Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Inspiration/Block (for the writer) (05/20/10)
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TITLE: Just Write It Down | Previous Challenge Entry
By Genia Gilbert
05/27/10 -
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With her magazine article due in three days, her word processor screen was as blank as Dorrie’s mind. She needed to have a positive tone, and suggestions for Christian parents to teach spiritual principles to their children in simple and practical ways.
Yesterday Dorrie had stayed at the bedside of a dear aunt who was suffering and near death. Then this morning, she had spent hours comforting a friend whose son was in deep trouble with drugs. Her body and spirit were drained.
She had struggled with this before. On days when circumstances looked bleak and dark, Dorrie became so affected that her writing was hindered, or blocked completely, like today. With her husband Jim away on business, it seemed the perfect time to do the article, but words wouldn’t come.
Dorrie sighed, praying to her heavenly Father, “ I know, Lord, You are good, and You are faithful. It’s just... life seems hard and I’m weary. Please give me a fresh look at You and new, encouraging words to write.”
Glancing up, Dorrie’s eyes caught movement along their long winding drive. Frightened for a moment, she realized that the blur was moving to her door, but then saw two small figures.
Answering their knock, she beheld a distraught little girl and a boy, somewhat older.
“Come quick! ” the children cried together. “We had a wreck... Momma’s hurt...she’s asleep...we can’t wake her up.”
Peering outside, Dorrie couldn’t see anything, but grabbing her cell phone and umbrella, she followed the kids. They ran in the misty rain until, finally, she spied the accident, a dark green car, crushed from the side and wedged by an older model pickup.
Jerking open the car door, Dorrie saw the unmoving form of a dark-haired young woman. On her head was a large bump, and there was a bleeding gash on one shoulder. Dorrie was shaking by this time, but was relieved to find the woman’s pulse.
Dialing the phone, she looked down at the children. Two pairs of deep blue eyes stared solemnly, in questioning and fear. After giving directions to the 911 dispatcher, she reached down, drawing them to herself.
“Tell me your names,” Dorrie tried to remain calm.
“I’m Amy. He’s Chase,” the small girl answered for both. “We’re going to see my Grandma.” Momma is Sophie. Is she dead?” she chattered, without taking a breath.
“No, sweetie, and someone is coming to help her soon, okay?” They nodded, not convinced.
“Sophie, can you hear me?” Dorrie tried, with no success, to waken her. She then positioned Amy and Chase on the sidewalk steps while she checked on the other driver.
Inside the pick-up was a man whose leg appeared broken. Dorrie detected the smell of liquor, and was relieved that he was restrained, and about to go to sleep.
Going back to the children, she stopped short. Hearing their small voices, she saw them huddled together on little knees, hands folded.
“Dear Jesus,” began Chase, “Momma told us to always come and talk to you if stuff was wrong, and it sure is.”
Amy broke in, “Can You help our Momma? She’s a good mommy, and Daddy left us, and we need her. Make her better. Please don’t let Momma die.”
“And thanks for the kind lady at the window who comed with us, Amen.” Chase finished.
Tears streamed down Dorrie’s face, and as if on cue, a low moan drifted from the car. Rushing over, the three of them found Sophie with open eyes, looking for her children. She weakly reached out and held both their hands, even managing a strained smile, just as the ambulance arrived.
After retrieving her own car, Dorrie drove a happy Amy and Chase to the hospital. Their Grandma would meet them there, and take them to her house until Sophie was well. Before going inside, Dorrie hugged them, and they thanked Jesus for His help.
Driving home, Dorrie was excited to get to her keyboard. She could just write it down. Freshness had come, the block was gone; new words flowed in her mind. She would tell young parents to teach their youngsters to “always go and talk to Jesus when bad stuff happens.” Yes, she might just use Chase’s own words.
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