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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Confused (08/16/07)
This I Know
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"Jesus lied, Abby! Why did He have to say it, if it wasn't true...."

Abby stood in the doorway of the room she shared with her sister. Becky lay across her bed, wailing into her pillow. She always did put into words what Abby never dared to even think.

"What are you talking about, Becky?" Abby sat down on the side of her own bed next to Becky.

"We prayed, because He told us that whatever we ask in prayer, believing, we will receive. And, I did believe, Abby. I really did. After Grandma got better when Grandpa was afraid she would die, I just knew Mom would get better, too. But, she didn't...." Becky's voice trailed into a long moan. Abby wished she knew what to say. But, she had more questions than answers, herself.

"Becky, even Jesus prayed 'not My will but Thine be done.' It must not have been God's will."

"But why? I'm not crying for myself, Abby. But, why would God take Mom away from the little kids who need her so much? Charlie's only ten and Debbie's just eight. And Eva..." Becky stifled her sobs into her pillow. "She's just four years old. How could God DO such a thing, especially when He promised...."

Abby took a deep breath, swallowing back her own tears. "I don't know, Becky. I don't think anybody knows. We're all just as confused as you. But, we can't blame God. We don't see the whole picture from our little corner of the world."

"Is Becky sick?"

Abby turned to see Eva standing at the foot of the bed. She had a scared look in her big eyes. "No, honey, she's just sad."

Becky rolled over and raised herself on one elbow. "I'm okay, Eva. Don't worry about me. I'll get over it. How about you?"

Eva scampered to the side of Becky's bed and crawled up alongside her sister. "I saw Mama."

"What do you mean, honey?"

"When I woke up." She turned to smile at Abby.

"You mean you had a dream about Mama?"

"I don't think so. I woke up and she was smiling at me and she kissed me right here." Eva tapped her forehead. "She was all full of sunshine."

"That's funny," Becky had a puzzled look on her face. "It's raining buckets this morning. I didn't see any sunshine."

"I did." Eva smiled and slid off the bed and skipped out of the room. Her sisters heard her sweet little voice echoing down the hall as she sang, "Jesus loves me, this I know...."
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This article has been read 1544 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
dub W
08/24/07
Cute story, good dialogue work. Thanks for posting.
Lynda Schultz 
08/24/07
"And a little child shall lead them …" Isn't that kind of faith wonderful. Good work.
Joy Faire Stewart
08/25/07
Love the story...so sweet and well told.
Dee Yoder
08/25/07
This is a tender story told in a charming way. But it sure is sad! I'm glad the girls were able to share a good moment at the end, and to know their mother is rejoicing with Jesus!
Pam Carlson-Hetland
08/27/07
Wow...I've got tears in my eyes. Isn't true how God's ways can bring much confusion because they aren't our ways? This is a sweet story. I liked the hopeful ending. Nicely written. Good job.
Julie Arduini
08/28/07
Wonderful story. Well done.
Valora Otis
08/30/07
I know that this was written from the heart. I felt such a connection to these darling little girls. Bless you for sharing this with us dear friend. Jusus does love us. Hugs:)
Ann FitzHenry
08/30/07
Oh what a lovely story! The title is just perfect. It's certainly a piece that touches the heart!
Joanney Uthe 
08/30/07
Great job showing Becky's struggle with something that most of us, like Abby, would be afraid to even think. Abby had some good advise for having more questions than answers. I really enjoyed Eva.
Sherril Wendling
08/31/07
Edy, this is not only deeply moving, but beautifully crafted. "Jesus lied"...a real attention-grabber of an opening. Then closing with "Jesus loves me, this I know"--out of the mouths of babes! And I'm taken with the way you developed the backstory through very believable, fast-paced dialogue. Thanks for a poignant story-sermon on the great human question!
Clyde Blakely
09/12/07
Well done, again, Edy. If only adults could have the same trust and insight as children.

I'd like to see some of the inner thoughts of the older characters added both before and after the "visit". I think it would add much to this story - and, of course, the number of words to the challenge criteria.

Keep writing and God bless.
Carol Penhorwood 
11/06/09
This is exactly the kind of writing we need to see...not afraid to talk about the REAL questions...and the answers WE receive. For God answers each of us individually in His own way. Loved the story, and it's true, we often learn through our "babes".