the girl of his dreams. Anyone would agree he has it all — a great career, a beautiful and loving fiancée, and a fairy tale life ahead of him … when memories of a high school girlfriend begin to torment him. Lost innocence and one very difficult choice flood his conscience, and he is no longer sure what the future will bring except for this: He must go back to the shores of Holden Beach in search of his first love, and a forgiveness neither of them has ever known.
Three people must work through the repercussions of a decision made long ago before any of them can look toward a new future.
Available in stores and online!
One Tuesday Morning / Beyond Tuesday Morning Compilation Limited Edition
Karen Kingsbury,
New York Times Bestselling Author
Based on the tragedy of the Twin Towers … two powerful novels of heroism, loss, and redemption that commemorate the 10th anniversary of September 11.
One Tuesday Morning
The last thing Jake Bryan knew was the sound of the World Trade Center collapsing on top of him and his fellow firefighters. The man in the hospital bed remembers nothing. Not rushing with his teammates up the stairway of the south tower to help trapped victims. Not being blasted from the building. And not the woman sitting by his bedside who says she is his wife.
Jamie Bryan will do anything to help her beloved husband regain his memory. But that means helping Jake rediscover the one thing Jamie has never shared with him: his deep faith in God.
Beyond Tuesday Morning
Determined to find meaning in her grief three years after the terrorist attacks on New York City, FDNY widow Jamie Bryan pours her life into volunteer work at a small memorial chapel across from where the Twin Towers once stood. There, unsure and feeling somehow guilty, Jamie opens herself to the possibility of love again.
But, in the face of a staggering revelation, only the persistence of a tenacious man, questions from Jamie’s curious daughter, and words from her dead husband’s journal can move Jamie beyond one Tuesday morning … toward life.
Available in stores and online!
Oceans Apart
Karen Kingsbury,
New York Times Bestselling Author
A riveting story of secret sin and the healing power of forgiveness.
Airline pilot Connor Evans and his wife, Michele, seem to be the perfect couple living what looks like a perfect life. Then a plane goes down in the Pacific Ocean. One of the casualties is Kiahna Siefert, a flight attendant Connor knew well. Too well. Kiahna’s will is very clear: before her seven-year-old son, Max, can be turned over to the state, he must spend the summer with the father he’s never met, the father who doesn’t know he exists: Connor Evans.
Now will the presence of one lonely child and the truth he represents destroy Connor’s family? Or is it possible that healing and hope might come in the shape of a seven-year-old boy?
Available in stores and online!
ZONDERVAN
Learning
Copyright © 2011 by Karen Kingsbury
All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Zondervan.
EPub Edition © MAY 2011 ISBN: 978-0-310-42755-1
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