Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Experiment (02/16/12)
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TITLE: Call His Name | Previous Challenge Entry
By Hiram Claudio
02/22/12 -
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Patti’s routine was the same every morning. It began with the sound of her alarm. She’d snooze it once and then finally begin her day. But lately, she seemed to be dragging. Overall, things seemed okay. She couldn’t put her finger on it but life just seemed off.
She had her share of challenges. She’d just come out of a long term relationship that she thought might be ‘the one.’ Her Mom’s health, which had been a roller coaster for years, had taken a significant plunge. And her Father had passed away just over nine months ago.
She was holding it together the best she could. She had plenty family and friends that she cared for deeply. Still, she felt so completely alone. She had this deep feeling that she didn’t matter, that if all of a sudden she wasn’t there, no one would notice. She felt like no one saw her, her struggles, her sadness, and her pain.
But someone did notice.
As she was finding the strength to get out of bed, the Master looked in from above. Ziggy, one of the new apprentice angels, was with Him.
“Master, what’s wrong with her?”
“She’s going through a rough stretch.”
“You’re going to help her, right?”
“That’s up to her.”
“What do You mean? What does she have to do?”
“She has to call My name.”
“But You’ll help her get to that point, right?”
The Master smiled, “Just watch Ziggy.”
As Patti sat up, the sun beamed through her window. A ray of sunlight gently brushed over her shoulder. She turned and realized the sudden change. It was drab and dreary just a second ago. But the bright sunshine shone through just as she sat up. It was almost like a trigger, as if to tell her, ‘Good morning.’ She smiled for a moment then, remembering her life, became overwhelmed with sadness and headed towards the bathroom.
“Rats! She didn’t call Your name.”
“Give her time. I won’t give up.”
As she left the house, she thought to herself, “I just don’t care anymore. About anything.”
Just then, a cool breeze whistled through the trees. It brushed against her cheeks giving the feeling of a tender kiss. She raised her hand to feel the spot. She smiled again. She looked upward and started to say, “Lord …” Then she stopped, feeling silly, and continued towards her car.
“Wow! She was so close. What’s wrong with her?”
“Easy Ziggy. She’s really struggling with different things.”
“But why doesn’t she bring them to You?”
“She’s afraid.”
“Of what?”
“Everything. She feels alone and helpless. When she gets like this she forgets the things she was taught growing up. But I won’t give up. I don’t mind showing her how much I want to be her friend. I don’t mind proving myself to her.”
“Prove Yourself? She’s testing You?”
“She’s confused. Life principles that have guided her have come into question. She’s wondering what is real, where life’s meaning truly is.”
“But You didn’t change. You’ve never left her side. Why are You being questioned?”
“It’s okay My friend. My mercy is new and fresh every morning. I don’t mind showing My children every day the lengths I will go to in order to prove My love for them.”
Patti reached her car. As she sat behind the steering wheel she sighed deeply. She wanted to cry. Just then, she noticed a nest of blue jays in the tree above. As the little birds were battling for food, one got pushed and began to fall. Her heart was stunned. She became angry at the thought of this defenseless little bird getting hurt.
But, just before it hit the ground, its mother swooped under it. It nestled safely on her back as they both returned to the nest. She watched this whole scene unfold and wondered, “I wish someone would do that for me.”
“Come on Patti, you can do it!”
The Master chuckled at Ziggy’s enthusiasm.
Then, as she started her car, she looked up again and said, “Lord, please help me. I can’t do this on my own.”
Ziggy cheered! “Yes! Yes!”
The Master extended His loving embrace to her. She felt a presence that warmed her heart. Her life circumstances hadn’t changed at all. But something was happening inside her. For the first time in months, she didn’t feel so alone.
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I particularly enjoyed the patience of God, giving gentle reminders of His love and fortitude.
Beautifully written.
God Bless~
The only red ink I have is don't capitalize Mom or Dad if you have a qualifier in front of it like my, the, your, etc.
I liked this take on the topic. I think many people will be able to relate to this lovely piece.
I love the thought of God and his angels eagerly awaiting out call.
One note regarding the phrase, 'thought to herself' -- 'to herself' is redundant, and even though the phrase flows nicely in the song It's a Beautiful World, editors, and those like them, prefer 'thought'. (But what I'd really like to know is: was that period of mine supposed to go before or after the apostrophe?)