Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "Actions Speak Louder than Words" (without using the actual phrase). (02/21/08)
-
TITLE: transformation not conformation | Previous Challenge Entry
By kathy tierney
02/22/08 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
They had a saying, "Musungus read books, we read people." Indeed, they could read you up with one handshake and smile.
Although we knew little of language we'd studied the peoples way of life for some time before actually living with them.
We were also told of some of the risks, snakes, bugs, weather and the illnesses.
We had'nt been in the villiage more than a couple of weeks when I became ill, very very ill.
The dysentary hit me quickly and was followed by severe vomiting.
The women of Pokot culture are very busy with their children, hut building and repairing, goat herding, cooking, carrying water and tending what meager crops they could manage to grow that I soon realized they were my betters.
My illness felt as though it was sickness soon to be death. I was in and out of consciousness.
During this time these women cleaned me from all the horrid things my body was disposing of.
It was later when my husband told me how they had a schedule of shifts so that each two who would tend me had the other women care for their children and chores. They continued to take turns so that the full 2 hours in a day was covered.
During this time they washed my hair, my body and changed my bed as often as needed.
These women who wear only little skin skirts, and smelled of coals and old animal grease loved me as I have never been loved before.
I did not know them, only what I learned through slides and from those who lived with them.
Now I didn't just know about them, I knew them by heart.
We were to help other missionaries for 6 months but had the privilage of staying a full two years.
I often wonder how people read the pages of my life as I am His hands, feet and caregiver.
I can still see their love and feel it deeply as it has become a part of who I am. Yes, they were Christian women who didnt speak my language and couldnt read. But, they spoke the language of the Lords love in all they did.
Perhaps the challenge for us would be to take the word of God off the page and truly make it the living word through the way we live our lives.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
I love this line!
You certainly showed the topic! This story gets a big **SPARKLE** from me.
I think if you split it up into paragraphs, then it would be even more effective. Thanks for sharing.