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Topic: Cross (as in the Cross of Christ) (08/17/06)
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TITLE: DAD'S FRIEND | Previous Challenge Entry
By Maryolyn Payne
08/17/06 -
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DAD’S FRIEND
“Hey, Dad. If you’ll give me $10,000 I’ll be out’ta here. I’m not goin’ to college. I’ll take the money and I’m gone. I can’t do this without money. At least I will be out of your new wife’s hair.”
“Son, you don’t need to look at life like that. You don’t know Sylvia. In time everything will be OK.”
Sylvia was standing nearby carefully listening. “It’s a good plan, Sweetheart. After all, he is nineteen years old. It is time for him to be on his own.”
“See, Dad. She doesn’t want me here. Things are different since you and Mom divorced.”
“I know, but you need to give it time. I love you and want the best for you. You need college. Everyone needs a degree in something.”
“College isn’t my thing. I’ll find work.”
“I’ll decide later after I pray. You know since I’ve come to know the Lord, I like to talk things over with Him.”
“Thanks, Dad!” he said hugging him. Looking at Sylvia, Wade turned and left.
Thomas Brock withdrew to privacy. Getting on his knees he said, “Lord, it’s me, Thomas Brock. I am thankful for you giving me new life in knowing you died on the cross for me. I need help with my family. You just heard Wade. You know how Sylvia feels about Wade’s request. I’m in the middle. Lord, could You please make this decision for me?” He stayed there for a long time seeking guidance.
Sylvia waited for him. “Guess you found not to give Wade money?”
“I do know what I am to do.” Picking up his keys and drove off.
Later, Thomas called Sylvia and Wade together. “Here is the plan. Wade, I am not giving you $10,000.” Sylvia’s face expressed triumph but Wade’s disappointment. “Hold on now. Instead of $10,00 it will be your inheritance-$20,000. You would not get far on less. I would like for you to get a job. Use wisdom. I will expect you to return home for visits. If you must go, go.”
Wade couldn’t believe it. “Dad, you’re the greatest. Thank you! I am going to pack my belongings. I’ll be gone in the morning.” He hurried out.
Sylvia was livid. “What are you thinking? What are we going to do about the new house we plan to build? That money is needed for that,” she demanded.
“This is what I feel the Lord has told me to do, and it is decided. We will need to postpone building until we rebuild the savings.”
“Well, the Lord has not told me that. Ever since you have started going to church things are different. We used to get along well and have fun. Now, all you do is read and pray and go to church.”
He held her close for a while, “Why don’t you accept the most valuable gift of all. God loves you, and I do too.”
Jerking from him she retreated to her get away place. Once there, the vodka bottle welcomed her and she welcomed it. “This is what I need!”
†
“Thanks Dad, love you.”
“Call and come back for visits. Also, please call your mother.”
Traveling, Wade called Beth, “Hey, meet me at the Best Motel in Handley. It’s just fifty miles. Bring friends, we’re going to par-r-ty.”
Parties became routine. Traveling further away from home, nights filled with drugs, alcohol, and lavish food. Everyone welcomed Wade’s generosity.
One, supposedly good friend, knew where Wade’s money was. Knowing Wade was passed out, he took all of the money but $15.00. Realizing what happened, Wade worried. No place to turn and no friends. “I don’t have enough to buy gasoline.”
Hocking his car for a small amount that lasted a short time, he was destitute. Desperate, he ate from restaurant’s garbage pails. No one would hire him in his condition.
“I’m starving! Dad will feed me.” Hitchhiking, he went home.
He could see his Dad looking his way. Thomas Brock ran toward his son. “Thank You, Jesus,” he yelled.
“Dad, I will work for food if you will let me.”
“You are home. Nothing else matters.”
Wade dropped to his knees. “Dad, I would like to try the man who died on that cross that you are so crazy about.”
With that, Wade began a new life of lasting wealth.
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