Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: The Media (in any form) (11/11/10)
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TITLE: The Yearly Battle | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kellie Henningsen
11/18/10 -
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Kate Andrews stared at the image in the mirror. Bags under her eyes told of a restless night, worry lines across her forehead concealed little, and tears that threatened to spill further marred her look. She had her own problems for sure but for the next four hours, she would put them aside and talk the talk -- urging callers to dial the radio station’s number and contribute a few hard earned dollars to keep them on for another year.
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George Clark sat against the bathroom counter. Tears stung his eyes as the weight of the world bore down on him. The bedroom alarm signaled the start of a new day with the sounds of the local radio station. Words floated through the quiet straight to his soul.
“I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone”
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“Good morning, Katie! You ready for this?” Her co host Mike Mathers greeted her at the door with a mug of coffee. “It’s just one week, so let’s get pumped!”
Kate glared at him and dumped her attaché case on the floor. “Yes, Mike! I’m ready.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she spun her chair towards the soundboard.
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Victoria Corim looked out the window of her nursing home. Today would be like the one before it and the one before that. She reached toward the radio and turned it up as the words, “I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by your side…” reached her ears. A smile trickled across her face as hope flickered inside. Maybe today…maybe today.
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“Kate.” Mike looked her straight in the eyes. “I don’t know what’s up but you have to put it aside. People need this radio station. The devil would love to have it go off the air but we can’t let that happen.”
“I know Mike, I know.” Kate ran her hands through her hair. “I just…oh never mind. Let’s do this. I’m fine.”
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Nellie Pacer crouched in the corner of her bedroom; knees tucked against her chest. She pressed her ear buds in an effort to muffle the screaming and cursing coming from the living room. These words seeped through, “…cause the pain you’ve been feeling, it’s just the dark before the morning.”
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“We have thirty minutes folks. You heard me. We’ve had a challenge from a local business. If we can get 200 calls in the next half hour, we will receive a $10,000 donation.” Mike looked towards Kate.
“Yes, that’s right.” Kate chimed in with her usual radio voice. “We urge you to call in now. Here’s your chance to be a part of something that only God can know the full impact of. Please, join us in this ministry.”
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James Calloway sat in the back of a taxi. He fingered the powder in his pocket as his mind wandered towards his parents. What sadness his choice of lifestyle must be for them.
The taxi driver leaned forward and turned up the radio while humming along to the words, “It’s never too late to get back up again, you may be knocked down, but not out forever.”
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The clock crept towards the top of the hour indicating the end of Kate and Mike’s shift. “Keep those calls coming! We’re turning you over to the afternoon crew now. Kate and I will be back tomorrow.”
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Why was this year so hard? Kate started her car. She hadn’t committed to donate yet and with good reason. Her husband’s back injury four months before had left him without work, the car had broken down twice in the past month, her paycheck had taken a hit thanks to the economy, and the house needed repair. This ministry was important but…
Absentmindedly, Kate turned up the radio. As the words penetrated her core, she pulled to the side of the road. God’s presence enveloped her in a hug as tears trailed down her cheeks.
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
She would donate tomorrow.
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Music clips taken from:
“Lead Me” by Sanctus Real
“I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe
“Before the Morning” by Josh Wilson
“Get Back Up” by Toby Mac
“Our God” by Chris Tomlin
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I dilike listening to membership drives, but know it is necessary to keep the station on the air.
Great story.
Seems as if it's almost obsolete in light of modern technology.
This one is a great reminder that radio continues to be a source of comfort and
inspiration to many.