Anointed (Urban Books) Read online

  Anointed

  Patricia Haley

  www.urbanchristianonline.com

  All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Anointed

  Praise for #1 Essence Bestselling Author Patricia Haley and her Inspirational Novels

  Also by

  Acknowledgments

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Chapter 57

  Chapter 58

  Chapter 59

  Chapter 60

  Chapter 61

  Chapter 62

  Chapter 63

  Chapter 64

  Chapter 65

  Chapter 66

  Chapter 67

  Chapter 68

  Chapter 69

  Chapter 70

  Chapter 71

  Reading Guide Questions

  Author’s Note

  UC HIS GLORY BOOK CLUB!

  What We Believe:

  Copyright Page

  Anointed

  by

  Patricia Haley

  Praise for #1 Essence Bestselling Author Patricia Haley and her Inspirational Novels

  “A must read . . . highly recommend this book . . . promise you will not be disappointed.”

  —Urban Christian Fiction Today on Destined

  “Haley engages one with subtle intrigue and touches of comedy.... An intriguing read with a subtle inspirational message woven into the story . . . Riveting.”

  —Faygo’s Report

  “Haley has a gold mine with this series. If I was a hat wearer, it would definitely be off to her. All I can say to her right now is, You Go Girl!”

  —Member of LVAAABC Book Club

  “Haley showcases how God’s word can be misinterpreted with greed, lust, and selfishness.”

  —RAWSISTAZ on Chosen

  “Haley shared how God does choose the most unlikely person for ministry when we think there is no way. “A must read . . . Highly recommended.”

  —APOOO Book Club

  “Phenomenal. . . Haley did an outstanding job on each person’s outlook and how, without forgiveness, no problem can truly be solved.”

  —Urban Reviews

  “Haley has hit the mark yet again! I couldn’t put this book down—the characters are believable and compelling.”

  —Maurice M. Gray, Jr., author of All Things Work Together

  “The story grabs the reader from the beginning, drawing you in . . . and keeping you on the edge of your seat as the plot takes unexpected twists and turns.”

  —RT Book Reviews on Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

  “The perfect blend of faith and romance.”

  —Gospel Book Review

  “Haley’s writing and visualization skills are to be reckoned with. . . . This story is full-bodied. . . . Great prose, excellent execution!”

  —RAWSISTAZ on Still Waters

  “A deeply moving novel. The characters and the storyline remind us that forgiveness and unconditional love are crucial to any relationship.”

  —Good Girl Book Club

  “No Regrets offered me a different way, a healthier way based in faith and hope, to look at trying situations.”

  —Montgomery Newspapers

  Anointed is also available as an eBook

  Also by Patricia Haley

  Chosen

  Destined

  Broken

  Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

  Still Waters

  No Regrets

  Blind Faith

  Nobody’s Perfect

  Acknowledgments

  I’m grateful for each reader. My writing is for you. I hope that every book, including Anointed, inspires you to appreciate the power of forgiveness and to remember that everyone makes mistakes, but life goes on and there is hope in Jesus. Just as the main character, Dave Mitchell, had an undeniable calling on his life, a purpose that would not be silenced, so do you. Find out what it is and get about the business of fulfilling God’s purpose for your life—blessings to you.

  How can I honestly and thoroughly thank each person who has supported me during my writing journey? It’s impossible. So, I will state upfront how grateful I am to so many for attending my literary events, providing encouragement, showering me with well wishes, and praying for me. Thank goodness the Lord knows you by name and has the ability to bless your acts of kindness far beyond what I could ever do.

  There are several people who I have to call out by name. With tremendous love, I honor my beloved husband, super-supporter, and best friend, Jeffrey Glass. I’m also blessed to have such a wonderful daughter, “Sweetie Pie,” who’s my biggest fan and always encourages me in her own sweet way. Thanks to the rest of my phenomenal circle of loved ones—relatives (Haley, Glass, Tennin, and Moorman), sister-friends, fellow believers, sorors, friends, four beautiful goddaughters, god sisters/brothers, book reading nieces Azhalaun, Michelle, Ashley, and my parents—Fannie, Deacon Earl Rome, and Jeraldine Glass who continuously pray for me and show up at my events. Without fail, I honor the memories of my daddy (“Luck”), brother (Erick), and father-in-law (Walter). There are some who have literally gone the extra mile, like the Martin family (Eddie, Regina, Sierra, and Mariah) who drove hundreds of miles from Maine to surprise me at my book signing—you’re the best. Thanks to my dear cousins Alesha Russey and Mia James, who are much better at announcing my books on Facebook than I am.

  I couldn’t possibly forget my freelance editors. You’ve truly challenged me to sharpen my craft and deliver stronger stories. Thank you Emma Foots, Laurel Robinson, Kirkanne Moseley, Tammy Lenzy, Dorothy Robinson, and Renee Lenzy. Thanks to my hubby and Leslie Walker Harding for hosting me run my story ideas by you and always showing such excitement. Special thanks to Andrew Stuart, Joylynn Jossel-Ross, and the Urban Books team (great book cover). I also have to thank Shirley Brockenborough, Maleta Wilson, and Audrey Williams for the years of support. Thanks to Sirius Web Solutions for keeping my web site. Thank you to my Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sisters, especially my chapter Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates (IL), Rockford (IL), Valley Forge (PA), Milwaukee (WI), Louisville (KY), Madison (WI), Greater Cleveland (OH) Alumnae Chapters, and Omicron Chi (Stanford, CA). Many thanks to my church families at Beulah Gr
ove (GA), New Covenant (PA), Church of Acts (PA), World Overcomers Church (IL), and Trowbridge (CA). I’m grateful to a long list of book clubs, media venues, booksellers, and ministries who have blessed me: First African-Sharon Hill (PA), Circle of Hope-Jones Memorial (PA), Sharon Baptist (PA), CLC Ministries Int’l (PA), Women of Character (FL), PWOC (FL), Towne Book Center (PA), Women of Valor (IL), Sista’s Empowered and Making a Difference (DE), Susan Jarrett and The Bookees (MD), Sherry Zabikow at B&N (IL), and Rockford Public Library (Staci and Faye).

  I extend a special shout out to: my big brother Fred & Gloria Haley, Bob Thomas, Lorena Skelton, Frances Walker, Little Freddy Deon Haley, and my fellow author, Kimberla Lawson Roby, who’s always been more of a sister than a cousin to me. I’m always grateful for your prayers and support. I love each of you dearly.

  Anointed is dedicated to a special group of women in my life (my “other moms”) who have showered me with an abundance of love and support over the years. I was blessed from birth with my incredible mother, Fannie Haley Rome, and a host of wonderful aunts who have loved me unconditionally every day of my life. To have an extra dose of motherly love and prayers from these honorable women is one of God’s abundant blessings.

  Mary (Don) Bartel

  Emira (Leroy) Lymons Bryant

  Emma Collington

  Dottie (Ron) Fisher

  Norma (Al) Foote

  Emma (John) Houston Foots

  Soror Thelma (Freddie) Robins Gould

  Carolyn (Pastor Gus) Howell

  Ann (Michael) Jarvis

  Dorothea (Ravi) Kalra

  Rosa L. Lawson

  Joan Vaughn Walker

  Dear Washington (grandmother)

  Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.”

  . . . and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came

  upon David in power.

  1 Samuel 16:12–13

  Prologue

  Dave wasn’t blinded by the moment. The spring breeze danced across the river, brushing across his face as he sat on the park bench. “I can’t marry you,” he told Madeline.

  “Why not? This isn’t fair to me. We’ve been together for over a year. I finally ask you to get serious about our relationship and suddenly you clam up?”

  “I have my priorities. I’ve committed my life to serving the Lord, and I’m not asking you to take my journey with me,” he said.

  “But you can’t decide for me. I know who you are and what you stand for, Mr. Dave Mitchell. Don’t you understand that I love you unconditionally?” Dave wasn’t sure she fully grasped what was at stake. “You have to understand, there will be sacrifices.”

  “So what, I get it.”

  “I’m not sure you do. There will be times when I have to put my calling front and center, both personally and professionally.” Dave leaned forward on the bench and peered into her eyes. “It sounds like no big deal as we sit here and talk, but what happens ten years from now when we have kids? You’ll want me home with you and the kids, and many times I won’t be able to respond the way you want. Trust me, you won’t be as calm as you are right now.”

  “Try me. I know what it will take, and I’m not afraid to go after what I want.”

  “And I don’t want to rush into a decision.” Dave’s heart wanted to say “yes, let’s get married today.” But wisdom wasn’t jumping up and down. He’d have to reconcile his head and heart. Prayer and fasting would be the key.

  “Dave, you’re talking to someone who juggled three part-time jobs when I was getting my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business. You don’t have to explain to me about how to bring a vision to fruition. I’ve lived it. Besides, you shouldn’t worry too much. I’m not the needy type, clinging to your every word or trudging so close behind you that I can see the hairs on the back of your neck. That’s not me. I plan to have my space, and you can have yours to do what you must.” Her argument was compelling. Even though she was in her early twenties, it was clear Madeline knew exactly what she wanted and didn’t mind stating her case. Her strength shoved him toward a proposal, but not completely. Dave wasn’t an impulsive man. He lived by the leading of the Lord. Peace and wisdom guided him like guardrails on an open road, nudging him in the way he should go when making decisions. “Marriage is a sacred union, a lifetime partnership, not to be taken lightly.”

  “I know that, and it doesn’t change my position.”

  “You’re tough, Madeline,” he said, softening as the gentle breeze continued stroking his face and his resolve.

  “Have to be.”

  There was no doubt that she sparked his creative flame. She was smart, funny, and carried a persona that stood up and made him take notice. But was she the one for him down the road? A wrong move in marriage could derail his mission of taking financial management and leadership training to as many churches in the world as he could reach. Pouring wisdom into those on the frontlines and restoring credibility in the religious sector was his number one goal.

  He waited to get a warm feeling or voice of confirmation about marrying Madeline. No lightning bolts shot from heaven. The earth didn’t shake. The head of God didn’t pop through the clouds and speak. Dave had long since passed the thunderbolt revelations. He’d learned to hear God in the stillness of the moment and the quiet whispers of His voice. Madeline felt right. She was challenging but he could manage that. Besides, he was also wired to handle adversity.

  They proceeded with a wedding service four months later, followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony at Dave Mitchell International (DMI). The push forward gave Dave an immediate chance to prove just how much his thirty-one years of life experience could handle.

  Chapter 1

  “Amen,” Dave echoed, closing out his prayer as he opened the office door and asked the gentlemen sitting in the hallway to come in. “Mr. Jefferson, please have a seat,” he said, gesturing for him to take a seat at his conference table. “I know you’ve been working with Madeline, but she’s not able to join us today.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m sure I’ll be in good hands with you.”

  “That’s for sure. Can I get you anything?” Dave asked, allowing his client to get comfortable before swooping in like a hawk to close the deal. Jefferson had no clue as to how close he was to being caught in the DMI net.

  “Nothing for me,” Mr. Jefferson said.

  “Then let’s get down to business,” Dave said, straightening the cuff of his sleeve and glancing up at the photos of Presidents Carter and Reagan. He’d met both of them during the last election. “Your church is drowning in bills and money problems. You need help and I’m the one to give it to you.”

  “Maybe, but at what price?”

  “Well, how much is a credible reputation worth to you?” Dave grabbed a pad of paper from his desk and a pen. He jotted down several numbers. “Let’s see here. You have forty churches and at least half your staff needs to be trained,” Dave said, getting his calculator. “By the time we lay on a few administrative costs, we’re looking at three hundred twenty-five thousand.”

  “Come on, where are we going to get that kind of money?”

  “What were you expecting?” Dave asked, laying his pen down and locking his fingers. He’d seen guys like Jefferson countless times. They wanted something for nothing and he wasn’t the one to give it to them.

  “I was expecting something more like ten thousand dollars to get nine or ten people trained.”

  “Well thanks for stopping in. Sorry we can’t help you,” Dave said, extending his hand to Mr. Jefferson.

  “What, that’s it, no negotiation?” Mr. Jefferson asked, appearing surprised.

  “Nope, that’s not how this works,” Dave said.

  “Okayyy,” he responded. “You got me, I’m listening.”

  “I’m not here to sell you a boatload of services. I’m not here to twist your arm, but it seems to me that you’re the one with the financial problem and need my help. If that’s true, fine, let�
�s work a deal,” Dave said, leaning his elbow on the table. “However, I’m not going to waste your time, and I’m certainly not going to let you waste mine. Ten thousand isn’t even close to what I’m looking at for the kind of mentoring and training that you need. If you can’t come up to six figures, this conversation is over. No harm, no foul,” Dave said, dropping back in his chair, sporting a grin.

  “That’s fair. I can come up to one hundred and fifty thousand,” Mr. Jefferson said, as Dave anticipated.

  “Great, now we’re getting somewhere.”

  “Are you saying that’s a number you’re willing to accept?”

  “No way,” Dave said, laughing loudly, then cutting it off instantly. “But at least it lets me know that you’re serious and not here to waste my time, because that, my friend, would end up costing you.”

  “You’re a tough cookie.”

  “I have to be if I’m going to help clients like you,” Dave said, relaxing in his chair, silently thanking God that there would be one more band of churches getting their acts together and averting bankruptcy. Another one down, many to go before he could rest.

  Chapter 2

  September was bold. The autumn light splashed itself into the foyer, refusing to be hidden by the floor-to-ceiling blinds. Madeline sat at the bottom of the winding staircase dressed like she was going for a jog, but looks were deceiving. Her tired bones could barely walk up and down the stairs let alone contemplate running. Her days and nights were beginning to feel the same—exhausted when she lay down and the same when she got up in the morning. She didn’t anticipate today being any different. The days of relaxing and being in control of her time had long since passed. Juggling priorities had become her gift from the moment their first child arrived seven years ago, followed by two more.