Azmir turns to him as Pastor Edmonson intuitively extends his arm, “Azmir! To what do I owe this surprise? I saw you in service the other day and was saddened that Rayna didn’t bring you around back so that I could meet you.” Pastor Edmondson is so excited and clearly expresses it. “But you’re here today in the flesh. I’m John Edmondson, the senior pastor here at Holy Deliverance Tabernacle Church.” He’s sporting a genuine and eager smile as he greets Azmir. “I’ve heard so much about you. It is a true pleasure to meet you.”
“Azmir Jacobs,” Azmir gives a gentle smile. “Rayna has had great things to say about you, and I am indebted to your work with her.” My breath hitches. “Under your counsel, I’ve witnessed great changes. The pleasure is all mine.”
“Oh, I would say much of her transformation has been inspired by a man who cares deeply for her and has motivated her change,” Pastor Edmondson replies while still shaking Azmir’s hand as I hold my breath. “Congratulations on the engagement. You’ve chosen well.”
My heart fills with elation. Pastor Edmondson has never doted on me this way during our sessions. He’s always been encouraging and attentive, but to hear him speak of me is overwhelming.
Azmir turns to me tentatively and murmurs, “I am truly a blessed man, Pastor. Thank you very much.” And then returns his attention to Pastor Edmondson.
“Why don’t we head on back to my office?” Pastor Edmondson opens the door and gestures for Azmir to step in first.
I stand and dart my eyes to Azmir. What? Is this why he came?
With a soft chuckle he says, “Oh, no, Pastor. Rayna and I are down to one car today. I only rode in with her. I’ll wait out here until she’s done.”
“Certainly, you didn’t come all this way to sit in the waiting room. Please join us—that’s if Rayna doesn’t mind.” He glances my way, asking my permission. My mouth is wide open, but nothing comes out. This is all so unexpected.
I carry my gaze up to Azmir who speaks up, “I actually have a few calls and e-mails to return. I’ll be more than occupied out here,” he urges in his CEO mien.
Pastor Edmondson releases an exhale and admonishes me through his eyes before saying, “We won’t discuss anything that would betray your confidence in our private sessions.” He looks over to Azmir, “Come on. This is as good a time as any.” Pastor Edmonson’s impelled urging doesn’t go unnoticed. Either I blatantly say no and risk offending them both or I bite the bullet and grant Azmir’s attendance in my counseling session. That latter option feels less confrontational.
Azmir catches on to my assent and extends his arm, motioning for me to go ahead of him.
Inside of Pastor Edmondson’s spacious office, he asks us to take a seat before him and brings a chair over to complete our newly formed triangle. He sits with his pad and pencil as always and begins with, “Azmir, I just want you to know that I am a licensed psychologist as well as the pastor of Holy Deliverance Tabernacle Church. My wife is a licensed marriage and family therapist. We’ve combined our spiritual callings with our professional passions, making this assembly a fully encompassed community. With that being said, all things discussed today will be held in strict confidence, in compliance with my professional oath.”
Azmir nods firmly in agreement. Then Pastor Edmondson turns to me, “So, Rayna, how would you like to handle this session. We can pick up from last week…or perhaps free-style to include Azmir?”
“I don’t know. Whatever you prefer.” I’m out of my usual bounds.
He smiles kindly. “Okay…well, why don’t we start with the Proverbs 31 passage that Twanece had you read. What are your thoughts on the virtuous woman?”
Twanece Edmondson is his wife and the first lady of Holy Deliverance Tabernacle Church. When I told them about my engagement, they were both beside themselves in cheer. She quickly instructed that I read Proverbs 31 to get an idea of what type of woman God is calling all women to be. It also encompasses the role of the wife.
“She’s impossible,” I express, adamantly. “And quite frankly, encourages my anxiety about this whole marriage thing.” I can see Azmir shifting in his seat from my peripheral view.
“She is quite the consummate woman, isn’t she?” Pastor Edmonson chuckles.
I shake my head, “My goodness…I don’t know how one person can possess so much confidence, wisdom, and faith. I mean, I’m overwhelmed just trying to find where I fit into his universe,” I trill, referring to Azmir. “I’ve been focused on building a small space in the corner of it so that I don’t interrupt anything else, but even that doesn’t seem to be working for me.”