Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Writer's Challenge (NOT the FaithWriters Challenge) (06/10/10)
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TITLE: Marvelous Melvin | Previous Challenge Entry
By angelos2 wark
06/11/10 -
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Our grief cannot mar the melody of our praise,
that filters the heart, when God becomes our mainstay. In all of life’s Avenues--roadblocks and potholes, pave our way.
What is viewed as one man’s catastrophe, to a second set of eyes becomes a challenge. Melvin is such a one.
Too most, Melvin was a ‘Freak of Nature,’ someone to be pitied and perhaps placed in a Special Home. Someplace, where He wouldn’t be gawked at and ridiculed. Somewhere safe.
Violet, the boys Mother, saw in Melvin, hope, beauty and worth.
She looked at this very special boy, through the eyes of his Creator and accepted the challenge, by faith, to still the lips of the nay Sayers!
As the years passed and Melvin grew, Violet refused to be deterred by the looks of exasperation, shock and pity--their constant companions.
Night after night, She would both pray with and read to Melvin. He cherished her stories. He would ride his stead with Lancelot and the Chivalrous Nights in shining armor. He rafted down the river with Huck and Tom. He loved to mix it up. Leading the Calvary with General Custer, or taking scalps with Sitting Bull.
Melvin loved to dwell in the land of the written word. Here he could be anyone and travel back and forth in time. In this realm, there were no limitations. No one stared. Here he was an equal not a misfit.
On Mel’s seventeenth Birthday, he received a gift that would change his life.
Violet placed the package, wrapped in paper splattered with stars and books, in front of Her son. His Father had abandoned them when Melvin was just nine months old. He did not share Violet’s faith or courage. He could not see past the physical. The potholes blinded the eyes of his heart.
“ Go ahead, open it,” said Violet, beaming with excitement.
“Mom, stars and books, where on earth did you find this paper?” Mel smiled. “You’ve always told me to reach for the stars. You were the only one who really believed that I could.”
Melvin began tearing into the paper with the toes of his right foot, while holding the package in place with his left foot.
Being born without arms, Melvin learned to maneuver his feet, like most people use their arms and hands.
“ I hope you like it…I know you will,” whispered Violet, choking back the sobs desperate to burst forth.
“Mom! Is this what I think it is?” said Mel, lowering his face to his pant leg to wipe away the tears from his eyes.
“I found it on-line. A friend of mine told me about it and I just knew you had to have it.” Violet could no longer hold back the tears. You’ve always wanted to write and now you can.”
“A voice activated program. Wow, this is great Mom. I love it!” Nothing is going to stop me now. C.S. Lewis, move over, Melvin Bond is about to reach his star!”
As writers we have many challenges. From Writers block to the meeting of daily needs: Husbands, wives, children, employers, and the list goes on.
So often, we become self-absorbed. Trying furtively to impress our fellow man (or other writers) with our creativity and talent. We worry over deadlines, constantly editing what we’ve written, slicing and dicing the ‘spag’ looking for the perfect piece. I believe my greatest challenge is to open my heart and hand, to my Creator, like Violet did with Melvin. Then inspiration comes from the very Throne Room of God.
Hopefully what transpires from heart to paper will touch just one life. Perhaps my words might reach another Melvin?
The next time a challenge tries to beset you. Remember Melvin, look-up and reach for your star! God has one waiting just for you.
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