We have a long-time member of our church who separated himself from the community. He made an impulsive decision to get married to a non-Christian. This ill-advised union led to the birth of 3 sons. Two of the sons were put to death by the Lord because they were wicked. I have often wondered if my dear friend (the long-time member of our church) has processed the trauma of losing his sons. There is little evidence to suggest that he has. Prior to dying, the firstborn son was married, and after being abruptly widowed, the daughter-in-law was promised customary provisions by her father-in-law (my friend, the long-time church member).

In the course of time the wife of my friend, died. And my friend sought solace in the arms of a prostitute. Little-did-he-know, that the prostitute was his daughter-in-law (she had disguised herself as a sex worker in order to conceive a child with her father-in-law so as to expose his sin). I know this sounds crazy, but this is a true story, this really happened! This really is what life is like in the church community! When my friend’s daughter-in-law was 3 months pregnant someone brought a charge of immorality against her. My friend said, “Bring her out, and let her be burned.” As she was being brought out (to her execution!), she provided DNA test results of the life in her womb (DNA testing can be completed as early as 9 weeks along. Technological advancements have made it so there’s little risk to mom or baby). My friend was the father! There was no hiding it; there was no denying it! He was guilty of incest and sexual immorality. My friend said, “She is more righteous than I!” And he did not have sexual relations with her ever again.

Turns out, she was pregnant with TWINS!

On the day of the birth, the oldest child made an appearance, but then retreated back into the womb. However, before making his retreat, the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand (so that everyone knew this one came out first). As the firstborn drew back his hand (with the scarlet thread), his brother came out. So they named the second born child “Breach!” Afterward, the firstborn came out (with the scarlet thread on his hand), and they named him “East” or “Brightness.”