One Girl and One Boy

One Girl and One Boy

The waiting area was very crowded that May 1, 1960. Smiling grandparents, tired moms, scared dads, big brothers and sisters. Born that day were one girl and one boy. The two children’s lives would intertwine for decades.

Olivia Ann Richards was a beautiful baby. That day each nurse and doctor marveled at her hair, smile, and glow. Olivia was the only child of Samuel Nehemiah and Lori Ann Richards. Sam was an Evangelist at the local Church of Christ. Lori was a dedicated wife supporting her husband’s mission in every way possible. Especially prayer, together and apart.

Sam had married up; as the saying goes, Lori was model gorgeous but didn’t flaunt it in public. Oh yeah, she always paraded it in private for Sam. That helped him realize how special he was to her and her to him. He took great pride in every aspect of this lovely woman. When seated, Lori had perfect posture that displayed a woman with self-esteem and poise. She had quiet confidence, meaning she smiled and chuckled at life's funny moments but never desired to be the center of attention, and she loved being with people.

After several miscarriages, Olivia was born by the Grace of God. To say the pregnancy and live birth was a miracle is an understatement. The last month was bed rest only. It was here she and Sam went deeper in prayer than ever before. They cried in prayer for the health and safety of this baby, and of course, Lori. Satan tried to destroy their faith, it backfired. The more challenging things became, the more the Richards’ relied on God. The more they prayed, the more they sang songs of praise to God, and the more they meditated on God and life.

Sam and Lori, holding hands at the bedside, would plan and pray for their baby’s future. Knowing it was going to be a girl, they named her after her grandmothers, Olivia and Ann. Even Satan was amazed at the amount of planning a husband and wife in love with the Lord could make towards their daughter’s spiritual upbringing. When Satan’s minions realized that attempting to turn the Richards from God had failed, they departed for more promising opportunities, for now.

James Scott Miles was born to David Eugene and Barbara Ann Miles. Jimmy was their third child.

Six years go by, and Olivia is a happy girl. She comes home from school every day to a perfect world thanks to God, except today. When she arrived home, Olivia's mom was crying. Olivia's favorite neighbor, Beth Adelman, had passed away at 84. Now Olivia was crying, her mom was crying, and Cosmo, the golden retriever, was whimpering. Why, Olivia wondered? This was the first time someone close to Olivia had passed away. “Why this God,” Lori asked? “She was such a significant influence on Olivia. What good could become of her death now?”

Lori remembered when she and Sam first met Beth and her husband, Benjamin. Everyone called him Red because he had red hair when he was younger. But that day, it was white. Yes, like Santa with a mustache and full beard. After becoming good friends with Beth, Lori asked her if she and Red would do a Bible study with her and Sam. She said they would, and after five weeks of study, they were baptized for the forgiveness of sins and received the Holy Spirit. The angels celebrated while Satan’s minions decided not to be there.

Spring finally came after a brutal winter. Olivia had finally settled that Mrs. Adelman was in heaven now. No more baking cookies, licking beaters, or just being with her. One of Olivia's first life lessons, outstanding people die. Lori used the opportunity to explain to six-year-old Olivia that Beth and Red had followed God’s plan of salvation and received heaven as their reward. Olivia understood enough to know that heaven is good, hell is hot and bad.

Beth and Red had been in a religion that was about family. When they became Christians, Satan had their religious family shun them, as was the tradition. Both Red's and Beth's parents were dead, plus they never had children. They had Christ and the Richards’. Beth changed her will so that the church would receive her home and all her money except $30,000, which was for Olivia's education. In 1966 that was a lot of money. Once again, Satan's plans were defeated by the love for Christ.

Satan had already sprung to action when Mrs. Adleman passed; he had a wonderful atheist family in mind for the house but they were dragging their feet on getting an appointment, and the Evil One knew why. The day Beth died, the Richards went to God in prayer, thanking him for her in Olivia's life. They also prayed that the family that would eventually buy the home would also have a substantial influence on their growing daughter. An atheist family was probably not God's answer to their prayer. But Satan was sure his minions would have several opportunities with whatever family moved in.

The Miles family saw the house first and fell in love with it. They made an offer that day. Three months later, they moved in.

That night Lori confided in Sam this was not the answer she expected from God. Sam said, “Lori, God is answering it His way and in His time frame. Let us see what happens.” He kissed and hugged her. Sam said with a smile, “I know what will get your mind off of it.” She smiled back and said, “you did work hard today. You can start by massaging my back, Sam.” Let the party begin, Sam thought to himself. Both of them thought God is great. Satan’s minions left for the night.

The years flew by till Jimmy was in Walden Junior High, where he met and became buddies with Timmy Fredericks. The boys decided they would now be Jim and Tim; after all, they were seventh-graders now. Jim told Tim about a Boy Scout meeting that night, and they joined together. As they grew, they realized they both liked fishing and could ride their bikes to the West Fork River. They fished all day for catfish, small mouth bass, and pike keeping them busy in the summer.

Soon the boys were driving and met on weekends to party hard. Both Jim and Tim liked drinking and smoking, and girls. They dated Sherri and Kerri, identical twin girls. Or, as the boys called them, twin teases. Both girls were 5 feet 7 inches tall, with long shiny brown hair and dimples. And they both kissed good, which to high school guys means they kissed a lot. Sherri was with Jim, Kerri with Tim. Sherri and Jim yelled a lot, then made up in or on the car or in the field on a blanket. Nobody messed with Jim or Tim because they were both tough as nails. Satan had these two boys and used the twins’ sexuality to accomplish his goals.

On the second day of their senior year, Jim saw Olivia at her locker with her head down and tears dripping off her cheeks. Concerned for his best friend ever, he approached, resting his hand on her back. “Olivia, what's wrong? What happened?” She looked at Jim and said “Matt broke up with me after dating three years.” Jim stunned turned, and was determined to find Matt and kick… “Stop Jim, I don't want him hurt, and I don't want him back. If you're going to help, come over to my house after football practice tonight. I have guy questions for you.”

When Olivia got home from band-practice, she told her mom everything as she always did. When Jim finished eating dinner, he went out back to the fence between the Richards and the Miles yards. He walked through the man gate as Olivia was practicing her baton. The legendary smile had been wiped from her face all day. Jim asked, “are you feeling better?” “Not really,” she replied, “but I'll be fine. I prayed to God and gave it to Him, so I'm getting better and moving on.” Jim didn't understand.

Olivia said “I've got questions for you as a guy; what makes you guys unable to wait till marriage before exploring sexual intimacy.” Jim's mind raced. Did everybody in school know he and Sherri did it often? Did Olivia know? He couldn't answer the question for everybody else; he couldn’t answer for himself. Jim was embarrassed and didn’t know why.

That night Olivia cried herself to sleep. Satan's minions tempted her with doubt, with the desire for intimacy now with Matt, they even tried to convince her she loved Matt and he was the only one. Before falling asleep, she prayed, "Dear Father, I know what is right and what is wrong. Strengthen me to not loose sight of you. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Jim couldn’t sleep. He had issues. He grew up that day realizing Sherri wasn’t for him. The yelling and screaming followed by a fifteen-minute sex romp in the car was no longer rewarding. There had to be more to sex than that; he had no clue what. He would break up with Sherri tomorrow, but kinder and gentler than Matt. Jim said “God help me.” Jim never had a relationship with God. He had never even thought about God. Somehow, he was starting to search. God's angels helped Jim to see God through the life of the Richards. It was a place he spent a good part of eleven years, and tonight he realized it was because he felt loved there. God would give him the words to tell Sherri. Satan feared he was losing Jim and sent more minions to tempt and deceive him.

The next day was Friday, usually game day, but no game this week and no practice. His talk with Sherri went perfect, and she thought they needed to see others, at least until they missed each other enough that they could get back together without fighting. Jim went straight home after school because there was no band practice either.

Jim told Olivia that he and Sherri weren’t dating anymore. “Why,” Olivia asked? Jim was thinking to himself, "God help me." Two times in 24 hours, he talked to God after 17 years of silence. He looked Olivia in the eye and said, “you, uh, uh, and your family.” Olivia just sat there trying to grasp what was said. Jim added, “your family is the only place I've seen love, and I knew Sherri did not have it, and her family didn't either. I don't understand it, but I want it.” Olivia, still sitting there in silence, unable to speak, looked at Jim and saw he was sincere. Jim looked Olivia in the eyes, saying, “I want to ask you something important.” “Okay,” she replied. “You will want to say no because we are best friends, or because you know all the bad in me, so take a day and tell me yes tomorrow. Olivia, I wish to take you out on a dinner ---- DATE.”

Jim, afraid she would say no if he stayed there any longer, said he would see her tomorrow afternoon and went home. Olivia walked into the house in a daze. He's right; I would have said no, mainly for the second reason. I am not like Sherri, Olivia thought.

After dinner, Olivia helped her mom clean-up; they went to the living room and joined her dad. Lori asked him “what time will the Evans’ be here?” “He and Catherine should be here anytime,” Sam replied.

Dr. Anthony Evans was Sam’s roommate at the Christian university they attended. They met as freshmen, joined the same fraternity and both majored in Bible. Dr. Tony went on to pursue his Ph.D., returning to teach at their alma mater. Catherine and Lori are first cousins and roommates as well. Sam went on to full-time preaching after meeting and marrying Lori. Dr. Tony would stay with the Richards’ as he was holding a Gospel Meeting that week. Olivia was excited; she loved Dr. Tony.

Sam knew about Matt and had been praying to God for the right words. Satan hated the way this family talked to God about everything. As Olivia sat quietly, God gave him the words. “Olivia, I can see you are in deep thought. Would you share what’s on your mind with us?” Sam had learned from Jesus in John 8 to ask a question or make a statement and follow that with silence. As they sat there in silence, Olivia finally said “Jim!” "Jim," both Sam and Lori said. Now the room was even quieter, allowing Olivia to expand on the comment on her time frame. Then she told them about Jim and Sherri, everything about them. She did like Jim a lot but as neighbors and best friend.

The doorbell rang. “Dr. Tony!” Olivia screamed with delight. Rushing to the door, she opened it and gave the Evans’ a bear hug.

After a couple of hours of catching up, Sam commented, “Olivia, Tony and Catherine will understand your situation well if you are inclined to share it with them.” Olivia started talking about dating Matt for the last three years, and the pressure to allow him to touch her kept growing these past six months. She proclaimed “I'm glad it is over, and I have thanked God.” She also talked about Jim's request and her concerns about his bad boy, drinking, fighting, Sheri, sex and all. Dr. Tony and Catherine started to laugh. Then Dr. Tony said “Catherine has a story to share with you.” Catherine added, “when she met Tony, he was in the Devil's camp. Just getting out of the US Navy, he had been in many ports. And I'm not talking about the ship.

We met through a mutual friend, and he asked me out. Thinking about how to see if he was really interested or just looking for a new port, she told him he could take her to church Sunday and then lunch. He jumped at the chance. Afterward I told him who I was and how I expected to be treated. Two years later, we were married.”

The room was silent. Dr. Tony said to “invite Jim to church Sunday and then lunch with all of us. If he says yes, you will know that he's probably safe to date and see if a romantic relationship is possible. But then let him know what you expect.” With that, Olivia went to bed.

Sam said to Lori that night in bed, “God gave us neighbors to help our little girl grow into a beautiful young lady.” “Yes,” Lori said, “and she is also sharing the Gospel.” “Sam said we should celebrate tonight.” Lori rolled her eyes; “Sam Richards, you have more reasons to make love than I ever imagined.” An hour later, they would drift off to sleep.

Saturday afternoon Olivia was sitting out back in the sun with her eyes closed. She heard Jim as he spoke on his way to see her. Satan had worked all night to convince him Olivia would not make him happy. Satan kept bringing up images of Sherri in his mind. Then he planted doubt that a Christian girl would not go out with him. This last one Jim believed.

“Where have you been? I've been sitting here waiting for you.” Jim was prepared for the just be friends’ speech. Olivia asked, “do you want to try dating because I'm sure that I would be different from anybody else?” Jim said “I’m sure it will be. The answer is yes.”

“All right then,” Olivia said. “Tomorrow morning be here at 8:45 for our first date, a church date, and then lunch with family and friends.”

Jim replied, “Yes, you said yes. You mean 8:45 am? What do I wear?” “A button-down shirt if you have one and your best pair of pants.” “Okay, see you tomorrow.” Jim left to go to the store and get a shirt.

The following day Jim rode to church with Olivia. Jim listened to Dr. Tony during Bible class. Not overdramatic or monotone. When he talked, he had an even delivery, but he also had a commanding presence that amazed Jim. His sermon was about people doing all kinds of things to get recognition and acceptance. It hit home, and tears ran down his cheek. The auditorium was quiet. Jim spent the day with the Richards and returned to church that evening.

After the evening sermon, Dr. Tony asked Jim to come to the Richards house tomorrow before the meeting, which Jim did as soon as practice was over. Dr. Tony and Jim talked, and that evening, Jim accepted Christ as his savior by being baptized based on scriptures in Acts 2 and Romans 6. Olivia said good night on the back porch, and they kissed for the first time. No tongues jammed down throats, just sensual meeting of the sweetest lips he ever kissed. Jim had the best night’s sleep of his life.

By the end of the week, Dr. Tony offered Jim a full-ride scholarship if he came to the university to study Bible and become a preacher. Jim couldn’t see how he could ever preach. Jim did know two things; University was 1,000 miles away and that is where Olivia was going to be. Jim could afford free.

Two and a half years later, as Spring Semester was rolling along, Jim and Olivia were in love and talking about the future. As Jim called the Richards house he thought; please let Mr. Richards answer the phone. “Hello.” “Mr. Richards this Jim.” “Hello Jim, is everything all right?” “Yes, but I needed to talk to you.” “What is on your mind?” “I'm calling to request your permission to ask Olivia to marry me.” After silence, Sam said, “Jim, do you promise to put God first, Olivia second, and your children third, helping shepherd them to heaven for the rest of your life?” “Yes,” said Jim. “Then you may propose and good luck.”

After saying yes to the scholarship from Dr. Tony, Jim started putting money in savings every month for the day he would propose. He bought a ring using her class ring to size it.

He took Olivia to an old grist mill, and as they were talking at this picturesque place, he dropped to one knee, and Olivia started crying, saying “yes" before Jim finished.

August of that year, Jim and Olivia were united in marriage as the angels in heaven and earth rejoiced.

That night as they entered the honeymoon suite, both were nervous. This would be a night of firsts. Olivia would give herself to him, making him the first and only one. Jim would make love for the very first time. While both were very nervous, Dr. Tony had done pre-marital counseling with them together and separately. He explained to each of them that God had no restrictions other than being faithful to each other, including all over kisses. As Olivia stood before Jim, she turned around so he could unzip her wedding gown. Turning back around while walking six feet away, she faced Jim. She watched his face as she let the gown fall to the floor. Jim's mouth gapped open at the beauty before him. Olivia giggled and said, “worth waiting for, Honey?” Honey didn't answer because he couldn't as he stared at her in pure white lingerie.

They managed to make it to the bed and, over the next 90 minutes, kissed each other all over and made gentle love.

Afterward Jim laid in the middle of the king-size bed, feeling like a King. Olivia pulled the covers up over them and laid her head on his left breast, where she heard his heart as it calmed down. Unbeknownst to each other they both prayed to God thanking Him for their life mate and the perfect night of passion.

That night Satan and his minions had lost again, they moved on, to your house.

God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, Jim, and Olivia had won and would continue to win.

God did answer Lori and Sam’s prayer. It took eleven years of continuous praying and faith.

Copyright © Robert Moore - March 30, 2021

Comments