M. Grayson: Isabel's run

He took a breath as he looked from person to person. “I’m going to ask you some hard questions, and I’m not asking for a show of hands because some of you would be embarrassed. Just look in your heart instead. How many of you know somebody who’s involved in this sordid business? Some of these men are from around here. You know that. How many of you have received any money from these immoral, degenerate men? If you have, I want you to seek forgiveness from the Lord almighty. I tell you right here and now, brothers and sisters, you will not pass through to eternal salvation with this stain on your souls. No, sir. You will not! You need to choose sides and take a stand and, brothers and sisters, if you’re involved in this, you need to do it fast. You can trust me on this-you do not want to suddenly meet your maker with this item unresolved. You need to take a stand.”

“Amen,” said several people in the congregation, nodding their heads in agreement.

Reverend Art took a drink from a water glass on the lectern before he continued. “Like I said before, some of these immoral, degenerate men participating in this abominable activity are from right around here. You all knew these boys when they were kids.” He looked from face to face. “Some of you know them now. If any of you know any of these men, now that you understand what they’re doing, there’s no reason for you not to come forth and seek to stop it. Talk to them! Tell them to stop their sinning! Tell them they must turn to God. It’s up to you, my brothers and sisters! You need to take a stand!”

“Amen!” The audience was more enthusiastic now.

“For those of you with young children, you need to know that they are at risk! You need to gather those young children to you and nurture them and love them and protect them from these degenerates. There are monsters out there, and they are after your children! Don’t let them slide down the slippery slope of sexual enslavement-either as a slave or as a slave master. You need to take a stand!”

“Amen!” the members of the congregation stood and roared their agreement.

Reverend Art allowed the people to retake their seats. “That’s what this is about,” he said, more conversationally now. “It’s about taking a stand. Taking a stand and making a difference in the life of a young child.” It grew quiet for a few seconds.

“What about Isabel?” a congregation member suddenly called out.

Reverend Art looked at the woman. “What about Isabel Delgado?” he said. “What became of the girl who was so horribly abused?”

At that moment, the congregation gasped as Kelli Blair pushed a wheelchair carrying her friend Isabel Delgado from around the curtain behind the lectern. She pushed her to the center of the church, just in front of the altar. Kelli placed her hand on Isabel’s shoulder and then leaned forward and whispered into her ear.

Isabel sat up straight and smiled and waved shyly at her mother, who was seated in the front row of the congregation.

“Despite the horror that this girl had to endure,” Reverend Art said, “Isabel is one of the lucky ones. She fought back. And after a long battle, she’s winning.”

Kelli helped Isabel slowly rise to her feet.

The congregation collectively gasped and then rose to their feet and started clapping. From the second row, Danny Logan reached over and took his partner, Toni Blair’s hand. Both had tears in their eyes. Danny turned to her. “She made it,” he said.

Toni nodded. “Thanks to you,” she said.

Logan pursed his lips and shook his head. “Thanks to Kelli. Thanks to us.” He paused. “Mostly, thanks to God and thanks to Isabel herself. She's a fighter.”

When the congregation calmed, and everyone retook their seats, Reverend Art continued. “God has sent us Isabel to show us the resiliency of the human spirit-,” Reverend Art’s voice boomed, “and the courage of the human heart.” He paused. “And now,” he looked around, “now it’s in your hands. It’s up to you to take up her cause. Take a stand, brothers and sisters! Take a stand for Isabel and for all God’s children just like her.”