Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Write in the HISTORICAL genre (05/03/07)
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TITLE: Obedient Wife | Previous Challenge Entry
By Joanney Uthe
05/10/07 -
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“Helping the maidservants fetch water and make the meal will get the aches out.” She stretched her legs and started to walk away.
He pulled her to him. “I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.”*
“But Abram, God promised to bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you.”*
“Please, Sarai, for me.”
“For you, My Love, but I do not agree.” She walked away to help prepare the meal while he set up their tent.
How long has it been since I’ve seen my real husband? I never wanted to play this charade. I feel sick every time Pharaoh comes to my room. If only I could talk to Abram. Does he miss me the way I miss him? Oh God, give me courage and strength to make it through this draught.
“Sarai! Pharaoh wants to see you in his throne room. We must get you prepared!” The anxiety in the maidservant’s voice matched that on her face.
“I am glad Pharaoh is up and well enough to be in his throne room today.” Sarai hoped her statement sounded more sincere than she felt. “His other wives and children, are they better also?”
“Oh Sarai, I heard tell that is why he wants you in the throne room. He believes you are the cause of all the diseases! You are the only member of the household who has not been sick.”
“But I have done nothing!”
Besides live lies to protect my husband. Oh how I miss Abram, especially when Pharaoh comes calling. Last week he asked why I did not like being his wife. I must keep up the charade for Abram.
“I do not know why he thinks that, or if he even does.” The maidservant’s voice broke Sarai’s thoughts. “That is just the rumor I heard around the palace. This dress looks best on you. Put it on.”
Hoping he did not notice her biting her lip or wringing her fingers, Sarai stood beside a quiet Pharaoh. Other than looking her over when she first entered the room, he had not acknowledged her in the hour since she arrived. She listened as a scribe reported the health status of each household member. Those closest to Pharaoh were the sickest. The healthiest were those wives who had been welcoming to Sarai.
God, please heal these people. We do not know why everyone is so sick. Why does Pharaoh think it is my fault?
God’s words to Abram about blessing and cursing others because of him ran through her mind.
This is Pharaoh’s curse, isn’t it? Our scheme to protect Abram by our own power is the reason for these diseases! Oh God, forgive us. Restore us to fulfill the promises You made to Abram. Heal these people.
When the report ended, Pharaoh stood. “Bring him in!” The guards opened the door and escorted in a well-dresses citizen.
Could it be? God, please do not let my excitement at seeing my husband give us away. Protect us in this encounter.
Pharaoh swayed before sitting down, as Abram gave the appropriate bow before the Pharaoh. Pharaoh once again gave Sarai a good look-over before addressing Abram. “What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!” *
Relief flooded Sarai’s heart as she stood staring from Pharaoh to Abram. Pharaoh nodded at her and she ran into her husbands arms. Her heart was too busy praising God to hear the instructions Pharaoh was giving regarding their departure.
Abram and Sarai, along with Abram’s nephew Lot, let Egypt for the Negev. They took with them a whole caravan of sheep, cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants, maidservants, and camel; which they had acquired while living in Egypt.
*Genesis 12:11-13 (NIV)
*Genesis 12:3 (NIV)
*Genesis 12:18-19 (NIV)
*Genesis 12:16, 13:1 (NIV)
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Keep up the great work!
I think it might benefit from some addtional details of sight and sound; as it is, it takes place entirely in Sarai's thoughts.
What a horrible ordeal that must have been for her!