Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Day and Night (07/10/14)
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TITLE: Shards of Brokenness | Previous Challenge Entry
By Louise Galley
07/13/14 -
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As Charlie pulled her boots over her worn socks, Samson announced his desire for breakfast before she left for the ranch. Giving him comforting pats (yes, I know) she pulled her tattered jeans over her boots and headed for the pantry.
Splitting tasks between packing gear and getting his food, events of Sam’s arrival flooded Charlie’s memory. Sam entered just about the time her husband was exiting.
Charlie got a full dose of ‘how to weather storms’ helping Samson survive. Once an abandoned kitten, Sam now stood a healthy 18 inches tall. Placing his dish down and giving him another affectionate pat, Charlie remembered the Vet’s warning that day she brought him in.
“Charlie, I don’t know how you find these tiny things but this one is the smallest yet. I seriously doubt this little guy will make it.”
Years later, Sam showed no signs of slowing down. And because no one had much faith he’d make it, she poetically named him Samson.
Charlie loathed the doubting Thomas’ who plagued her life. There was always someone around to offer criticism over her rescues. She knew God had a purpose. She knew (too) the day she picked up Samson (and he stretched his tiny body across her palm) he’d make it.
Why me? Charlie didn’t have many answers to her questions. She just knew (in her heart) to walk out faith, take on new projects (as her Bible thumping sisters would call them) and watch God work.
To Charlie’s way of thinking, wounded animals weren’t much different then wounded people. Most times, animals healed quicker then humans.
Stepping out to her truck, the humidity smacked Charlie hard in the face. Lord, it’s really hot.
Throwing her stuff in back, Charlie mentally picked up her list again and her biggest task ahead – Rock. Offering another prayer of hope, she backed out the drive.
As was her routine, the 30 minute trip to the ranch allowed time to check in with God. Some would say Charlie was giving him second billing but she knew God walked close with her every second of the day. Praying and driving became their thing.
Pulling in, Buck shouted a greeting from the hay loader. Buck’s a sweet old geezer with a heart for Jesus. One bad trait, Buck is a doubting Thomas whose criticism (at times) sliced deep.
Grabbing her gear, Charlie headed towards Rock’s stall. Sure enough, Buck joined her.
“What-cha got planned for him today?”
Charlie just offered a smile as Buck draped himself over the top of Rock’s stall.
Twirling a piece of hay between the gabs in his teeth, Buck started in, “Ms. Charlie. I gotta tell ya. If I hadn’t seen him when he got here, I’d swear this scrawny horse was a different animal. I confess. I didn’t think you knew what you were doing.”
“Thanks but you have to give credit to the One who’s really changing him.”
“Well, that be true, that be true. Shoot, it’s like day and night – same bony critter but completely different now than when he first got here. There’s sure something to God’s handy work and your gumption, little lady.”
“I’ll agree with that.”
Buck tipped his hat and scooted off to resume chores.
Surprised by his declaration, Charlie pulled her focus back to the physically battered horse. How this permanently scarred animal had the ability to trust any human again amazed her.
Stepping into the stall, Charlie waited for Rock’s acceptance. As he made his way to her outstretched hands, Charlie realized she’d been changing too. Haltering him, she guided both of them to his blue bucket of treats.
With each stroke of care Charlie gave Rock, shards of her own protective fortress had been melting away. Even though Rock couldn’t physically see her, somehow he’d seen into her soul and captured her brokenness.
Chuckling, Charlie realized Buck did have it right this time. Day and night was a good appraisal of their journey. Both were transforming – loosing the pains of darkness to the brightness of God’s healing grace.
As a breeze whistled through, Charlie caught wind of a whisper:
“You changed my sorrow into dancing. You took away my sadness and clothed me in joy. I will sing to you and not be silent. Lord (my God) I will praise you.” (1)
(1) Ps. 30:11-12 EXB Paraphrased
Please note: This is a work of fiction based on true events in my life.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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The Holy Spirit gives us gifts, talents, interests and even callings. We are most successful and happy when we find our interests and callings and let the spirit lead us in the way he wants us to go.
Your story showed us what your interests and calling seem to be.
Remember, alway be lead in the spirit's way.
Great delivery and analogy in presenting the topic.
God Bless~