“You embarrassed me out there today in front of everyone. You owe me an apology,” said Pastor Mark.
“Dad, I’m sorry that I slapped you, but I am also sorry that you can’t accept that there are mistakes in the Bible and that Chad is a better preacher than you,” said Stacy.
“Chad isn’t even a licensed preacher, pastor, or evangelist! Besides, we must maintain the inerrancy of scripture or people won’t know what to believe!” said Mark.
“Then you have made an idol out of the Bible. God existed before paper and ink and is still the king of the universe, not you. I am not sure exactly what to believe about the Bible either, but I know Chad cares about doing the right thing and wants the children to know about Jesus,” said Stacy.
“Since when did you take Chad’s side over your father?” said Mark.
“There are sides now?! We should be on the same side. Besides, God is my father because we are all God’s children. If you had been listening to what Chad was saying, you would understand that. I do regret yelling at you and slapping you, but only because it was a bad example in front of the children. I don’t know where Chad is going with this new Sunday School mission he started, but I want to be there and support him without getting in the way,” said Stacy.
“I see what’s going on here! You like Chad!” said Mark.
“Of course I like Chad. Everyone in Podunk likes Chad because he is a good man who helps people in need, and he loves children and animals,” said Stacy.
“No, they like Chad because he wins at soccer and he is rich. They will probably believe anything he says because he is the town superstar. Even so, I am glad you finally found a rich guy you can marry,” said Mark.
“Not that it is any of your business what relationship I have with Chad or anyone else, but you have the wrong idea. I love Chad for who he is, not because of his money, car, fame, or good looks, or his soccer-playing golden retriever dog,” said Stacy.
“So you DO love Chad!” said Mark.
Stacy paused for a minute, looking deep in thought, and then finally got up from her chair at the dinner table. She grabbed her purse and walked out the front door of her dad’s house.
“Hey, where are you going!” yelled Pastor Mark.
“I am gonna talk to my new boyfriend, Chad!” said Stacy.
“No, you aren’t. We are not done talking about this!” said Mark.
“Actually, Pastor Mark, we are. You just don’t like that you are not in charge anymore, and you’re no longer my dad either,” said Stacy.
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