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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Question (05/24/12)
We played together: my brothers, their best friend John, and then there was me. I kept up with them even though I was much younger. Things changed, though. I grew to love John. He said we were too close. Like brother and sister close, so what does he do? He marries my best friend. He broke my heart that day. Tore it to shreds. I swore I would never love another. Not ever.

Right up to then, I did everything right. I followed every letter of the law, as my parents taught me, but I turned my back on it the moment John turned his back on me. That downward spiral caused hatred to build inside me and my father cast me out, as he should have. He had no choice.

I found where the prostitutes lived. What else do young girls do who are abandoned by their families? By their lovers? I got paid well because I took care of the men well. They appreciated me because there were no strings attached. I learned to squelch the hurt in my heart.

Then…my life changed…

He came to me. I recognized John after all these years. I was scared. Even though I had turned my back on the law, I knew the punishment that came with disobeying the law…the punishment for adultery. John promised me all was well. I asked about his wife. He said he didn’t love her anymore. He never loved her like he had loved me.

What could I do?

I looked into those dreamy brown eyes and fell into his arms. I allowed him to get lost in me. The old love, the love I had only for him, was aroused. Happiness swelled up in me. Joy, that I thought was lost, was found! I was alive. Maybe…God did care?

I was in the height of that joy, the very crest of my excitement…

I heard sounds. Suddenly, the curtains were ripped away. I didn’t know what was happening. John didn’t seem scared at all. Not really. He covered himself with the only blanket then ran off, but not with much urgency. It was as if he knew they were coming. I was set up… But why?

I kept my head down as I was dragged across the village, so hoping I wouldn’t see my parents. I’d already brought much shame to them. But news travels fast. Soon, everyone walked with us. If I wasn’t so scared, I’d have laughed.

I looked up just once and I caught my father’s eye. It felt like a slap in the face. Oh, how I have fallen! “God, what have I done? I am sorry. So very sorry.” I knew what the punishment was. I knew I had only minutes to live. Justice would soon be administered by the very hands that pushed me down the road.

We stopped in the garden where a man was talking to a crowd of people…I had heard of Him. His name was Jesus. He was so gentle and kind. He wouldn’t even look at my naked body. He averted his eyes onto the ground. While my accusers’ were busy deciding my fate, I couldn’t stop looking at Jesus.

I watched him as he drew into the dust. He was calm and He didn’t appear to be mad at me. He was really irritated with the men though.

Honestly, I don’t even know what was said; He intrigued me so. I knew in my very being He was special, that He may have even been the Messiah we were waiting for. I knew this man, Jesus, would be fair. What would be, would be. I was guilty, after all.

Jesus got up and walked over to me. I thought maybe the punishment was to start. Instead, He covered me with his robe and looked me in the eyes. “Where has everyone gone? Has anyone condemned you?”

It was then I looked around, amazed. “No…no one, Sir.” All the learned men were gone. Where did they go? What happened? I missed something.

“I won’t condemn you either. Go! And don’t sin anymore.” I realized at that very moment I had just experienced mercy and grace. I was moments away from death by stoning, but instead, I was given an opportunity to change.

Human man’s love nearly caused my death, but the Messiah saved me! There is no question in my mind whose love I truly want to live for. Oh, how He loves me!
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This article has been read 1496 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sherry Hoffcastel 
06/01/12
I really like this! I love it when an author can put him/herself in the shoes of a Biblical character and make it come to life. Well done, this was awesome!
C D Swanson 
06/02/12
I have seen this particular story quite often in this forum, including myself.

But, what fascinates me is...how EACH writer makes it feel "brand new." How each time I read it I see another side to the familiar story.

I Loved this...I thought this was a compelling read, and I felt the MC's heart and anguish.

And, most important of all...Jesus' love grabs my heart every single time.

Thank you for this.

God Bless~
Helen Carr
06/03/12
This is beautiful. I began with a very modern image in my mind, and was quite surprised when I realised where the story was going.

You write so very well, I was intrigued and curious the whole way through, and the sense of shame was almost tangible as she was dragged away. And the ending, well that's simply divine - the beautiful grace of God once again shining through. Well done.
Joe Moreland
06/03/12
What a great entry. Like someone else mentioned, this story amazes me with each telling and re-telling, mainly because of how much it reveals about the heart of Jesus. There are many stories of his forgiveness, but the tenderness of this one is unlike any other and it is that tenderness you have captured better than any other I've read.
Allison Egley 
06/04/12
Oh, I loved this.

I first thought this was in the modern day, and perhaps you meant it as a modern retelling. But this isn't really a criticism, as I didn't find it at all jarring when I realized what story it was.

Nice job.
lynn gipson 
06/04/12
The beginning had me thinking it was about someone of today. I quickly realized it was not. You really did justice to this story, and I loved it. God Bless

Lynn
Verna Cole Mitchell 
06/04/12
I didn't catch on right away, but when I did, I realized you had really put a creative spin on the story with just the perfect message.
Catrina Bradley
06/05/12
I agree with the other comments - I love this! I feel like weeping. What a beautiful way to tell this familiar story, making it fresh and new, and relevant.
Connie Walcott
06/06/12
Oh, what a precious story! You have given beautiful voice to the heartfelt cries of a broken-hearted woman.

Your story is a great reminder that we all need to give, and receive that same kind of mercy and grace!
Verna Cole Mitchell 
06/07/12
Happy dancin' with you, dear Laury!
Marita Thelander 
06/07/12
Congratulations!!! Your title and the whole story makes me want to sing the song. Oh how He loves you...oh how He loves me. Oh how He loves you and me!

great job!
C D Swanson 
06/07/12
Congrats on being in the top ten and placing 10th! God Bless~
Nancy Bucca
06/07/12
Wow, what a unique take on the woman caught in adultery! I love the way you wrote this, concealing the woman's identity until a good two thirds of the way through.

The passage on which this story is based really does show unfairness by the religious leaders to the woman, considering the fact that under the law both the man and woman caught in adultery were to be stoned.

Congratulations on your placement.
Beth LaBuff 
06/08/12
Laury, you draw emotion from your reader. Wow! Super congrats on your Editor's Choice award!