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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Fruit (10/10/05)
London, the East End c.1942

Margaret walked carefully down the High Street, more slowly than usual so as not bruise the precious cargo wrapped in tissue in her hand bag. In her other hand she carried the basket that held the weeks rations – the small bags of sugar and egg powder, the strips of bacon wrapped in grease paper. The ham bones, which the butcher had given to her, would be boiled with the vegetables from Jim’s allotment. It would make a good soup; her church would give it to those bombed out of their homes tonight, and to those who would be pulling the bodies of their mothers, fathers, sons and daughters from the rubble in the morning.

As Margaret turned the corner into the street where the families terraced home stood, she saw that the doors of the church were open. She walked in, inhaling the scent of dark wood and old stone, musty velvet and old incense, and the many tired and weary tears shed before God. Quietly she walked up the central aisle and stopped before the alter; she bowed her head before the plain wooden cross which sat at its centre, her heart reminding her that God had suffered for every soul, and He knew their pain. She thanked God again for sparing the church from the bombs, then slid into the front pew and carefully rested her bags on the worn velvet cushions next to her.

As she reached under the pew for one of the big fat cushions on which to kneel, she felt God nudge her.

“Margaret my child, I know your knee’s hurt you. You do not need to kneel.”

Margaret smiled; she did not need to tell the Lord how sore they had been lately. Closing her eyes, she opened up her heart, feeling His refreshing presence around her. She thanked him first, as she always did, and prayed for as many of the hurt and wounded around her as she could remember. First she prayed for little Amanda Burrows who lived in the next street, and was now without mother, father or home; she was being cared for by Jenny Lipton who lived next door to Margaret. Not that Jenny minded – her own husband was gone and they had not had time to have a child of their own. Margaret began to see the glimmer of hope there.

“Yes Margaret, do not worry for the child. She was a blessing to her mother and she will be a blessing to your friend too.”

Then there was Davy over at the shelter – back from the war minus a leg and now homeless and a widower with a baby son to tend to.

“Take Jenny to the shelter tomorrow Margaret; she prays for Davy every day and he begins to feel my presence around him. My plans for them both will come to fruition.”

Through the long list of unhappy people for whom Margaret prayed, God steadily guided her to understand that each was not without hope and showed his willing daughter what she could do for each, soothing her impatient cries when she could not be the one to help; and he smiled on her lovingly for He had made this woman passionate for others cares.

Margaret turned her head to her handbag for a moment, slightly hesitant.

“Lord, about this peach…” she said, not sure how to continue the sentence.

“Yes my child. You want to know if it is from me.”

“Yes Father,” sighed Margaret, glad that He knew every hair on head and every thought in her heart.

“It is from me my child. And it is for you and your family; you serve ceaselessly my daughter.”

Tears of gratitude and relief began to fill Margaret’s eyes. Amid the scarcity of rations, amid the black rubble and dust of bombed out homes, amid the tragedies and broken bones: Father had provided her hungry children with a soft, sweet peach. She could not speak her gratitude – she could only offer up her grateful heart and weary but glad tears.

“Thank you Lord,” she whispered, and reached for the bible that lay on the shelf in from of her. She allowed it to fall open and read the passage before her:

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labour; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” (Psalm 128:1-3 NIV).
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This article has been read 1691 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Yolanda Baker
10/17/05
I felt this story flowed well and I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for writing from your heart.
Linda Watson Owen
10/18/05
This is definitely a 'peach' of a story! How sweet, how poignant. Your descriptions put the reader into the pathos and the hope in this woman's heart. Your images are sheer poetry. Excellent read!
darlene hight
10/18/05
Beautiful! Poignant! You might want to consider submitting it for the Hope book that is being published to provide Bibles for those effected by the hurricane. No monetary compensation but it seems to be the type of writing that they are looking for. Read about it on freelance opportunities thread on FW forum
Garnet Miller 
10/19/05
Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God. This scene resembles the one in America now as people do what they can to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina find hope, peace, and a new life after the disaster. But God is always watching and the fruit for all those who labour is on the way! Thanks for sharing.
Emily Shumack
10/21/05
What a beautifully told story. Thank you for sharing this special piece.
Julianne Jones
10/21/05
This was very well done. In the midst of so much suffering, God is there and He cares for His children. Thank you so much for sharing.
Alexandra Wilkin
10/21/05
Authors note: This is based on a true story, a small example of God’s abundant grace in times of scarcity and desperation. During WWII, all foodstuffs and manufactured goods in Britain were strictly rationed, and especially for those living in the towns and cities, fresh fruit was not available at all - what fruit there was normally came tinned. The fruits we can so freely buy now, such as the peach, could not be shipped from abroad because of the U-Boat activity in the Atlantic at that time. Thanks for the lovely comments every one. God bless.
Laurie Glass 
10/21/05
Powerful message and well written.
terri tiffany
10/21/05
well written story!
Suzanne R
10/21/05
Sometimes our Father really does bless us extra-specially, doesn't He! This was lovely. Well done.
Anita Neuman
10/21/05
I love how a practiced ear can discern every word that the Still, Small Voice utters. This was so beautifully written - definitely a winner!
Denise Stanford
10/21/05
I enjoyed this. How obedient to that still small voice... a reminder that we all need to do the same. Great setting...good choice...enjoyable reading
Cassie Memmer
10/24/05
Touching and well written. I could have read even more. I really enjoyed it.
Deborah Porter 
10/24/05
Ali, Congratulations on your 3rd place Level 1 award, and more importantly, your 5th place in the Editors' Choice. Time to move up to Level 2. Love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator)
Crista Darr
10/25/05
Ali, this is beautiful! I especially love her thankful heart in the midst of catastrophe.
Karen Treharne
10/27/05
Congratulations, Alex. This is a heartwarming story and thanks for the insight as to how it came to be written. God is faithful, our Shepherd and Provider. You captured this so well. What a blessing.

The year in which this story takes place is the year I was born. I know my parents had ration cards, but since I was so young, I had no knowledge of their personal sacrifices. This story gives me another reason to admire my parents and thank God for caring for my family during such difficult times.

A deserving win that honors God. A blessing to read. Karen