Josiah - Crucifixion: Josiah, #4

JOSIAH

Crucifixion

Finding Love and Death

By

David Bassett

Copyright © 2017 David Bassett

All rights reserved.

Email: AuthorDavidBassett@jccronies.com

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the author.

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1 – Grit and Determination

Chapter 2 – The Price of Anger

Chapter 3 – Seeds of Revenge

Chapter 4 – Something Wicked

Chapter 5 – Converging Hatreds

Chapter 6 – Cellmate

Chapter 7 – Evil in Motion

Chapter 8 – Source of Strength

Chapter 9 – Beware

Chapter 10 – Mixology

Chapter 11 – The Manipulation

Chapter 12 – The Last Piece

Chapter 13 – Out of Jail

Chapter 14 – The Cross

Chapter 15 – Done Well

Epilogue

Personal Message

Dedication

This book, in fact this book series, is a major accomplishment for my life.  Writing is a seed that was planted in my soul when I was first created.  There are evidences of that sprinkled across my entire life.

When you begin doing what you were made to do there is a tremendous boost of energy and satisfaction that comes over you.  During those times, you ask yourself why you did not start this sooner.  Better yet, ask yourself why have you ever done anything else?

This book is dedicated to my sister, Danyse Bassett, who is, at the time I am writing this, in one of those phases in her life when she is asking, what now.  Life has thrown some major changes, one particularly heartbreaking, her way that make her evaluate her life.

Sis, go for what is in your heart.  Take the island.  Leave no prisoners.  No longer be a prisoner to anyone or anything.  Life your life the way you were made and meant to, each and every day.  I am proud of you and love you.  Success is yours!

Your brother,

Dave

Acknowledgements

While a single name goes on the cover, this literary work is not the accomplishment of that person alone.  I could not complete any of my work without the help of my community, those who support and encourage me.  While the spark of inspiration is within me, it is fueled by the special people I am surrounded by on a regular basis.

Every day, I receive a boost of confidence from the beautiful woman I am fortunate to call my wife, June Marie Bassett.  She is my muse and my love.  At times, when my writing seems a bit different, it is likely that it is a bit of her voice that you hear.  I am eternally grateful for her.

God has abundantly blessed me with a great family.  My sons, David and Josh.  My daughter Lindsey and her husband Steve.  My stepsons Aaron and Austin.  My stepdaughter, Alyssa and her man Freddy.  My grandchildren, Jonas and Sonja.  My step-grandchildren, Jacob, Leo, and Wade.  My mother, Mom.  My brothers, Doug and Grant.  My sister, Danyse.  I love you all.  I can only hope be to you a representation of God’s love for you.

Before you ever laid eyes on this book, there has been a series of people who have read and reviewed while this story was in progress.  Several members of my community of supporters voluntarily offered to review and give me feedback as this book was being written.  Some provided excellent technical suggestions, while others caught my grammar and spelling errors.

Olya Keller was a constant encourager, almost daily sending email messages of encouragement and correction.  This book is far more ‘together’ because of her willingness to give the time to review.  I want to also acknowledge and thank Kevin Miller for his insights and his willingness to share his observations and suggestions.  A number of other people, also, assisted, including, Helga Davies, Cousin Chuck Krumrie (stay away from McDonalds), Aunt Carolyn Tulberg, and Rose Clark.  Oh, there are more: Dr. Gary Carnahan, Rin Wilson, Robert Allotta, Mike London, Rev. Mike Shipman, Justin Hess, Sharon Datuin, and Maryiam Khalaf.  Thank you all, so much!

My community of supporters, which includes those just named, come from the eclectic collection of experiences and organizations I have been exposed to throughout my life.  Many are family, people who had no choice to know me.  Others, come from work experiences, such as my time as a pastor, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, Teleperformance, and Answer Financial.  Some came from the churches I have been fortunate to be a part of through the years, including Alpine Church, Washington Heights, Karcher Church of the Nazarene, to name a few.  Many of my key supporters I connected with through Toastmasters, a vital part of my personal development.

It would be a great thing if you were to join my community of supporters.  I value the input throughout the creative process from all my community.  Further, it would give me the opportunity to encourage you, as well.  My message is simple, God loves you, and my desire is to be an extension of that love into your life.  Just reach out to me through Facebook, YouTube, or through Amazon.

My life is the reflection of thousands of others who have shared their own life with me.  Through this book, I am sharing my life with you.  Thank you for giving that time to me.  I hope that I have blessed and encouraged you today.

Chapter 1 – Grit and Determination

His morning began with searing pain that shot through his body.  Though it was not a constant pain, its waves crested in powerful spasms that allowed him only small chunks of time to recover.  It seemed as if each time he attempted to relax, his body would jerk from the sudden reoccurring pain.

Josiah was determined to carry out his mission.  He would find a way, despite the pain, to share his legacy with his grandson, Jonas.  He was stubborn in his resolve.  His commitment to this task was greater than his pain.

He was running out of time.  The increased pain was a clear signal that his body was failing him.  He would need to rely more on the strength of his spirit.

I must not allow Jonas to be distracted by my pain, any more than I can allow it to distract me, thought Josiah.

Slowly, he lifted himself from bed.  He made his way across the room to the bowl of water he had prepared the previous evening.  Dipping his dried hands into the water, he felt a cool sensation.  The temperature had dropped enough during the night, that the room temperature was low enough to allow the water to feel refreshing.

Josiah could feel the lines in his aged face, as he placed his dampened hands against them.  He rarely looked at himself in the mirror, but, instead, used his hands to preview his face.

God has been good to me, Josiah said in a low tone.  I have lived longer than I probably should have lived.  My time has been rich with blessing.

Running his fingers through his hair, using them as a comb, the old man began to think about what he would share that day with his grandson.  So far, he had shared about his parents and the scene in Bethlehem.  Today, the focus of his message would be on his best friend, Jobed.

Another jolt of pain violently shot through his body.  His knees buckled in response.  He placed his hands, palms downward on the small table where the water bowl was set.  He used the table to balance himself to keep from collapsing.

Frustrated, he waited a moment before moving back across the room.  As he neared the bed, he reached for his shepherd’s staff.

I will need to keep this close by, today, Josiah reasoned.  No matter how strong I am feeling, once the pain comes, it drains me.  I may need the staff to lean on.

Josiah continued to prepare himself for the day.  He ate a small breakfast, then cleaned up.  He recalled that he had planned with his friend, Eli, to bring lunch that day for him and Jonas.  Eli would be staying to join them.

It would be good for Jonas to meet Eli, thought Josiah.

Though Eli was about the same age as Josiah, his friend was doing much better with his physical help.  Often, Eli would travel with some of the disciples, sharing in their work.  Josiah used to do the same, but, now, he was no longer strong enough.

It had always excited Josiah to share the message of the carpenter.  The message of God’s love seemed to always lift the spirits of those open to hearing it.  Yes, there were opponents, but that never discouraged him.  The message was too powerful to keep to himself.

He glanced at the shelf just above his bed.  This was the place where he kept the box.  He reached for it and ran his right forefinger over the inscribed ‘J’ on the top. 

This reminds me of how interconnected our lives are meant to be, Josiah said out loud.  How a man I did not know before that night, brought this gift to me, a young boy he had never met before or even knew existed.

Josiah felt overwhelmed by this recall.  He raised his head and looked upward.

Jehovah, I praise you.  Your ways are higher than any man’s ways.  Your wisdom is greater than the wisdom of all men combined.  Your love is without limit and without measure.  You love me, though I have done nothing to deserve that love.

You are greatly loved, the familiar voice spoke into Josiah’s spirit.

This message of love brought Josiah an instant sensation of strength.  His entire body responded to this voice and the message it delivered.  The residual pain immediately left him.

Josiah could now hear the excited voice of his grandson, Jonas.

Mother, I am so excited to hear more of grandfather’s story.

I am glad to hear you say that, Rebekah, Jonas’ mother responded.  But be sure you are being a helper to him.  If he needs anything, be sure to assist him.

Yes, Mother, I know, the almost teenager responded with impatient reluctance.

Josiah moved towards the door.  As the grandfather was about to open the door, young Jonas gave a hearty, rhythmic knock.

Grandfather, may we come in?

Josiah opened the door.  Rebekah and Jonas could see the warm smile across Josiah’s face.

Of course, you may come in, Josiah’s voice ringed out the response.

He noticed that they both looked happy to see him.  Though Rebekah was often concerned with his health, Josiah noted that even she seemed pleased to see him as he was on this morning.

His daughter brought him so much joy.  Rebekah looked very much like her mother.  For Josiah, it was often like being with his wife when he spent time with Rebekah.

I miss the deep friendship I shared with my wife, Josiah thought.

Josiah reached first for Rebekah to greet her with an embrace.  Jonas quickly positioned himself to join them as all three shared the same clasp.

At first, Josiah was moved to resist sharing the moment with Jonas.  He loved the boy, but he wanted to openly display his love for his daughter.  He kept both arms wrapped around only her.  But, Jonas refused to be left out.  He moved his head between them, burrowing his way in and swinging both of his arms, placing them around the backs of Rebekah and Josiah.

Rebekah immediately moved her right