Light cut through the colored glass windows. Joe had not slept well last night. His stomach was still upset and the muscles in his legs hurt from all the running he had done. Worst of all his head ached and each time Brother Greene pounded the pulpit with his huge fist, pain ricocheted through Joe's brain. For the umpteenth time he glanced at his watch. Kick off had just happened. It was bad enough to schedule a potluck meal on game day, but to preach passed noon, that had to be a sin. Brother Greene's cadence was at full volume. The whole congregation was restless except for Darryl. On the back pew beside his sister he was sound asleep with his mouth wide open. Danita saw Joe's glance and smiled at him. She rolled her eyes. Joe just shook his head.

  More time passed. Darryl snored and Danita elbowed him. The Texans game was well into the first quarter. Why didn’t Brother Greene shut up? He used to play pro ball and had been a linebacker. A nasty knee injury had ended his career. Maybe that was it, he was bitter about his short career and now he hated football. Joe slumped in the pew and closed his eyes. He might as well get a little nap too.

  Sleep came and teased him, he was sinking fast when he felt a strange vibration beside him. Joe opened one eye. Mama was crying. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks and her entire body shook. What the hell? Joe tuned into the sermon.

  Brother Greene pleaded, “What was can not be changed though it still haunts you. Release the past to God. He does not want us crippled by our pasts. He wants to comfort us, and heal our hurts. Take the lessons you learned, but let go of all the rest. Ask God to begin a healing work in you.” Joe noticed Brother Greene’s eyes were focused right on Mama.

  Anger then fear swept through Joe. Why was the preacher so intent on his mama? Brother Greene was widowed and there were some women after him. Joe glared at the preacher, but the preacher didn’t see him. He only had eyes for Mama. Mama's tear filled eyes were staring straight back at the preacher, and damn, there was something there. Was Brother Greene holding church over so he could stare at his mama?

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  Abruptly Mama looked down. Her body began to shake even harder. Joe stopped listening to the preacher. He reached for Mama’s hand. How dare that stupid preacher make his mama cry? Mama whispered, “He’s right you know. I got to move on with my life.”

  What did that mean? Their life was just fine. It worked perfectly. Joe noticed the room had grown silent, then Brother Greene asked, “Does any one have a word?”

  Dread filled Joe. This was the worst part of the service. People would go up to the pulpit and ramble on and on about what God was doing in their life. Mama raised her hand. Under his breath Joe said, “Crap.” He watched her go to the pulpit and smooth out her dress. She focused her eyes on the ceiling and began to sing unaccompanied, "His Eye is On the Sparrow." The last time Joe had heard her sing was three years ago. After that Mama stopped singing and dropped out of the choir. No body knew why. This morning all that pent up melody poured out of her like a rushing river. Her voice was strong pure and holy:

  "Let not your heart be troubled,

  his tender word I hear,

  and resting on his goodness,

  I lose my doubts and fears;

  Though by the path he leadeth

  but one step may I see:

  His eye is on the sparrow,

  And I know he watches me

  The entire congregation was moved, many had tears in their eyes. When she finished, the congregation applauded. Joe felt stunned. What had just happened?

  Brother Greene touched Mama’s arm. The gesture made Joe uneasy. There were tears in both their eyes. What the hell? Mama did not come back to their pew. She remained rooted beside Brother Greene as the choir sang the invitation. Fortunately no one felt the need to get saved or right with God.

  As soon as the final prayer was over Joe rushed to the front of the church. When he reached his mother, he felt suddenly embarrassed. He had no idea of what he should say to her. She said, "You got the keys, I know the game has started. Go on. I will get a ride home."

  "Thanks Mama." In Joe's peripheral vision Joe saw Darryl moving up the aisle towards him. He knew what he wanted. He wanted details. With a quick kiss to his mother's cheek, Joe ducked out the side entrance and raced to the parking lot.