Jason’s Journey from Darkness to Faith in “The Aftermath”

Written by Lindsay Rourke – Kingston, Massachusetts

In The Aftermath (MLH #3) by Stacy Padula, the reader becomes well acquainted with Jason Davids, the kid who has it all: brains, beauty, and popularity. A life full of fulfillment, so one should think. Despite his blessings, Jason has constantly fought off a void he felt from the inside. Masking that emptiness with drugs, alcohol, and his popular friends, Jason found only a temporary high, literally and figuratively. In search of more, Jason began to realize that he had been walking in the dark, and the only way to emerge from the pits of obscurity was through the light—through God.

After Andy’s accident, their class president, Jason knew that living life in a haze wouldn’t suffice, and he needed to get sober. A long and bumpy road was ahead of him, full of trials and tribulations. Jason sought out a new source of fulfillment, one that wouldn’t leave him with a hangover and resentment. Many people had been praying for Jason’s salvation: Chantal, Chris, Jon, and Jessie, the girl who had captivated him and shown him the light. He has slowly begun to see the light in what used to be a grim and dark world. With clarity of mind, he uncovered the truth of what his classmates thought of him, he saw his friends, family, and the life he had built for what it truly was. 

Jason had always been a skeptic of God and committing himself to his faith, as he didn’t see himself worthy, but through the inspiration of his best friend Chris, he knew that it was God who had given him the strength he needed to persevere his addictions. Will Jason muster the strength to walk away from his comfortable life as the freshman class’s most popular party boy? Will he uncover the whole truth? Will he finally lift Satan’s veil from his eyes to see the light? If he can, it will not be easy. Satan doesn’t just let people walk out of his kingdom without a fight. If you want to find out, The Aftermath, by Stacy Padula is a must read! 

SYNOPSIS

At age fifteen, Jason Davids appears to have nearly any worldly thing that promises enjoyment at his disposal. Despite this, there is a persistent emptiness inside his heart. After failing to fill the void with achievements, relationships, and illicit substances, Jason finds himself intrigued by Jessie Robins: the daughter of a local pastor. How is it possible that she stands for everything his lifestyle opposes yet possesses the one thing he has been searching for all along?

ABOUT LINDSAY ROURKE

Lindsay, who also works as an English and college essay tutor, graduated from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Earning her Bachelor’s degree in history and her Master’s degree in teaching, Lindsay has an ever-growing passion for learning. She spent five years of her education at Sacred Heart University, where not only did she receive academic awards, but extracurricular as well. During her junior year, Lindsay was elected Scholarship Chair for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. This position allowed Lindsay to live her passion and assist and encourage all 115 of her “sisters” in finding the best versions of themselves. Entering her senior year, Lindsay was awarded the Charles T. Eby Scholarship; “This scholarship recognizes outstanding achievement in the study of History and is awarded to a full-time history major entering his/her senior year who shows the most excellence and promise in the study of History. This is the History Department’s highest honor and is a mark of significant honor for the student.” After receiving this prestigious award, in Lindsay’s senior year, she was elected as the President of the History Club. Wrapping up her senior year, Lindsay graduated with the highest academic honors, Summa Cum Laude, and was awarded the Silver Medal of Excellence in History. Following her undergrad graduation, Lindsay started and completed her master’s degree, as well as field experience as a student teacher. During this time, Lindsay developed her passion for achieving personal connections with her students and creating a positive and individualized learning environment.