Audrey let out a breath, turned the truck around, and didn’t look back – except once. A famous movie star was waving her goodbye.

Without needing told, without Jacob’s lead, Akando dropped to his knees and lunged into the throne room of Christ.

Nobody wears a black mask forever.

Knowledge doesn't exist in matters of the heart.

I know I only have one arm, but I’d be proud to have you on it.

Montrose leaned forward. “Jacob, what's wrong with you? Why would you want to do this? What kind of husband . . . what kind of man are you?”“I don't know.” Jacob's voice was a whisper. “But before I pledged myself to Annie, I pledged myself to God.”“I hope you know what you're doing.” Montrose glanced back towards the kitchen. In their silence, they heard Annie's low sobs. “I hope it's worth it.

Jacob, what's wrong with you? Why would you want to do this? What kind of husband . . . what kind of man are you?”“I don't know.” Jacob's voice was a whisper. “But before I pledged myself to Annie, I pledged myself to God.”“I hope you know what you're doing.” Montrose glanced back towards the kitchen. In their silence, they heard Annie's low sobs. “I hope it's worth it.

I close my eyes, gripping the empty clothes closer to me, shaking my head against the truth. I try to block out the words... Try to stop them... But they come, nonetheless, until finally I just stand here—not running, not even trying to escape. “You my dear, will suffer seven years of tribulation. You will be left behind...

Daniel suffered through the flames. He lifted his arms towards the sky. He lifted his face. He closed his eyes. “Lord! Lord! I am thine!” His lips mouthed the words, until the gums melted out of his face, and the lips disappeared. And even then, though his body was a flame, his hands stayed lifted until the skin dripped down into the fire and his bones shrank to the ground.

Jacob crammed his eyes shut, listening to that feeble breathing, half expecting every breath to be the last. Lord, did You leave me for a purpose?