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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: White (10/29/09)
Elizabeth darted wildly into the night. Cold air cut through her, chilling her bones. Her feet sank into the freshly fallen snow. She didn’t know where she was going; she just knew she had to get out of that house.

Three months had passed since Elizabeth had gotten married. Her husband, Steve, knew her past. He was supportive, taking things slowly for her sake. Still, every time Steve touched her, she cringed and pulled away. She didn’t want to; more than anything, she wanted to be able to love him.

Determined to make this a special night, Elizabeth had candles burning and the table set when Steve came home from work. She knew he loved her, and lived to make her happy. Yet she couldn’t seem to let the walls of protection down even for him. However, tonight she was going to try.

Steve was thrilled coming home to the smell of the steak broiling in the kitchen. The candle light flickered, creating dancing silhouettes on the dining room walls. Elizabeth appeared in the doorway, her beauty astounded him.

She motioned for Steve to sit down. Taking his seat, he watched in awe as she gracefully served dinner. While they ate, they shared their hopes for the future, and dreamed of the children they wanted to have. When the last piece of steak was eaten, Elizabeth led Steve to the living room, where they sat watching the fire, already ablaze.

“Thank you God,” she whispered heavenward. The night was going just as she had planned.

“Elizabeth, I just want you to know how much I appreciate this; I thank God everyday for setting you apart for me.” Wrapping his strong arms around her, he leaned in to kiss her lips.

“Wait,” Elizabeth said, pulling away from his embrace. “We need desert. I’ll go get it.” Elizabeth felt that familiar fear welling up inside of her. She had to pull herself together. She didn’t want to hurt Steve again, especially not after all this effort to make it a special night for him.

“Elizabeth, I know this took a lot of courage, I am patient.” He gently pulled her back to him. She could feel the heat of his body. She should have melted into his embrace, but all of a sudden, she felt trapped, smothered, and scared. Before Steve knew what happened, she shot up and ran out the door into the night.

For much of her life Elizabeth lived in constant fear. From the time she was very small, her father had abused her, telling her she was no good and would never amount to anything. Elizabeth had been living with this mark embedded on her soul, now here she was, married to a wonderful man who just wanted to love her and she couldn’t accept it.

Steve’s voice echoed behind her. “Elizabeth wait! Come back.”

Elizabeth slowed. “Oh God, I can’t do this anymore, help me to see myself like You and Steve see me.” She crumbled in a heap, sobbing and pounding the snowy ground.

Finally catching up, Steve knelt beside her. “Elizabeth, I love you; but more than that, God loves you. Your past is not who you are. God has something special for you. Will you please trust Him and come with me?”

Taking her hand, Steve led her home. He took her upstairs. Sitting her on their bed, he handed her a box beautifully wrapped in white paper.

Elizabeth carefully unwrapped it, exposing the most beautiful satiny white robe she had ever seen. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at Steve.

“Let me explain, after we were married, I was walking through the mall. The words ‘clothe her in white’ came to me. Just then, I passed a mannequin wearing this very robe. I was going to give it to you then, but God said wait. He’d show me the right time, tonight is that time.”

Placing the robe on his wife, Steve spoke God’s message. “My child, I sent my only son to wash you clean and remove the mark you’ve carried for so long. I’ve redeemed you and clothed in this snowy white garment just as the bride of Christ I have made you to be. I’ve taken your mark, erasing it forever. You are free now, to love and be loved.”

Elizabeth couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She fell into Steve’s arms. Gazing into his soft, welcoming eyes, she kissed him, as never before.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
April Gray
11/12/09
An excellent illustration of how satan would use someone else's sins to sabotage a loving marriage. Especially relevant to the subject matter you chose (which by the way took great courage to write--a subject matter many find difficult)is the truth that we carry our past around with us, forgetting that God sees us with far more objective eyes, and that no stain, perceived or real is to hard for Him to cleanse.

Thankyou for writing this.
Marie Fink
11/12/09
This story gives us a glimpse of just how long suffering and patient God is with us...for a newlywed husband to be this patient with his bride. Beautifully told.
Dimple Suit
11/13/09
Good story with beautiful illustrations of love. Congrats on winning 2nd place!
Sarah Elisabeth
11/14/09
Beautiful ending, congrats on your placing!

See you in Level 2 :-)
Angie Wolf
11/14/09
I believe that when a reader can envision the actions of characters written by a writer, the literary piece is worthy of an award. You did an exceptional job in "Clothed In White" painting a picture. Congratulations!