LEN BIAS: CROSSOVER
A novel
By: Michael D. McClellan | September 19, 2010
Alyssa sips from the glass. Holy water. I find myself thinking back to the very church service that moved me to walk that isle, and the power of Reverend Wallace's words in that sermon:
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. He that believeth on him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
"John 3:14-18," Alyssa says approvingly. "You remember the verses quite well."
"How did you know-"
"We are connected, remember?"
"But-"
"In John, Chapter 10, Jesus also says, 'I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.'"
My head is spinning. Familiar scripture as if straight from the pulpit, bringing with it a flood of memories and emotions. I close my eyes and I can see my mother leading bible study. My father serving communion. Church picnics. Vacation Bible School. How long had it been since I had last heard the Word of God? To hear these words now, delivered by one of God's angels, brings me to tears. Alyssa waits for me, allows me this moment. I gather myself. For the first time I grasp the true significance of my presence in this place.
"What happens to me now?"
"Yours is a very unique situation," she replies softly. "One of the rarest of all. When a person passes, the soul is taken and prepared for the afterlife. Then the soul is either welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven or it is banished to an eternity of suffering and punishment. Your soul is doing neither. You are returning to the physical world."
"Wait a second, what did you just say? Physical world? You mean I'm going home?"
"God's plan is perfect, Leonard. You were called away by making some very bad choices, but even this is a part of a bigger whole. It is time for you to take the next step in fulfilling God's purpose for you. It is time for you to return."
Excitement rushes through me. Jolts me. I'm on my feet like a shot. I feel very much like the death row inmate who has just received an eleventh hour stay of execution and a presidential pardon all at once. I also feel more than a tinge of guilt for conjuring this particular mental image, but I can't keep myself from imagining the possibilities - a second chance at life, the opportunity to see my family again, realizing my dream of playing professional basketball in the NBA.
Thank you God! Thank you!
My mind is going a million directions at once. I'll never do drugs again. I'll lead a Christian life. I'll be the real deal this time, nothing fake or phony, no talking out of both sides of my mouth. I'll dedicate every game I play to the Lord. I'll work hard. I'll be the first to practice and the last to leave. I'll be a good teammate. I'll be a good son. A good brother. I won't take my gifts for granted. I won't take life for granted.
"Oh my God, thank you, thank you, thank you..."
"There are two things you must remember before we proceed with your crossover. Both are very important. First, all of your memories remain intact - memories of your previous life, memories of our time together here. They are yours to do with as you wish. And finally, you possess free will. God will not exert His power over your actions, choices or thoughts. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Good." Alyssa stands up and offers her hand. "Are your ready, Leonard?"
"Yes."
"Then let's begin."
