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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "Actions Speak Louder than Words" (without using the actual phrase). (02/21/08)
A man - jaw set, countenance firm -
looked out in the distance
contemplating history,
recalling events of the past.

They said they loved the Lord,
that God was their Father.
Yet, Adam and Eve disobeyed,
eating of the forbidden tree.

And the man pursed his lips.

He said he would follow God,
that he trusted His direction.
Yet, Abraham bedded Hagar
to sire a son his own way.

And the man cringed.

They praised the Lord for miracles,
declaring their devotion to Him.
Yet the Israelites built an idol in the desert,
bowing low to a calf of gold.

And the man sighed.

He said he would fight for God,
that the Lord was his portion and provision.
Yet, Achan defied God's decrees,
stealing the spoil from his Maker.

And the man clenched his fist.

He said he would rule for God,
that he would lead His people righteously.
Yet, Saul took power into his own hands,
offering an unholy, forbidden sacrifice.

And the man closed his eyes.

He said that God was his shepherd,
that the Lord would meet his every want.
Yet, David sent a man to his death
to satisfy his own lust.

And the man wept.

He said he wanted Godly wisdom,
That he would serve Him only.
Yet, Solomon took wives by the hundreds,
and followed each of their gods.

And the man shook his head.

He was a prophet of the Most High,
speaking His pronouncements far and wide.
Yet, Jonah turned from Ninevah
and entered the great fish's belly.

And the man bowed his head.

They praised God with singing,
celebrating their return to the land.
Yet, the remnant neglected His temple,
letting its gates disintegrate.

And the man bit his lip.

They taught God's Word to the masses,
rebuking those who defied their authority.
Yet, the Pharisees hated His Son,
and worked to destroy Him.

And the man grit his teeth.

He marveled at Christ's miracles,
following and speaking for Him.
Yet Judas betrayed Jesus,
sending Him to death with a kiss.

And the man grimaced.

He said he would never leave Jesus,
declaring Christ was the Son of God.
Yet Peter turned his back on Him,
denying Him thrice in one night.

And the man scanned the crowd.

They said they were God's chosen,
following His laws and precepts.
Yet, the crowd rejected God's Son,
condemning Him to death on a cross.

And the Man examined His hands and feet.

"It is finished," He cried, and He gave up His spirit.
At that moment, the curtain of the temple
was torn in two from top to bottom.


**
Based on Genesis 3 and 16, Exodus 32, Joshua 7, 1 Samuel 13, 2 Samuel 11, 1 Kings 11, Jonah 1, Nehemiah, and the four Gospel accounts.

The direct Bible reference is taken from John 19:30 and Matthew 27:50b-51.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 3106 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Ann Renae Hair
02/29/08
This is so deeply moving and powerful and excellent and inspired, I have tears and goosebumps at the same time. Wow and WOW!
Catrina Bradley
02/29/08
When I got to the end and realized who the "man" was, it struck me in the heart. I re-read it, and I saw it all through the "eyes" of Christ as he hung on the cross. Masterful.
Shayne Catoe
03/01/08
I really enjoyed being led through the scripture with the eyes of the Lord. Thank you for putting so much thought into this story. I found the format very creative. I was spiritually fed by this story.
Seema Bagai 
03/01/08
Wow! Masterfully written. You truly have a gift of taking Biblical stories and crafting challenge entries from them.
Karen Wilber
03/01/08
Wonderful. There's so much depth in this simple piece..."they said/yet" and Christ's expressions. This is a beautiful piece for Lent.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
03/02/08
I love the Bible stories here, tied together by the comments. Wonderful entry.
Glynis Becker
03/03/08
So powerful! This is perfectly done...and the change from "the man" to "the Man" is subtle and so poignant. Bravo!
Patty Wysong
03/03/08
Beautiful and convicting. I love the single lines and how they build to finale, adding the punching and bringing conviction. Great job!!!
LauraLee Shaw
03/03/08
Whoa, I have goose pimples. Anointed piece. Wow.
Chely Roach
03/03/08
It's absolutely phenomenal. Superb job, Joanne...I loved it.
Jan Ackerson
03/03/08
Joanne, this is truly marvelous...love the single lines between each stanza, and the growing realization of who the Man is.

Red Ink--this is lyrical and beautiful, and deserves a lyrical and beautiful title.

Have your church run this in the Good Friday bulletin, perhaps?
Rita Garcia
03/04/08
Anointed indeed! WOW!
Debbie Wistrom
03/04/08
I can't help but see a EC here. So much history, thanks for a great, thought provoking read.
Celeste Ammirata
03/05/08
Beautifully written. Powerful and emotional. God Bless.
Mariane Holbrook
03/05/08
I'm breathless. This is so good I keep reading it over to make sure I didn't miss a thing! Your title needs a re-think because it's almost like your poem is a a gorgeous, silk designer dress BUT with inexpensive buttons. If this doesn't win first prize, call me. It's so superb I can't begin to tell you, and yes there's no question but that it was inspired. No question at all! I LOVED IT!
Betty Castleberry
03/05/08
Oh, so good! I love it because it is unique, meaningful, and lyrical. Very well done.
Joshua Janoski
03/05/08
I love the layout of this piece. It flows so elegantly. The hair on my arms stood up when I realized who the man was. Wow. I see this making the top 3 this week. I also see this being added to my favorites list right now. :)
Laury Hubrich 
03/05/08
Wow! Truly masterful! And yes, share this with your preacher! Must share it!
Laury
Tim Pickl
03/05/08
This is literally a MASTERpiece! Each section of this reads like a drama--showing what happened between each of Christ's last labored breaths. It would make an exceptional Easter play. Wow.
Mandy White
03/06/08
Joanne, it's just wonderful. It HAS to be read again once you figure out who the man is. So Moving.
Julie Arduini
03/06/08
Joanne---this is a jewel if I ever saw one. Wow. It takes my breath away. Excellent.
Sherry Hoffcastel 
03/06/08
Yep, as always you leave me breathless. This is wonderful, as usual. And the woman was impressed.
Pat Guy
03/06/08
Awesome Joanne! I was carried away by each scene and emotion. I loved it.
Lyn Churchyard
03/06/08
Beautiful Joanne! I wasn't expecting the way it ended. This was certainly from God. So very good. Wonderful!
Joy Faire Stewart
03/06/08
You bring Bible characters to life with your story-telling and I always look forward to reading your work. But, this has to be my all-time favorite. It's incredible.
Sara Harricharan
03/06/08
This is beautiful! Your title was ok, but I can't think of anything right now that captures all of that. You gave me goosebumps! A truly beautiful piece of writing. I didn't quite see that end coming, though I guessed sort of, at the end and was glad to see I was right. I loved the lines in italics. Really wonderful writing! ^_^
Hanne Moon 
03/06/08
Joanne, this was so beautiful. Very powerful and haunting. It makes me look at myself and wonder how my life looks before God. It really is an awesome piece!
Beth LaBuff 
03/06/08
I love everything about this! It is so well thought out and beautifully and poetically written. I wanted to analyze each line between your stanzas.
Peter Stone
03/06/08
What an amazing article. I love the reflections from history that the 'Man' contemplates while on the cross.
Ann Renae Hair
03/06/08
Funny how we see things...I actually LOVE your title. Just wanted you to know that. Love ya.
Ann Renae Hair
03/06/08
5th AND 5th EC!!! Congrats! You're awesome (because you listen to your AWESOME God when He speaks to you!) Great writing girlfriend.
LauraLee Shaw
03/06/08
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR EC!!!!
Sara Harricharan
03/06/08
***Congratulations, Joanne!*** Awesome writing! ^_^
Mandy White
03/06/08
Congrats Joanne. This piece amazed me.
Sheri Gordon
03/06/08
Congratulations on your EC, Joanne. This poem is too incredible for words--absolutely amazing.
Yvonne Blake 
03/06/08
WOW, Joanne,this is great!
I love how you brought the different stories to mind and Jesus's reactions to them.
You definitely deserved winning. Congratulations!
Grace V
08/14/08
It takes God's great wisdom to write a lovely piece like this that touches souls of Lord's children. You truly have a close relationship with the Lord. Btw, your blog is very beautiful. Lord's wisdom showers in different colors through your writing. Thank you for your comment on my article. God Bless
Mona Purvis
05/21/09
Joanne, this is special, lovely, haunting, true, and full of mercy.
I could read this daily as a devotional and never tire of it.
Mona