Once upon a time, there was a young man named Jerry. Jerry's dad was a pastor, and all his life it was assumed that Jerry would be a pastor too. His grandma said it:

"God's got his hand on you, Jerry. Someday, you're going to wear those fine velvet robes, and put that shiny cross around your neck. And you're going to step into the pulpit and preach the Word, just like your daddy does. And we'll be so proud."

Jerry's uncles and aunts said it:

"I'll tell you, that boy has a good strong voice. I could hear him halfway around the block. Any preacher would give his right arm for a voice like that."

"You know he could read by the time he was three. What does that tell you?"

Jerry's mom and dad tried not to pressure him, but they dropped little hints. Everybody at church liked Jerry. He was …