Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Prosperity (05/11/06)
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TITLE: The Porch | Previous Challenge Entry
By Joyce Sykes
05/18/06 -
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“You’ll never guess who I saw yesterday, Sarah. He hasn’t been in town for some time.”
Sarah’s rocking chair slowed for a second as she raked her memory for a clue.
“You don’t mean Brent Moore, do you?”
Quickly smiling, Julia took a deep breathe and then continued.
“Yes, he drove by in a fancy two-seater red sports car. Why in the world someone wants something so small is beyond me. Tom said it cost close to one-hundred thousand. That’s just plain ridiculous, especially since Trent has had such a hard time. You know it’s hard to imagine those boys as twins, they are as different as night and day.”
“I know, it’s really strange; they looked so much alike growing up, but not the last time I saw them together. Trent was wearing a nice casual suit; but Brent was dressed like an impeccable executive with a hard, unhappy look. You would think with all that money, he would be happy. But he and his wife divorced last year and rumors are he rarely sees his kids.”
Julie nodded once again. “Trent’s wife, Abigail slipped up one time and said Brent was always scared someone was out to take his money and he never seemed to have enough. Of course, she immediately apologized and said she shouldn’t have said that. Although, it’s the truth, Brent seems greedy, even as a little boy, he was that way. I remember at church one day, Brent had eaten his snack and wanted more. Trent broke off half of his and handed it to him.”
Sadly shaking her head, Sarah answered. “I know, when I taught Sunday school I was always amazed at the differences. One brother listened to every word during story time and the other acted as if he was a million miles away. I remember such a change in him when Trent accepted Jesus. Since that time, he just talks about the Lord and His faithfulness. Even after he lost his job at the plant, he still spoke about being so rich in the Lord. He actually said to me once, ‘Miss Sarah, how can I be worried. I know my heavenly Father owns the thousand cattle on the hill and He owns the hill, too.* He will supply our needs.’
Pausing Sarah smiled softly to herself at the faith of the young man that prayed with her so long ago.
“You know, I watched Brent that day. Trent was so excited and hugged his brother. He wanted Brent to do the same but Brent just shook him off shrugging his shoulders, and told Trent, he’d think about doing that later.”
“Well, I personally think with all that money you would think he would help out his only brother and a twin at that. Trent and Abigail came close to losing the house when was he out of work. But he found something just in the nick of time.” Julie continued rocking as she waved at the new neighbor across the street.
“Trent shared with me his new job was great and he could witness at the shop. He loves telling others about God’s love. I asked him how Brent was doing and he whispered the strangest thing.”
‘Miss Sarah, Brent has all that money, works too hard, and doesn’t enjoy a bit of it. What he needs is the Lord, and I am praying for that every day. Prosperity doesn’t make one rich, but what we have in the Lord makes us the richest people in the world. As for me, I am so blessed. How could I ask for more?’
“I truly enjoyed talking to him. Trent seemed so sad when he was talking about Brent. I pray the Lord answers that prayer real soon.”
“Well, you know what the Word says about the rich. ‘It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.**’ It sounds like Brent has his own ‘god’ and it sure is different than Trent’s”
The two old friends continued on to other subjects during the visit. Nevertheless, Sarah determined to join heart with Trent in prayer for his brother.
*Psalms 50:10
** Mark 10:25
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Work on making your characters distinct from each other, with more realistic-sounding dialog.
Very sweet story!