Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: The Reader (04/15/10)
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TITLE: TAKING TURNS | Previous Challenge Entry
By Celeste Duckworth
04/20/10 -
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“Yes, tell me what is happening in the celebrations! I even heard the sirens Sunday.”
Little Tova began her loving task of reading the news to her Poppa. “This last Sunday evening at 8:00 the sirens sounded to begin the day when Israel pauses to pay tribute to the 22,682 of her sons and daughters who have fallen as soldiers or victims of terror. Since last Memorial Day 111 Israeli soldiers have been killed. It is a day taken very seriously in this tiny nation where sixty two years have seen six wars interspersed with almost continual hostilities both within and on our borders. Yet at sundown this evening the country turns out into the streets to celebrate Israel's independence and birth as a renewed nation. It is an unusual juxtaposition-grief and sorrow followed by celebration.”
“Poppa, what is juxtaposition?”
With a huge sigh Poppa lifts his sightless eyes upward. “It is a mixture of two things brought together that normally are very different in nature but there is something that links them together. In this article you have just read Israel is so sad to remember those they love that have died at the hands of terrorists. But, my Tova, we celebrate the reason they gave their lives as we have been a nation now for 62 years. So we are sad and we are happy. And so we celebrate and grieve.”
“Tova, is there more?”
“Yes, Poppa. On Independence Day our family celebrates with all the more conviction because of the memorial ceremonies the day before, which take so much from us, both psychologically and physically. On a personal level, I find the connection hard. On a national level, I think it's important. That's also what I tell my children: Without sacrifices, there would have been no independence; and without independence, there could be no memorial."
Tova blew a stray hair away from her nose. “What does this say Poppa?”
“Ah, child, this means it is hard for us as the nation of Israel and her people that we have paid a dear price for our freedoms with the lives of our own family and friends. So this celebration is called for us to remember what our freedom has cost us.”
“We have lost someone?”
“Thankfully not us personally in our family, but we have friends who have. Child you are doing a wonderful job, please go on.”
“But Poppa, wait, who has died?” Tova has moved to the edge of her cushion close by her Abba.
“Well, there was Abraham, our friend, who owns the vegetable stand on the corner; his daughter gave her life to protect Israel. Continue to read, child.”
“But, Poppa, wait, how did she die, Abrahams daughter?’
Poppa now could hear the emotion rise in her young voice. “Dear, Tova, every man and woman, when they turn 18 years old, will serve in the IDF service for Israel. And they serve with great joy.”
Tova looks down and bites the wisp of rebellious hair that has fallen onto her face again. “Even me Poppa?”
“Yes, my little lamb, even you. But you will be fine as you have me to lift you in prayer while you serve. The Psalms give us our comfort. Even Psalm 91. Fetch my Torah and find this Psalm and read it to me, could you?”
Tova leaps off her cushion, runs to Poppa’s room and retrieves his Torah. She lets her fingers fly through to the section of the Psalms. For now she has purpose.
“Read one through four.”
Tova begins, “He who dwells in the shelter of Elo Heim, will live in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to Adonai, My Refuge and my Fortress, my G_d in whom I trust! It is He who will deliver you from any trap the enemy will set for you. He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will seek shelter. His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”
“Now, my granddaughter, do you see? Adonai will watch over you like our hen in the yard. She puffs herself up and covers her chickens so they will not be harmed.”
“Oh, Poppa, yes, it is so true, I see it!”
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Christians around the world, need to be on their knees and interceding for these brothers and sisters and that our nation will turn back to giving them the support we use to.