Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Great (07/06/06)
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TITLE: A God-Driven "180" | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rachel Burkum
07/08/06 -
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Carrie’s tears ran down her cheeks, dripping onto her blouse to make their marks that went unnoticed. Nothing mattered anymore. She was losing all she had.
As the hours passed, so did Brad’s life. The confusion muddled Carrie’s thoughts as she pulled her black dress over her head. Her tears were gone now, replaced by a clenched jaw that showed her determination not to allow her emotions to take over. But grief had a hold on her heart and was not letting go.
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Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. The small apartment became a fortress of anger, the loud music and thick smoke trying to drown out the cries of a hurting soul. Alcohol and drugs became Carrie’s friends and her grief transitioned into periods of blissful forgetfulness as she drifted further away from life itself.
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“It’s Allison again, Carrie. This is the fourth time I’ve called. I know who can help you. Please call me back.”
Carrie listened to her best friend’s voice, dully aware of the concern etched in the recorded phone message. What did Allison know? Allison had a wonderful life! She had a house in the country, a great husband, two kids and enough money that she didn’t have to work! How could she possibly know what Carrie needed? But she wouldn’t give up, and Carrie knew it.
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Carrie stared into her coffee cup, her mind clouded with the noises of the street café.
“Did you hear me?”
Carrie finally looked up across the table at Allison. “Huh?”
Allison sighed, but the care never left her eyes. “I said He loves you, and can make you feel better.”
“I feel fine,” Carrie lied. “Besides, what’s he got to offer, other than a bunch of rules anyway?”
Allison grinned. “Life, Carrie. A full, wonderful life that can last forever. All these things you’re using…the drugs, alcohol, smoke…they’re all masking your pain, but they’re killing you. He can make you whole again.” Allison scooted the thick book closer to Carrie’s elbow. “Please read this. For me?”
Carrie rolled her eyes. She hadn’t touched a Bible since she’d been a kid. What good would it do her now? But if she didn’t read at least part of it, Allison would just keep pestering her. “Okay, fine. But I know this is all rubbish.”
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The pages wouldn’t turn fast enough for Carrie’s hungry eyes. The more she read, the thirstier she grew for that peace…that life…this man, Jesus. Maybe there was something to Him after all. The words on the thin pages struck Carrie’s heart like nothing before. They pierced her soul, letting in light where none had been for what seemed an eternity.
Carrie slowly opened her eyes, still kneeling on the floor, the Bible clutched tightly in her hand. She didn’t know how long she’d been there, but didn’t care. She’d felt the arms of forgiveness. She’d experienced the pure joy shooting through her very being as she’d been lifted from despair. Jesus was real. He was the ultimate Healer, and had cleansed her soul. She was free. Free at last.
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“That’s how the Lord rescued me…and He’ll rescue you too if you’ll let Him.” Carrie picked up her notes and walked off the stage as several people clapped their appreciation. She took a deep breath and stared up at the poster that had been pinned to the church wall, announcing her arrival. “From Great Despair, to Great Joy.”
Carrie grinned at her memories. God had given her a life story for a reason, and now it was up to her to spread it. The story of Jesus working in real lives in real ways wasn’t the Good News…it was the Great News.
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