Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: The Short End of the Stick (02/20/14)
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TITLE: The Short End | Previous Challenge Entry
By
02/25/14 -
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The low buzz of nervous noise in the Dixon County Court House was rising to loud whisper. The rustle of paper from all the lawyers’ legal documents could be heard. My, but they all looked so proud and officious. It was really impressive. The case workers were busy copying and sorting all information they had gleaned for the lawyers and the enforcement officers.
Everyone in the court room had gray and solemn looks across their faces. Each one wondering just what will the Judge do to them or their family. Here and there a nervous snicker would come forth, letting everyone know, ”I’m not concerned, that Judge can’t hurt me. Besides, I didn’t do anything.”
Then as usual, the parties involved were late and the lawyers had to scurry around to cloister with their clients. As the time came to start, a hush comes over the court room. All electronic devices were commanded to be shut off. All loud whispering stopped, and the faces turned to stone. With anticipation we waited and waited. Finally, it came! The bailiff stood up and said,,,,,,,
“ALL RISE PLEASE. Juvenile Court, district 14 is now in session. The Honorable Judge Earl Hardy presiding.”
The Judge quietly says, “ Please be seated.”
Then it all begins.
Tears replaced the smirks, hugs on mom replaced the anger in their hearts, for now anyway. As the offenders clings to the parent, the whispers became more audible. “Don’t let them send me to a facility. I want to go home. I’ll be good, I promise I will.”
What the young offender didn’t tell was the fact that he was a habitual liar and fighter. That’s the reason he/she was in court now. Could they straighten out that quick? Not unless they were to meet Jesus and accept him as Savior.
A very large parent led a young man up to the bench. The lad couldn’t have been any more than 14. He was attired in a new suit and tie, which made him terribly uncomfortable. It was probably the first time he had ever worn one. But he looked nice and I’m sure that impressed the Judge.
The perpetrator was sentenced to 90 days in detention for a sexual act. Whose fault was that? He was led away in chains. Didn’t know Jesus .
The next one up was young man whose jean’s were dragging on the ground. The surprise was that the judge didn’t make him pull the trousers up. He was put in a host home for a period of time until he could straighten out his behavior. The young lawbreakers never had the games, fun and discipline of childhood as they should have. Their childhood has vanished, they never learned the Bible stories and the moral values which the Bible taught. Most never had the benefits of a loving father.
As the offenders came up one by one, their stories were different, but yet the same. All said to the Judge whether by word, or the stance or the expression on their face, ”Will somebody just love me for who I am and discipline me according to God’s laws? Take time to raise me and talk to me like I’m human. I’ll make the right decisions if I’m taught.”
Then the close of the day arrived. The judge leaves the bench, all stand. Everyone was tired, frustrated, and ready to go home. Who got the short end of the stick and who got the long one? Only time will tell, but GOD has all in His hand, ready to pick each one up and try again tomorrow.
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Nice job.
God bless~
This line made me feel a little detached though: "That’s the reason he/she was in court now." He/she seems impersonal, but you did a great job of portraying the boy in the suit and the young man with his pants dragging.
Thank you for bringing this situation forward. It's so easy to ignore the plight of the troubled youth, but they are in desperate need of Christ's love.