Finding Peace (ePub)

This is a story about Andrea Evans who has been successful, both personally and professionally. After several life-altering losses, along with the arrival of Covid-19, she has hit her breaking point. She has considered all options, including suicide. While living off of anti-anxiety and anti-depressants, she is searching for "peace" in all the wrong places. Even her primary care physician has cut her off. When she attempts to go elsewhere, she feels a presence that causes her to flee for safety. She soon learns that her prayers had been answered. Which prayers and for what purpose is yet to be determined.

A "Man" with a mission, speaks to her heart. He makes her consider the relationship she has with God and how it has changed. He takes her to Heaven as an "Invited Guest" to witness the trial of man. The Adversary is seeking the judgment of man due to man's inhumanity to man. He raises several issues including the breakdown of the family including the fatherless home. He continues with environmental hazards, climate change, global warming, development of weapons of mass destruction, refugee camps, slavery, racism, injustice, etc. Even the killing of George Floyd gives insight into the mind of man.

The question that the trial of man raises is whether man should be judged now and not at the appointed hour. Also considered are the consequences of man's actions which includes the fact that one-third of all living animals in the seas, rivers and oceans have been killed off. Or the fact that one-third of all trees, plants and grass have been ravaged by forest fires and other disasters. Fresh drinking water for many has been depleted forcing some to drink bitter water. And, various stars, almost a third, are missing from our night sky. These smaller questions began to point to the larger one. Had the four trumpets from the book of Revelations blown and whether we have yet to witness the effects of the last three trumpets?

Andrea Evans discovers who is this mysterious man and how he has protected her over the years. She meets other "Invited Guests" like herself: Ishita is from a village near New Delhi, India. She had been raped by a group of men which alters her life. Ho Sung born in the Hoeryong Concentration Camp in North Korea witnesses' atrocities, yet he manages to escape. Ling from Thailand is raised in a brothel and becomes a child prostitute. Simba from Sudan was a child soldier taught to arm the vests of suicide bombers. And Oliver who went from one foster home to the next in Mobile, Alabama. Eventually he ran away to sell drugs in New York City. A murder attempt on his life altered his outcome.

Andrea Evans learns that the life that she wanted to give up on was actually a blessed life. Yet, she may be at risk of losing it. After her visit to Heaven, she must discern the call that is upon her life. In fact, all of the "Invited Guest" must discover the call upon their lives. They each were picked for a specific reason. Through this journey, Andrea Evans soon realizes that no one is what they seem. Surprises lurk around each corner. And, her call will require her strength, wisdom and understanding.