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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Barbeque/Cookout (09/06/12)
It was a time in my life that sometimes seems faded and clouded by the good but mostly bad days. Sunday mornings my mother and I would go to the local Baptist church she would go to her Sunday school class and I to mine. I remember the joy in the lessons learned and how I felt as I listened intently to my teacher Mrs Briggs. She made me feel welcome while most of the girls I had grown up with knowing them all my life made me feel like a stranger in a far off land.
We rarely attended the Church service as my father would have a fit if my mom was not home in time to begin lunch. This inevitable led to my mom no longer finding the peace and solace she had found and longed for in the Sunday school class having to give it up to quell my fathers jealousy.
We would return to a cold home void of feeling. One of the few things most of the time I looked forward to in coming home from church was the home cooking. I used to beg my dad to fix his barbque hamburgers that I loved so much. He had a way of fixing them that I still cannot replicate no matter how hard I try. Dinner at our home was about the only time we really bonded, or as much as my family could, its funny how you can bond over a hamburger.
Later at night when it was time for bed, I usually would stay awake for hours mulling over what had happened. I would think about the lessons I had learned at Church and how they related my day or my life.
Praying as I was thinking about it all, Seeing the faces of those around the table and focusing on the multiple feeling associated there. Sitting across from one of my brothers knowing the things he had done to me throughout my younger years, Looking over to my father and seeing the man who used to be my favorite until I clearly began to see the bruises he left on my mom. Then turning to my strong point, the one who took me to church and taught me to pray. The BBQ food never made her smile nor did she beg my dad to cook it.
I believe that one thing brought me through the fire pit of my life. Cooked thoroughly through and through and that is Faith. I was seasoned by the trials and burned by the fire but God pulled me through.


Ephesians 6:16

English Standard Version (ESV)


16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil on.

Some people may look at this as a beginner writing from the heart. But having walked slowly through the fire and wearing the scars bravely that I acquired, I believe this makes me an expert and I hope no one else achieves this high goal.
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This article has been read 751 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
09/13/12
Oh this was such a "different and totally delightful take on the topic." I loved how creative this piece was and loved the message. Great job. And, so true. Amen!

God bless~
Lynn Smith
09/13/12
Beautiful message. I hope that God continues to give you strength to overcome all obstacles and fear. Tomorrow is a new day... look out for the plans that he has for you. You have a great gift.

God bless you.

Terry Lee
09/14/12
This is a powerful, poignant story of despair caught up in hope. I felt as if the words came directly from your heart, and these are the sorts of stories that are my favorite to read.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/15/12
This is a powerful piece. and I found my heart aching for that little girl and my desire to wrap my arms around her and just love her. This isn't an easy topic to tackle.

You did have a few minor errors (which if you'd like a challenge buddy or a critique group to help you with those things either check the message board or send me a PM and I'll help you)

You told the story in such a way that it won't soon be forgotten. When I read your note at the end, my first thought was you were an expert at writing and hoped no one would achieve that high of a level. But then it only took me a millisecond to think DUH and to realize you were an expert at abuse and didn't want anyone to go through the same torment that you did. My heart aches for you and for every child who is experiencing that pain too. I stopped and said a little prayer for you and all of the hurting hearts. Keep writing, it will help you to heal plus you get the bonus of reaching out to others and helping them to heal or even better a parent may see themselves in your words and make a change right now.
Cie J. Gray
10/11/12

Hi Debra,
I like this story for the optimistic thread you weave through it. Here is a hurting child looking for a bright side in something as simple as a hamburger. Life is not black or white. Many times it is as gray as an abusive husband who makes good hamburgers at his daughter's request. Keep mining this one as the Lord continues to heal you from the pain of the past.