Unity

Ch.24: For the Greatest is Love

I had been to church a lot in my life. Before I had fallen into Pandestria, my Grandma Imogene often took me to her church- one of peace and love. I smiled at this as I sat outside on the steps, hands on my chin. Maud had surprised me the previous night when she told me that her family was Jewish, but not practicing. Of course, they celebrated the major holidays.

My thoughts were interrupted as Rarity pulled up in her convertible Ford Mustang, a 1972 to boot! My jaw dropped. I had never seen such a beautiful car. If I had been another car... anyway, Rarity giggled as she saw my reaction, and patted the passenger seat. In the back, I was surprised to see a friend of Apple Bloom and Sweetie's Belle's- Scootaloo, sitting in the back behind Rarity.

"Hi David" the tomboy greeted as I got into the car. I smiled and said hello, Rarity explaining that Scootaloo had went every week with her for a while.

"For me" Rarity said as she drove down the road, "I was devastated when my parents divorced. For me, I thought I was not a great kid, and that my parents got too stressed out. Mom and Dad reassured me but going to church always gives me the sign that all will be well."

I nodded. "I went with my grandma all the time. It was to a Methodist Church too" I smiled.

Rarity giggled. "I see. Is she still alive?"

I nodded. "Yes. She's seventy-nine. She is still highly active. Does physical therapy, goes to an old person's club... She enjoys it."

"Pardon me" Scootaloo said. "What does the voice in your head sound like?" she asked me.

As Rarity went to chastise her, I held a hand up. "No worries, Rarity. He has a deep voice, and his laugh is deep too. I haven't heard him in a few days though."

Scootaloo nodded. We had no clue that she too was to be involved.

But that's a tale for another night, my children.

` As we stepped into the common area, an older version of Lyra approached us. She wore a simple green dress. "Good morning, Rarity and Scootaloo!" she smiled, before turning to me.

"Rarity told me about you. Not getting into too much trouble, right?"

I nodded. "Nope. Maud keeps me in line."

"Good. Names Minty" she smiled. "Or Pastor Heartstrings. Lyra and Bon Bon are around somewhere. Feel free to help yourself to some coffee and doughnuts, you three."

We happily indulged, with me getting my favorite- an apple fritter. Scootaloo chatted with a friend from school named Diamond Tierra, and Rarity and I chatted with the aforementioned lovebirds. Soon enough, it was time.

For a service I will never forget.

I was used to a Methodist service, so the thing flew by for me. The donations, the songs, the passage reading. After a song finished, Pastor Heartstrings walked up to the lectern.

"This week, I have been thinking about a community here in Pandestria by Manehatten. A few weeks ago, this community was devastated as a storm knocked out power to much of the town. Older people were at risk of death. Thousands of dollars could have been wasted in food. And numerous other unpleasant things could have occurred.

But the nuclear power plant nearby took heed. It helped the town with generated power. Yes, televisions and the like became a luxury for a few days. Did anyone die? Go without food or shelter? Due to compassion, no one did!

There is a story talked about where a man falls into a hole. A priest and doctor refuse to help, but a friend does. We know we are commanded to help by Jesus, but it is in the truth that something deeper lies. It is the right thing to do.

In the last few years, our community has gone through some potentially catastrophic events. Events that could have destroyed our town and devastated our world. Seven girls said no. It is the stereotype that teenagers hold no allowance for compassion, or for the call to help thy neighbor. That holds no truth for those seven. Or for the man that helps a child repair the bike. The wealthy one that helps someone with groceries. I could go on and on.

I understand that not everyone can help monetarily. That is when our words become important. Or the offer to help sandbag a road so it may not flood. We have a responsibility to help. In this time of fall, let us all be filled with compassion, our hearts filled to the brim with love. Amen!"

As we left, my eyes welled with tears, everything overwhelming. I had seen that compassion firsthand from so many. Igneous and Cloudy had only one request- when it came time for school, to do the best I could.

The day after Labor Day began that awesome journey.