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2011-01-03T22:50:00.000-05:00

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Thank you. We appreciate you and looking forward to seeing you over at our new home!

Wanza Leftwich
The Gospel Writer

Deli Style – Part Five Cont.

2010-11-04T08:30:00.000-04:00

Deli Style – Part Five Cont.
©2010 Wanza Leftwich

This is the continuation of part five of the Deli Style Series. Click here to read the first part of this series, click here to read part one, click here to read the continuation of part one, click here to read part two, click here to read the continuation of part two, click here to read part three, and click here to read the continuation of part three, click here to read part four, and click here to read the contiuation of part four.

“Unfortunately, I can not give you an exact time that I will be home tonight. Something came up.” David shook his head as he listened to Ms. Natalie rant about babysitting Alaya. “I will be there soon…and yes, I will pay you tonight.”

David slid his cell phone closed and stuffed it into his back pocket. Ms. Natalie had called four times since he left the deli. David walked onto the college campus. He scanned through the people scurrying to class. He didn’t see Esther.

He knew coming to her school was a long shot but he had to take the chance. “She has to walk by this way to go back to the train.” David said aloud. He sat down on the grass in the middle of the campus and pulled out his handy slim pocket bible to read while he waited.

He read the first page he turned to.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalms 27:14

David shrugged his shoulders and lay on his back. He prayed silently that he was not making a mistake by coming to Esther’s school. Would she think he was crazy? He was too scared to think of the reaction she might give him. After all, he did fire her.

“I may not even have a job after the way I left today.” David looked into the dimming sky. “Can you hear me God? It’s me David,” he chuckled at the thought of his sister reading her favorite book. “Are you there God, it’s me Margaret.” And her name was Margaret. Margaret the avid reader, college track star and dreamer.

Nothing was going to stop Margaret Warner, David remembered. Only something did stop her. The though of Margaret at that time in her life grieved David’s spirit. He longed to talk to his older sister. He wanted to yell at her, to tell her to mind her business and to let her hang up on all of his old girlfriends that she didn’t approve of. He was sure she would approve of Esther.

“I miss her God, I miss Maggie. Why did she have to be taken?”
~~~

Esther scribbled the last answer onto her test and slammed the pencil on the desk. The entire class and the professor looked up. With a weak smile she apologized, gathered her bags from the floor and walked up to the professor’s desk.

Professor Klein rolled his eyes and pointed to the right corner of his desk. Esther dropped the answer sheet and headed for the door.

“She can’t be finished,” a student whispered.

Esther felt within herself that she failed her midterm so it made no sense to take two hours and ponder over it. She smiled at her classmate and exited the room.

Esther was grateful for the cool breeze on the outside. She adjusted her book bag and began to walk towards the train station.

Esther walked briskly, steadying her eyes toward the train. She envisioned her bed waiting for her. She couldn’t wait to drown out the day’s events. Fired by day and failed a biology midterm by night. Not to mention losing a great friend in between. Esther hated to think that she blew her one chance to be with David.

Esther had her eyes on David after their first meeting at the big A deli. He was handsome, well spoken and looked so out of place for the fast paced sandwich and soup joint. Esther saw the vibrancy in his eyes and heard the warmth in his voice as he interviewed her. If she didn’t know any better she’d thought he was flirting during the interview.

“Esther! Esther!” she heard someone yelling her name. She didn’t want to stop for anyone. “Esther!” The voice bellowed again.

Esther turned to see David running across the grass towards her.

“Esther, didn’t you hear me?” David caught his breath.

“David, what are you doing here?” She kept walking.

“I need to talk to you. You left work before I had a chance to explain.”

“Explain what?” You fired me and that’s all to it.”

He grabbed her arm, but she continued walking. “Let me explain.” He stopped walking. “Please, Esther. Let me explain.”

Esther wanted to smile. She was overwhelmed that he showed up at her school. Maybe he does like me, she thought. She shook head and continued to walk. “You fired me. What’s done is done, right? Did you come all the way to Brooklyn to give me my job back?”

“No, but I did come to Brooklyn to tell you that our date had nothing to do with the job. The job is business and Klyde gave the order to fire you, not me.” He yelled.

Esther decided to stop and listen. Besides, she couldn’t have him yelling across the campus as she walked to the train. David caught up with her.

“David, I thought you had my back.”

“I do. It’s just I couldn’t cover for you any longer. Klyde checked the timecards for the past three months. You were late every day.”

“Wow.” Esther looked toward the ground. “I didn’t think it was that bad.”

“I did what I could for Klyde not to find out, but he did.”

“Well, I understand, but I really need that job. I can’t afford not to get paid – not even for a week.”

“Now, that I do understand.”

Esther stood staring into David’s eyes. They had something in common – they both had a serious financial struggle. “Thanks for coming all this way. I just want to go home now.”

“I came out here to tell you something else as well.”

“Oh?” Esther continued to stare at David.

“I love you.” David took her hand and squeezed it. “I love you.” He repeated.

Esther dropped her head and smiled. Maybe today wasn’t a bad day after all.
Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer, is a freelance writer, speaker and avid blogger. She loves to write Urban Christian Fiction and Bible Study courses. She resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Arthur and daughters Symphony and Lyric.

Deli Style – Part Five

2010-11-03T08:30:00.003-04:00

Deli Style – Part Five
©2010 Wanza Leftwich

This is part five of the Deli Style Series. Click here to read part one, click here to read the continuation of part one, click here to read part two, click here to read the continuation of part two, click here to read part three, and click here to read the continuation of part three, click here to read part four, and click here to read the contiuation of part four.

Instead of studying for her midterm, Esther read the advertisements on the train, counted the amount of people in the train car and watched a group of what looked liked high school students laughing and talking loudly. It was only a few years ago that she was able to laugh with her friends on the train going home from school. Those days seemed so hard, but if Esther knew what she knows then what she knows now, she would have never taken getting good grades or having friends for granted.

A tear rolled down her face as she remembered the day she dropped out of school. It was exactly one month after her mother died. It was the first time Esther was ever early for class. Mr. Brewster, her biology teacher was stunned when she walked in the door before the bell rang.

“Ms. Dowdry,” Mr. Brewster’s eyebrow arched above his gold trimmed glasses. “You’re here early today, so nice to see you.”

“Good morning, Mr. Brewster. I’m here to tell you that –“

“You’ve finished your project early as well?” He smiled.

“Actually, I won’t need to finish that project,” Esther bit her bottom lip. “I came to say goodbye.”

“Oh?”

“See, today is my last day of school and I came to say goodbye to you because you are my favorite teacher.”

“So, you’ve decided to move out to California with your aunt – good choice.”

“Uh, no. I’m not moving in with my aunt Jamie. She doesn’t want me. I’m dropping out of school.”

“Dropping out? You can’t drop out.” Mr. Brewster sat on the edge of his desk. “You’re an honor student with less than a year to go. You can’t drop out.”

Esther stepped back from Mr. Brewster. “I’ve made my decision. Today is my last day. I got a job in the city so I can keep the apartment.”

“Stay in school. There are programs to help children that have lost parents. You can go into foster care and – “

“No, no foster care. That’s why I have to get out of the school system.” Esther backed away from the desk.

“The school has to report that you have no guardian. They will make you go into foster care.”

“No! No, absolutely not. I’ve heard too many horror stories. I will be fine on my own. I just wanted you to know that I am fine and for you not to worry.”

The bell rang and students began to enter the classroom. “Good morning, class,” Mr. Brewster greeted them. “Esther wait!”

Esther ignored his plea and exited out the back door of the classroom. She never spoke to Mr. Brewster again.

Esther sighed at the memories she wished she could forget. “Oh, no!” She jumped up and ran off the train. She could hear people laughing at her as she pulled her jacket out of the closing train doors. One second more and she would have missed her stop.

She glanced at her watch. She was early for class for the first time.

Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer, is a freelance writer, speaker and avid blogger. She loves to write Urban Christian Fiction and Bible Study courses. She resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Arthur and daughters Symphony and Lyric.

Deli Style – Part Four Cont

2010-11-01T08:30:00.003-04:00

Deli Style – Part Four Cont
©2010 Wanza Leftwich

This is the continuation of part four of the Deli Style Series. Click here to read the first part of this series, click here to read part one, click here to read the continuation of part one, click here to read part two, click here to read the continuation of part two, click here to read part three, and click here to read the continuation of part three.

Esther could not believe that David walked her up to the front of the line. Did he not know this was Brooklyn? Yes, it was Brooklyn Heights, but Brooklyn all the same. Nobody does that. She could hear the murmurs of the people waiting in line.

She remembered the time her mom forgot to make reservations and they waited two hours in the snow only to be seated near the door. She pushed back thoughts of her mom. She couldn’t afford to cry in front of David. He wouldn’t understand.

She reluctantly walked with David to the front of the line. She pressed her eyes closed and prepared herself to be embarrassed when the hostess sent her and David back to the end of the line.

To her surprise, the hostess smiled and gave David a hug when she saw him.

“Follow me, please,” she said.

“How’d you do that?” Esther held David’s hand tight as they walked to their table.

David winked but didn’t say a word

“No, seriously, how’d you do that?” Esther tried not to speak loudly.

“Your table ma’am Sir, your server will be right with you.” The hostess smiled again at David and returned to her post. David pulled out Esther’s chair

“David, this is the hardest spot in town to get into.” Esther sat and placed her linen napkin on her lap.

“God’s favor.” David laughed.

Esther rolled her eyes, “Now, David…tell me!”

“Oh, ok…don’t be so pushy. I simply got juice like that.”

Esther wasn’t buying his story. There was more to it than God’s favor, although in some situations that all you needed but she knew David had something more than that.

“It’s a long story.” David said.

“I’m listening.” Esther took a deep breath and surveyed her surroundings. Couples sat closely in a dimly lit room that smelled of everything French. Her heart skipped a beat as she remembered her mom again.

“Good evening, my name is Chante and I’ll be your server for the evening. Would you like to start with…David? David!” She almost dropped her menus.

Esther’s left eyebrow rose as it always did when things didn’t quite fit. How did the waitress know David. She came to Avec Moi many times and none of them knew her by name. She prayed silently that Chante wasn’t an ex-girlfriend of some kind. Her strip of pink hair did not seem like David’s type. But who knew what David’s type was anyway?

Esther had never heard him talk about a woman in his life nor did he make any moves on anyone at work. Esther knew why now. They were all at Avec Moi.

“Does James know you’re here? Oh…I’m sorry, David. I’m being so rude.” She extended her hand to Esther. “Hi, my name is Chante.”

Esther shook her hand. “I’m Esther, nice to meet you.” She hoped.

“So, David what’s going? I can’t believe it’s you, man!” Her teeth glistened in the candle lit room.

“Nothing much…same ole thing. Work and church and more work. And you?” David took the menus from Chante and handed one to Esther.

“Just working here at Avec.” She bent down and whispered, “You know thing have been a little hard down here.”

“Doesn’t look like it to me.” Esther prayed David didn’t pick up on her sarcasm.

“Well…how about a drink or appetizer to start off?” Chante smiled at Esther. Esther knew she had got the hint loud and clear.

Esther wanted to crawl under the table. Why was she acting like a jealous little school kid? “Oh, I’m sorry. You guys can keep talking.” Esther offered a quick apology to make amends.

“No, it’s ok.” Chante look towards the back of the dining area. “I have more tables to get to. What would you like?”

“I’d like your special blend of raspberry hot tea.” Esther opened her menu to see if anything had changed.

“And you David?” Chante wrote on her pad.

“A Lemon Zest is good for me.”

“One raspberry special and one L-Z. I’m going to tell James that you’re here. It’s so great to see you after all this time!”

Esther eyed Chanted as she walked to the other side of the restaurant. She was dying to hear how he knew all the people that worked in the most exclusive restaurant in all of Brooklyn. She bit her bottom lip so she wouldn’t say anything stupid. She didn’t want to apologize again or embarrass herself in front of David.

“I guess you’re wondering how I know so many people here, huh?” David placed the black linen napkin on his lap.

Esther nodded and waited. She thought of the hostess and the waitress? Who was James and how did he fit into this picture? Where girls ex-girlfriends, friends from school or fellow church members? They didn’t look like church members. She shook her head again, reminding herself not to judge anyone by their appearances.

“I used to work here.”

Esther wanted to laugh. She rebuked herself for thinking such crazy thoughts about the women David knew. She had no right to make assumptions. He was not in a relationship with him – no matter how much she wanted to be.

“You used to work here? When?”

David looked around the room. “A few years ago, I landed a job here right out of culinary school. It was the best. A chef at Avec Moi, this was like heaven.”

Culinary School? Esther had no idea she knew so little about the man she liked. He went to Culinary School? Why in the world was he flipping burgers and slicing up lunch meat for heros in Big A’s Deli.

“You were a Chef?” Esther saw Chante making her way toward them with their teas. “Here?”

Chante placed their teas in front of them. “James said to stop by the kitchen before you leave.”

Esther waited until Chante was out of earshot to continue. “So, you’re a chef?”

“Yes, I was a Sous Chef here.” David looked around again. “I learned so much here…and the food is great, but you know that already.”

“So, why are you a short order cook for Klyde.” Esther hoped she wasn’t going too far with her questions, but she couldn’t believe anyone would leave Avec Moi to work at a deli. Who would do that?

“It was the economy. The recession hit Avec Moi hard. The suppliers raised their prices.” David sipped his tea.

“So what did he do? This place is always busy. It doesn’t seem like he lost customers.”

“Nah, the customers remained pretty steady but James worked himself to the bone. When he let me go, he did all the cooking himself and depended on a few servers to remain until times got better. The hostess is his daughter. He made major adjustments to stay open.”

“Wow. He was able to keep it open like that.”

“That’s one reason why the lines are so long. He trained the servers to take their time with each table. This way it gave him time to cook.”

“It worked because people love this place.” Esther smiled thinking about James’s strategy to stay in business and keep the customers satisfied.

She wanted to ask David how he felt when he was let go but she didn’t know what he would say. He couldn’t be happy being a short order cook after being a Sous Chef at Avec Moi. She decided not to pry any further.

She didn’t want to ruin her first date with David…the David. The one she wrote about in her journal at night.

Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer, is a freelance writer, speaker and avid blogger. She loves to write Urban Christian Fiction and Bible Study courses. She resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Arthur and daughters Symphony and Lyric.

Deli Style – Part Four

2010-11-01T08:30:00.002-04:00

Deli Style – Part Four
©2010 Wanza Leftwich

This is the part four of the Deli Style Series. Click here to read part one, click here to read the continuation of part one, click here to read part two, click here to read the continuation of part two, click here to read part three, and click here to read the continuation of part three.

“You don’t know what I would give to have my mom back David. You have no clue.” Esther stopped walking.

“Are you ok?” David placed a hand on her arm. She looked like she had lost her best friend.

“Yes, I’m just looking at this line for Avec Moi. My mom used to make reservations here a month in advance. If you don’t, you end up here for hours praying that someone canceled at the last minute.” She lowered her head.

David had no idea she was so familiar with Avec Moi. He prayed he had made the right decision to bring her here. “Well, this is where we are going tonight.”

Esther spun on her heel and eyed him. “Here? I don’t know if I can. My mom…”

David thought he saw water in her eyes just before she lowered them again. He shifted from one foot to the other. “I’ve wanted to bring you here since the first day I met you.” David smiled, hoping that the memories of her deceased mother would not damper the evening. “This place is special to me, too.”

“We’re going to wait for hours, David. We don’t have to eat here. Besides, it’s expensive. We can do the hamburger place down the street.” Esther sniffed and blinked her eyes several times.

“No, it’s okay; this is the place for us.” David took Esther’s right hand and pushed his way to the front of the line.

Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer, is a freelance writer, speaker and avid blogger. She loves to write Urban Christian Fiction and Bible Study courses. She resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Arthur and daughters Symphony and Lyric.

Deli Style – Part Three Cont

2010-10-31T12:48:00.000-04:00

Deli Style – Part Three Cont
©2009 Wanza Leftwich

This is the continuation of part three of the Deli Style Series. Click here to read the first part of this series, click here to read part one, click here to read the continuation of part one, click here to read part two, click here to read the continuation of part two.

Esther ran into the locker room at the end of her shift. She pulled her book bag out of the locker and searched frantically for her deodorant.

“So you’re getting ready for you hot date, huh?” Her co-worker JoAnn closed the magazine she was reading.

“What date?” Esther rubbed the cool fragrance under her arm.

“Don’t play dumb with me, Ms. Dowdry.” JoAnn threw the magazine she was reading at Esther. “Everyone in this joint knows that you and the boss man are going out.”

“News travels fast, doesn’t it? We’re not going out, JoAnn,” Esther changed out of her uniform. ‘It’s one date.”

“And one date leads to another and then another. No wonder you’ve got the best shift up in this joint. I’ve been trying to get on days for the last two years, but you’ve got that sown up. I should have known.”

‘Whatever, it’s all in your head. Besides, David is fair with the schedule.” Esther decided not to say anything further. “It’s whatever, JoAnn…whatever.” Esther slammed the locker door. JoAnn had been giving her fever ever since she mentioned that she had a crush on David.

“So you say, Ms. Dowdry. So you say.” JoAnn smirked and left the locked room.

“God sometimes I just don’t understand women. Is she jealous or something? This is the one date that I’ve been waiting for.”

“You’ve been waiting for this date?” David stood at the doorway.

“Esther gasped. Had she said that out loud? “Oh, David, I didn’t know you where there.”

“I wasn’t until a minute ago. You ready to go?”

“Yes. Please, let’s go.”

~~~

Avec Moi sat two blocks from the infamous Brooklyn promenade highlighted by the Manhattan skyline. David didn’t know whether to walk fast or slow. Esther was so quiet on the train ride into Brooklyn that David began to rethink his decision to take her out.

He could not remember a time when he felt more awkward than this very moment. He was on his dream date with the love of his life. Only she didn’t know how much he loved her. David took a deep breath as they waited for the traffic light to change. Proceed with caution, David thought. He had no intentions of mission up the once chance he had waited on for the last three years. He even convinced Ms. Natalie to watch Alaya until he got home.

“Do you like this part of Brooklyn, Essie..Esther.” David stuttered as he jumped over a puddle of water.

“It’s beautiful down here. I don’t live too far from here either. I used to always come down to the promenade with my mom. This was her favorite place. When she first passed away, I came down here once a week to remember her.”

“I can understand that. I don’t know what I would do if my mom was gone. She gets on my nerves at times, but I love her just the same.”

“You don’t know what I would give t have my mom back, David. You have not clue.”

David decided not to say anything further until they reached Avec Moi. The entrance was packed with people.

“Oh, David, we can go somewhere else. The wait seems long and I don’t want to be out too late. I can’t be late for work.” Esther joked.

David smiled but felt a pang in his heart. He could see Klyde’s face of disapproval. David shook the thought from his mind.

He was not going to ruin his first date with Esther. He would have to fire her tomorrow.

Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer, is a freelance writer, speaker and avid blogger. She loves to write Urban Christian Fiction and Bible Study courses. She resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Arthur and daughters Symphony and Lyric.

Deli Style – Part Three

2010-10-31T08:30:00.002-04:00

Deli Style – Part Three
©2009 Wanza Leftwich

This is the part three of the Deli Style Series. Click here to read part one, click here to read the continuation of part one, click here to read part two, and click here to read the continuation of part two.
“I’m out at two today. Keep up the good work guys,” Klyde announced. “And David, don’t forget to fire Esther today. She’s a waste of my time.”

A waste of time? She’s smart, saved and beautiful! David had no idea how he was going to break the news to Esther. She had been with the company at least two years. Sure, she was late almost everyday, but once she got to work she worked hard.

“I got to fire somebody I love…” David murmured.

“What was that, David? Klyde wrapped his around his neck.

“Nothing, just talking to myself.”

“Make sure you mop upstairs, somebody missed the back booths last night.” Klyde was out the door and down the street.

“Will do.” David threw the wash towel on the counter. The lunch hour was at its peak and he was exhausted. Two years of working dogmatic shifts, David desperately searched for a job nightly on the internet. The economy finally took a turn for the better and more and more hotels and fine restaurant returned to their normal activity. This meant good news for Dave, the culinary chef. Losing his job turned David’s financial work into an uproar. Arthur’s Deli was a part time gig he obtained to pay for his chef supplies. David blessed the Monday Klyde offered him the night manager’s position. The next morning he found himself of of his understudy position at the exclusive French restaurant in downtown Brooklyn.

David punched out and went to his tiny cubbyhole in the backroom. The only phone in the joint belonged Klyde and he had a code to make local calls. He was a cheapskate and everyone knew it. David reached down, pulled up his pant’s leg and removed his prepaid cell phone out of his sock. He dialed Ms. Natalie’s number. It was busy. Well, at least she had a phone to call. David discarded the vivid memory of the disconnect notice that lay on his nightstand at home.

David tried the number again. “Hi, Ms. Natalie, please,” David looked over his shoulder. He could see Esther grimaced at a customer. “Yes, ms. Natalie, this is David…well no, nothing’s wrong. I wanted to tell you that I will be home by six to pick up Alaya” David bit his lower lip as he listened to Ms. Natalie’s boyfriend and her son full over the remote control.

“Yeah, make that five-thirty…yes, I’ll still pay you the usual. Good.” David clicked the end button and pushed the phone back in his sock.

David returned to the floor in time to see Esther rush through the front door. He eyed the clock and shook his head.

“Man, just ask her out for dinner.” Maurice the cook came up behind David.

David jumped. “I can’t do that. She would never go…besides, I can’t afford it.” David shrugged as he watched Esther punch back in.

“Had a good break?” David asked Esther.

“Yeah, thanks. I needed the polluted air.”

David could see Maurice motioning behind Esther’s back fro him to ask her out. David ignored him. “I’m glad you’re feeling better because I have something to tell you.”

“Shoot.” Ester took a deep breath.

“Esther, he wants to know if you’ll go out with him tonight after work.”

Esther mouth dropped open. David shoulders tensed from embarrassment. “Maurice is simple joking…”

“I would love to, David.” Esther smiled.

“Seriously?” David stared.

“Yeah, she’s serious, man. I told you. All you had to do was ask.” Maurice laughed and walked away.

Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer, is a freelance writer, speaker and avid blogger. She loves to write Urban Christian Fiction and Bible Study courses. She resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Arthur and daughters Symphony and Lyric.

Deli Style – Part Two Cont.

2010-10-30T09:38:00.000-04:00

Deli Style – Part Two Cont.
©2009 Wanza Leftwich
This is the continuation of part two of the Deli Style Series. Click here to read the first part of this series, click here to read part one and click here to read the continuation of part one.

Esther exited the doors of the dreaded place she called work.

A solicitor handed her a flyer for the bar down the street. Esther read the advertisement for midnight singers needed. She thought for a second and then dropped the card in the trash. Esther needed money, but singing for God’s enemy was not her style.

“Life ain’t been no crystal stair but I have a dream that one day…a sistah won’t be a day late and a dollar short.” Esther strolled idly.

Esther’s thoughts traveled to her last true moment of happiness. Her mother had rushed into the bedroom one afternoon, jumped on Esther’s bed and yelled, “Surprise!” Esther’s poetry book hit the floor as her mother handed her a set of keys.

“A new car? Oh, mommy we’ve got a new car?” Esther ran out the front door of the first floor apartment. The four door Mercedes sparkled in the afternoon sun. It pained her to relive the last day of her mother’s life. It was a Monday, and so was today. She had hated Mondays ever since. They were a beginning to an end.

“Now this is what I get for never finishing high school.” Esther rebuked herself.

“I’m sure you had good reason, my dear.” Miss Bags sat on her portable chair at the corner.

“I took the ED and everything and I still can’t get a better job.”

“Aren’t you in school, Essie dear.” Miss Bags motioned for Esther to come closer.

“Yes, but it’s not use. I have one more year to finish and at this rate, I don’t have the money. There are no more funds available for non-traditional students – they’re giving it all to the freshmen.”

“A way will be made…you just have to believe,” Miss Bags smiled.

Esther rolled her eyes. “And to top it all off, the job that I have is getting rid of me.”

“Did they tell you that?” Miss Bags patted her lips.

“Not, yet, but David talked with me a few minutes ago.”

“But he didn’t fire you, right?”

“I think my breaking down in tears stopped the process.”

“Essie, he won’t fire you. He can’t.” Her eyes gleamed.

“It’s not his decision; its Klyde’s the big boss.” Esther paced between pedestrians.

“All will work out.” Miss Bags said thoughtfully. “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to Klyde for you.”

Esther laughed. “Miss Bags, no offense, but what can you do?”

“I’ll talk to him.” She insisted.

“Okay, be my guest, but only the Lord can intercede for me now.” Esther held in her laughter. Miss Bags really thought she could just walk into Arthur’s Deli and talk to Klyde. She didn’t know that He would throw her out on the street in a heartbeat. Sensitivity and compassion were not his strong points, especially when it down to helping homeless people.

Esther shrugged her shoulders, waved at Miss Bags and ran back into the deli.

She was two minutes late.

Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer, is a freelance writer, speaker and avid blogger. She loves to write Urban Christian Fiction and Bible Study courses. She resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Arthur and daughters Symphony and Lyric.

Deli Style – Part Two

2010-10-29T15:40:00.001-04:00

Deli Style – Part Two
©2009 Wanza Leftwich

This is part two of the Deli Style Series. Click here to read part one and click here to read the continuation of part one.

“Either you tell her or I will,” Klyde pushed a stack of hamburgers into the deep freezer. “She’s got to go.”

David looked through the box window. Esther brushed her eye for the third time in the two minutes. “Klyde, Esther is a good worker –“

“She’s late everyday, David.”

“Well, she has reasons and…”

“And I have my reasons as well. How can I become a millionaire with workers that are incompetent?” Klyde slammed the freezer closed. “Are you a manager or not?”

David paused before answering the question. His title said manager but his paycheck said busboy. “Yes, sir, I’m the manager.”

“Good. Then, as manager, it’s your responsibility to tell her. Today.”

“Yes, sir,” David’s heart ached.

Klyde retreated into the back office without another word.

David glanced through the window again. Esther blew her nose and wiped her eyes. David wanted to stretch out his arms and hug her from across the deli. He longed to wipe the pain from her eyes.

“Dave, we need you out front,” Maurice called over the intercom. “Pronto.”

David returned to the cashier’s desk. “What seems to be the problem, Maurice?”

“It’s Esther, she’s moving extremely slow today and the customers are complaining.”

“She looks fine to me.”

“Dave, you’ve got to tell her something. She’s off today…missing counts, messing up the orders. She’s stressing out Julio and the rest of us.”

“I’ll talk to her. You can go on break. I’ll relieve you.”

“Cool.” Maurice untied his apron, threw it on a hook and punched out.

David whispered a prayer, “Lord, please give me the words to say to Essie. I care about her and do not want to hurt her. I never thought being the head at work meant beating down the tail. God, le her understand that I have no desire to do this, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

“That’ll be seven dollars and twenty-nine cents.” Esther handed the executive his tomato paste soup.”

“Ess…Esther, can I speak to you for a moment?”

“Sure, David, but there’s no one to cover me…thank you sir, your change.”

“Unfortunately, we can talk now.”

“Okay.” Esther sniffed and blinked her eyes.

David’s heart melted. “We need to talk about your lateness…welcome to Arthur’s.”

“I know I’ve been late a lot, but I –“

“Esther, pick up.” Julio called.

“The thing is…” she wrapped a ham and cheese hero in cellophane. “With school and everything, midterms are coming up and…five dollars even. Thank you, come again.”

“I know school is pressure right now, but it’s always going to be there.” David felt awful.

“I only have one more year, but I just don’t know what to do between working here and school.”

“Do you have to work?” David passed her the next order to bag.

“Of course! My scholarship only covers one class and…” Esther broke down. The tears began to roll down her cheeks.

“Ms. I ordered a bagel with egg and cheese, not cream cheese.” The impatient customer shoved the bagel back on to the counter and stormed out the door.

“Essie, take a break. Maurice is due back in a few. I can handle it until then.”

“Okay.” Esther removed her stocking cap, flipped up the counter board, pushed through the customers and exited.

David zipped through the mob of hungry patrons. With the increase of in tourists to the city and the new palladium built across the street, business was better than ever. The night end of the deli required Klyde to bring in two more cooks and another cashier. Business was booming and Klyde reaped the benefits. David hadn’t received a raise in two years, but continued to work six days a week. This was definitely not the life he wanted for Esther. He was determined to think of a way to change Klyde’s mind about Esther.

He wanted Esther to stay on break for the rest of the day. He needed her to stay on break or go home early. This way he did not have to tell her to take a leave of absence. Klyde said he wasn’t firing her completely. But how do you fire someone incompletely? A forced leave of absence is the same thing as being fired, isn’t it?

Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer, is a freelance writer, speaker and avid blogger. She loves to write Urban Christian Fiction and Bible Study courses. She resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Arthur and daughters Symphony and Lyric.

Deli Style – Part One Cont

2010-10-27T14:59:00.000-04:00

Deli Style – Part One Cont
©2009 Wanza Leftwich

Click here to read the first part of this post.

David hustled at cash register number one for thirty minutes before he realized his morning employee’s absence. His long-term memory had yet to return since doing a double shift the day before. After mopping the floors and washing down the counter, he went home only to hear the alarm clock go off within a few hours. Now if he could just reach home before she was asleep for the evening.

Leaving and returning to the boogie down side of the Bronx where he lived each day was a chore in itself. Walking through his poverty stricken block was enough to make him swear.

Some minister I am?

I still live in the projects. What happened to being prosperous? David pondered Ministers have homes and cars. They do not live in the projects. Or do they, Lord?

David placed two hundred and fifty dollars in small bill between two cash registers to open the store. That was just a little less than he made in a week.

“Overtime is a good thing. Now maybe I can pay some bills this week.”

Lord, how can I expect someone to marry me if I can’t care for myself? Esther will never marry me. She’s intelligent, pretty, and

“…late. Esther is late.” David glanced at his watch, and then looked at the Elvis Presley clock on the wall. “Lord, please let her get here before Klyde.

~~~

Forty-five minutes later, Esther emerged from smelly underground She inhaled deeply and focused her eyes on the big yellow A two blocks away. Esther bowed her head slightly and took off. Her running sneakers pressed hard against the payment bouncing one hundred and eighty pounds with each stride. She stopped shy of a yellow taxi cab driver with his hand pressed hard on the horn.

Two steps from the sparkling glass doors, Esther tripped over Miss Bags and her silver cup of change. Quarters, nickels, dimes and pennies flew into the air. Miss Bags grasped at them for dear life.

“Oh…so sorry, Miss Bags.” Esther tried to pick up Miss Bags’ morning salary.

“Don’t worry. I’ll get it,” Miss Bags waved her away.

The doors to the Big A flew open and Esther pushed her way through the double line toward the counter.

“Klyde is late today so you better act like you know… that’ll be eight- twenty-five, sir.”

“Thanks, David.” Esther held on the counter to catch her breath. “And thank you God for covering for a sistah.”

“Remember to punch in – two cinnamon raisin, one strawberry, one lemon cream…six dollars, ma’am.” David pointed at the clock.

Esther ran into the locker room, changed her clothes in record time and was standing behind the counter just in time to see Klyde Arthur, the owner, make his grand entrance. David motioned his hand toward the far back wall.

The clock.

Esther leaned sideways without moving her feet and punched her employee code in the time clock.

It was 7:12am.

She was late.

Again.

Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer, is a freelance writer, speaker and avid blogger. She loves to write Urban Christian Fiction and Bible Study courses. She resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Arthur and daughters Symphony and Lyric.

Deli Style – Part One

2010-10-25T16:31:00.000-04:00

Deli Style – Part One
©2009 Wanza Leftwich

David Warner hit the snooze button for the fourth time before the love of his life Alaya slapped him on the face. She’s a mere three years old, but understands beyond her years, David thought as he moved the miniature hand from his mouth. She did not want her sleep cut short and neither did David.

David smiled at little Alaya dressed in Superwoman pajamas and a purple silk scarf. She was everything and nothing at all like her mother. No tears today, David reminded himself. In this life there are disappointments and joys. This life happened to be both since Alaya’s birth in September nearly three and half years ago.

“Daddy…” Alaya turned upside down on the pillow.

“Mornin’ baby,” David kissed her on the cheek and headed for the shower.

The hot steam lurked into the hallway. He always left the door open just in case Alaya woke up.

David scurried throughout the one bedroom apartment humming a hymn. He grabbed a pair of black jeans, a starched white-collared shirt and his black Timberlands. He sprayed a few whisks of his watered down cologne and headed for the door.

With keys in hand and Alaya smothered in her favorite purple Barney blanket, he locked his apartment door and walked to the other end of the hallway.

“I wish you would leave her here at night,” Ms. Natalie, in apartment 17A brushed the cold out of her eyes. “It’s bad enough I got to wake up at all.” She took Alaya and slammed the door.

David cringed. He hated to leave Alaya at all, especially overnight with Ms. Natalie’s son who was just released from prison. But what could he do? They would not accept her at the neighborhood daycare because he didn’t receive public assistance. And he couldn’t get public assistance because he made more the minimum allotted for a household of two.

David barely had enough money to pay the controlled rent. Ms. Natalie was only sixty dollars a week. Even that depleted his budget to tithes, offering, food, Pampers, carfare and an occasional outfit for him or Alaya.

David shook his head, sighed and pushed the stairway door open. Two more weeks and the elevator would be fixed. Only sixteen more flights to go.

The morning’s air stifled David’s breathing. Down the hill and around the corner, he ran down the steps into the subway.

David slid his weekly Metrocard through the turnstile and rushed on to the awaiting train. He pulled out a slim line Bible from his inside jacket pocket and sat on the wooden bench. He read Proverbs three and verse four.

“So shalt thou found favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man,” David mumbled as he fell asleep.

He woke up before the doors closed at his destination.
~~~

Esther Ann Dowdry darted for the escaping number four train at the Atlantic Avenue Station. With one shove in her ribcage, Esther almost made it to the last empty seat. Esther sucked her teeth and settled for the cliffhanger above.

Thank God for Dove deodorant.

A few minutes later, the train came to a screeching halt in the tunnel. “Not again,” Esther whispered.

“Attention, all passengers,” the conductor announced. “Please be patient. We should be moving shortly.”

“I may as well do something constructive.” Esther maneuvered her stance and retrieved an anatomy book from her bag. To her dismay, loose notebook paper, two pens and a handful of index cards fell to the floor.

“Jesus,” Esther prayed and released the passenger handle to pick up her schoolwork, until her whiskey filled neighbor gagged and vomited on her midterm study notes.

Esther felt a tear emerge from her left eye as nearby passengers began to scramble for cover. The stench cleared one third of the subway car, pushing passengers into the next car.

“In all things give thanks,” Esther remembered last night’s sermon. “Thank God for a seat.” She sat three seats away from the old man that now sat with his feet firmly planted in the fruit of his labor.

Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer, is a freelance writer, speaker and avid blogger. She loves to write Urban Christian Fiction and Bible Study courses. She resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Arthur and daughters Symphony and Lyric.

Live, Learn, Write™

2010-07-05T19:40:00.001-04:00

Visit http://www.thegospelwriter.org/

Love Never Fails by Carla Victoria Wallace

2010-02-27T20:58:00.005-05:00

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fall in love with someone of a different race? According to Jada Calloway, she has never considered dating outside of her race. When Jada is introduced to Pete McKnight, the handsome single brother of her co-worker, she suspects that he's interested in more than friendship. Mike Jenkins is a familiar face from Jada's childhood who has finally captured her attention. Jada is interested in Mike at first, but gradually, Pete begins to intrigue her. Pete's mother, Mrs. McKnight, fears that Jada is getting too close to her son. Mrs. McKnight does not approve of Jada because of her race and has no shame in letting everyone know. With each encounter that Jada has with Mrs. McKnight, the tension increases and Jada's insecurities resurface. Will Jada put her bitterness and insecurities aside to pursue a new relationship, or will she go back to what's familiar?

Pick up your copy of Love Never Fails here!

In the Midst of it All by Tiffany Warren

2010-02-22T14:04:00.018-05:00

An interview with Mrs. Warren, author of In the Midst of it All

-Mrs. Warren, I'd like to thank you for agreeing to do this interview. It was a pleasure reading, In the Midst of it All.
The pleasure is all mine! Thank you for the invitation.

-Where did you get the inspiration for this storyline?
It’s a novel that I’ve been writing for about five years. Part of the inspiration came from my own experience leaving a similar church to the Brethren of the Sacrifice as a teenager. I also grew up with a mother who is schizophrenic, so I’ve wanted to do a story about mental illness in the African American community.

-I was blown away by your ability to write and express Zenovia's thoughts about her worship experiences. Was this difficult for you to write without being critical of another sect of religion?
It wasn’t difficult at all. My Christian walk now allows me to be able to look at other religious sects and not be critical, because my focus is on the love of God and reconciliation through Christ. I hope that it comes through in my writing.

-This book deals with varying aspects of faith - faith for love, faith for friendship, and faith for healing. How has your faith being challenged as a writer of Christian books?
My faith has been strengthened by writing Christian books. When I write about prayer, I find my own prayer life increases. When I write about forgiveness I cannot help but check myself for areas of lack of forgiveness in my own life. Perhaps my faith has been challenged concerning the reception from readers that I may receive for picking any given storyline. That is definitely a faith walk kind of thing!

-In honor of Black History Month, is there anyone in black history that inspires you to write or "be all you can be"?
As a very young woman, I remember being in awe of the writings of the late Octavia E. Butler. She was a trailblazer for Black women in the Science Fiction genre, and has paved the way for the likes of Tananarive Due and L.A. Banks.

-Do you intend to write a sequel? (I hope you do! I can't get Zenovia out of my head!)
I haven’t thought about a sequel yet for Zenovia’s story. She could definitely have some interesting plots, now that she’s operating in her prophetic ministry. Let’s see what unfolds.

-It was an honor to read In the Midst of it All. I pray that God continues to anoint you to write to reach the masses. You indeed have a gift that is able to reach the heart, mind and soul of the reader. May God Bless You.
Thank you for your kind words! Blessings to you as well!

You may visit Mrs. Warren's website to learn more about her. http://www.tiffanylwarren.com.

Pick up your copy of In the Midst of it All here!

Log on tomorrow to read our review of In the Midst of it All

Maya Angelou by Rhonda McKnight

2010-02-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

Rhonda McKnight, author of Secrets and Lies tells why Maya Angelou is her favorite black historical figure.

I pondered this question for several hours because there were so many people that came to my mind. I finally settled on Maya Angelou because she would not leave my spirit. I heard Ms. Angelou speak at a graduate school colloquium I attended several years ago. She shared amazing stories from her childhood and teenage years; stories of hardship and discrimination, but also love, and commitment to family. She has had an incredible journey through this life and she’s risen to challenges and defeated devils that I’m not many of us would have handled. She was open and transparent. She was overtaken by emotion at times and she cried tears. Aside from being an awesome poet, author, speaker and actress, she is an incredible black woman. She paved the way for so many of us to be published today and for that legacy she is my favorite black historical figure.

Secrets and Lies by Rhonda McKnight
Faith Morgan is struggling with her faith. Years of poor communication and neglect leave her doubting that God will ever fix her marriage. When a coworker accuses her husband, Jonah, of the unthinkable, Faith begins to wonder if she really knows him at all, and if it’s truly in God’s will for them to stay married.

Pediatric cardiologist Jonah Morgan is obsessed with one thing: his work. A childhood incident cemented his desire to heal children at any cost, even his family, but now he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Will he continue to allow the past to haunt him, or find healing and peace in a God he shut out long ago?

Rhonda McKnight is the owner of www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com, a popular Internet site that highlights African-American Christian fiction and Legacy Editing, a free-lance service for fiction writers. Originally from a small, coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for eleven years. Her website is http://www.rhondamcknight.net

Pick up your copy of Secrets and Lies here!

An Interview with Vanessa Davis Griggs

2010-01-02T14:56:00.004-05:00

Vanessa Davis Griggs talks about her journey of writing and faith.

SECRETS AND LIES by Rhonda McKnight

2009-11-30T15:03:00.002-05:00

Faith Morgan is struggling with her faith. Years of neglect leave her doubting that God will ever fix her marriage. When a coworker accuses her husband, Jonah, of the unthinkable, Faith begins to wonder if she really knows him at all, and if it’s truly in God’s will for them to stay married.

Pediatric cardiologist Jonah Morgan is obsessed with one thing: his work. A childhood incident cemented his desire to heal children at any cost, even his family, but now he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Will he continue to allow the past to haunt him, or find healing and peace in a God he shut out long ago?

About the Author
Rhonda McKnight owns Legacy Editing, a free-lance editing service for fiction writers and Urban Christian Fiction Today (http://www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com), a popular Internet site that highlights African-American Christian fiction. She’s also the vice president of the Faith Based Fiction Writers of Atlanta. Originally from a small coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for almost twelve years.

Rhonda, tell us how you came up with the idea for this story? I woke up one morning and these people were talking in my head, or rather arguing. (LOL). I thought this could be interesting, turned on the creativity, and came up with the “issues” in their marriage. I also did a lot of research about heart disease. Jonah is a pediatric cardiologist and that’s central to the story. I knew absolutely nothing about heart disease before I wrote this novel.

Who is your ideal reader? I think most people will think my ideal reader is women who are married. While I think the book will definitely appeal to married women, I’d love for single woman who are thinking about marriage or waiting on Mr. Right to read the book. There is a valuable lesson for single women in the story. Faith chose to overlook a very important issue prior to her marriage to Jonah. This issue becomes a huge source of pain for her. Ten years later her ideal black man has her pulling her hair out.

Name something about the book that will appeal to readers? I think readers will find it appealing, because more than half of it is written from Jonah’s point of view. My informal research amongst readers has taught me that women readers love stories that are written from a man’s perspective. Like most men, Jonah is complex. He’s a love to hate kind of guy. People will love him because he’s dedicated his life to physically healing children, but he’s emotionally and spiritually sick himself. What a burden for Faith. Faith’s pain will have some folks shaking their heads at Jonah.

When’s your next book being released? My second novel, An Inconvenient Friend comes out August 1, 2010. I have a nasty little character in Secrets and Lies who gets her own story, and what a story it is. She’s up to no good. Can she be redeemed?

How can readers find out more about you? Readers may contact me at my website at www.rhondamcknight.net. I love for people to sign my guestbook and share their thoughts about the story. I’m also a complete Facebook addict. You’ll definitely find me there more than you should at http://www.facebook.com/rhondamcknight

GET SECRET and LIES today! CLICK HERE!

Rhonda,
Thank you for stopping by! We pray that God grants you abundant favor!

Wanza Leftwich
The Gospel Writer

Lakisha's Faves II

2009-08-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

Can I Get a Witness? by Reshonda Tate Billingsley
Vanessa Colton-Kirk has seen it all in her notorious divorce court. But she never thought the drama would make its way into her own marriage. However, that’s just what happens when Vanessa’s husband Thomas tires of his career-driven wife….and turns to Alana Irving to give him what he needs, and wants – a baby. But Alana has ulterior motives. She’s out to take Vanessa’s man, her money and her life…all in a quest for revenge. Now a woman scorned, Vanessa thinks her only relief will come in paying back her husband and his mistress. But just when she thinks she’s won, fate steps in and helps her see things in a whole new light.

Vanessa’s not the only one hell-bent on revenge. Her sister, Dionne is looking to show her cheating boyfriend a thing or too. But when her payback plan goes horribly wrong, Dionne’s life may end up in shambles.

Two sisters will discover that they need a lot more than revenge to heal their hearts…they’re going to need a whole lot of faith.
BUY IT HERE!

I Know I've Been Changed by Reshonda Tate Billingsley
Raedella Rollins left the dusty town of Sweet Poke, Arkansas on a Texas-bound bus with four mismatched suitcases, a newsroom job offer, and a promise to herself: never look back. Now, less than a decade later, she’s a top-rated talk show host and fiancée to Houston’s star councilman. The future looks bright for Rae, and Sweet Poke is nothing more than a distant memory.But now that she’s reached the top, her ragtag family comes knocking. Mama Tee, the grandmother who raised her, calls with unwelcome family updates, and Shondella, her jealous older sister, guilts her into sending money. To Rae, nothing could be worse than an unexpected reunion with her over-the-top relatives. But when her picture-perfect life turns out to be an illusion, Rae’s family calls her back to Sweet Poke and to the life she left behind. Can Rae let go of the heartache of her childhood and open her heart to the healing that only faith and family can provide?
BUY IT HERE!

Joy by Victoria Christopher Murray

Anya Mitchell has it all: a successful L.A. financial services company, a loving fiancé, Braxton Vance, and an unshakable trust in God. However, just months before her wedding, Anya is brutally attacked one night as she works late in her office. Her faith, Braxton, and her family help her deal with the horror, but soon after, Anya is faced with a heartbreaking dilemma. Now, she must decide how far she is willing to go to have a future clear of this tragedy and still maintain her relationship with the man she loves.
BUY IT HERE!

The Battle of Jericho by Kendra Norman-Bellamy

Peter Jericho has spent most of his adult life living for God and serving his country as one of the few and the proud Marines. When his once solid marriage suddenly takes a turn for the worse, his wife, Jan, takes their daughter and moves in with her mother in Shelton Heights, Georgia, a community some believe is cursed. Peter loves the Lord, but when his calamity increases, will his faith decrease? As his latest tour of duty in Iraq nears an end, he is eager to say goodbye to military life and focus on reclaiming the family he loves so dearly. But his plans are abruptly interrupted when Peter finds himself a captured prisoner of war. Survival doesn’t seem likely for Master Sergeant Peter Kyle Jericho, and he finds himself in the battle of a lifetime. How his life spiraled to this point, Peter can’t comprehend. All he knows is that all was well until that day in September when his wife decided to pay her mother a visit. Are all of the peculiar misfortunes that led to the breakup of his family and his capture in Iraq just happenstance, or has the legend of Shelton Heights caught up with yet another unsuspecting family?
BUY IT HERE!

Three Fifty-Seven AM by Kendra Norman-Bellamy

Essie Mae Richardson is an elderly, wise, and church-going soul. She lives alone, but spends most of her time worrying about those around her. Using God's guidance and wisdom, Essie keeps an eye on things happening around her and when the time is right, reaches out to those who don't even know they need her. Mason and Elaine Demps are going through the motions of marriage. Elaine's need for more than financial support from her husband overwhelms her after she meets a handsome mechanic who shows an interest in her. Colin and Angel Stephens are happily married and expecting their first child, yet one careless mistake changes the tone of their marriage and possibly the outcome of Angel's pregnancy. Jennifer Mays is a single mother to Jerrod, her teenage son who she simply doesn't understand. Jerrod is holding on to past hurts that will send him to his destruction if they aren't resolved. Quite innocently, Ms. Essie touches each family in her own special way.
BUY IT HERE!

Until next time,
Lakisha

Learn more about Lakisha Latham, our newest contributing bookworm on her blog, Words of Life and Wisdom.

The Newlywed Diaries - Episode II

2009-08-17T12:45:00.002-04:00

Meet Thomas & Michelle
by Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer

Dear Diary,

Ok, Dr. Shore, I'm going to take your advice and start writing everything down so I don't explode. I don't know if this is going to work, but I promised to do this exercise as part of our counseling agreement. I don't know how writing things down is going to help save my marriage, but here goes...

Have you ever just wanted to hit somebody? Just hit them right in the gut. Well, this is how I feel right now about my so called husband. Hus - what? Husband. What does that word mean anyway? It must not be a verb, because it acts on nothing. Does it pay the bills? No? Does it smile when I come in the door? No. Does it take the garbage out before it's overflowing...better yet, does it pay bills? NOPE.

Obviously not a verb! A noun perhaps - yes, a noun. It's a person. Hmmm...the person that promised to love me for better or worse. I think it was 'better' for exactly two months.

It only took two months and the rent was backed up...two months! Ha. What did he think? It was going to get paid by itself?

Man...the baby is crying. Be right back, diary...be right back!
- Michelle

Diary,

I can't believe I convinced this crooked doctor to tell me to write everything down. Is he crazy or what? I should have known I was in for the okey doke when I saw his jet black slick hair, manicured nails and cool running water down the walls of his cream serenity room.

I tried to explain to him that writing things down can get you in trouble. Last time I wrote something down I got caught cheating on Michelle. I wrote down Tanya's number and slipped the napkin in my pocket. Of all days, Michelle to want to do the laundry. She never does laundry. Of all days, she's feeling a little wifey, separates the clothes, and washes everything. She even washed my Do-rag.

I don't even know if she's done the laundry since then. Laundry, food, shopping, kids...anyone of these can be my gripe with her. You'd think she would cook for her man after he came home from a hard day's work. No food, no clean socks, dishes in the sink...what is she doing all day long? Oh, I forgot, she's working part time because she said I don't bring in enough money. I bring in enough...she just spends too much.

I would have paid the rent but she just had to have new stuff Easter Sunday morning. Not only that, she bought new clothes and shoes for TJ (Thomas Jr.), Michael, and Teana. Then went and bought herself some shoes. Like she couldn't wait until Mother's Day for a new pair of shoes. She's my baby's momma and I love her, but she doesn't understand that I need her to do it my way. It'll work...if she did it my way.

I can't believe after a year of marriage, I have to move in with my mother. My mother is going to kick my butt when Michelle calls to ask her. I'm not calling. No way am I calling. She told me this would happen.

"So, you're finally going to marry your baby momma, huh? You know that girl ain't ready for marriage." She flipped the pancake with one hand and sipped her coffee with the other.

"TJ is six years old and Michael is four. It's time." My stomach rumbled. I was ready for my momma's pancakes from scratch.

"You should have worn a condom. You don't have to get married."

"Well, we're getting married." I smiled at the golden brown pancake on the spatula.

She threw the pancake in my face. "Is that girl pregnant again, Tommy?"

I can still feel the sting of the hot pancake on my face. Shoot! I'm definitely not calling. I have to figure out a way for Michelle to do it.

I can't write anymore. I wish she knew how to stop Teana from crying all the time. I haven't slept since that girl was born!

Peace,
Tommy!

His Grace His Mercy by Keshia Dawn

2009-08-14T12:40:00.009-04:00

His Grace, His Mercy continues the saga of Gracie and Marcus and their best friends Kendra and Dillian.

Under the guidance of the Almighty, Gracie has forgiven former fiancé, Dillian, and her best friend Kendra for their past betrayals. Gracie’s husband, Marcus, has been a blessing by understanding the relationships and accepting the friendship of the now married Dillian and Kendra.

When tragedy strikes one of the young couples, past hurts resurface that need to be resolved, and Gracie's desire to help the other couple threatens her own marriage. Only relationships based on unconditional love and faith will give them the strength to believe in God’s will.

Release Date: Tuesday, August 25th, 2009. PREORDER YOUR COPY HERE!

Lakisha's Faves!

2009-08-11T12:03:00.041-04:00

As promised, UCF is committed to bringing you the best in Urban Christian Fiction. And we've found an excellent way to keep you updated with our newest segment, Lakisha's Faves! We are proud to have Lakisha on our team. Bookmark this site to stay up to day with the latest in Urban Christian Fiction.

Here is a personal note from Lakisha!

Hello to all!

My name is Lakisha and yes I'm a bookworm. There are so many adventures you can go on when you pick up a book and really get into it. Sometimes I get so lost I don't even know what's around me! That's when you know a book is good. Now I keep my reading holy as well as my lifestyle - I'm a christian and proud of it!

A series I have grown to love is called "Urban Christian" and I will be profiling their books as well as many other christian authors. Let the adventure begin :)

Learn more about Lakisha Latham, our newest contributing bookworm on her blog, Words of Life and Wisdom.

Now....Lakisha's Faves

Happily Ever Now by Nicole Rouse

“What’s done in the dark eventually comes to light.” When delivered by his pastor, those words stir up memories of guilt and shame for Jerome Thomas. In the early years of his marriage, Jerome made several mistakes—neglecting his family, struggling with bouts of alcoholism, and wasting money. But, the one mistake he regrets the most is cheating on his wife. Every morning before she opens her eyes, Taylor Belle says a quick prayer for forgiveness. The guilt of the affair she had and the lives of the people she hurt weigh heavily on her heart. She knows that she needs to settle things with Jerome before God will lift her burden. Several years have passed since the affair, but there is still unfi nished business between Taylor and Jerome that could destroy their families. What will happen when the repercussions of their last intimate encounter catch up to them? Will God mend old wounds and restore the love and peace they once knew, or are Jerome and Taylor destined to suffer the consequences of their past sins for years to come?
Pick up your copy today!

Sinsatiable by Shelia Lipsey
Aisha Carlyle, beautiful, successful and with the love of dashing bachelor, Chandler Larson, she appears to have it all. When she faces losing her dream dance studio, she turns away from God and sets out to make things right in her own world. Will her sinful actions prove to be more than she can bear?
Get Sinsatiable HERE

Suddenly Single by Shana Burton

Vashti Hunter knew that something was wrong when she received her fiancé’s nervous phone call the night before their wedding, but she was too distracted by visions of wedding grandeur to listen to her instincts. Instead, what was supposed to be the happiest day of the 26-year-old’s life quickly turns into the most humiliating when she is left at the altar. After battling a fierce bout of depression, Vashti regroups and begins dating again. After a string of failed relationship attempts, she not only figures out what she does not want in a mate, but also discovers who she is in the process. It’s only after she evolves into the person that she wants to be that she finds the man who is worthy of her love. Because of their 20-year age difference, Vashti’s new relationship is threatened by opposition from her family, friends, and especially his daughter, who resents Vashti’s presence in her father’s life. Their relationship is further complicated when Vashti’s long-lost fiancé returns remorseful. Will Vashti find him worthy of a second chance?
Pick up your copy of Suddenly Single here!

The Single Sister Experiement by Mimi Jefferson
Joan, Tish and Lila are three single, ambitious, party girls embarking on a journey where they attempt to give up sex and draw nearer to God. But giving up their boyfriends and club hopping for empty beds and Bible Study is more challenging than they could have imagined. Follow the women on this turbulent ride as they face the demons of their pasts, build new lifestyles, and finally fall into the waiting arms of our Savior. You can identify with Joan, Tish and Lila if: 1. You don't know all of the words to Amazing Grace. 2. You couldn't find the book of Haggai in the Bible if somebody paid you. 3. Your husband is not the only man that have ever seen you naked. The Single Sister Experiment is Christian fiction for the rest of us.
Pick up your copy HERE

Me, Myself and Him by E.N. Joy
How was Locksie supposed to tell her boyfriend that she had gone off to church and fallen in love with another man? Locksie grew up in the church—against her will—thanks to her holier than thou mother. But now that she’s all grown up, church is the last thing on her mind; her live-in boyfriend, Dawson, is the first. When Locksie finally decides to go back and visit church upon the invitation of her aunt, who hoped that her niece would find God again, Locksie ends up finding more than she could have ever expected. Hannah is Locksie’s friend who has issues of her own. She’s struggling to forgive her husband for the affair he had, while at the same time be a stepmother to the child who is a result of his affair. And all while the child’s mother taunts Hannah every chance she gets. In Me, Myself and Him, the characters are torn between holding on to the people they believe are the loves of their lives, or having to let go for the one thing that’s missing.
Pick it up HERE

Until next time,
Lakisha

The Newlywed Diaries

2009-08-03T13:40:00.009-04:00

It's honest, it's fun, it's real...it's the Newlywed Diaries!

Hold onto your computers -- you ain't never seen marriage like this before. The long awaited Newlywed Diaries...watch how two couples deal with marriage, finances, children and sex. If you always wanted to ask the question, trust me, George, Sarah, Michelle and Thomas are going to answer it.

It's a no holds barred marriage thing going on. So come on over! Laugh, sigh or cry. Either way...It's right here on Urban Christian Fiction's blog - More than Just Drama!

Stay tuned for weekly episodes.

Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer
Author & Creator of the Newlywed Diaries
All rights reserved. ©2006 - 2009

Meet George & Sarah - Episode I
©2009 Wanza Leftwich

Dear Diary,

Can you handle that I tell you the truth
I paid my tithes, sowed my seed
Every day broke indeed
This is what I be
The dreams I see
Can you handle me telling you about me
Walking and talking
Shouting and praising
Depressed and gloom
Never seeing prosperity
Prosperity, you see
But is it for me
Do you see where I'm coming from?
Tossed in the night
Tears streaming down
Eyes of fright
Letting up on my fight
Praying you hear
Are you near?
Sounds so weak, but this is
How my heart beats.
Can I tell you the truth
Can I trust you
No question mark at the end
It is a rhetorical sin
Can you handle me
The thoughts I see
The rain I hear
The pound that resounds within my ears
Prosperity, you say again
Is it for me...

"That's all you ever do is write that crazy depressing poetry!" George snatched the diary out of my hand. "You think God gonna deliver you if you keep writing like that?"

This time I didn't move. I didn't reach for it. I didn't grab it. I knew what he would do. He was going to flip the page. I was going to let him. Gone on, flip it. I tried to spare your egoistical feelings, but you’ve done it this time. One more page and you're going to wish you never married me.

"What? Is this what you think?" George tore the pages out. "Is this what you think?"

A smile rose in my heart. Finally, the truth was out.

The List by Sherri Lewis

2009-08-02T06:00:00.003-04:00

Single and satisfied? Not Michelle, Angela and Lisa. These saved but sexy, successful black women think they’re getting too old to keep waiting on God to send their soulmates. Under the protective eye of their more spiritual sistergirlfriend, Vanessa, and the scrutiny of newly saved manhater, Nicole, the ladies go on a hilarious adventure to “be found” by their husbands.

Armed with their list of essential must-have’s, would-be-nice’s, icing-on-the-cake’s, and total-deal-breakers, they start their search – but soon encounter issues specific to the saved woman on the dating scene. Is online dating okay for Christians? How long do you wait before you tell the hottie you just met that you’re celibate and plan to stay so until married? He’s too fine to pass up – how saved does he really need to be? And of course, how do you keep things holy when he’s oh-so-sexy?

It’s not long before they realize they still have to trust God to know what’s best for them and that He loves them enough to send them everything on The List.

PICK UP YOUR COPY HERE!

Rhythms of Grace by Marilynn Griffith

2009-08-01T06:00:00.002-04:00

Grace Okoye was a promising young dancer when her career was cut short by a brutal assault that left her scarred for life. Twenty years later, when her past gets in the way of her happiness, she heeds the invitation of her dance instructor and returns home to help hurting children and rediscover the rhythms of grace. What she doesn't expect is to meet a man who already seems to know her beat. But for all they share in common, the biggest thing in Grace's life is noticeably absent in his--faith. She's finally found the love of her life, but can she choose between him and God? Real, raw emotion and the promise of redemption run through this soulful new book from Marilynn Griffith.

PICK UP YOUR COPY HERE!

Heavenly Places by Kimberly Cash Tate

2009-07-31T00:52:00.005-04:00

Treva Langston's life has suddenly been turned upside down. She lost her high-powered job, her family has returned to a town that brings only memories of heartache, and she's beset with uncertainty about what makes her worthy. To her husband, she's blind to the blessings of their young family; to her mother, her awkward homecoming is just another reason why she'll never be a success. Unable to shake her fears, Treva feels nothing can save her... Treva's sister understands that trials that come with self-doubt. So with the help of her women's prayer group, she invites Treva to ask God for what she can't do alone. Despite herself, Treva rediscovers the gifts and the people she never took time to value. She finds that the promised Heavenly Places she has always looked for have been in front of her all along.

About the Author
Kimberly Cash Tate, author of More Christian Than African American, is an enthusiastic writer who finds time to home-school her children and study Latin and Ancient Greek. She is a graduate of the George Washington University School of Law.

PICK UP YOUR COPY HERE!

Not Easily Broken - The Movie

2009-01-14T01:26:00.002-05:00

Marketing Month

2008-12-02T16:11:00.008-05:00

December 2008 is Marketing Month! Look for the updated site on 12/5/08. Check out our Marketing Feature for the month - Pam Perry of Ministry Marketing Solutions.

You don't want to miss December at Urban Christian Fiction!

More details will follow in the next post.

Many blessings,
Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer
Editor

Peace in Troubled Times

2008-10-14T01:36:00.001-04:00

Check out Rhonda' McKnight's new column at the Urban Lounge!

Wanza Leftwich
Editor
www.urbanchristianfiction.com

Urban Christian Fiction

2008-10-08T22:55:00.000-04:00

No Plotters Allowed

2008-09-12T14:24:00.002-04:00

October 1-26, 2008
"No Plotters Allowed!"
by Patti Berg & Allison Brennan
Registration $30 at www.WriterUniv.com/

Are you having problems in your WIP? Getting started? Have you tried every plotting method under the sun, from outlines to star charts to GMC grids, and still you're lost? Are you tired of people telling you there's a right way to WRITE?

Everyone gets stuck at some point or another. The key is to recognize WHY you have a problem in the first place. There are three primary reasons why writers block: 1) Personal 2) Craft 3) Story. (Notice we don't say PLOT.) Learn how to recognize what's causing YOUR block and ways to overcome each issue:

* Craft blocks like not knowing how to tell the story
* Story blocks like not knowing what to write next
* Personal blocks like non-supportive family
* Time management problems
* Fear of failure or fear of success
* Whatever keeps you from getting started writing

Patti Berg, USA Today bestselling author, saw her dream come true in 1994 with the release of her first book, Enchanted. Since then she's had thirteen other novels published by Avon, Jove and Warner Books.

Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author, once had (gulp) over 100 beginnings but no endings. After "getting serious" she's had six romantic thrillers published with six more in the pipeline.

In the Spotlight

2008-09-12T12:52:00.010-04:00

This month's In the Spotlight authors Maurice Gray and Sharon Oliver are hitting the bookstores with their books All Things Work Together and Keep Your Enemies Closer.

Read their about their books and pick up a your copies today!

Rhonda McKnight debuts New Urban Column

2008-09-12T12:33:00.011-04:00

Rhonda McKnight debuts her new monthly column at the Urban Lounge on www.urbanchristianfiction.com.

Rhonda vividly writes about What Christian Fiction is Not.

Join Rhonda every month for a new and informative take on Urban Christian Fiction.

Rhonda McKnight is the President of Visions in Print, the southeast Atlanta chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. Her debut novel, Issues of the Heart, will be released December 2009 with Urban Christian Books. A natural born orator she looks forward to reaching out to readers and aspiring writers through book club meetings and writing workshops. She grew up in New Jersey and now makes her home in Atlanta, Georgia with her family. For more information about Rhonda, please visit her site Rhonda McKnight on Urban Christian Fiction.

An Interview with Marilynn Griffith

2008-09-12T12:16:00.009-04:00

Wanza Leftwich, staff writer for the Urban Lounge had an opportunity to sit down with Marilynn Griffith for an exciting interview. Marilynn talks about her new book Rhythms of Grace and shares her views on how writers can deal with fear during the writing process.

Meet the Author
Please tell our readers a little something about yourself.
Sure! I'm a Christian, wife, mom, friend... I wear all the hats we women do. I serve in the prayer ministry and mom's ministry at my church. My husband is deacon. My daughters teach sunday school sometimes. We're usually in the van trying to get somewhere. LOL I'm just regular people.

Did you always dream of becoming an author?
Not really. I think I thought that being an author was out of reach. I'd been reading since I was four years old and usually have a book (or two) in my possession wherever I am. I never thought my name would be on one of them though.

When did you know you were called to write?
I had two pivotal experiences that confirmed my call to write. In 1994, while going through an extreme financial crisis, I cried out to the Lord and just saturated myself in the Word. The Lord directed me to go and get paper20from all my neighbors like the woman in the Bible went and gathered oil. I was confused, but I did it. Once I had all the paper (it was a mess, girl! Dot matrix, notebook, some of everything) I didn't know what to do, so I started praying. Still nothing. So then I started writing my prayers on the paper and it somehow turned into a story. I didn't know what Christian fiction was then (I'd pitched all my books when I got saved). I wrote until most of the paper was gone and then made the mistake of letting someone read it. They laughed at me...and I quit.

Read the entire interview here.

Marilynn Griffith is mom to a tribe, wife to a deacon and proof that God gives second chances. While best known for her colorful novels about friendship, family and faith, Marilynn is also a speaker and nonfiction writer. She has served as Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers and her novels have been featured in Charisma and Upscale magazines. She was also named a Christian Author on the Rise by Christian Retailing magazine in 2007. She is the author of eight novels and lives in Florida with her husband and children.

What is Urban Christian Fiction?

2008-09-12T12:09:00.003-04:00

Urban Christian Fiction is a genre of emotional, vivid and conflicting stories that mixes God, faith and the urban church. It does not purposely exclude violence or sex from its story line, but weaves it into the plot based upon its relevance. It closely resembles Urban Fiction or Street Lit except, God is the center of the character’s lives. Urban Christian Fiction usually portrays characters of African or Latino depicting urban culture. Click here to read more.