Here is an excerpt from a book I am editing for publication. I hope to finish before the end of the year.  The book is partially based on some of the hardships I encountered growing up in a single-family home with my mother.  We had to endure many bad roommates, but we also met some wonderful Christian people, who helped our family in ways we could never have imagined.  The book was written in the late 80s and early 90s.  I added a brief dialogue about a CD ROM car navigational system. We take it for granted that we can get these things on our phones and cars today.  In the late 80s, they were beginning to become popular.  I hope you enjoy this brief chapter. I plan to place the whole book on this site for free. This will be for a limited time. I would appreciate any feedback from you the reader. This will help me get some early reviews and boost sales. Thank you so much. 

Chapter Into: 

I was at one of the lowest points in my life when I met Michael.  He invited me to a rock concert at his church that changed my life and gave me a reason to live. 

Chapter 6 Michael's Invitation

As Joe walked into homeroom, Michael, one of his classmates, handed him a sheet of paper and said, "Degarmo and Key, a Christian rock band, is playing tonight at my church."

Joe had never been to a Christian Rock concert, which excited him until he remembered his Mom was working. He didn't want to return the invitation to Michael, but Joe didn't have a way to the concert. The idea of asking Michael horrified him.

Michael noticed Joe's sad expression, as he handed him the flyer. “What’s wrong? You won't get in without the tickets on the back. It's free and I know you will enjoy their music." 

"I want to come, but I can't make it tonight. My Mom is working."

“I could give you a ride."

"No, I don't want to be a bother."  

Nonsense, said Michael. "I would love to spend some more time with you." 
Joe smiled for the first time since Kelly broke his heart. "Thank you so much."

“No Problem. I know what its like not to have a car.”

After school, Joe beamed with excitement. He was going to watch DeGarmo and Key perform live. What an interesting name, he thought to himself.  

He hurried home to take a shower and get ready. Joe was glad to see his Mom and tell her the great news.  Jane smiled. She had been praying for her son, and it was so good to see him happy again.  

At 6:15 Michael drove up. Joe was waiting at the curb, he didn't want to be late. As Joe got in the car he noticed a large object on the dash. What is this?

We call it a CD ROM Navigation System.  If we don't know where we are going, it will help us. The system provides an on-screen map of Birmingham on the CDs. It's experimental and came with the car. Toyota is the first to develop these kinds of navigational systems. However, the Government has created other types that use satellites instead of these CDs.  The satellites are more reliable and have been proven to give more accurate directions.

"Cool" Joe stared at the screen, almost mesmerized by its colors and flashing lights.

"I thought that when I first saw it. But the system needs a lot of work. I had to run around 2 times coming to your house. Well, here we are First Baptist Church on the right.

Joe looked away from the screen and saw a large and beautiful building. There were stained glass murals on all the windows and a gigantic steeple with a cross at the top. The place reminded him of the Taj Mahal. 

"I love your church. I can't wait to see the inside and hear Degarmo and Key."

They circled the parking lot three times before they found a spot. Joe thought they were going to miss the concert. But by the grace of God, they finally made their way into the building. Joe met Keith, one of Michael's friends who saved them some good seats. They were upfront in the middle and could see everything happening onstage.  
 
Joe looked in disbelief. “I can’t believe I am seeing these kinds of things at a church. It's amazing.”

The singers were jumping around and cutting up with each other.  Joe had never laughed so much in his entire life. Their songs made Joe think about his life. They sang about being a rock-solid Christian. They didn’t want to be a casual Christian because Jesus was coming back for His people. And they wanted to be ready when He came. Toward the end of the service, Joe went down for prayer and rededicated his life to Christ.  God gave him an 'indescribable peace. He had never felt so free.

Afterward, Joe wanted to buy a copy of their music but didn’t have the money. Michael and Keith spoke to him after the concert and asked if he wanted to get a tape. Joe didn't want to be a pest or a bother, so he told them he did not have a tape player. It was a lie, but he refused to be anyone's charity case.  

Michael sensed his awkwardness and told Joe he had an extra tape player and could borrow it anytime. The ride back home went by fast. Joe didn't want this night to end.

Michael handed Joe his number. "Hey, don't be a stranger. Let me know if you need a ride to church."

Unfortunately, Joe lost his number, and they lost contact during the Summer. However, that was only the beginning of his problems. 

Let me know what you think.