Redeemed

Derek stood at the glass counter as his mom handed over his grandmother's emerald necklace. A man took it and handed her some money. Derek heard her sigh as she placed it in her wallet. They walked silently out of the shop.On the bus ride home, Derek finally spoke. "Mom, why did you sell Gigi's necklace? I thought you loved it.""I do, but I love you more. The money we got for it will help us get by until I can find work," his mom replied.They stopped at the market near their apartment to buy some groceries. Mom even splurged and bought Derek his favorite candy bar.At Sunday school the next day, Derek's teacher, Mrs. Brown, asked if anyone had any prayer requests. Derek hesitated but then raised his hand. "Please pray that my mom can find a job so she doesn't have to sell anything else she loves," he said quietly. Mrs. Brown prayed, and after class she took him aside. Derek told her about the trip to the pawn shop, Gigi's beautiful necklace, and even the candy bar. Mrs. Brown didn't say