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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: PEACE (12/02/21)
With seven kids to feed, clothe, discipline and separate during a slug festival, it's no wonder my mother memorized dozens of Scripture verses about peace. She quoted them to us so often that we still quote them.

Her favorite was Romans 14:9 "…follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." As soon as she uttered the first word, we all rolled our eyes and repeated the rest of the verse in unison with her. It's true; we were a handful of ruffians.

One afternoon, we all arrived home from school and, as usual, searched for snacks when an argument broke out. "Who said you could have the last cinnamon roll?" one of my sisters asked another. "Whoever saw it first gets it," another sister snapped.

We all joined in, blaming Mother for not baking her delicious cinnamon buns more than twice a week. Quickly, my younger brother snatched the remaining cinnamon bun and stuffed it into his mouth. A fistfight broke out in epic proportions.

Mother hurried down from upstairs and separated the warriors. "All right, everyone. Get to your places on the stairs! Now!" she tried to shout above the cacophony.

We knew the drill well. We should because we did it several times a week. So, we arranged ourselves on the staircase with the older kids on the bottom directly facing Mother and the rest of us sitting above, according to our age. Since I was the sixth of the seven children, I was seated way up, and could even take a nap behind the one in front of me if I wanted to. But I didn't.

Mother, standing in front of the first row, placed both hands on her hips and said sternly, "I don't know what has gotten into you! Did you have a bad day at school? What is wrong with you kids?"

We all began talking at once, eager to rat on each other, spilling secrets out loud, everyone yelling above the other with nobody listening, until Mother had had it!

"Stop this immediately!" she shouted above the din. "Shame on you! What does the Bible tell us in Matthew 5:9?"

In unison, we shouted in a loud, sing-song fashion, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God."

Mother was not amused. "We will quote Scripture in a dignified, respectful manner! Do you understand?"

We weren't amused either when she said, "Now go to your bedrooms and remain quiet for one hour. Do not speak to one another. Do not listen to your radio or use the telephone." (Someone whispered, ""Do not pass Go and do not collect $2OO.")

Unperturbed, Mother continued, "You are to sit at your desks and pray. Think about how we can restore peace to our home. Go now."

We all looked at each other. "Is her receiver off the hook or something?" whispered my younger brother beside me. "I can't believe this!"

We all walked obediently to the bedrooms we shared with other siblings; mad at Mother for imposing such a stiff sentence for such a minor crime.

My sister sat at her desk with a towel over her head,ready to take a nap. I knew Mother would be checking each room so I opened my Bible and underlined 2 Corinthians 13:11 "… Agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." I highlighted it in red and left the Bible open for Mother to see. Then I bowed my head and assumed the time-honored position of prayer.

Forty minutes later Mother opened the door. She stood beside the desk of my sleeping sister, shook her head, and let out a sigh. I pretended not to notice, so absorbed in prayer was I. Mother came over to my desk, looked at my open Bible with the red highlighted verse, and whispered, "Nice try!"

You couldn't fool Mother or Mother Nature, so I grinned up at her.

She left the room and shortly the bell rang for us to reconvene on the stairs.

Standing in her usual spot, Mother began. "All right. I hope you've used your time to think and to pray for God to restore peace in this household. Now go to the sibling who has disturbed you the most, and make peace with him or her now."

Can you believe? Suddenly, all six siblings made a beeline for ME!

Blessed are the peacemakers.

________________________
Scripture used:
"…follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." Romans 14:9 KJV

"...agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 KJV

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 KJV
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This article has been read 387 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Laurie Glass 
12/10/21
Oh, I enjoyed reading this story. On topic, a nice story about the teachings of your mother, and yet you also had me smiling and chuckling at the same time. I love your style. Well done.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
12/16/21
Kudos!This has to be one of my favorite challenge entries of all time! Such a wise mother and true-to-life children. I love it!
Bea Edwards 
12/16/21
Oooo the visual you created with your words is beyond brilliant.

One of my all time favorites too. Well done!
Art Fahy 
12/16/21
Congratulations on placing 1st in the challenge. Your entry fit the topic well. It was well crafted and flowed from beginning to end. The piece was clearly written and communicated. Great job
Loni Bowden-Horn 
12/16/21
Marianne,

I enjoyed reading this story. It reminded me of my own childhood.

You have such in an enate way of making stories come to life by not only your storytelling ability but by the way you craft your stories.

Congratulations on your 1st place win in Editors choice.
Patricia Turner 
12/16/21
Marianne, you've woven a wonderful tale! I so feel for the mother with all of those children, but what a wise and Christ centered woman! A hearty congratulations on your well deserved first place E.C. win!
Jack Taylor 
12/16/21
A story that those of us with larger families can relate with. Blessings on the unspoken values that do along with your spoken lessons. Congrats on the win.
Noel Mitaxa 
01/30/22
A beautiful combination of humor disarming honsety - in a well-deserved win.