Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Pros and Cons (08/14/14)
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TITLE: U-Turn | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ennis Smith
08/18/14 -
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Pastor John took a deep, thoughtful breath. “Have you really thought this through, Davey?”
“Pastor, it’s the best move for both of us. Besides, the twins are young enough to adapt to the change. In time, they’ll see that Mommy and Daddy parted ways because it just needed to happen.”
“Hmm.” Pastor John clasped his hands together in contemplation. Secretly, he prayed for the Lord to give just the right word to turn this situation arounD. “You’re pretty set on this. Well, for the sake of argument, let’s consider the pros and cons of your divorce. Specifically, let’s consider three each.”
Davey huffed but conceded. “Fine, I did come to you after all.”
“Excellent. You start with a pro.”
“Okay. Pro number one: I’m now a free man. I can go out with whoever I choose, and I’m not bound to one person anymore.” Davey nodded, clearly pleased with his first description.
“Alright,” Pastor John countered. “Con number one: you’re now a free man. You now have to find someone compatible; someone who will have to commit time and effort into learning your ‘likes’ and ‘dislikes’. Someone who may or may not be willing to sacrifice their wants and dreams to fulfill yours, like Michelle willing did. You have to find someone willing to be a mother to your twin daughters, yet accepting the fact that she will never truly replace their mother.”
Davey flinched, but quickly recovered. “Pro number two: I don’t have to constantly worry about where my money is being spent anymore. Seriously pastor John, I’m sick of seeing my hard earned cash disappear toward another pair of dresses and church shoes…no offense.”
“None taken.”
“She knew I was saving for a Harley before the twins were born.” Davey huffed again, irritated.
Pastor John stood and walked to the window. Turning toward Davey, he spoke again. “Con number two: you don’t have to constantly worry about where your money is being spent anymore. From now on, you’re in charge of grocery shopping, doctor’s co-pays, school and church clothes for the girls, along with alimony. You’ll know precisely why you can’t afford your motorcycle.”
Davey fidgeted in his seat. “Whatever. Pro number three: I can eat whatever I want, whenever I want. There won’t be any more of these stupid diets to follow.”
“Con number three: you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want. You won’t stick to a diet the way your wife has you doing now. Therefore, your high cholesterol and high blood pressure will kill you, effectively orphaning your young daughters.”
Davey’s lips were razor thin. He sat stoic, glaring at pastor John.
“Son, all I’m hearing from you are a bunch of selfish reasons for bailing on the covenant you and Michelle took before me, four years ago. You’ve fallen victim to the enemy’s lies of freedom from bondage. Davey, marriage was instituted by God. If Satan can get you to walk away from your family, he’s not only won a great victory over you, but over your daughters and your wife as well.”
Davey shifted his gaze toward his feet.
Pastor John crossed the room and sat in the chair next to him. “Davey, marriage isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. But you have to fight for it, son. Nothing worth having will ever be easy. You’re forgetting all the behind-the-scenes acts your wife commits on behalf of your family. You’re listening to Satan.”
“Pastor…I just don’t want to hear her telling me what I need to do anymore.”
“Okay, I get that. Perhaps you two need to have a candid discussion. But what if she’s simply trying to express all the things she and the girls need from you to feel safe and secure under your leadership? You’re not kids anymore. You’re the head of your household and your wife needs you to start acting like they are the most important people in your life.”
Davey cracked. A tear trickled down his cheek.
Pastor John patted his knee. “It’s alright son. Every man has gone through the rite of passage. What I need you to do now, is walk through my door, find a quiet spot and seriously consider your marriage again. I don’t believe God wants you to walk away.”
Davey immediately stood, pulled pastor John into his arms and bear hugged him. “Thanks pastor. I will.”
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God bless~
Was so glad that Pastor found the right words to convince Davey to go home and work on his marriage rather than give into his selfishness.
Thanks for a great read!
Tiny red ink is when using pastor as part of a name it's capped. Examples : I went to talk to Pastor John. I went to talk to my pastor. Thanks for the talk, Pastor.
You did a great job of tackling the topic and your story was firmly built on the topic. You also made some great points and even did a twist on a phrase I use, devil's advocate. This is a good story that starts out right off the bat with an interesting dilemma and comes to a strong conclusion.
God bless~
You wrote 'the enemies lies of freedom from bondage' -
Thankfully we know the only freedom from bondage is freedom from self, aye?
I think your entry highlighted that nicely!