Surrendered Hearts by Carrie Turansky

resort. And as far as she could tell, he was well respected by everyone who worked there.
    “He had two sons, Stephen and Ryan,” Lauren continued. “But Stephen died in a skiing accident about a year and a half ago.”
    “Oh . . . I’m sorry.” Jenn studied Lauren’s face. Had she loved Stephen Zeller?
    “We only dated that one week.” A sorrowful look filled Lauren’s face. “I didn’t really know him very well . . . but he’s Toby’s father.”
    Jenn’s stomach tightened.
    “The night before I was supposed to go back to college I went to a party at Wild River with Stephen. I wanted to fit in, so when Stephen offered me a drink, I took it. A few minutes later I started feeling sick. I’m pretty sure he put something in my drink. I don’t remember anything after that until I woke up the next morning still at Wild River. Two months later I found out I was pregnant with Toby.”
    “Oh, Lauren, that’s awful.” Jenn had read articles about date rape, but she’d never known anyone who had gone through it. “I’m so sorry that happened to you.”
    “Thanks.” Lauren reached over and squeezed Jenn’s hand. “It was a difficult experience. But God took the pain and heartache and eventually brought good things out of them. Being pregnant and alone motivated me to search for a relationship with God, and through some caring friends, I found Him. He gave me an easy pregnancy and a beautiful, healthy son. He took care of us and provided what we needed through a church we attended in Boston.
    “Then, last year, after I heard about Stephen’s death, I felt I could move home to Tipton. The timing was right. Toby was turning six and needed to start first grade, and Tilley missed us and needed more help. I received a small inheritance from my father’s estate, giving me enough money to renovate the barn and open the gallery. I’d just been back for a few months when Wes came to town.”
    “Wow, that’s quite a story.”
    “Oh, that’s just the short version.” Lauren laughed. “Sometime I’ll tell you the whole thing. But what’s most important to me is seeing how God’s timing and plan are perfect. He brought Wes and me together, and we were able to help each other work through some important issues. It’s so awesome now to look back and see what God has done.”
    Wes had told her similar things about God arranging circumstances and caring for him many times. But for some reason, hearing it from Lauren touched a place deep in her heart. “I used to believe in God,” she said, her voice soft and wistful.
    “What happened?”
    Jenn was quiet for a moment, considering Lauren’s honesty and all she had shared. Maybe she’d finally found someone who would listen and understand.
    She raised her gaze and met Lauren’s. “I guess when God didn’t answer my prayers, it hurt too much, so I closed my heart and stopped believing.”
    Lauren nodded, her eyes full of compassions. “Well, He’s still there, and He’s never stopped loving you. He’s waiting to welcome you home again.”
    Jenn blinked to clear her vision, pondering that thought for a moment. God waited for her to return? That didn’t seem right. Why would He want anything to do with her when she had turned away from Him for so long?
    Lauren reached over to her nightstand and picked up a Bible. “This is God’s love letter. Why not read it and see what He has to say?”
    Jenn hesitated, feeling foolish. “I wouldn’t know where to start.”
    Lauren opened the cover and flipped through the pages. “Start here, in the Gospel of John. It tells the story of Jesus’ life from his best friend’s perspective.” She pulled out a navy blue satin ribbon that matched the color of Bible’s worn leather cover and marked the page. Then she closed the book and offered it to her.
    How could she say no? Lauren’s gentle yet persuasive words grabbed her heart. Could she find the answers to her questions there? Did she have the courage to try?