Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.
Matthew 5:11

Melchour

The situation left us with no choice, but honestly, I didn't regret a single moment of it. As the minutes passed, I caught myself completely caught up, just staring at the woman before me.

Shouldn't I be looking away? I thought. At the window, at my hands—anywhere but at her.

I knew I should. But somehow... I just couldn't.

After a few failed attempts to break the trance, I finally shifted my gaze, turning to watch the changing scenery outside the bus window. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.

How long has it been since I've felt this way?

I closed my eyes briefly, trying to quiet my racing thoughts. Lord... restrain me. Give me wisdom. How should I handle this?

As soon as we stepped off the bus, Johanna turned back and waved goodbye, her steps quick and light as she headed for the university gates.

A subtle smile tugged at my lips. I found myself watching the way her long, dark hair flowed down her back.

Is there anything more captivating than this?

Johanna

I tried to keep my head down as I rushed out the university gate. My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might jump right out of my chest.

What's wrong with me? I thought, breathless. Why do I feel like this whenever he's near? I shook my head as if trying to snap myself out of it. It's not like I'm attracted to him... right?

"Hey girl! How was yesterday?" Mercy's cheerful voice snapped me back to reality. I looked up and saw her waving, her whole face lighting up. It was like she was glowing.

"Uh... it was great!" I managed a smile. "I got to hang out with the most amazing people! Hey... Mercy, you look incredible today. There's just something about you. Like you're glowing or something."

Her cheeks flushed a little, and she laughed softly. "Oh... well, I guess that's what happens when God does something in your life. Maybe... it's His presence shining through."

We started walking together, our steps falling into sync.

"That's so amazing," I said, glancing at her. "I'm just really happy for you. You don't know how much it means to me to see you this way."

"Thanks," she said softly. "And thank you for sharing Him with me. Now I understand why you changed so fast. I'm happy too... but—" Her smile faltered a little. "Is it really true? That when you decide to follow Christ, people will just... hate you? Even if all you're doing is trying to do the right thing?"

Her question caught me off guard. I stared at her for a moment, wondering what she might have experienced. The memory of Pastor Melchour's message from yesterday resurfaced in my mind, along with a pang of sadness about my own family.

"Yeah... that's actually what the message was about yesterday," I said quietly. "Pastor Melchour shared something Jesus said: 'Blessed are you when people persecute you because of My name's sake, for your reward in heaven is great.'"

Mercy looked thoughtful. "I'd love to hear more about that. I just don't get it. Why would people hate us for following Him?"

I nodded slowly. "It's hard to understand, isn't it? But I think it's because the world hated Him first. Even though He did nothing but good. And so... anyone who follows Him might face the same kind of rejection. It's like... the world can't stand the light because it exposes the darkness."

Mercy gave a small, understanding nod, and I felt a sense of wonder settle over me. Just a few weeks ago, we were gossiping about classmates, planning parties... and now we were talking about faith and life. It was surreal.

"I guess that makes sense," she said quietly. "But it feels like we've still got a lot to learn."

"I feel the same way." I gave her a quick hug as we reached my assigned room. "But for now, let's get to class first. See you later, Mer."

"See you!" She replied, waving as she walked towards the room adjacent to ours. With this, I hurried to my seat just as the professor walked in.

"Good morning, everyone!" he said, clapping his hands together. "Let's dive right in. Today's topic is easy, and I say that because I know you've covered it in every year of high school." He grinned. "It's one of the most common types of speeches in English. Anyone want to guess what it is?"

"Informative?" someone called out.

"Nope. Anyone else?"

"Persuasive?" another student said.

"Exactly!" he said. "So, here's the plan. You'll each prepare a short persuasive speech—just five minutes—on 'Methods to Change the World,' connected to our program's theme. You've got ten minutes to plan it. I'll choose fifteen people to present today. The rest will go next class."

The room buzzed with activity as students pulled out their notebooks. My mind started racing. Methods to change the world? So many ideas, but deep down, I knew there was one truth that stood above them all.

Mercy's words came back to me, along with that verse from yesterday. I hesitated. Would it be weird to say it in front of the whole class? What would they think of me?

I closed my eyes for a second, feeling the minutes tick by, and whispered a silent prayer. Lord, I know this truth. Help me not to be afraid to speak it.

I began scribbling down my thoughts, determined to write what was on my heart.

I was still jotting down my opening lines when the professor started calling names. "First, Miss Reyes. Next, Mr. Lorenzo. Third... Miss Dumay."

My heart skipped a beat. I hurried to finish at least a few paragraphs. As the first student went up to present, I felt my stomach twist into knots. My hands were shaking.

A few minutes later, the professor called my name. "Miss Johanna Dumay?"

I stood, my legs feeling weak beneath me. I forced a smile and walked to the front of the class.

"Uh... g-good morning..." My voice wavered. All eyes were on me, and for a moment, I felt completely exposed.

"Go ahead, dear," the professor said gently.

I took a deep breath. No matter what happens, Lord, let Your will be done.

"There are so many ways people might suggest to change the world," I began, my voice shaky at first. "There are lots of ideas out there—policies, inventions, movements—but I've come to realize that all of them are just parts of a bigger truth. And that truth is something, or rather Someone, who has the power to really change the world. I know because... He changed me."

I paused, meeting the eyes of a few classmates.

"I've made so many mistakes in my life—wasted time, hurt people, made choices that almost destroyed me. But something happened that turned my life upside down. Someone gave me hope when I had none. And I believe... He's the only One who can truly change the world, if we let Him." I drew in a steadying breath. "And that Someone is... Jesus."

A ripple of laughter broke out from the back of the room.

"Oh, come on. Seriously, Johanna?" one guy said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What, are you gonna pray the world into a better place?"

Laughter spread through the room, and I felt my face burn.

"Let her finish, Mr. Lorenzo," the professor said firmly, silencing the snickering.

I swallowed hard and kept going. "That's my method of changing the world. I know it sounds simple, but if He could change someone like me... I believe He can change anyone. We can try every method and idea we come up with, but if people's hearts don't change, then nothing really changes. If we want to change the world, we have to start at the very foundation..." My voice softened as I finished, "...with ourselves."

For a moment, the room was completely silent. I felt every pair of eyes on me as I returned to my seat, my cheeks flushed with a mix of shame, fear, and... something deeper. I closed my eyes, fighting back the urge to cry.

A verse echoed in my mind, over and over, like a quiet song. And in that stillness, I felt a gentle reassurance settle over me, warm and certain.

I'm with you, My child.

I opened my eyes slowly and glanced around the room. My hands were still trembling, but somehow, I knew ... this was just the beginning.
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