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: Home for Christmas (11/20/08)
Cold. I couldn’t figure out why. Chilled to the bone. I looked around me, trying to remember where I was. Oh. That’s right, I’d had to sleep on a park bench again.

I left my warm secure home more than six months ago, because I was pregnant, had had an abortion and didn’t want anyone to know about it. I knew I couldn’t hide the grief I was feeling. The pain was tormenting; every night I dreamt my baby was calling out for me.

I had to leave. Better to leave than to have my parents go through the anguish of what I’d done. I couldn’t bear the scrutiny if I stayed.

A one-night stand and I end up pregnant. I didn’t even really know the guy – I was drunk.

One night and my life changed forever. I had never drunk before, or done drugs, I was as straight-laced as they come. Why I even agreed to go to this party with my friend is beyond me. I think I was tired of being good all the time and I wanted some excitement in my life. Well, I got more than I bargained for.

After that night, I didn’t drink again but I sure did feel guilty for what I had done. Then – well, about a month later I figured I was pregnant. The day after I took a home pregnancy test that confirmed my suspicions, I went and had an abortion. Those people that tell you having an abortion is just getting rid of tissue – they’re wrong. That’s like saying you’re just getting rid of a pimple. Believe me, there’s a big difference. I knew right away that I had killed a living, breathing being that was growing inside of me.

The day after that, I just ran – I had to get away from home. I ended up on the streets, finding food whenever I could – it was pretty humiliating having someone find me digging through a garbage can behind a restaurant, but after awhile I didn’t care any more, I had to eat. Sleeping wherever I could lie down – alleys, park benches, under bridges. I had people offer me alcohol and drugs, but I just couldn’t do that. That’s what got me into this mess in the first place.

Now I’ve woken up on the park bench, to see snow gently falling. No wonder I’m so cold. I hadn’t planned on this… when I left home the weather was warm and now, it’s almost Christmas.

Christmas. Memories flood my mind. They almost warm me, they’re so sweet. Baking with my mom – oh what fun we had rolling out the cookie dough and punching out each cookie – bells, crosses, stars and hearts. Frosting them when they were cool enough, and adding sprinkles. Decorating the tree – what a joyous time that always was with the Christmas CDs playing in the background. My mind grabs on the song “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem.” The tune runs through my mind again and again throughout the day as I wander through stores trying to stay warm.

For some reason the song makes me think of home. Maybe it’s because Jesus wasn’t born in a home, but a stable. The lessons learned at my mother’s knee come back to me. I remember when I gave my heart to Jesus – the feeling of serenity that came over me, the sweet sadness of realizing Jesus was born a lowly birth so I could have a full life.

Home for Christmas. Suddenly, that’s what I wanted more than anything. To be home for Christmas. Why did I ever think my parents would scrutinize me? They are the most gracious people I know. I know there will be pain, anguish, regret; but I won’t be ostracized. I know as sure as I’m telling this story that I’ll be forgiven.

My cold fingers punch the numbers on the pay phone – I’m calling collect.

“Hello?”

Tears flow unchecked, warming my cold cheeks. “Mom?”

“Tamara, is that you?” Her voice quivers.

“Yes Mom, it’s me. I want to come home – home for Christmas.”

***********
The tree is beautifully decorated, as usual, the white lights twinkling, the red bows shimmering in the soft light.

My parents and I sit in the living room sipping hot cocoa and enjoying the cookies mom and I just made today. Each of us has tears glistening in our eyes. All is forgiven. O, little town of Bethlehem… how still we see thee lie…
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 1104 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Helen Murray
11/28/08
Bravely told story that must let a lot of young women know what forgiveness means, that there is life after a mistake. Such an important story to tell.
Joy Faire Stewart
11/30/08
What a gripping story and great MC characterization. I felt I knew her and was glad it had a happing ending with forgiveness.
Jan Ackerson
12/01/08
My favorite people in this story are her wonderful, forgiving parents.

I'm not sure if the last line (from the carol) needs to be there...or if you really wanted a carol there, maybe there's a line more in keeping with the "forgiveness" theme of the story.

I like the stream-of-consciousness voice of this.

Teresa Lee Rainey
12/02/08
I was hoping, because of the title, that she would go home. What a tough subject to write about - but you handled it very well. :)
George Parler 
12/03/08
Good job handling a very tough subject. Thank the Lord for the forgiving love of parents. Good job.
Marlene Austin
12/04/08
Moving commentary of what we put ourselves through when trying to run from sin- how futile and destructive. Your story shows how important it is for parents to "place" these "Christian" memories in the lives of our children, so when they "run" they will be able to draw from these truths. :)