This is a work of fiction. Names; characters; places and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.
Beautiful Home. Barney E Warren. 1911. Lyrics used by permission.
This book is dedicated to my girls. The ones who work tirelessly with and for their children, yet spare the time to encourage me to follow my dream.
Prologue
Gabriel
Today is a day like no other before it. The preparations are complete and the plan now in motion. Heaven is alive with hope at the prospect of what is to come. After careful planning by our Father, change is on the horizon.
“Gabriel, my son, come. Join me and watch as Heaven's greatest gift is unveiled to the world. Today is a day one will not soon forget. You must be a part of it.”
I love my father a great deal. More than that, I have the utmost faith in him, but there was a small part of me knowing what is to come, that still had my doubts.
“Are you sure she's ready for the magnitude of this endeavor? Would it not be better for her, having more time to prepare?”
“You doubt me, Gabriel? Having witnessed what I can do, you fear what we are about to embark on?”
“You know by now that I have the utmost faith in your ability to lead us all, sir. I only concern myself with her, as was your intent giving me my orders was it not? If she is to be a saving grace for the humans and essentially the second coming of Heaven on Earth, should she not be prepared for any and all complications?”
“I would not be secure with sending her if I thought for a second that she was not ready. It is her time and she will not be alone. You will be there to guide her down the right path should she falter.”
“My greatest achievement has always been the world, as you well know. In recent years, there has been a loss of faith. With her inception we will change that and bring about a better tomorrow for generations to come.”
From the very moment of my creation, Father spoke of the magnificence of Earth and all that inhabit it. In recent years, it seems to be on a rapid decline. Dark forces have begun to descend, leaving a great deal of chaos in their wake. After watching and working where we were permitted, it is now time to look at the bigger picture.
Taking the light back from the darkness.
Serenity is such a deserving name for the angelic ball of light that is now set to make her descent upon the earth. She will restore a sense of peace to a world gone mad and also to a group of heavenly hosts that were slowly losing their faith.
I have a part to play in this moment as well, more than that of the casual observer. I am to be her guardian. To watch over her as she makes her entrance, remaining until the very moment she is called back home, protecting her and showing her the way. I am tasked just as much as Serenity herself in saving what is left of the world. Not something I take lightly.
It is possible my hesitation is not regarding Serenity and the undertaking at all, but centered on my own ability. Can I really follow through and do what Father asks of me? Am I strong enough to hold it all together if for some reason it fell apart?
“My son you must not let the seed of doubt grow within you. Just as I have the utmost faith in Serenity, I also have it in you. Everything you have experienced up until this moment has been to prepare you to take your rightful place by my side. You must not be swayed from that.”
It should have come as no shock that he read my mind. All thoughts are visible to the Almighty. There could be no secrets, no thoughts better left hidden. He knew them all. The pride in his voice as he spoke to me from his heart was crippling in its intensity.
All any child ever wants is their parent’s approval and hearing it from him now, filled with a confidence I have never truly known, empowered me. If he believed in me then I could do this. I would do this for him, my brothers and sisters, but most of all for the world.
“I will forever cherish your never ending faith in me and I will not let you down. I will prove myself worthy.”
It is my sacred duty as an agent of Heaven after all.