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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of “All that Glitters is Not Gold” (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (01/24/08)
There’s a Lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold
And she’s buying a stairway to heaven… Robert Plant

Before me there hangs a tapestry on a wall. Maybe not so extraordinary a sight, but it is telling a story that speaks to my soul. These threads, woven together by some unknown hand, come together to illustrate a story of deliverance from death.

Most predominant in the scene is the Lighthouse, which sits atop a high cliff. It stands tall and real, emanating a dazzling white light. In the dark of night, its illumination is there, giving guidance and warning to anyone who does not wish to find herself dashed upon the jagged rocks at the foot of the cliff.

At the base of the lighthouse there sits a simple but lovely house. Kindness and warmth radiate from its glowing windows. The house is alive, and it whispers, “Come! I know that you are weary. I am waiting for you. Come and take shelter from the storm. I will give you rest, protect you, and love you.”

Below the cliff is an ominous, frightful scene. A terrifying storm has blown in. Swollen waves are crashing in upon jagged rocks. It is as if the storm is alive and would climb the cliff and devour the little house. But the house stands firm on its solid foundation at the foot of the Light.

In my mind, I see her, tossed about by the treacherous sea. She has fought long and hard against her enemy, the Storm. She strains for each breath, utter defeat written upon her face. She believes at last that the battle is lost. She focuses upon the lighthouse and then understands her need. She has need of a rescue without which she will die. She whispers desperately, “God… Please… Help… I need you.”

She then sees a glorious Stairway, traveled by angels from heaven, extending from the Light down to the sea, to meet her exactly where she is. The Hand of Light reaches out to her and understanding dawns in her heart. She understands that the Stairway leads to the Father of all Creation. The Stairway is Jesus Christ. Though she has sat in her church sanctuary many times throughout her life, she has yet to really know this Jesus, to give Him her heart. As her pride gives way to humility, she acknowledges her state of denial. She has never trusted Jesus, never put her faith in Him. Instead, she has put her faith in her own ideas and in the glitter and gold of the world. She has walked not by faith in God, but by sight, attempting to work for and buy an imaginary Stairway to Heaven with her church offerings and good works. Now her self-deception has led her to this unforgiving sea of destruction and shame.

She now understands that the true Stairway is not a thing she can buy. This purchase was made only by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, by His shed blood, on a cross at Calvary. Because He loves her. She must only admit her state of sin and helplessness and believe in Him, trust in Him. She will withhold from Him nothing, no part of her heart, no thought in her mind, no thing in her possession, and not one moment of her time.

Oh! How beautiful is the knowledge that the Author of Life has always loved her so! She is His creation and He created her for this moment, this embrace!

As she reaches toward her Savior, Jesus pulls her from the torrential sea and she steps onto the Stairway, into His arms, right into His very Heart. She is brought to the Throne Room of God at the top of the Light. Because Jesus, the Son, has paid the price for all of her wrongdoing, she will enter and receive God’s tender love and endless mercy for all of eternity.

Now the Lady is home at last and will reside in the little house at the foot of the Light for all of her life. She will pray, and study, and walk in peace with God. The glittering gold shall try, but it will deceive her no more as she walks by faith in Him.

As they do over each lost sheep that is rescued and brought home, the angels cheer and Heaven is filled with the sound of their laughter.

Can you hear the laughter?
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Laury Hubrich 
02/02/08
This is well written. A nice allegory. For these challenges, though, and for any writing you might submit to be published, make sure you follow the directions. You don't want to be disqualified for something you could easily fix. Deb said not to use the saying in the entries. I would hate to see such great writing be judged lower because of that. Keep on writing. You are a natural!
Laury
Jan Ackerson
02/02/08
Very good writing--would have been just as powerful if you began with the description of the tapestry.

Keep up the great, great work!
Leigh MacKelvey
02/03/08
Loved your descriptions and the whole allegory! Keep writing and submitting!