Perfect Peace

Woody believes that Sol’s graduation from college is a message from God that he has been called to preach. Reverend Lindsey announces to the congregation that Sol has made them proud by graduating from university. He also announces that Woody has decided to join the ministry and become a pastor. A week later, Woody has a trial sermon in which his charisma and storytelling abilities are proudly displayed. Paul hopes that because Woody is now a “heavenly representative” (228), his brother can answer all the questions he has about why God made him the way that he is. That evening, Paul asks Woody why God makes some people different from the rest. Woody cannot give Paul a clear answer and just tells him to pray, saying that once he is “saved,” God will help him. Paul doesn’t understand why he hasn’t been “saved” since he has already prayed to God to “deliver” him. Woody tells him that he must not be praying sincerely enough and that when God approves, Paul will be saved. Paul goes to bed that night wondering if God cares about him.

With Woody’s new passion and Sol at college, Paul becomes withdrawn and quiet. He dislikes being called “handsome” and wishes that he could be “pretty” again.