A Beautiful Faith

A Beautiful Faith

Felix Brothers Trilogy Book Three

By: Kay Edwards

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2017 By Kay Edwards

All Rights Reserved

About The Author

Kay Edwards is an up and coming newer author. This is Kay’s third series. Christ is the center of this author’s life. That fact can be easily seen in her writing. She likes to add charm and wit to her characters as she spins stories of love, redemption, heartache, triumph, and hope. In her latest series, she takes you to the rich and glamorous business world of New York City. Follow the Felix brothers as they each find their place as Christians in an upscale world. Revisit with Stefan and Wendy Felix as well as Bri and Trevor Felix when Kay introduces you to Liam Felix’s bride Daneen. Kay hopes you enjoy the third and final book in this trilogy.

Recognitions and Dedications

This book is dedicated to Asia Bibi and other Christians like her around the world. I may never meet any of them on this earth, but what a glorious day that will be when we meet in heaven. To stand as a light in the darkness and shine at the cost of your life is something I hope I would have the faith to do.

This book is also dedicated to Al and Ada Longenecker. Your burden for those lost in the darkness of islam has given me a burden for them as well. May we all look at others through the eyes of our Christ Jesus.

Special thanks go to my friends who are living this story in one form or the other; thank you for trusting me enough to tell it.

As always, I would like to thank my family. My daughters Samantha and Maggie, my sons Tyler and Joseph, my daughter-in-law Sam, and my husband Leron, give me the space I need to create the stories I write.

Prelude

Daneen walked behind her mother and father at the local grocery store. A piece of her hair slipped from under her niqab into her eyes causing her to stop in the middle of the aisle. Carefully she tucked it back under the dark covering before her father could see it. Daneen glanced into the eyes of a young woman who seemed to notice her dilemma. When the woman smiled at her, she smiled back even though the stranger could not see her smile. Daneen’s parents stopped to look at an item they needed at the house. Daneen took the time to touch the candles on the shelf beside her. When the young woman stood beside her, she glanced over at her surprised.

You are not forgotten. Your God sees you. Continue to trust in Jesus. He will come to you in your time of need. The young woman whispered the words to Daneen but wasn’t done with the divine message she had been given. The young woman spoke once more. I don’t know who you are, but I know I am supposed to say those words to you. I will pray for you.

Daneen felt tears stinging her eyes. She glanced her parents’ way before speaking softly. Thank you. I needed those words today. And please, please pray for me like you said.

Surprised eyes met Daneen’s. You are a Christian then?

Daneen nodded. She whispered urgently as her parents started back toward her. I have to go. Thank you.

Safeer grabbed his daughter’s hand. He glanced at the woman who had talked to her. He tugged his daughter away from her. Do you know her?

Daneen shook her head. I don’t. She was very nice, though.

Safeer frowned his displeasure at his daughter. I know you are almost twenty-two, but as your father, I would like you to refrain from talking to outsiders. I don’t want to see you get hurt.

Daneen nodded as she glanced back at the stranger. She said the only words she could to the man beside her. I will do my best.

The thee of them headed toward the door. Daneen watched as her older brother Kaab walked toward them. Her heart broke at the thought of her family being spiritually lost. She knew they wanted her to marry. She also knew she couldn’t, at least, not to anyone they would have for her.

Kaab glanced at his sister as he spoke to his father. I have a friend that wants to meet Daneen. I think it is time we find her a suitable husband.

Daneen looked at the floor. She knew she could not say anything to the men in her family. She quietly waited to hear what her father would say. If he asked her what she thought, she would be honest.

Safeer glanced at his daughter before leading his family to the car. He spoke to his son. You think he is an acceptable match for you sister, Kaab?

Kaab nodded. He is more than suitable. He would have a firm hand with her. He is also a doctor so he can provide for her as well.

Safeer watched his wife and daughter open their car doors and get into the back seat of the automobile. When he got in, he spoke to Daneen. Would you like to meet him?

Kaab didn’t even let his sister answer. What does it matter if she does or does not want to meet him? The choice is yours.

Safeer glanced at his son. I’m asking her. It matters to me.

Daneen shook her head. I don’t want to leave you yet. Can we wait? I would like more time.

Safeer pulled into the street and headed toward their home. He glanced at his wife in the rearview mirror. What do you think Raana? Is Daneen ready to be a wife? Should she meet him?

Raana looked at her daughter knowing a match like the one Kaab had found was rare. She is ready. If you let her keep making the choice, she will not marry. I believe we should meet the young man. If you like him, she should be arranged to him. It is time for her to leave us and give us grandchildren.

Daneen swallowed the lump in her throat. She glanced up into the mirror to see what her father would do.

Safeer was unaware of the reason his daughter held turmoil. That did not mean he was unaware it was there. Daneen’s eye may be all he could see, but they spoke volumes. Safeer ignored their plea. You have a month to get yourself in the right mind, Daneen. We will then meet the young man. I will not pass up the chance for you to marry a doctor. He would be able to care for you. I want to see you taken care of. Do you understand, Daneen?

Daneen nodded, and once again gave the only words she knew she could. I understand. I will do my best to figure this out.

Chapter One

Three Weeks Later

Liam sat in church and listened to Pastor Dale speak on a subject he had never heard before. He leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees as he listened intently. He found the sermon both fascinating and convicting.

Pastor Dale looked out over the congregation. He had been led to preach on a subject he had not thought on before. He didn’t know why, but he felt a firm leading from God on the direction he was supposed to take. I know many of you are assuming you heard me wrong. Many of you are already married. However, you may have kids that are not. I’m telling you it is time for us as a church to start praying for our future spouses. It is time for those of us that have children to start praying for their future spouses. If you do not have children, I challenge you to come beside a child or teen in this church whose parents do not attend. Pray for that child or teen as well as their future spouse. They need your prayers so give them.

Liam looked at the Bible passage again. He read Philippians chapter four verses six through seven. He listened as Pastor Dale started speaking to them about intentional prayer and intentional listening.

The pastor smiled at his congregation. I know we like to all say we pray. I know I have said many times that I pray daily. A month ago, I realized that I do not pray intentionally. When I say that, I mean, I do not ask specifics. I had to look at what the most important things in life to pray for could be. In this series, we are going to cover four. I, myself, would not have started here, but after praying and intentionally listening to God’s voice of guidance, I am starting with praying for your future spouses. I’m starting with asking parents to pray for the future spouses of their children. And like I said earlier, if you have no kids, I’m asking you to bow low before the throne of a Holy God on behalf of those that are here today who have unsaved parents or are parentless. Do not deny these people your prayers.

Liam thought of the words being said. He could not help but feel convicted in a new way. At one point in time, he and his brothers had prayed for their future spouses. He was not quite sure when they stopped, but shortly after Trevor’s marriage, they stopped meeting daily. It was not something they planned to do, but something that seemed to happen as life took over. He continued to listen intently drinking in each word being said to him.

Dale once more looked at the people that God had entrusted him to lead. As hard as this is to know, some of your future spouses are dealing with some very painful issues. Parents your future sons or daughters-in-law may come to you with a need to be understood on a level you will have to work to understand. They may come to you as survivors of abuse or neglect. You who are waiting for a spouse. Your spouse may be in a really dark place right now. He or she may need you to cover them with prayer more than you will ever know. They may need you to intentionally listen to God and ask for them what they cannot ask for themselves. They may need you to hit your knees intentionally and pray on their behalf. Give them what they need. Pray for them. They are worth the battle.

Liam started praying. He could not shake the feeling that God was talking specifically to him. Liam prayed and asked God to give him a burden for the woman he would one day marry. He continued to listen to the sermon with a prayerful heart.

Prayer is one of those things we can do all throughout the day. I’m glad we can. Having that kind of a connection with the God of creation is great. However, I’m asking you today to add to that prayer life. I’m asking you to take time and really talk to God on a more intimate level. Find a place that it will be only you and Him. Go boldly to Him and seek what He has to show you. Endeavor to pray for the man or woman He has for you in the way He leads. Don't hold back. Pastor Dale paused. He looked out once more and spoke. Your prayer may be all that stands before your future spouse and the evil of this world that seeks to consume them.

Liam listened to the rest of the sermon. He continued to take notes as he endeavored to apply the lesson being taught to his daily life again. When the pastor asked them to come forward and pray for their future bride or groom, a vivid picture of hurting brown eyes came to his mind. He stood and walked forward. He asked Christ to show him how to pray for his bride. As he prayed, he felt a wave of sorrow for her. He felt like God was asking him to pray for her safety. Liam continued to listen to the Holy Spirit lead him. Everything God laid on his heart Liam pleaded for on behalf of his future spouse. He was unaware that over a thousand miles away his prayer was being felt by the woman he would one day call his. As he prayed for safety, protection was given.

Daneen sat in her room listening to a local pastor’s podcast. She listened to the man’s words unaware her father was getting ready to walk into her room unannounced. She adjusted her earbuds when it seemed like she was losing her connection. She frowned at her iPod when it switched to something altogether different. This device was not supposed to lose the connection like it was. The thing was behaving like a radio not an iPod.

Safeer walked into his daughter’s room. He wanted to speak to her about the dinner plans they had just made. He frowned at her when she jumped. He thought he saw a flash of guilt cross her face. What are you listening to?

Daneen felt helpless as her father took her iPod. She had been trying to get the podcast back but was now desperately praying she had not been successful.

Safeer put the earbuds in his ear. He grimaced at the sound of the music. He assumed the flash of guilt he thought he had seen was merely surprise. Looking at Daneen, he spoke. I will never understand rock and roll.

Daneen smiled as her father handed her back her iPod. She knew her father didn’t want her to speak. She waited for him to tell her why he had sought her out.

Safeer sat on the bed beside his daughter. He knew she would not be happy with his decision. He believed if she just obeyed him her happiness would eventually come. I have set a dinner date for us to meet Kaab’s friend and his family. I know I said a month, but I feel like we must move it up. I can't risk losing the interest of a sound match for you. I want you taken care of. They will be here tonight. I expect you to wear your niqab the rest of the day and put your abaya over your clothes if you come out of your room. If they come early, your head must not be uncovered. I’m sending your mother up to help make sure your hair is pinned up tight. I don’t want to see it in your eyes again.

Daneen looked at her hands. She nodded but didn’t say anything. She knew her time to stand was coming fast. She knew she would not be able to marry the man they were trying to arrange her to. She heard the door shut as her father left the room. Daneen smelled her mother’s perfume and knew without looking up that she had entered the room as her father had left.

Raana picked up her daughter’s brush. She poured oil into the palm of her hand and worked it through Daneen’s long, thick, black hair before she started to sweep the brush through the unruly tresses. Her voice was gentle. I know you do not desire to have a husband now. You need to know we are doing this because we love you, Daneen. It is important to us that you have a good match. The man your brother speaks of seems gentle. He will not harm you. We want you to have a good man.

Daneen nodded but again said nothing. She didn’t want to lie to her parents. She could not tell them she would marry him because she couldn't. She knew she was going to have to let them know who she was and to Whom she belonged. Daneen closed her eyes with a sigh and tried to feel the familiar warmth her mother’s touch brought to her. Knowing her mother was doing this for the man’s family took away the usual comfort it brought to her. She felt a tear slip down her cheek as she prayed silently to Christ. Daneen was in dire need of help.

Raana knew that Daneen was unaware of all that tonight would involve. She started to prepare her daughter for what was to come. Her voice continued to hold a soothing note. We women will have a time to ourselves. When that time comes, you will take the coverings off your face. You will show his mother who you are and the beauty her son will gaze at when you become his wife. If he wants to purpose, you will uncover yourself once more. You will do this in front of him. Your father and brother will be in the room when this happens. You will have nothing to fear.

Daneen turned and looked at her mother. You said ‘when.'

Raana smiled at her daughter as she touched her face. When his mother tells him of your beauty, he will want to purpose that we arrange a marriage. You are breathtaking my beautiful daughter.

Daneen nodded. She turned around allowing her mother to continue to stroke her hair. Daneen begged God to intervene. She asked God not to allow this dinner to take place. She needed just a little more time. Her heart pleaded silently with her Father as hundreds of miles away Liam knelt in his room. As the two future spouses sought God, a wave of peace swept into Daneen’s room. She knew her mother felt it too when she stopped brushing.

Raana looked around the room. She felt a strange presence. Looking at Daneen, she knew her daughter had felt it too. Raana was afraid of what she felt. She could not help but note Daneen seemed calm and at peace. Her voice was soft. What was that, Daneen?

Daneen honestly didn’t know. She answered the best she could. I’m not sure, but it feels like a spirit of peace.

Raana looked at Daneen. She was still fearful. Where did it come from? Why aren’t you afraid?

Daneen turned and looked at her mother. She whispered softly unwilling to lie. It came from the Christ. It came from Jesus the Son of God. I was afraid, and He sent me peace.

Raana felt a jolt of fear run through her at her daughter's words. You will not talk like that, Daneen! If your father hears you, he will beat you for it. He may even throw you out.

Daneen shook her head. I am not allowed to deny Him. I belong to Him. I can’t marry this man. Ammi, I’m a Christian. I do not belong to you; I belong to Christ.

Raana shook her head in denial. Her voice was desperate. Fear for her daughter's safety took over her soul. "You will marry him. You can’t do this. Daneen, you know what