Marcus

 

   I was sitting in the office at FCC when my father-in-law, Harrison, came through the door looking as if he’d seen a ghost. Sadly, this wasn’t a new expression for me to witness on the faces of people who walked through the doors of what used to be a rather large church group, but when I saw it on my father-in-law's face, my heart started picking up its pace.

 

I leaned into Yah, trusting whatever it was, He’d tell me what to say, and show me what to do. In that moment, I just waited for him to speak.

 

The moment Harrison looked straight into my eyes, it was clear he was wrestling with demons, and whatever he was going to say, he was clearly trying to put it together when he finally let out, “Marcus, did you know that it was all a lie? Not just the truth of the Name and all they tried to keep us distracted with, but every single thing I lived my life for, it was all a lie.”

 

After my brother told me the Name, I went from one rabbit hole to the next and learned things that nightmares are made of. Actually, in my searching, I learned nightmares are just real-life horrors that are happening all around us, only we are purposely distracted by the Satan-worshipping elitists who think they are going to win in the end. Learning all that we had since we had been given eyes to see, I wasn't foolish enough to think there wasn't more. In fact, I knew we had just begun to scratch the surface, but I had no idea what he had discovered on his own.

​

   “I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about, but whatever it is, we will face it,” I answered, needing more information, but wanting him to know I was ready whenever he was.

 

   “Marcus, it’s all scripted. I was a coach, for crying out-loud, and I had no idea that it was all rigged. How didn’t I know? How could I have been so blind?” He started, but the way he was clearly unsettled let me know that he wasn’t finished, so I waited while holding eye contact and placing my hand on his shoulder.

 

   “My whole life was the Most High, my family, and football. I’d go as far as to say that sometimes I even mixed up the importance of the three, but it’s always been those three. Wait, hold up. It’s Travis. He’s returning my call.” I nodded to let him know he could answer and even went to leave so I could offer him some privacy, only Harrison grabbed my arm and answered the call on speaker.

 

He said the same thing he said to me when he first spoke, asking Travis if he knew, only to be met with a promise to meet in person. Harrison looked at me with a noticeable look of desperation, so I gave him what I could while still allowing him the room to provide me with more information.

 

   “I just recently started seeing athletes making posts claiming such things only, in truth, I haven’t really allowed myself to dig into it.”

 

   “Hum, well, I lost my job today. They showed me the door, and then they gave me money and pretty much told me to be quiet, only I had no clue what I was supposed to keep quiet about. Deshawn Wright was the one who let the secret out, only he thought I knew. Then I walked over to Buck, a person I trusted with pretty much everything as far as my career and team were concerned, and he filled me in. I know he only did it because of our history, but Marcus, when I looked into his eyes, I could see a darkness I had never seen there before. He said that not everyone knows, but yes, there’s a script. He also let it be known, without actually saying it, that it was my awakening that shoved me out of the arena. I knew too much. Funny, I feel as though I know absolutely nothing.”

 

This is going to sound lame, but all I could do was whistle and shake my head in response. What he said made sense. I mean, I watched the game most of my life, and there were just some things that didn’t work. Statistically speaking, the math never really added up, if you get my drift. I mean, sure, sometimes there’s a fluke or, as some would call it, “luck,” only even that didn’t sit well with me. I motioned for Harrison to take a seat, and I sat beside him once he sat down.

 

   “You know, Sunny just showed us the aerial view of arenas, and well, take a look at this,” I began while I pulled up some of the things I had just been shown and handed my phone to my father-in-law so he could see for himself. “This sort of fits on a much larger level and even spells out, give them bread and circuses.”

 

Harrison zoomed in and looked at each of the arenas the same way I did. And as he kept on looking for himself, I continued sharing what Sunny had brought to our attention.

 

   “They don’t even try to hide any of it. They just hope...you know what? That's not even true. They are convinced we're too distracted to believe what’s right in front of us, because up until people started waking up, they were right. Sunny pointed out that the stadiums are energy harvesters as much as they are ritualistic alters. They make movies for children about that stuff as if to mock us with the truth of their evil ways, all while desensitizing the viewers.”

 

   “This is crazy. They all look like eyes. Every single one of them. How didn’t I know this? I was so distracted by the…what was it, was it the money—the fame? No one knows my name, and I was glad for it, too. I tried so hard not to make it about the money, but I suppose, I could have lost my way and lied to myself even,” he tried to work it out for himself, only to be caught up in a thorny mess of lies meant to get him to step off the Narrow Path. 

 

   “No, Dad, no. This is all just lies from the enemy. You were given something that saved you from yourself and then you even used it to save countless others. The evil may be there, only you were not a part of it, and I can’t believe it’s all evil. I mean, look at the boys I coach, it’s not rigged there. And then what's it all for if they aren’t going to be a part of the deceit? The pros, if what you are saying is how I understand it, are no different than Hollywood. I can’t say I am shocked. Think about all we learned as far as televisions concerned; it makes sense that it would have a further reach than just movies, shows, and the news.”

​

   “I wasted my life on the enemy's lies only to learn just how much of a fool I was. What in the world am I supposed to do now? Football is all I know, and I love the game, Marcus. I love the game, and this whole time it was all rigged.” I knew I had to do or say something because I witnessed the moment my father-in-law began to break inside. I leaned into Yah, trusting Him to give me the words to say, and I reached over and squeezed his shoulder.

 

   “Listen to me. It can’t all be bad. It can’t be. It’s what brought the two of us together, and I know that was Yahuah. Dad, the day we learned the true Name, you were ready to fight me on it if it meant you didn’t truly know the Most High. He has been with you all along, so we have to trust there is more to this, and you. What does Teresa have to say about it?”

 

   “I only got to speak to her for a little while on my way home. I stopped here because she was busy and agreed we’d go into more detail when she’s gets home. She wanted to see if there was a legal way to fight back, but I know that is not what Yahuah wants. I just need to figure out what I am going to do with myself now. I’m far too young to do nothing.”

 

Before either of us could say anything else, Travis knocked on the doorframe of the office, and we both turned to look at him before rising to greet him.

 

   “I heard. I’m sorry,” my wife’s ex offered his now, former coach, after he nodded my way.

 

   “Did you know it was rigged?” Harrison asked in a soft, yet desperate plea. Travis looked at him and nodded reluctantly before he admitted anything out loud.

 

   “We are sworn to secrecy, and when we sign on the line, we are bound to play by their rules. I always thought everyone was in on it. There is a little wiggle room, but not much. I just can’t wrap my mind around the fact that you didn’t know. It’s sort of brilliant, no offense. But it’s hard enough getting people to keep their mouths closed as it is. More and more athletes are admitting to it on social media. I don’t even have my phone in here because I truly believe they have eyes all over the place.”

 

As messed up as all the things I have uncovered so far have been, I can’t find words to explain how I felt when I heard Travis admit to it. I can say that it really got under my skin because it messed with my father-in-law, though. Nevertheless, it tracks. Especially if you add the arena findings into the mix. Their alters to the false mighty ones are all around us, out in the open, and we willingly go into them and worship the Baals because we are a people programmed to be ignorantly compliant.

 

 

It was clear Travis felt horrible, as did I, but there wasn’t too much more to say. Each time you are made privy to a falsehood that you’ve been controlled with, it comes with stages, like grief. I suppose a part of learning the truth is actually even grief for real, and no matter how many times you find yourself face to face with a new reality, it still takes time to process. What you knew of your life is shaken up, and I don’t care who you are, it’s not easy to accept.

 

In all honesty, I was a little surprised by how much Travis shared, especially knowing he could lose everything he had as far as the pros were concerned. And I suppose, depending on how much of what he said got out to more than just the two of us, his life in general could be affected. The powers that temporarily be here on earth at the moment are huge fans of trying to silence people who know too much. The fact that he cared more about Harrison than he did his career spoke volumes to his character, and what he did have to offer seemed to help push away the demons that had been clearly trying to gain control when my father-in-law first walked through the door.

 

Harrison let me know he was going to swing by the ranch to visit with Leighton and Kalisa, and when I told him I wouldn’t be far behind, he smiled and walked out with Travis, where I was certain they continued to talk with one another.

 

***

 

   “I tried not to eavesdrop, and I didn’t hear everything, but I wanted you to know I am lifting the whole situation,” Lucas informed, and I knew I could trust what he said.

 

   “It’s crazy and yet not at all hard for me to believe. I wish I could say that wasn’t the case, but it seems that none of what’s revealed anymore is shocking. I hate this for him. I even feel as if I need to sit with Yah on what this means for my team, you know?”

 

   “All I can say is it’s hard for me not to give thanks for this. Marcus, He stopped both of us from being a part of that satanic circus long before we were given eyes to see. He was still keeping us under His wing. And Harrison never compromised his beliefs. I know how much he struggled when he couldn't honor Shabat. And now, it’s like Yahuah made a way for him and removed that obstacle entirely. It may sound a little insensitive, but from where I'm sittin', it’s hard for me to see anything other than His mighty hand in this.” Lucas shared, and I was grateful that he was honest about his thoughts.

 

   “I miss how Yah moves in things sometimes, but as you were sharing, it resonated. I don’t think I will ever come close to scratching the surface on all there is to know, and even more, just how amazing Yahuah is. He just blows me away, time after time, and it’s incredible.” I affirmed, to which Lucas just smiled and let me know he agreed.

 

 

Leighton

 

   My favorite place in our home was the chaise in Marcus's and my bedroom. I didn’t get to lounge and lose myself in it as often as I did when we first got home from our honeymoon, and if I’m being honest, I didn’t do much of anything alone, then or now. That is not a complaint either. I love my life. I love my husband and our daughter, so the fact that sipping tea alone isn’t something I get to do all the time makes it all the more rewarding when I'm gifted the chance.

 

I actually just sat down with a freshly brewed raspberry, peach, and white tea blend when there was a knock on our door. Marcas was at the center, and Kalisa and Abby were at the main house, with Betsy cooking dinner and baking treats for the shop as well as for dessert. Our door was never locked, and most of the people in our lives knew that and did the knock two times as they announced who they were, while walking in--thing, that all of us ranch dwellers do.  

 

I yelled, “Come in,” to whoever was there, and felt my face work itself into a smile when my dad closed the door behind him.

 

   “Well, there’s a face I’m always happy to see.” I greeted, as I made my way toward my father, and kissed him hello.

 

   “Hey, LP. I’m sorry for dropping by unannounced. I just left your husband, who shouldn’t be too far behind me, and thought I would come steal all the happiness you always bring.” My dad returned, and the tone of his voice caught my attention. It was clear something was bothering him, just as he had suggested. I offered to get him something to drink, but he refused and asked if we could go for a walk instead.

 

As we walked, my dad let me know that he was tired after explaining what happened to my mother, and apparently, a few others, including my husband and my ex, so, I let him know the ball was entirely in his court. I sent Marcus a text to let him know we were headed over to the stables, and I smiled when I heard him whistle, letting me know he was already home and close enough that he could see us.

 

My husband nodded at my father, and then he gave me one of his looks that still had the power to steal my breath away before he kissed me hello. I don’t think I will ever get tired of the way Marcus makes it completely obvious how much he loves me, and since I grew up with parents who loved one another without trying to hide it, I knew my father was grateful I married a man who truly took his vows seriously.

 

I slipped under Marcus’s arm, and the three of us walked over toward his new horse, Cherokee, who was out in the yard near the fence.

 

   “How’s she getting on?” My dad asked, genuinely interested in how things were going. Marcus took a while before he decided to get himself a horse after we lost both of ours due to old age.

 

“Who would have thought I would be the owner of my own horse. I mean, Butter was a gift, who came with the girl, and no other horse will be able to replace her. Everyone knows they both changed my life for the better, too. But to answer your question, she really is something else. She is different, but once Leighton and Austin showed me how to work her more from the saddle, she doesn’t miss a beat.” Marcus answered, and I found myself smiling as I listened to him fill my dad in on his Gray, American Quarter Horse.

 

   “Grandpa! I didn’t know you were coming.” Kalisa called out as she ran toward my father and leapt into his arms, where he spun her around. I wasn’t sure what was going on with my dad but watching him light up as he held my daughter was almost like a little window into the past and my own childhood. My thoughts must have been visible because Marcus leaned over and whispered how much he loved it when I got lost in my memories before he kissed me on the side of my head.

 

I think I may have just assumed that my dad had stopped by simply because he missed us, and while I knew that would always be true, my mom's arrival reminded me that something was amiss. I looked over at my husband and asked him how bad it was, and the way he pulled in his bottom lip and squinted his eyes had my stomach working itself into knots.

 

   “It’s something that we will get through and...” before he could finish, my mom’s voice interrupted.

 

   “You are correct. Hello, you two. It’s been far too long, so I am glad this brought us together.” My mother greeted and then proceeded to kiss us both hello.

 

   “She doesn’t know what happened yet,” Marcus informed my mother.

 

   “And I don’t want to pull him back into the betrayal while he is fully caught up in watching our girl do her thing. Let’s walk, and I’ll fill you in on what I have found out,” my mother added, and the pace at which she set was so slow it could easily have been mistaken for standing still.

 

 

Marcus and I listened as my mother shared with me for the first time what had happened. As I took in yet another betrayal, I couldn’t help but think back to when we learned that our history in its entirety was built on lies, where the global elitists played with the lives of soldiers. Both Marcus, his friend Tyler, and my best friend’s husband were wounded warriors who believed in the lie they were taught (just like the rest of us), and that betrayal was tough enough for them to have to poke around in when it first made itself known. Football was another part of my husband’s life, as well as my dad’s, that could definitely shake things up.

 

   “Marcus, how are you handling it. This was a part of your life as well.” My mother asked and actually stopped to face my husband while she waited for him to answer.

 

   “I think I am okay. It’s different for me because my football career ended before it even started, and it happened when I was still pretty much a child. I never entered the professional realm of things. What I have to lean into Yah about is what I am doing now. I don’t want to have any part of setting these boys up to be used in satanic rituals.” Marcus answered, and I felt something working up in me, but I learned that it was best for me to seek Yahuah first and then bring things to Marcus once I had a better understanding of the bigger picture. In this situation, especially, I just learned that a common interest between my husband and father has a nefarious tie or root, and before I tried to find a way to defend it, I knew I needed more information. I squeezed Marcus’s hand as a silent reminder that I was there for him and would work it out alongside him, no matter what that looked like, and for however long it would take.

 

When we finally reached where my dad was standing as he watched Kalisa practice her dressage riding, the smile on his face was contagious.

 

   “Look at how far she has come. They look like they are really dancing with one another. It’s wonderful.”

 

Marcus moved over to my other side so that I could lean into my dad once he had my mother tucked into his side, and I smiled when my dad leaned over and kissed my temple before he let us know how much he loved us.

 

   “I don’t care what tries to take me out, Yahuah has given me the very best of His creations to stand beside me. Thank you, all of you. I love you.”

 

 

Marcus

 

   The events that brought Harrison and Teresa to the ranch were unfortunate, but time with them was always a good thing. My in-laws truly enjoyed everyone’s company, and I believe, for a while, they forgot the latest hurdle and savored the moment before them with true joy.

 

Kalisa was with her best friend, Abby, watching a movie, and I know the only reason she left her grandparents’ side was that they agreed to spend the night on the ranch. They didn’t live all too far, I mean, we lived in the same town, but being on the ranch wasn’t something they had ever done before. It was actually Butch and Betsy who convinced them to stay, and I knew it was a great idea.

 

 

  I wasn’t all too surprised that the Brooks started sharing again; it was the main reason they came to the ranch in the first place. What I was a little shocked about was how they were opening up with all the ranch dwellers, including April. It just offered proof that we were all in this life together, and it also gave different perspectives that Harrison may not have been able to consider if they had only shared with Leighton and me.

​

   “I have never been more grateful that my boys are away. I don’t think Mike would be able to process this. I don’t mean to seem so calloused, and I’m not at all comparing how my husband is going to feel to the very thing that was your livelihood. It’s just another thing that causes him to fight against the Truth, you know?” April shared, and I was grateful the people around us understood her situation and reminded her of it, too.

 

   “I am pretty sure he isn’t going to like this. You are correct. As much as it was my livelihood, as you pointed out, the fans are what make it possible. It’s a sick psyop that requires the masses to be hoodwinked. They have done a spectacular job with it, that’s for sure.” Harrison added, clearly hoping to let April know he understood where she was coming from and didn’t take offense to what she shared.

 

It was Wyatt who sat with his wife and daughter, who really got me thinking when he said, “It’s almost as if there are layers like an onion to the truth of the world and learning all the lies. I mean, you all know that I fought this walk, and if it weren’t for Jackie showing up here the same week, I told Mikey I needed proof before I even thought about stepping foot on the Narrow Path at all. But now it's so clear that the enemy will try whatever he can to get us to step off of it. Yah’s way is made difficult because the world is so far from it and hates it altogether. I’m just glad we have this. I really don’t know how people do this when they lose everything while they learn the things we have. You know?”

 

   “I actually thought you guys were a little cultish when I first got here, but the way you each love and support one another pushed me to seek myself. I still have a ton to learn, but it’s comforting to know I am surrounded by people I can depend on. On a more relevant note, I was never into sports, so this one is blowing my mind for entirely different reasons. They truly tell us everything and just hope we think it's all fictional. It’s diabolically ingenious of them. And I hope you don’t mind me saying, I don’t think the sport itself is the evil part, when I really am still rather clueless when it comes to this stuff.” Jackie added, and I knew I needed to assure her that she was not at all less than simply because she was a newer addition to our family.

 

   “Jackie, your opinion and thoughts matter. Time has nothing to do with who you are in Yah’s kingdom. The fact that sports weren’t something you valued helps offer a different angle that we couldn’t see while we were fully submerged. I don’t want to say this part, but I trust the Creator regardless and know He understands what I am feeling, but we are beyond favored. This family we have right here, and all the others who aren’t with us right now, is something I give thanks for continuously. We have people reach out to us from all over who were shunned, rejected, and ridiculed by their loved ones and have no one. They lost everything when they entered into covenant with Yahuah.”

 

   “Marcus, let’s meet on that. I want to see if there’s a way we can help those people.” April suggested, and I smiled as I agreed to meet with her because Yahuah had already placed the situation of the rejected on my heart, and April was whom He was starting to push me toward. It was perfect how it worked out naturally and in His timing.

 

 

Leighton took a deep breath and blew it out as if she was working up courage that she shouldn’t have needed, but clearly felt otherwise, and let out, “Daddy, I hope you don’t forget how much Yahuah used football in your life. I feel like each time we are shown another lie, we can forget that Yahuah never changes and He makes a way regardless. If it weren’t for football, I don’t even want to think about what could have happened to you or Marcus. Plus, it was the very thing that introduced the two of you, and I just know that it was all for a purpose.”

 

Her passion and the way she refused to allow the enemy to steal away what she truly believed to be good had us all looking at her while she moved closer to her father before she finished sharing her thoughts.

 

   “I think you need to figure out how to take football back and use it for the good of Yahuah,” she declared, and Harrison looked at his daughter and nodded.

 

“I agree, LP. Thank you, Sweetheart for reminding me of that. I’ve been thinking about it and asking Yahuah to show me what to do next, and you just confirmed what I feel He was trying to show me. Football did save Marcus and me, and so many from other demons. Kids still need a way to keep the things that haunt, or preys on them away. I think I need to come up with a camp for troubled youth. I’m not sure how to do it in a way that doesn’t herd them toward the pros, but I trust that Yah will show me. And I trust that your mother will help me set it up.” Harrison informed his daughter, and when he looked at me, I knew he was letting me know he valued my opinion as well, so I nodded to let him know I understood.

 

   “Oh, Daddy, I love this idea. I can’t wait to watch this unfold.” Leighton exclaimed, and after she hugged her dad and made her way back toward me, I thanked Yahuah for my wife. Without even realizing what she had done, she helped me see enough to believe that I wasn’t working for the enemy in the way he wanted to convince me that I was. When I coached my team, I stressed the importance of the Most High above all else, and I never placed any value in professional football. I made sure their focus was in the moment and living their lives in such a way that honors Him.

​

​

Leighton

 

     I leaned into Yahuah continuously from the moment I learned that my father had lost his job. The world kept on doing its thing around me, like always, and while I was able to be present with the people around me, I still knew Yahuah was speaking to my soul and was there with all of us.

 

I tried to find the right time to share what I was feeling and ended up blurting it out because, while the conversations had moved away from the actual lie and onto the gift we each had in one another, when I looked at my dad it was clear he was also tossing things around in his mind and I didn’t want him to be taken out by the deceitful parts. It was as if I was given a gift of fresh air straight from the Shamayim when he let me know he was already being shown how to use his gift in ways that had nothing to do with the evil that we had been made privy to.

 

***

 

     I think the fact that my parents chose the main house to stay in instead of one of the two units attached to us had me thanking Yahuah for the way He worked. Butch and Betsy were a blessing to all of us, but they, too, benefitted when people came and stayed in their more-than-roomy home. Kalisa and Abby were over the moon when Betsy told them they could spend the night in Mikey’s old room, which had become a favorite among the teens and preteens.

 

When it was time to say goodnight, I looked at my husband and actually laughed a little when he said he would carry me back to our place. Out of all the separate dwellings, the place Marcus and I lived was the closest to the fire pit. Across from where our home was was the giant barn. Above the barn was the loft where Lily and Danny lived, and then back by the water, a pretty good distance away, was Beth and Josh’s house. The stables, where I was first brought up to speed, were on the same side of the property as the building we lived in, but there was enough distance between us that the negative things that come with a place where a large number of animals lived weren’t an issue at all.

 

 

   “I hope you know how much I love you, Leighton. What you said to your dad helped me as well. I will never get tired of the way you think and how Yahauh uses you.” Marcus told me as I held onto his upper body, while I rested my head on his shoulder, as he carried me home on his back.

 

I couldn’t help but smile as his words of admiration clicked, and appreciating him and what he had to say, I placed a kiss on his neck and assured him that I loved him back and felt the same way about him.

 

   “I planned on asking how you were feeling about all of it when we were alone. I’m sorry that you began to question such a big part of your life. That had to have been difficult.” I shared, and once Marcus slid my body around so that he was holding me more like one would hold a child. In the same he had done so countless times before, Marcus sat down on our couch, where I was able to take my place on his lap without him ever letting me go, he began to open up.

 

   “I don’t think I struggled like I easily could have or would have even. I don’t even really think your dad did, considering what it all meant to him. What happened today sort of offered me proof that Yahuah is transforming all of us. This news, Leighton, could have rocked your dad’s world so much I’m not sure what would have come of it, but instead he leaned into Yah, and began coming up with ways to figure out what comes next. That’s incredible.”  

 

He was right, it was incredible, and I kissed him, thinking it was a much better way to show him that I agreed than any of my words could have. Things were coming to a point where they could have easily progressed when I broke away and asked, “Why do I feel as if we are about to have visitors?”

 

Marcus kissed me again, moaned against my lips before he broke away just enough to say, “Because you know when things like this happen, our group comes together, and our house is usually the place they gather. I feel it too.”

 

We both laughed when there was a knock at the door, and Danny yelled, “Hey, you two decent? I feel like I should ask before we let ourselves in since you’re alone and all.”

 

   “Come in,” Marcus yelled back, but he whispered for me to stay close against my neck right before I got off his lap and readied myself to get drinks. “Babe, they can help themselves. You, I want right here beside me.” He further emphasized while he pulled me back down on his lap.  

 

 

Marcus

 

     Turns out it wasn’t just Danny and Lily who came, but Josh, Beth, Wyatt, and Jackie, who was holding their sleeping daughter.

 

   “Sorry to bother you when I am quite certain you had other plans, but...” Josh started, but I cut him off. “No, you never need to apologize, we've been over this. Besides, Leighton was tuned in because she knew you were all coming and said as much maybe two minutes before you knocked. So, what’s up?”

​

   “I think we are all here for different reasons. Danny and I wanted to check on you.” Josh shared, and it brought me back to all the other times he made sure I was okay, because from day one, Josh has proven that he means it when he says he cares.

 

   “I’m good. I was waiting for the floor to drop, but it didn’t. For a bit, I wondered about my job and if I was adding to the problem, but when my wife tried helping her dad, she provided an answer for me as well.” I answered honestly, and as I looked at each of them, I could feel just how much love Yahuah surrounded me with.

 

   “Uncle Mo, I just wanted to tell you that I think you are exactly what the boys need. I know I didn’t get to play for you, but I got you pretty much full-time here on the ranch, and it mattered. I actually feel as if I want to do something as well. When Mr. Brooks said he wanted to create a camp for troubled youth, it was as if I heard Yahuah for the first time, leading me somewhere. I loved football, and I know how much it helped a bunch of the kids we played against. I suppose it helped me channel some of my energy, too, so it can’t all be evil. I don’t believe it.” Wyatt encouraged, and the fact that he was feeling Yah move in his life was an answer to a whole lot of prayers.

 

   “I think that is a great idea for you, and you are always welcome to help me out whenever you want while you wait for Coach Brooks to get his thing situated.” I offered, and when I looked at Danny, I knew his mind was tossing things around.

 

The thing with my best friend was that he went with the flow for the most part. He trusted Josh and me when it came to faith, but he still believed. He tried to see things for himself, only he doubted his own ability when there was no reason for him to. Sometimes, even our healing can only go so far when ghosts from the past like to visit. With Danny, it was hearing he was useless as well as stupid for way longer than anyone should have. Sadly, that led him to believe he was only good at fixing things, and man, was he ever. I just petitioned Yahuah that one day he would see that was far more than that.

 

   

   “What’s up, Dan. I see you’re tossing something around in there, so let us have so we can pick it apart with you.” I pushed, knowing he would tell us but hoping to save him the trouble of overthinking on his own.

 

   “I’m kind of pissed. It was hard enough learning the vile things that take place in the entertainment world. Man, I just said it. It’s entertainment, so why am I angry with this when, let’s be real, sports are entertainment, too. When I think about it, I find myself getting annoyed because I really don’t have any right to feel the way I do, and yet I can't help it. I hate that another thing has been blown apart. I hate that this meant so much to you, and...” Danny paused and, being caught up in his anger, he forcefully wiped away a tear that had fallen that he clearly didn’t feel like facing.

 

   “Hold up. You have every right to be mad. This isn’t just about football itself. It’s another lie and another way the enemy has tried to separate people and keep them distracted so they don’t find the Truth.” I assured him, and I could see he wanted to believe what I was saying but was struggling.

​

   “Why is this the one that’s getting to me enough where I feel it in my bones?” Danny asked, and it was his wife who answered for him.

 

   “I don’t think it’s just the football, Dan. I mean, there’s so much we have learned, and the horrific stuff just keeps revealing more and more layers. You are allowed to be angry. You just need to figure out what to do with that anger, so it doesn’t consume you.”

 

   “I sort of feel the anger, too. For me, I think it’s hitting harder because I witnessed something in the people who were recognizable when I lived in LA, but I wasn’t sure what it was. Then I learned how depraved they were and what they actually do, and this just brings more people into the mix. This may sound wrong, but it’s all the evil that I have seen firsthand that helped push me toward embracing the truth at all. I needed to know there’s more for her, and being shown Yahuah gives me that. The world outside of what we have here on both sides of the road isn’t kind, and that’s the nicest way I can put it.” Jackie once again added, and what she shared wasn’t wrong; it was truthful. I knew firsthand that things on the ranch—things in Spring View were unlike anywhere else, so I made sure I let her know I appreciated what she had to share.

 

   

   “I don’t think we will ever reach the final layer of lies, and if we focus on that, it will become too hard to see anything else. What we need to do is dig into Yah’s truth. We need to focus on who He is and trust that we will never get to the bottom of His greatness either. There is just as much, actually, I am going to say there’s more to His goodness than what we are being shown each time something new is revealed.” Beth added, and she was right. Our focus needed to be on Yahuah.

 

Our trust had to be in His truth, no matter what our eyes were seeing, or our ears were hearing, as more and more lies were uncovered. Yahuah will never lose His strength, and He will always be in control. That’s what we needed to remind ourselves of as well as we needed to remind one another.