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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Gone Fishing (02/01/07)
I was God

While working as a nurse at the VA, I often had time to visit with Veterans. In the thousands of conversations and hundreds of recorded stories there are a few that stand out. This is one.
I had spoken with a particular Veteran for about a half hour when I asked what he did in the service. He said, “I was a sniper in Viet Nam.” Several have told me they were snipers from WWII, Korea, Viet Nam and places they wouldn’t mention. All, to some degree, were - well shall I say not quite normal. This gentleman showed no signs that anything was “out of place” in his thinking.
I mentioned this to him and asked why he was different. He raised his right arm up and pointed to a small scar about a half inch round on the underside of his forearm and said, “Do you know what that is?” I nodded my head affirming as I recognized it as a gun shot entry wound. Then he pointed to a slightly larger circular wound on the opposite side of his forearm and asked the same. I answered, “The exit wound.”
Looking straight forward into the wall he continued slowly in well chosen but obviously well repeated words, “I was God. I had the power of life and death. I chose who would live…and who would die.” This was an all too familiar term to me related by snipers over these years of conversations. I knew he had been a sniper! As he said this he raised his arms up as if he was sighting a rifle on something or someone, left arm stretched out as if gripping the gun barrel while the right arm bent with the shooting finger on the trigger. “I was ready to pull the trigger when ‘POW’.” He kept his right arm and hand in place, silently moving his left hand back, pointing his index finger towards his head and slowly moving it just under his nose to the scar on the inside of his right forearm. “There was another sniper and I suddenly became mortal.” Silence fell in the room as if he gazed into the past, thousands of miles away, to events seemingly ever present.
God told Elijah that He was neither in the storm, earthquake, or fire but in the “still small voice” (I Kings 19:11-13 KJV). I realize He can also speak through the storm or earthquake and has spoken to me through a fire by that “still small voice.” He said that He would make me a “fisher of men” (Mark 1:17 KJV). I am grateful the Great Fisher of men has not had to lure me back to Him through a sniper’s bullet.
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This article has been read 1335 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Joanney Uthe 
02/08/07
Wow! What a powerful story.
It was a little unclear when the speaker switched back from the sniper to the nurse.
Great writing that kept my attention all the way through.
cindy yarger
02/14/07
I like your story a lot but I would leave off the part about fishing and let the story stand without it. They don't seem to fit together and they seem a bit forced. Very good writing though - you draw your reader and keep him. Your characters are strong and believable. Well done.
Phyllis Inniss 
02/14/07
An interesting story, but I too thought the end was a little abrupt. But you did hold my attention throughout.
Edy T Johnson
02/17/07
Welcome to Faithwriters, Clyde! I see you have "just arrived," and I shall have to "track" you, as you seem to have a wealth of gripping stories to tell. Besides that, I recognize a kindred spirit when I read that you have been a nurse for veterans. I still say that soldiers are the best patients in the world, and my best nursing experiences have been with them.

This story gives tremendous insight into an untapped resource for the writer. So many stories need to be told.

Thank you for finding me with your welcome comment on my "Memorials" story. I look forward to getting acquainted with you through your writing.
Leslie Kennedy
03/31/07
I liked the idea and thought of this piece. I like how you used something that you experienced to bring out a personal feeling towards your christian walk.I also do this in alot of the things that I write. However, I felt that the transition from the patient/sniper to your exclamation was a little sudden. A softer transition would make the story flow a little easier in the eyes of the reader. Otherwise, well done.
Jacquelyn Horne
05/18/07
This has very good content. I will not comment on anything else because I'm sure you have grown as a writer by now. But the story itself was wonderful. Thanks for sharing.