The evening is warm and muggy, with a hint of rain to come, though it is not yet revealed. So we humans tussle with believing we are the masters of our domain, even as the ground we walk on is holy. We come from the earth, and to it we return. We are made of holy stuff. Sometimes we do not realize it. Since we are members in good standing of the Holy Ground Club, how do we decide some get the rich dirt while others get what is left?

If we accept that God created the heavens and the earth and the earth was without form or void, and darkness covered the deep, did he have lush plantations for his favorites and 40 acres and a mule for those who were somehow lesser? Could it be that when we look into the eyes of another human, we look into the eyes of God?

‘It sure is hot this evening,’ James said. ‘No breeze except what this funeral home fan can produce,’ James continued. ‘Mama stands in front of the ice box for a chill,’ James laughed. ‘She told me I can sleep on the screened-in porch to help stay cool,’ Jame winked. ‘Lord, have mercy, a shower would be welcome,’ James mused as he drank his beer. ‘I saw Jewel in the middle of the street crying for her son,’ Jame noted. ‘Her cry pierced my soul,’ Jame whispered. ‘He was running through folks’ backyards fleeing a gang that told him they would kill him,’ James said. ‘He hid in the pool house next to an inground swimming pool, and when the police came, he was frightened to come out,’ James noted.

‘Are you ready for church, dear?’ Donald called his wife. ‘We must not be late as I am the scripture reader this morning,’ Donald continued. ‘We have the fundraiser this afternoon for the Library, I hope they fixed the air conditioning,’ Donald mentioned. ‘I swear the last time we were there I perspired,’ Donald smirked. ‘I hope the panhandler is not by the restaurant door this Sunday as she was last Sunday. It is upsetting and hurts my appetite,’ Donald mused to himself.

The people were happy in the Woods. They had gathered to hear a dynamic woman preacher preach. Her feet were bare as the ground was Holy.