The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Hope (05/04/06)
The baby was born late one night following prayer. At first glimpse, not looking quite human he began to make a sound, a little cry, then was laid upon my chest. The cord that tied him to me was cut… but I knew he was mine… forever connected to me. In just a matter of hours, I could see his humanity and could see he was perfectly formed. Relieved and joyful at having this new life to pour myself into, I slept and so did he.
As days, months, years passed, I fed him, clothed him and kept him safe. I took him with me everywhere I went and on occasion would allow a select friend or two to care for him. Sharing him with others was sometimes difficult, but oh, when I did, they encouraged me and cheered me on! Admiring him, sometimes as much as I, they served to deepen my love for him.
The infant grew, changed and evolved into toddler, child, adolescent and young adult. In my eyes he was perfection at every stage. He continues to grow, not yet complete, not yet at that full place of manhood.
Is this hope? Born late in the night… born out of some thought, some idea, perhaps following prayer. It’s form not quite identifiable, yet when cut free and laid upon your heart, forever yours. Nurtured and carefully tended, it begins to grow and you carry it with you always.
You can share your hope with intimate friends, and because they love you they speak life into it, causing it to grow and deepen. It’s risky to share with those who do not know you so well, as hope can be stolen or carelessly broken.
I have seen those who have lost their hope and I pray mine and yours is big enough, strong enough that we might give some of it away to those so in need of it.
A smile, word of encouragement, a hand that says, “I can help you”, can birth hope into someone tonight. Let it begin with the source… the one who birthed it in you and in me… let it begin with prayer.
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.
This article has been read 1056 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Lynda Schultz 
05/12/06
A very good analogy. I like your "take" on the theme. Well done.
Ruth Neilson
05/13/06
I enjoyed your work, but please do remembering that formatting often helps make the piece easier and more enjoyable to read.
Helen Paynter
05/13/06
Some really creative thoughts in this, and nicely written.
Maxx .
05/13/06
Almost poetic with a wonderful analogy built in. This piece is strong and the writer has great potential. Keep at it! You've worlds to conquor!
Candice Broom
05/14/06
Very good parallel. Sweet prose!
Dr. Sharon Schuetz
05/14/06
This is done very well. I like the way you compared the newborn and his growth to hope. Good analogy.
Jessica Schmit
05/24/06
What a beautiful account of hope and love. Incredibly written. You have much potential and I look forward to seeing some more of your work! Keep at it!