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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Confused (08/16/07)
She was coming out of a dream about green lollipops when her eyes opened. A flash of green was in front of her, but she couldn’t make it out. All she knew was that her head hurt, badly. She groaned and closed her eyes. She wanted to lose herself in the blackness, but she couldn’t for the pain. Eyes open again Natalie focused on a green circle, the base of an empty Heineken, tipped out on her nightstand. It was not a lollipop but a hard reality. It was going to be a long day. Throwing off the bed sheets and entering the bathroom, the weight of yesterday settled on her shoulders, along with a fresh helping of guilt. She had not drank in six weeks. Hard to believe she slipped again. She was saved after all. A Christian. Humph. What did God think of her now?
She found the Tylenol. Opening it, she remembered yesterday morning, and her boss’s voice. “Sorry Natalie. Did what I could, but we have to let you go ”. She had heard it all before. She stepped back , and as new stream of tears began, slid down the wall onto the bathroom floor and let go. After a while, the doorbell rang.
‘Oh no, Grams “she thought.” Why now, I can ‘t deal with her right now.’ She had bottles everywhere. As she pondered , the knocks seemed to pound her skull. She jumped up, ran a hand through her hair, and downed some mouthwash , before she ran down the hall.
As she opened the door, her Grandmother’s smile dropped to concern. “Natty Baby, what is it?” she said softly as she reached out and engulfed her in a strong hug that pulled her in and pushed Natalie’s tears up to the surface once more.
“I got laid off and started drinking again. Grandma I am so sorry!, “ Natalie sobbed into her Grandmother’s chest.
Half an hour later in the kitchen, following a hot shower, Natalie had a steaming cup of coffee in both hands. After she blew it , she said, “I do everything God tells me to do and this happens. I quit drinking. I broke up with Thomas, finally start getting my credit straight, and now my job. “
She shook her head. “Did I miss something? I’m so confused! Why did this happen? “
Irene Dunbar turned from the counter and faced her granddaughter, with eyes of concern.
“I thought I was doing everything right. “ Natalie exclaimed, her voice breaking again into sobs.
Grandma strode over laying a hand on her shoulder and squeezed . “ Aw honey, God has not left you. He helped you quit drinking, get that new job, and leave a man that was not good for you. You went through so much . He kept you through it all and He is here now. You have to believe in Him.
Natalie was numb. In one night, she turned her back on God, and on everything that she had just learned. And what good did all that do anyway? God did not stop her from getting laid off again. But even in that moment, she knew better.
“Grandma , I’m tired. I don’t know what to do. And what does God think of me now ?”
Don’t be afraid, baby, Just look to Him. Come, let me show you. ” She led Natalie to the living room and opened her Bible to Psalm 34. “See, here, “ she said, pointing to a verse.
Natalie’s eyes brightened with understanding and hope as she read the words highlighted in yellow. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”
Grandma stroked Natalie’s curls. “Where do you think God was before you came to Him ? He was right there, waiting for you to come so that He could help you turn your life around. Do you think that the layoff or this episode surprises God? “ she paused, then continued, “ Of course not , He knew it would happen all along, and He is waiting for you, still. He did not promise that bad things wouldn’t happen, only that He will be there to help you through them. “
Natalie realized she was going to be okay. She did not know how, but God was there and He loved her. As her Grandmother reached to taker her hands, this time, she was ready to pray.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
08/23/07
Great title, wonderful characters.

An extra "enter" at the end of each paragraph (and a peek at the "preview" before hitting submit) will give you a story that's laid out in a format easier for readers.

This would be great for new Christians to read.
Beth LaBuff
08/25/07
You did a good job of showing "confusion" when life comes straight at you. I loved the grandmother in your story. Good job on the writing.
Sherrie Jackson
08/29/07
I like this a lot. It's so hard when you're struggling to do right and bad things keep happening. With all that God promises, it can leave you quite confused.

Good job!! Don't forget to throw a brick on the message boards on Wednesday!