Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: CALL (01/14/16)
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TITLE: God�s Tender Tenacity | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dannie Hawley
01/17/16 -
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After reconnecting leads and checking all gauges, I locked the ports on the isolette. Clipboard in one hand, scribbling numbers on the chart with the other, a thought interrupted my recording.
Time to go to the mission field.
“Whoa! Where’d that come from?” I shook my head. “I must be tired tonight.”
“Hey, you talkin’ to yourself again?” I hadn’t noticed Karen enter the room.
“Yeah. Guess the twelve-hour night shift can play tricks on my mind.” An alarm sounded from one of my colleague’s babies, saving me from further discussion.
Two days later, coffee cup in hand, I pressed the power button on the remote. I loved watching movie classics on Saturday afternoons. Struggling to shake off the drowsiness, my glazed eyes stared at the images on the screen.
“Looks like Africa,” I said, taking a sip of the steaming brew. “Maybe an old Tarzan flick?”
For the remainder of the ninety-minute film, I enjoyed a remarkable story of three fourth-year medical students, helping a pediatrician in a remote African location. As the saga drew to a close, the camera focused on a discussion between the soon-to-be physicians, stopping to look back at the jungle village.
“I’m really gonna miss this place,” said the first man.
“We learned so much here, but I think we contributed to the clinic, too,” said the second.
“Dr. Wingate needs help. She’s been working here for so many years—all alone—and, well, she’s not getting any younger,” said the third man.
“So, come back and help her after you finish med school and your residency,” said the second man.
Hoisting his backpack to one shoulder, the young man said, “It could be too late then. How many kids will die while I finish my education? I’m not going back with you.”
The fade-to-black came as the man turned towards the village. My tears trickled down my cheeks; my heart raced. “Oh no, God. This isn’t a message for me, is it? It’s just an old movie.” I shook off the absurdity and chastised myself for getting so emotionally involved in a show.
On Monday morning, passing the sofa on my way to bed, I noticed my roommate’s new copy of the American Journal of Nursing. The shift had been chaotic, and my only thoughts for the past two hours centered on sleep—until I saw the journal’s cover.
The entire issue had been dedicated to the experiences available in cross-cultural nursing. Coincidence? My internal alarm bells released the warning. Simultaneously, I noticed sweat beading across my forehead and upper lip, increased heart rate, and panting respirations.
“Get a grip!” I shouted. “You’re just tired. Go to bed.”
After hours of waterbed turbulence, I finally addressed the Master. “Look, God. This isn’t the time to go. I’ll go, but not now. Publishing research isn’t a minor deal for a new practitioner, you know? I’ve got plans.”
An obligation sprung to mind. “Besides, God, I committed to sending $50 each month to a missionary. If I leave my job, I’ll not be able to fulfill that commitment.” Confident I’d been heard, I slept well.
Several days later, all thoughts of missions forgotten, I answered the ringing phone. “Hey, Sue!” I said after hearing her voice. “What a surprise. I shouldn’t have had today off, so I’m doubly-glad to be here now.”
“Well, uh, I’m not sure why, because I know you make more money than I do, but God told me to call you and tell you that I’ll be sending you $50 each month. I need to check on your address.”
“Oh no, Sue! That’s the worst thing you could’ve said. That means I have to leave my job.”
My excitement grew as I explained the timing of her call. I knew the next appointment with my pastor would end with prayer. This time, we’d be praying to thank God for His clear signs that the time had come for me to fulfill His call.
A few weeks later, I stepped off a plane, beginning the journey of a lifetime. For thirty-two years, I’ve enjoyed serving on foreign soil. God knew I’d love the little children of the world, too.
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You also do a good job showing the struggle we sometimes go through heeding the call on our lives.
God's call upon your life was revealed in the 'fullness of time.'
Wing His Words
I know your story, but to see it told here, this way, gives me chills and peace.
To see how God moves, knowing we all have a different calling and purpose, according to His plans, never ceases to astound and amaze me!
Amazing job! I pray this takes the full gamut of ribbons and awards!
Loved it...and God bless you for your heart and your obedience to our Father.
Dannie my friend, I knew this would score well, and deservingly so!
Great job...
God Bless~
Wing His Words
I am glad to read your story!