Amazing Grace

By: Emma C. Holmes

Narrated by: Sandy Carpenter

This story is about Thomas growing up in a Mississippi southern town. He was raised under stern conditions along with committed Christian values and enduring faith. The rules of home were Christian living and attending church on Sundays on a regular basis in addition to attending Wednesday’s nights Bible meetings. His other obligations were attending to farming chores and the consequential discipline of retribution for any rules broken. These exacting rules were placed by his father.

"Big Jim" was a small-time preacher with a congregation of approximately 25 active members. It was a modest congregation, but that did not matter to Jim since he considered himself just as good as some mega church preachers; regardless of the very apparent reality, however, he was mediocre at best. Some would regard Jim as just a big fish preacher in a small pound. The protagonist Thomas the elder sibling, and being the only male involved and assuming most of the responsibility on the farm. Thomas carried intense lessons from his father early in life concerning the good go to heaven and the bad will land in hell at the end of one’s life, if he is not right with God. These beliefs followed him throughout his life.

The narrative speaks of Thomas becoming disillusioned about being targeted for doing most of the hard work, and suffering stern retribution. As a result, he leaves home at the age of 14, and later becomes exposed to drug dealings, gambling and running around with prostitutes, all of which was regarded as sin by the church. This new lifestyle was in contrasts from his rigorous upbringing. He realizes that his choice for leaving home was a mistake too late.

Years later after restoration he evolves to a preacher like his father “Big Jim.” Thomas thought that his life was established until sin drives him back into sin; where he once again, succumbs to the nettle malicious traps, cursing, drinking, and bad-mouthing others, just like a slick reprobate. Thomas careless behavior and contempt for the law landed him in real trouble as result he was arrested in the red line district making profit off prostitutes. After being released he struggles to attain his ministry back. He meets a good Christian woman who helps him walk a straight path and realized his wife believes a man is essentially the head of the house. Brenda was a good Christian woman alright, but she did not stand for wrongdoing and would disburse retribution if wronged. "Amazing Grace" was his life-line.

One turbulent day, his father’s words came into play with the song of “Amazing Grace.”

©2021 Emma C Holmes (P)2023 Emma C Holmes