The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD (08/03/17)
The Turning Point

She was trembling, her hands were shaking as she pulled the zip all the way down.It was so exciting she hardly dare look. Letting the cover drop she gasped. It was even more beautiful than she remembered. The sheen of the cream satin full length skirt, the
sweetheart neckline, little cap sleeves and the exquisitely shaped bodice left her nearly speechless. She turned the hanger to see the beautiful train that could be cleverly converted to a bustle for the waltz and managed to whisper 'Thank You Lord!'

Twirling around her room, imagining she was dancing with her new husband, Carol smiled as her eyes alighted on the gold and pearl coronet attached to a delicate veil, the satin shoes and carefully chosen necklace amongst all other items carefully placed in preparation for her wedding day. She knew it would be wonderful.

Feeling slightly weary, Carol stretched out on her bed, letting out a big sigh. “Tomorrow I will be Mrs. Timothy Vickers and as Tim whispered to me last night 'No more goodbye's at the front door'” She smiled thinking of the day to come.

Lying there Carol recalled the twists and turns which her life had taken to bring her to this time and place. She remembered her decision to leave church and move into a house with her boyfriend Curtis and his friends. Her parents were devastated. She sort of enjoyed the freedom but missed her mum - they didn’t see each other
much. However, she had known her parents were praying for her. The relationship with Curtis broke up. She moved to another town about an hour away to be near her brother John and live with a girlfriend. Finding employment in a child care centre, life carried on with parties, new friends and work. Contact with her mum and dad grew even less. She remembered, from time to time, feeling as though the Lord was prompting her to ring, but she'd ignored it.

Turning over on the bed Carol saw little Sam's outfit. Only 2, he would look so grown up in his white shirt, bow tie and smart grey trousers. He was her treasure. Her memory went back, this time to when she first discovered she was pregnant with Sam. What a shock it had been! David, her then boyfriend, wanted to do the right thing, so they became engaged even though she had doubts. She remembered his very controlling nature, how moody he could be and the time when he yelled at her and held her down on the bed. Even now she shuddered thinking about it. Fear of more violent behaviour and concern for her baby prompted her to contact her parents. Her heart had been thumping so hard as the phone rang. Pouring out her story it was a tense time waiting for a response and then mutual tears of relief to know she would be coming home. Carol smiled thinking how they had tricked David into letting her come for a 'holiday' with her parents, but really had moved her back permanently while he was at work. Eventually David realized the relationship was over.

'That was the turning point' Carol thought 'coming back home and realizing I needed to start over again'. She warmly considered her two bridesmaids, who because of their love, acceptance and encouragement, had been instrumental in her returning to church
and recommitting her life to Jesus. How supportive her parents and the rest of the congregation had been, making her feel she really belonged to the family of God. Then 18 months ago came the arrival of Timothy Vickers, leading to this special time.

Carol reached for her Bible “There is so much to be thankful for Lord. I would never have guessed I could be this happy, that you have blessed me with such a wonderful man as Tim. He loves me and Sam and Sam loves Tim too.”

Turning to one of her favourite scriptures she read
“Yours eyes saw my substance being yet unformed and in your book they were all written, the days fashioned for me when as yet there were none of them.” (Psalm 139: 16).
“Its so true Lord, when we go our own way You still have a plan for us on your 'drawing board' if we come back.”

With a full heart Carol joined her happy family to celebrate the upcoming day fashioned for her.

(Loosely based on fact)
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 573 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Judy Ewald
08/11/17
What a wonderful story of restoration!
Right on topics and very well written,
A very encouraging story for those who may feel lost. Well written kept e wanting to know how it would turn out.
Raymond Bouchoc
08/12/17
The Lord is gracious and merciful. He can turn all things into good!
C D Swanson 
08/14/17
Wonderful and inspiring!
Blessings~
Larry Whittington
08/16/17
This was a well written tale-tell story. I think there were two sentences that I stumbled through. I didn't go back and re-read to see if it was the words or if it was just me. But the whole of the story stayed pretty much together to the end.

Thanks for sharing the story in a very positive way.