Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: REDEEM (03/03/22)
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TITLE: His Child and Forever I am | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lynn Kowal
03/09/22 -
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My heart pounds with the deception. “He wants me in Buffalo for the weekend. Will you take me to the bus?” I stare into my pimp’s eyes, working to hold my nerve.
“Your suitcase is heavy,” he grunts, lifting it onto the Greyhound a few minutes later.
“I need a selection of outfits,” I lie over my shoulder, disappearing behind the closing door. My heart thunders at light speed while I stare at him through the window, and I’m forced to breathe through my mouth. It looks, I realize, like I am smiling.
I step off the Greyhound a few towns down the highway, shaking the hand of a friend who has agreed to facilitate my escape.
He hides me in the middle of danger - a Crip stash house located in a Blood neighborhood – while he removes the guns that decorate the guestroom.
Sixteen hundred miles and a month later I am back home. No pimp here means freedom. But in its vacuum, I still crave love.
An interesting man connects with me online. He showers me, but soon after, I find that I am deceived again - this boyfriend is worse.
He hits me, threatens my life, and lures me into crystal meth. He smiles while he scares me into submission. I can’t distinguish reality from a drug-induced psychosis, so he keeps my life dangling. Is this love?
“Pastor Frank at Jubilee Church will help you,” I learn.
I phone and for the next three and half years, Pastor Frank gives us rides to town, buys food for our cupboard, and supplies my small children with necessities until they are taken away. He and his wife are patient, and they show me that there is a different kind of life than the lies that have trapped me. I see a glimmer of hope. Could Jesus really work?
I decide. I grip courage with all my strength and escape for a second time. I run away – and arrive at their church door. I am welcomed in.
Now I hide in the church sanctuary with a little blanket tent all around me. I read the Bible. I’ve met good people. I open my heart to Jesus.
But my boyfriend bangs on the church’s locked door. He yells out and embarrasses me.
I give an inch to the door to try and reason with him. He takes a mile and barges in. “As long as you are hiding in this church,” he threatens, “I will never leave you alone.”
I realize then that I’ve been in the Light while he is locked in darkness. There can be absolutely no compromise. I fill my lungs after years of silence and I scream, “Get out of here!!”
Then my heart nudges …, “confess God.”
Sobbing with the effort, I stand up to him and I repeat what I hear, “I am a Christian now.”
My heart soothes, “He who confesses me before men, I will confess before my Father.” Matt 10:32 KJV
The atmosphere shifts and a Spiritual shield seems to be raised.
He glowers, then curses and storms out.
I breathe relief, and I realize that after years of being sold by men, I’m now bought by the blood of the Lamb, and I embrace True Love.
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A powerful message.
Thank you!