Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: STAND UP FOR JESUS (don't write about the song) (04/09/15)
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TITLE: Driving While Under Persecution | Previous Challenge Entry
By Terrie Ellington
04/15/15 -
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School nurses by trade, Terrie and Karen had taken the day off work to attend an all day conference on physical and sexual abuse in school age children. Getting up early in the morning way before sunrise, Terrie went to meet her friend and colleague Karen at her house. Glad to have someone to attend the meeting with and to share the driving, Terrie didn’t mind using her own SUV for the two hour trip.
After greeting each other with a chipper hello, Karen suggested, “I’ll drive down and you can drive back.”
“Sounds like a plan”, Terrie nodded in agreement.
During the drive Terrie noticed that Karen was driving well above the speed limit and said to her, “Guuurrrll you betta slow down; the po po gon git’choo!” Karen paid no attention to her admonishment though; laughing it off as she continued to zoom down the interstate at least 15 mile over the 65 mile an hour limit. The trees flew past in a blur as the vehicle at such a high rate of speed floated up and down on the highway almost weightless, like an eagle soaring on the currents of the wind gliding smoothly to its rhythm.
They made it to the conference in record time, completing in an hour and a half, what should’ve taken two hours to drive. By God’s grace they arrived safely, and were among the first to get there. Having their choice of seats in the large room filled with long conference tables already set with pens and notepads, they gazed around at the set up.
Coffee pots were steaming on the back tables that were filled with all kinds of pastries. The smell of the black brew mingled with that of the sweet danishes, doughnuts, and muffins made their mouths water in anticipation. It was just what they needed for a quick pick me up from the caffeine and sugar for the long meeting to come.
The conference drug on and on as different speakers took their turn at the podium to share their statistics, testimonials and preventive measures to be proactive with abuse. There were several fifteen minute breaks and an hour and a half lunch break before the last session was presented.
The conference finally wrapped up amid many unsuccessful attempts to stifle yawns as sleep hung heavily over our heads like a dark ominous cloud lurking above.
Leaving the conference, Terrie was at the helm to drive back and as she merged onto the interstate and picked up speed she gently tapped the cruise control when the speedometer reached the 65 mile per hour speed limit. She’d made it a habit to drive the speed limit because it’s the law and the Bible tells her to follow the laws of the land in Romans 13:1-5 LVB.
As they rode along enjoying each others company Terrie candidly stated, “I think the topic of abuse was very interesting, informative and well presented, but the conference was entirely too long.”
“I think so too.” Karen stated, “but we did get a lot of useful and helpful information so that we are better equipped to recognize the signs of abuse in our students. It’s been well worth the trip.”
During a lull in conversation, Karen tilted her head to the side staring pointedly at Terrie and began to taunt and tease her about how she was driving. Her voice sneering with sarcasm Karen commented, “We could get home at a decent hour if ‘somebody’ would drive. (emphasis on somebody) Look at’choo driving like uh ole lady. What’s wrong wit’choo; you sced the po po gon git’choo?”
She continued relentlessly in this vein until Terrie glanced over at her and seeing the smirk on her face very calmly said, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
After bursting into laughter at her response, they completed the rest of the two hour journey in peaceful conversation, and although Terrie drove the speed limit the entire time, no other comments were made about her driving.
Terrie thought to herself as she drove: “The battle was not mine, but God’s and I gave it to Him by speaking His Word over the situation and standing my ground in obeying Him!
Foot Note: Scripture reference Matthew 5:10 KJV
paraphrased Romans 13:1-5
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