The Crimson Parasol

9781483520186

Chapter One

On a hot July day in 1940, the wind gave a cool reprieve from the blaring sun that threatened to taint Lessie's pearly white skin. She glanced down at her arm and ran her hand along the soft white skin, remembering his words, so sweet and dear to her heart.

She smiled at the memory as she watched from the kitchen window for his arrival and let her mind wander to past visits.

Pastor Oaks had introduced him to the congregation as the new associate pastor, Pastor Donald Greene. He had no aire of influence about him at all. In fact, he was short for a man and a bit stout.

He walked to the piano that Sunday morning and sat down, staring at the keys. Closing his eyes and placing his hands on the keyboard, he began to play a rendition of The Old Rugged Cross. He played beautifully. People in the congregation began to sing along. When he finished, the congregation rose to their feet immediately, applauding.

He rose slowly from the piano bench, waving his hand, with his eyes closed. All the glory is to God! My hands are His and He deserves all the glory!

There was more applause and cheering as he made his way to the pulpit. Amen!

He approached the pulpit as if it were the most wonderful piece of furniture he had ever seen. A strong hand slid along the side. He took hold of the pulpit as if he needed help to stand under the pressure of meeting a new congregation.

His eyes cast downward; he took in the notes lying on the pulpit. As he lifted his head, he gazed across the congregation. There seemed to be concern filling his eyes, glistening with love.

He said with such conviction, I have a word from the Lord this morning. Pausing, as if the words pained him somehow, he continued, He would have you know, that you are loved beyond comprehension.

This began one of the most compelling sermons of Lessie's thirty-six years of life on this earth. The humility and kindness in his voice touched something deep and lost within Lessie's soul, threatening to swallow her up, right there on the pew. She sat up a little straighter than usual and listened more intently than ever, afraid that her emotions would show.

Funny_she remembered seeing her eldest, Leo, smiling at an unfamiliar face in the congregation. A new family had recently come to town and joined the church. Their eldest daughter was about Leo's age and quite a beauty for her age.

Her oldest daughter, Glory, fidgeted in her seat, which was not like her at all. She was unusually mature for a girl her age.

Edna, the middle child, was nowhere in sight. On a normal Sunday morning Lessie would have left her seat to find where Edna had run off. This morning she figured Edna would show up eventually.

The youngest one, Jeanine, her pride and joy, snuggled up close. Lessie looked down into her brown eyes, so wide and full of life, and smiled, kissing her on the top of her head.

Afterwards, Pastor Oaks stood at the door as usual to greet people as they left. Pastor Greene joined him. She kept a watchful eye on him as she approached them. His demeanor was humble, and genuine.

She thought, how refreshing for a man in his position.

It wasn't that she thought Pastor Oaks any less of a man. Pastor Oak's personality was robust and confident. She supposed from the many years of familiarity with the congregation.

Pastor Oak's' voice brought her attention back to meeting the new associate pastor. Lessie! How are you? I see the children are doing well and robust!

They rushed around her to the churchyard and began running with their friends. The pastor chuckled. Turning his attention back to her, he asked,

Did you enjoy the sermon this morning?

She didn't feel the cold February winds as she offered her tiny, gloved hand to the new associate pastor.

Yes I did. I believe it must have come from the Lord's heart straight to yours. Thank you sir!

Pastor Oaks laughed and agreed whole-heartedly.

As their eyes met, she blushed. She lowered her head, pretending to cough. Pastor Oaks put his hand on her elbow and asked if she was all right.

Just fine, thank you. She answered, lifting her head, to look into Pastor Greene's eyes.

He seemed to mesmerize her and she found it difficult to pull her eyes from his. He held her hand little too long, sending rivers of warm blood rushing up her arm.

Pull yourself together Lessie Elwood! You are a married woman! She rebuked herself.

In the yard, Jeanine was crying for her relentlessly. Lessie pulled her hand away, thankful to have a more urgent matter to focus on than this non-sense. She excused herself and hurried out to the yard to gather her children.

A noise in the front of the house brought her back to the present. As she rose from her resting place, she went to meet the familiar voices.

The girls giggled as she entered the room. Leo, standing next to Pastor Greene appeared even taller and lankier than usual. He leaned a long knotty elbow on Pastor Greene's shoulder, looking suspicious.

Nearly a year after meeting him, the sight of him still caused those little rivers of emotions to run along her veins. His eyes sparkled as she came into view.

She noticed, Pastor Greene holding something behind his back.

Jeanine, jumped up and down, hardly able to contain her excitement, Give it to her, give it to her!

Lessie stepped closer to quiet her youngest, then Pastor Greene pulled a parasol from behind his back. It was crimson, with a ruffled edge, and flowers on a white background peeked out from under the ruffles. He popped the parasol open, to which all the girls squealed even louder.

Leo smiled as if he had produced the parasol himself, and asked, You like it, Mama?

Lessie stood breathless, afraid to move. It was far too grand a present to except.

She placed her hand over her heart, which was threatening to burst, and exclaimed, I couldn't possibly accept such an extravagant gift!

Before anyone else spoke, Edna ran to her mother grabbed her arm and exclaimed, No one deserves it more than you, Mama! Go ahead__ tell her, Pastor Greene … what you told us!

Tears formed in his eyes as they met hers. I see what a good woman you are. You tend to the needs of your children and the congregation. All the while your own go unmet. If anything in my power will lighten your load, any way to preserve your beauty from the scorching sun, please Mrs. Elwood, let me oblige you.

Well, Mama, with a plea like that, Leo said lightening the moment, I'd say you better except that pretty umbrella or Pastor Greene here might just have a heart attack!

Lessie took the parasol and thanked him, stating it was just too much and she didn't know how she would ever repay him.

I have a grand idea! The county fair will be in town soon. I would love to go, but have no one to accompany me. Let me take you and the children and show you all a good time, and that will be payment enough.

Before Lessie protested, the children gathered around her, begging her to say yes. She looked at their dear faces, unable to deny them such a good time, especially given the circumstances. She gave in reluctantly, with a stern reproach for them to be on their best behavior.

Oh, we will, we will, they all exclaimed as they rushed to the kitchen table to begin planning the day. Lessie's eyes locked on to Pastor Greene's. I am speechless. Your generosity to my family has been … well … almost embarrassing.

Pastor Greene, astounded at her response, asked how it would be embarrassing. She looked hard at the floor. Was it possible he didn't realize the feelings she had for him?

The children came rushing into the room at that very moment, all of them excited and asking questions, talking at the same time.

Pastor Greene laughed that hearty laugh that lit up the room and made everything worrisome seem trivial. She smiled as her children gathered around him, prodding him with questions. Most men would be irritated with such a raucous group. He not only enjoyed it but also welcomed the attention.

How is it that this wonderful man has never been married? She wondered.

Chapter 2

Donald Greene and Samuel Oaks went way back. They had been friends since the age of twelve. Samuel came from an influential family in Little Rock. His future had been laid out before him like a map. His family had lived in Little Rock for generations. No question; Samuel would become the next minister at Little Rock Chapel.

Donald, on the other hand, had a different story. Tragedy had been his constant companion since he was a child. His mother had died at his birth from toxemia. His father tried to raise him properly, but without his beloved wife, fell prey to the bottle. By the age of eight, his father's health was failing. Within two years, he buried his father.

Donald was placed in the local orphanage, where he quickly became the favorite of the nuns and other children. He loved helping with the younger children. Often the head nun allowed him to go into town on errands. He displayed impeccable behavior and honesty, which earned him extra privileges.

He didn't live there long. A local pastor and his wife who were not able to conceive had been praying for direction. One night the woman dreamed a voice told her to go to the orphanage, and there she would find her boy. She would know him when she saw him and the love she would have for him would be as great as if she had given him birth herself.

From that day, Donald grew up in the church next to his adoptive father's watchful eye. Donald's new father, Joshua Greene, had been good friends with Jacob Oaks, Samuel's father. Joshua would read aloud letters he received from his friend to Donald. He looked forward to the letters, filled with excitement and stories about Samuel's life. They went to visit one another's churches frequently, spending the afternoon, and having lunch together.

Donald looked forward to the companionship even more than the letters. Those were rare times when he found enjoyment climbing trees, fishing, and even swimming in the river. Other days he spent at the piano, reading his Bible and searching for his calling, as his father put it.

On one occasion after church, the boys ventured into town with the permission of their parents and a quarter to spend. Samuel pointed out a young lady, prophesying that one day they would marry and she would become the first lady of Little Rock Chapel.

Donald laughed. He had never given thought to being married, or that a young lady so beautiful would ever pay attention to him the way this young lady looked Samuel's way. There was so much to do when the boys were together; girls were a thing of the future and quickly forgotten until later.

Upon returning home, Donald would lie on his bed reminiscing the time he had spent with his friend. He contemplated the pretty girl in town; sure, as Samuel prophesied that someday she would become his wife and mother of his three children.

He learned to play the piano, sing, and preach a sermon at the tender age of twelve. The first time his father asked him to play the piano in church, Donald asked, What will I play?

To which his father answered, You will play whatever the Lord lays on your heart to play!

His father was a stern man and not as kind as his mother. He considered them an odd pair. Donald seldom saw his father smile, and he rarely laughed. He considered laughter folly. When his father spoke, Donald listened intently, sure to follow through, to avoid his wrath.

Anytime his father was stern within his mother's earshot, she put him in his place with one look. She was the only person he ever saw bring a smile to his father's stern face so quickly. One touch of her hand on his arm changed his disposition, as if by magic.

Donald prayed earnestly over the next week for God to show him what to play. He lay awake on his bed at night, trying to receive an impression of what he should play the coming Sunday morning.

The thought consumed his every waking moment. Dark circles began to appear under his eyes from lack of sleep and stress due to the never-ending problem.

Finally, his mother advised, Donald, stop worrying about it. If the Lord doesn't give you something before, He will when you sit down at the piano Sunday morning. Just trust Him.

She had always been kind, never expecting too much from him. She believed in him even when he didn't believe in himself. He knew that she loved him as if she were his real mother. He determined in his twelve-year-old mind that he would trust the Lord and do as his mother asked.

Sunday morning, he sat at the piano, staring at the keys as the congregation filed in, their conversations a jumble of noises in his head. He closed his eyes to pray, and suddenly, music filled his head.

His fingers seemed to glide across the keys as he struck up a rendition of The Old Rugged Cross. He played without reserve, his soul totally abandoned to the will of the Lord. The Lord took control of his hands and began to play the piano for him. His heart was full.

Donald had never experienced such pleasure in his entire life. The exaltation of the music, made him forget that he was in the church and people were listening. When he finished, there was complete silence. For a moment he sat, afraid to take his eyes off the keyboard. He could sense his parents staring at him, along with the rest of the people.

As his senses returned to him, the sound of crying brought him back to the room. Suddenly, the congregation exploded with applause. They rose to their feet applauding, and crying.

Donald stared out into the faces, overwhelmed by what had just happened. He knew in his heart, just as Samuel knew, that he would be the next pastor of his father's church. This was his calling.

From that day, forward, his life revolved around the church and doing the will of the Lord. Nothing in life gave him such pleasure. At the age of fifteen, he had played in most of the local churches.

When he came of age, Donald went away to explore other lands, playing in different churches and sometimes at the opera. He took jobs in various places, traveling and putting his money in savings, only taking some out for tithes and basic needs. He lived a very humble life.

At the age of forty, Donald began to realize he had spent his life focused on the will of the Lord. He had taken no interest in his own life. With nothing to show for his efforts but a sizable bank account, he set out on a mission to find something more stable.

He had not been unhappy; quite the contrary, he was a very happy man. It was time now to settle down. Maybe find a wife and have a family. He began to pray that the Lord would show him were to go.

Meanwhile, in Little Rock, Pastor Oaks' little church was growing, and he needed an associate pastor. He prayed to the Lord for direction and remembered his friend.

Donald only lived about an hour away, and it was a nice day for a ride in the country. Samuel packed up his horse with a nice lunch and set out to spend the afternoon with his long, lost friend.

When Samuel arrived in Benton, he found, after direction from one of the locals, Donald's humble little home. He was surprised at the modesty of the house, since he knew that Donald had made a name for himself, although he did remember that Donald never had such dreams of grandeur, the way he did. He lifted his fist to knock on the door. The door swung open and the two old friends found themselves face to face once again after all these years, embracing and slapping each other on the back.

They spent the afternoon reminiscing on the past and how the Lord was working in each of their lives. By the end of the day, it became quite clear that Donald would pack up his meager belongings and move to Little Rock to become the associate pastor of Little Rock Chapel. That is, if the congregation voted him in. Pastor Oaks was sure that once they met him, they would not be able to resist his charming and affectionate manner.

That night marked a new beginning for each of the boyhood friends.

Chapter 3

On a cold February day in 1939, Donald made his way to the church in Little Rock for his first speaking engagement. Through the scarf wrapped around his face, he observed as the wind blew dustings of snow around the people filing into the church.

There was no doubt that Samuel's gregarious personality was what drew them to this little church. He wondered how such a small church would hold this many people. After slipping in the side door leading to a dimly lit hallway, he hung up his coat with a shiver.

Never mind the cold; he knew the Lord was with him. Soon the cold that permeated his being now would be a distant memory. He listened as the congregation greeted one another, waiting for the pastor to take the pulpit.

Donald opened the door leading to the pulpit and peered out at the congregation. He smiled at their eager faces. As his gaze traveled the sanctuary, a small woman, not more than five feet tall, caught his eye.

He couldn't help noticing her femininity. Long, white, blond hair tied at the nape of her neck in a tight bun. Her skin, creamy white as if though it had never seen a touch of the sun. She carried herself as if royalty, although her clothing was plain and humble.

Children pushing in next to her and calling her Mama distracted his thoughts. He counted four of them, the eldest looking tall and lanky, as if about fifteen or sixteen asked if he could sit by himself today. The younger one clung to her mother's skirt while she spoke to the older one and cried Mama! repeatedly. He laughed at the picture, wishing he had married at an earlier age and had children himself.

Pastor Samuel's hand on his shoulder pulled him back to reality. The familiar hum of the organ signaled the moment. Donald took his seat in the front row. Samuel went to the pulpit to introduce his friend. Samuel's introduction embarrassed Donald, and he felt his face flush as he rose to go to the piano.

Instead of focusing on himself, he prayed silently: Lord what would you have me say to these fine folks this cold morning?

As Donald walked the short distance to the piano, it seemed as if he had walked a great distance. He had never grown comfortable with the fact that all eyes were on him. You could have heard a pin drop. Not even a baby made a noise.

He took the seat at the piano, staring at his hands on the keys. He prayed like usual: These are Your hands Lord, use them as You will.

He began to play his favorite rendition of The Old Rugged Cross It had been a favorite piece of the audiences he had played for over the years.

When he finished, the crowd burst into applause, cheering and rising to their feet. Overwhelmed at the people's strong reaction, he put the focus where it belonged, giving God the glory.

He waved his hand, stating, All glory to God … as he made his way to the pulpit.

Overcome with the sudden presence of the Lord, Donald found it hard to face the congregation. He approached the pulpit, focused on the message the Lord had laid upon his heart. He wasn't sure who needed to hear this message. Perhaps it was himself, or some lonely soul in the congregation. He didn't know, but it overpowered his mind and emotions.

As he reached the pulpit, he slid one hand along the pulpit to steady himself, afraid that he may fall from the weight of the message he had for the people. Tears came to his eyes as he studied the notes he had prepared. The paper became a blur.

The anticipation of the people weighed heavily in the air. Donald lifted his head and looked out at them. Some seemed puzzled by his apparent delay. The older men seemed annoyed, the women apprehensive. The little woman with the children sat up taller, her blue eyes sparkling. Suddenly, the words poured out of his mouth.

I have a word from the Lord this morning.

Several gasps came from the room. One lady put her hand over her heart, another over her mouth, as she began to weep. Her husband put a protective arm over her shoulder, looking worried. Donald continued on, knowing the Holy Spirit was not finished with him this morning.

He would have you understand that you are loved beyond comprehension.

Those powerful but simple words stirred something deep inside Donald. He preached the words the Lord put in his spirit, not one time looking at his notes. The altars filled up at the end of the service and there was not one dry eye found.

Tired and at the same time rejuvenated, Donald took his place next to Samuel at the door after service to greet and meet the congregation as they left. Everyone exclaimed what a wonderful service it had been and how happy they were to have him as part of their church.

The older gentlemen in the congregation shook his hand firmly, as if to say even though they enjoyed his preaching, they would have a watchful eye on him.

He looked them in the eye and exclaimed, What a pleasure to serve you, sir!

Samuel watched as even the most cantankerous of the older men smiled in approval.

The lady with the blond hair and pearly skin approached them. Donald had not meant to stare as she approached. It happened fast and powerfully. He couldn't seem to pull his eyes from hers. She seemed flustered, lowering her head to cough. He wondered if she had a cold.

At the suggestion of it from Pastor Oaks, she immediately raised her head to declare, Just fine, thank you.

She introduced herself: Good morning. I am Lessie Elwood and these are my wild youngins' … She laughed nervously, waving as her children ran by, apparent adoration in her sparkling blue eyes.

After everyone left, Pastor Oaks closed the door and locked it. Turning to his friend, he put one arm across Donald's shoulder, and said with all sincerity, I have heard some good preachin' in my life, brother, but none as moving and led by the spirit of God. Will you come have lunch with Ruthie and I and the children?

Donald begged off. He loved their children and the memory of Ruthie's cooking, but he wanted to savor the morning alone in the privacy of his own place. Samuel understood and walked to the parsonage with him. At the door, they shook hands again.

Donald held on to Samuel's hand, imploring his friend, "Please forgive me if I am stepping over some boundary.