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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Christmas Cards (11/06/08)
Just how do you pick out a Christmas card to give to an abusive parent she wondered as she looked at card after card. She had long since forgiven her parents and had once more grown to love them but holidays could still be difficult. Thankfully there were no expectations for family gatherings, just send them a card and maybe a handmade gift and be done again for the year. No pretending to be the happy family that never was. Just pick a card, what could be easier?

Looking at the sentiments inside each card , she discarded each in turn. Where were the cards that were meant for the dysfunctional families? She could not send one that spoke of happy memories of Christmases past, of childhood dreams fulfilled, of longing to be “Just like you, Mom”. She finally settled on a humorous card that was not insulting and should make her dad laugh.

Driving home her mind began to dwell on the pain of her childhood. Sadness engulfed her and gloom settled in the even the Christian music on the radio could not budge. The closer she got to home the more depressed she became.

Time to forgive them the Voice whispered.

But I forgave them years ago she thought.

Time to forgive them the Voice said.

I forgave them, I love them she thought.

Time to forgive them the Voice said once more as she pulled into her drive way.

She sat in her car for awhile, thinking of the bitterness she felt she knew the Voice was right. His word tells us He will forgive our sins and remember them no more, but she would always remember the sins committed against her. She would have to make a more conscious effort at forgiveness.

Abba, Father, she prayed Forgive me for my bitterness, for the unloving attitude, for the hardness of my heart. Help me, Lord, to forgive each time it comes to mind. Help me to know that You will use even this to your glory, even if I never see it. Thank you, Abba, for being the Voice that sets my thoughts back upon You.

She sat letting the music and peace flow over her for a few minutes more. Then she dried her tears and headed for the house. She had a Christmas card to send.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Marita Vandertogt
11/17/08
The Christmas season can hold as much pain for some as it does joy for others...maybe more people than we realize. You write well... you convey strong emotion and hold the reader's attention. I like the card for dysfunctional families idea, though maybe more for the person buying it than sending. Anyway, good job - again, you write well - keep at it!
Gregory Kane
11/17/08
Great opening line!
It's great that you've got hold of the formatting tags but use them with care. Your bold effect works well but in my opinion the italics are overused. Plus they're harder to read on most screens.
So keep on writing as you hone your skills to God's glory
Catrina Bradley
11/18/08
Your message really got me - I hear that Voice and have the same conversation with Him. I like the way you formatted your talk with the Voice, and I could feel your MC's emotions. A bit of work on your punctuation and this entry would shine!
Celeste Ammirata
11/18/08
I like the humor when she tries to pick out the card. And how God wouldn't let her alone in the car. Forgiveness, given and received can change lives. Keep writing, you do it well.
Marlene Austin
11/19/08
You expressed your sentiments well. Nice job. :)
Joy Faire Stewart
11/19/08
You have a gift for writing with emotions that connect with your reader. And I like the title. Good job on topic.
Carole Robishaw 
11/19/08
I really liked the voice of your MC. This was really good, I'm thinking this is going to place, good luck.
Pamela Kliewer 
11/19/08
I could really feel you MC's pain and the peace as the story came to its conclusion of her listening to the Voice. :) Well done.
Leah Nichols 
11/20/08
You convey the emotions well....I think a lot of people can relate. Excellent work!