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running for Congress a few years ago. Ultimately, it was her love for the ministry that thwarted any greater political ambitions she had.
    â€œRight,” Joshua said, leaning over to hug his mother.
    Mother Benning pursed her lips. “Of course, you know we’re going to handle this aggressively.”
    â€œSo what’s the next step, Mom?”
    â€œExercise, change in diet, more rest, etcetera,” she said.
    â€œGood call.” Joshua stirred his tea with his spoon.
    Mother Benning shook her head. “It’s not my call. I’ve been preaching to him about his health for years. It’s doctor’s orders.”
    Joshua looked up from his teacup. “Well, maybe now Dad will listen.”
    â€œHe has no choice. In any case, I’ll need to know where you stand.” Mother Benning put her hand on her son’s knee.
    Joshua searched his mother’s face. “Stand?”
    Mother Benning folded her hands in front of her. “Yes, Joshua. I need to know what you intend to do.”
    â€œI don’t know what you mean.” Joshua stood up. “You know I’ll help in any way I can.”
    Mother Benning stood also. “Oh, Josh. I’m so glad to hear you say that.”
    â€œWhat?” he squinted his eyes.
    â€œWe need to know that you’ll be there to pastor the church when your father steps down.” Mother Benning grabbed Joshua by both arms.
    I looked at her and shook my head, having no idea what Josh would say to that. I didn’t envy his position at all. How could he turn down a plea by his desperate mother to help his ailing father in his time of need? Yet, at the same time, how could he ignore his longing to fulfill the specific dream God had placed in his heart, which was to build a dynamic church in the inner city, not take over an established one in suburbia? We’d had many intense conversations about him starting his own little church wherever God called him, and about how glad he was that he didn’t have to pastor his father’s church and deal with the constraints of his father’s leadership.
    I just stood back and watched Joshua tug at his mustache. Clearly, he was nervous because that was the only time he fiddled with his face like that.
    Mother Benning let go of him. “Joshua, are you okay?”
    â€œYes, Mom.” Joshua walked away from her.
    â€œAre you sure?” Mother Benning followed him. “You seem a little withdrawn.”
    Now that was an understatement. My guess was that my very articulate husband didn’t want to say the words that would undoubtedly break his mother’s heart.
    â€œI’m sorry, Mom. It’s just that this has all been such a shock to me,” Joshua said with his back still turned to us both.
    â€œI know. Josh, when your father was first diagnosed three weeks ago, this took us by surprise too. But I need to know you’ll stand as you father’s successor.” Mother Benning walked in front of him.
    â€œDad’s not going to die now.” Joshua hung his head down.
    Mother Benning sighed, and then sat down. “I didn’t say he was going to die, but he has been warned about slowing down, and pastoring a church of our size can be very strenuous.”
    â€œI know that.” Joshua shook his head and sat down next to his mother again. “I’ll have to talk to dad about cutting back on his responsibilities.”
    Suddenly Mother Benning frowned up her face. “Why don’t you talk to me about your responsibilities?”
    Joshua’s voice was filled with frustration. “What are you talking about, Mom?”
    â€œI’m no fool. You still haven’t answered my question.” She put her hands on her modest hips.
    â€œIt’s a big question.” Joshua drummed his fingertips on the side table.
    Mother Benning looked directly at Joshua. “With only one right answer.”
    â€œMaybe you two—” I