Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Right and Left (07/31/14)
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TITLE: Surrounded | Previous Challenge Entry
By Terry Atchison
08/04/14 -
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My story is nothing for the majority to be envious about. The day after I was born, I had to fight fiercely to stay alive. There were highs and lows, but at any moment, I knew that my fight for life could recommence. This was my path, chosen by God. He alone prepares me for my destiny, and gives me strength in my right arm and sureness in my left arm.
Grow, I did, all the while experiencing difficulties and memorable times, enjoying my newfound stature in this universe. There were conflicts with others, and I learned to defend myself, all the while never forgetting that peace was always a precious, sought after commodity. Alas! It has always seemed to me that the more I endeavored to search out peace with others, that all the more I was hated. Many have seen my quest for peace as a weakness, and have challenged me with death threats, and attacked me. But God has always kept his promise and protected me, even in the direst of moments.
Innumerable times, while observing the Mediterranean Sea through the olive groves, I reflect on the awe-inspiring tableau that is revealed to me. It stirs my very soul, and reminds me of what a historical land lies before me. Jesus walked these roads, village to village, preaching, healing, teaching and loving my people. Today, my brothers and sisters come, from the four corners of this world, to experience an immersion in biblical history. Most are humbled, some remain, and others return again and again.
As these words are written, I am once again fighting for my very existence. I know how to defend myself, but my enemies are many and their strength is growing. They are to my right (darom-south) and to my left (tzafon-north) and to the east. They are winning over sympathy from my allies. Yes, today, even my strongest ally and friend is doubting me, asking me to give in to my enemy’s demands and wishes. I am only one, but I am one with God who protects me, who gives me strength and wisdom, and power. I will never be defeated while He is with me.
My name is Israel.
“Come” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more.” Psalms 83:4
The LORD has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: "Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, and never again will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled. Isaiah 62:8
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Outstanding.
If I didn't read the previous comment I would have been surprised also. Good hook, It kept me intrigued.
Keep on topic! Great story and very relevant today, but you barely touched on topic.
This is great otherwise.
This was by far an outstanding piece of work, powerfully executed in content, delivery and overwhelmingly memorable!
I thought this might be one of the most unique and well thought out entries I've seen in quite some time!
I pray this gets significant attention by the judges!
Well done! Brilliant and magnificent!
God bless~
After realizing just a bit before you named Israel and then reading your entry again I was wowed by your brilliant creativity in developing this MC/nation.
Fabulous, fabulous,
and fabulous!
If I might offer a tiny bit of red ink, perhaps shorter paragraphs might allow the reader a mental breath, since your prose is full of thoughts to ponder. (Maybe just me though!)
Anyway, that was wonderfully done. I liked how you presented the weary yet hopeful tone of the ending.
God bless~