A man's heart plans his way, but [it is] the Lord [that] directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

I slowly sat down as I read through the notes I was supposed to preach last night. The words 'Rivers of Living Water' typed bold on the top portion of the paper. The Holy Spirit, however, seemed to will something else, for instead of these notes, a message written straight from my heart was heard.

Indeed, many are the plans in man's heart, but it's the Lord's Will that will stand.

The memory of the events flashed in my mind as I remembered the woman I've brought here the other night. Amazed, a smile was formed on my lips as I recanted how she responded to the message earlier. Nothing really is impossible with God.

When I first saw her, it was as if dark shadows encompassed her whole being, misery emanating from her countenance. But when I saw her walking the church hallways this morning, she seemed like a totally different woman. It was always a thrill, to see an old self die and a new creation arise.

I wonder how she's doing, right now? Has she perhaps left already? I swung my hands behind my head for support as I stared at the ceiling, releasing a breath as I shut my eyes momentarily.

"Pastor Melchour?" A knock from the door broke the silence that filled the room, and with this, I shifted in my seat.

"Yes, enter," The door slowly opened, revealing Shiela, one of the members of our church.

"Pastor, the woman Johanna Dumay is about to leave, she requested to relay her words of deep gratitude to you."

"Oh, she's leaving? Why don't you call her in so she can say it personally?"

"Is that okay with you Pastor? I thought you might want to rest, yesterday was quite intense." A curious smile was drawn on her lips, her gaze unaltered as she leaned upon the office entrance.

"Nah, that's okay. I'm sure it won't take long." I assured with a smile.

"Okay then, if you say so Pastor..." She replied gladly, closing the door behind her at my word. At the door's click, I began to compose myself, and it didn't take very long when a knock was once more heard from the door.

"Come in,"

The door slowly swung open, revealing a woman clothed in a pastel blue dress. As soon as she closed the door behind her, she stood afar and fixed her gaze to my direction, as though unsure of what she is to do next.

"Please take a seat," I offered, "Miss Johanna, isn't it?"

"Yes," She confirmed "It's Johanna Dumay, Pastor,"

"Alright, Johanna, Shiela had relayed your words. I just wanted to speak to you briefly before you go. How do you feel now?"

Sitting down, she slowly lifted her head and looked at me sincerely. "I..." She paused and took in a breathe, "I've never felt better, Pastor." My lips curved to a smile at her response. "I know Shiela had already relayed my words, but I'd want to say it again. Thank you so much for yesterday Pastor, and more importantly, thank you for your kind gesture the other night." She lowered her gaze and spoke once more, "I wouldn't know where I'd be if you hadn't... Taken me."

The more I listened to her speak, the more I somehow felt fascination grip my being. How greatly had her countenance changed in one night. The darkness that I saw hovered over her before, now had totally disappeared.

"That's a Glory to God. I pray God will continue to reveal Himself to you as you continue to serve Him..." I replied, appreciative of how her upturned eyes seemed to smile along with her lips.

"Yes, yes certainly Pastor, I--" A phone's ringtone interrupted her speech, and wonder surged my mind as I saw her smile fade upon looking at it.

"What's the matter?" Her eyes were tainted with sadness as she met my gaze.

"I am sorry Pastor, I'm afraid I need to leave now, it's my aunt, she'd kill me if I don't show up in 15 minutes." She replied in dismay.

"Is that so?" I nodded in percipience, "Alright then, but before you go, is it okay if I pray for you?" She nodded and slowly bowed her head. After the prayer, she stood up and went for the door.

"Thank you so much again, Pastor. See you..." She turned her head and peered over her shoulder. "...next Sunday," A wave of bliss engulfed my being at her word.

"See you, Johanna," She flashed me a smile and closed the door. With this, I reclined to my seat in satisfaction. I will see her again.

I hurriedly went out of the church grounds and looked for a cab. I'm so in trouble... and yet, I couldn't bring myself to regret going out that night. If I haven't I would never have experienced what happened yesterday. I quickly called the first cab I saw coming and rode.

"Rimestone restaurant, please" Upon my word, the taxi driver nodded and advanced the vehicle. I hope I get there on time. Nervosity stirred in my core as I thought of how my Aunt would deal with me. I could only hope, that she would believe my explanation when I get there.

As I peered through the vehicle's window the face of Pastor Melchour flashed in my mind. How could someone be that good at speaking? Was it just the speaking that is good, or was it what Pastor Marina said - the Anointing? What in the world is that? I narrowed my gaze as I felt curiosity fill my mind. Perhaps that's why electric currents seem to run through my body each time he prayed for me. Now I'm kinda beginning to believe that there's such a thing as superpowers, only that... It's from God Himself.

---

"I'm sorry Aunt Riza, I really am. I didn't mean to be out that long it's just that we had a revival and--"

"What Revival? What exactly is that!?" My Aunt questioned, her voice echoing with ire. I lowered my gaze and sighed.

"Look at this dress Aunt Riza, it's not mine. Do you ever see me wearing such?" I took hold of the dress' skirt, slightly lifting it for emphasis, "One of the ladies in the church let me borrow it cause my clothes aren't yet dry. Please, Aunt Riza, I'm not lying!"

"You little-!" I gasped in pain as I felt my hair pulled violently from my scalp. Wincing as her hands shoved my head to various directions.

"Aunt Riza, please!" I whimpered. Her grip loosened. "-I-I'll make it up to you this week Aunt Riza... I'll serve in the restaurant after classes for the whole week." Her fingers slowly lifted from my hair. And with this, I stepped away in haste.

"Crazy wench..." She cursed, banging the kitchen door as she walked away. My hands caressed my chest as slowly I felt my heart calm.

I clasped my lids, squeezing the tears from eyes. "Lord," I breathed, "I know my Aunt's behavior towards me may take time to change, but Lord I need You... help me through this."

I got on to finish all my work in the restaurant and left for my apartment, burdened still of my Aunt's hostility towards me. Ever since I came to the city to study she was all I could turn to, but I never expected that the hatred she had towards my mother would be passed on to me as well. Somehow I couldn't blame her, though. What my mother did was really horrible, I admit. Stealing from her and then running away with another man was the last thing one would expect a sister to do. I just pray that someday, she'd find it in her heart to forgive my mother for the horrible thing she had done. And that I be able to do so with her as well.

"I am so glad this day is over." I sighed as I entered my apartment, only to be welcomed by the stench of Emperador and smoke. Oh goodness, I groaned in frustration. "Not quite over Johanna, not quite."

---

I lifted the new sling bag to my shoulder and took a last glance at myself in the mirror. For a moment I couldn't seem to recognize the woman staring back at me. The usual loose gangster sweater now was replaced with a blue shirt and a cardigan, the tattered jeans that once hung unseemly on my waist now replaced with dark denim jeans. The smile that had always rigidly adorned on my lips now looked warmer, more genuine.

Born again.

I blew a satisfied sigh as I left for the door. Indeed, nothing is impossible with God.

---

"Anna! Good morning! You owe me one why'd you disappear the other ni-wait..." My gaze lowered as I saw Mer's expressions change.

"What?" I asked, feigning ignorance.

"Hmm," She stopped walking and took hold of my shoulders, her eyes examining me like a doctor assessing a patient.

"Something seems to be different about you..." Her eyes narrowed as she spoke, which then widened as she looked at my clothes. "Who gave you those clothes? You look so..." She began to laugh.

"Decent?" I flashed her a smile. "I bought it. Yesterday night."

"Really, so you're on your 'good student' fashion season these days, huh?" She teased. I shook my head and looked at her intently. Although I don' t think looking would actually give her the right idea.

"Not really... it's a, uh... maybe I should explain to you later, but for now, let's just say it's my new preferred dress code." I explained turning my gaze away.

"Okay, whatever. You still haven't answered me, though," She spoke up, walking beside me as we entered one of the college buildings. "Why'd you disappear the other night?"

I bit my lip as I prepared a response, unsure of how to narrate the events. "I didn't really go anywhere per se, it was kinda, uhm..." I sighed in defeat. "I'll tell you all about it later Mer. For now, I really need to go to the library. I really need to get this essay printed fast." I replied, stopping in my track as I looked towards the building a few meters away.

"Okay then," She nodded, "See you later, Anna!"

"See ya!" I replied as I watched her walk away, and upon seeing her get into her building, I began sprinting to the library. Taking my phone out, my gaze widened as I saw the time. "Eleven more minutes," I whispered, speeding through the stairs towards the Library entrance.