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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Sharp (03/07/13)
Every stride causes excruciating pain. The hooks pull holes in his flesh, as he heaves his burden up to the steep stone steps. Through his lip, a skewer quivers as his breath becomes more laboured. This is it. The sharp instruments in his back are attached to a brass bowl of Kavadi, a milk offering for the Gods. Its humid, hot Malaysian weather, and beads of sweat start to form on his brow as the heat becomes too much. 272 steps to go. He is bonded by sin.

A couple years ago, I went to Malaysia for a holiday with my family. One thing will always stay etched in my memory. We decided to go have a look at the Batu caves, a massive natural complex used by Hindu worshippers.

The first thing we saw was an ornate golden statue of Lord Morugan, rising three stories above the ground. Beautiful carved temples are dotted around the base, and foreign music wafted around with the smell of burning incense. Little capuchin monkeys try to beg bananas off unsuspecting tourists, who have come to marvel at the scene.

After climbing up never-ending steps, I realise that this is only the beginning. Inside, the massive caves are full of shrines to hindu deities, and worshippers wearing red saris. A huge opening in the ceiling throws light on the whole scene. It’s like stepping into another world. This is how these people live, chanting prayers to their Gods, smearing ash on their foreheads and making yearly pilgrimages to show devotion.

I’d like to tell you of another journey, very similar to the first.

Jesus carried a crushingly heavy cross,
His forehead, pierced by a crown of thorns,
Soul burdened with sin not his own,
Ridiculed,
Spat on,
Crucified.

Because of him, I am set free.
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This article has been read 411 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Joseph Veseli
03/16/13
Interesting work! I've studied a few different religions and it's amazing the lengths they go through because they think it will bring them salvation/nirvana, or whatever else they want to call it.

At first, I was shocked into reading more. The narrative flowed from topic to topic smoothly, and I felt pulled along on the journey.

The title is very fitting!

As a Christian, it gives me pause and a greater appreciation for my Savior.

But I see a lot of potential for this story becoming more evangelistic as well.

The only recommendation I would give on this is to add more about Jesus. As an unbeliever, I would be left with a few questions...

"Why was He carrying a cross?
Whose sin was He carrying it for if it wasn't His own?
Why are you set free just because He was spat upon and crucified?"

I really enjoyed reading this. I'm excited to see what else you have in store for us. Great job!!!
C D Swanson 
03/18/13
Great job...I enjoyed this entirely.

God Bless~
Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
03/19/13
Interesting and very informative. I appreciate the glimpse into another culture. This is so well written.