Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: LUST (all-consuming desire; excessive craving) (01/08/15)
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TITLE: Some Call it Love | Previous Challenge Entry
By Trudy Newell
01/14/15 -
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At thirteen, I developed an unnatural interest in the boys in my class. When the class showered after gym, I lingered in order to catch a glimpse of some buff boys who I found attractive. While my buddies talked about the knockout new girl, I focused on Bret– tall, blond, sparkling eyes–I was drawn to him.
Every Sunday when Mom didn’t work, we went to church. We each had a Bible, but I invariably left mine on my nightstand, collecting dust. The King James Version was difficult for me to understand, and Mom didn’t have time to explain it.
When I turned fifteen, I hung around the guys in youth group, chilling out, playing basketball and Ping-Pong. I developed some close friends, which was good because I needed all the encouragement I could get.
Scott stepped into my life when he started working with the youth. He took a special interest in me. Although he was only ten years older, I looked up to him as a mentor, almost like the father I never knew.
He enjoyed sports as much as I did, but there was something wrong that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. One evening, he played basketball with us, and then took a couple of guys for a hamburger and Coke. When he placed his hand tenderly on my shoulder, my insides stirred. An internal alarm warned me to stay clear of Scott, but I ignored it. I felt attracted to him in the same way I felt about Bret earlier. The electricity was there.
One afternoon, Scott invited me to his place. I thought, We’re just friends. Deep down, however, I had an uneasy feeling. Before I knew it, my "mentor" had opened up a new world to me, one I wasn't sure I wanted to enter. The excitement and passion or the guilt and shame caused me to wonder which part was more exciting, even though I knew what he did to me was terribly wrong.
Mom wasn’t home when Scott dropped me off. I felt dirty, so I showered while PJ and Kim watched TV.
Over the next month, I observed Scott from a distance. Why didn’t I noticed that although he appeared to know the Bible, parts of what he read didn’t ring true? His words sound fake. As he goofed off with other guys, I pondered the situation. It looks innocent enough, but it feels wrong. I should’ve known better. I’m such an idiot.
I needed to talk to PJ. “He’s a fake! I can’t stand hypocrites!” PJ listened to my tirade and nodded. “I’m not going back to church; I never want to have anything to do with Christians who act like that again.”
God intervened by using PJ, who had come to God a year earlier, to introduce me to a new person, Brad. . Both of us grew in our understanding of who God was and what the Bible was all about. That year, PJ led twenty-one people, including me, to the Lord.
The discipleship program we followed was similar to a detox program today. I didn’t watch TV or use the web for over a year. I memorized passages of Scripture, replacing images that came into my head with the Word of God.
Fifteen years later, I have a wife and three sons.
Recently, PJ and I reminisced and rejoiced about our salvation experience.
PJ asked, “DJ, do you still struggle with those feelings?”
Raising my eyebrow, I stared at my twin. “Seriously? That stuff takes a lifetime to overcome.”
PJ pressed me for more. “What helps?”
“Liz is an amazing wife; I don’t think I’d make it without her. The Lord knew I needed her. Together we came up with a plan; she monitors my online activities. If she sees anything suspicious, she points it out. It can be embarrassing, but it’s worth it to keep my family intact. Also, I attend an accountability group, and I’m careful about avoiding temptations.”
Chuckling, I lifted my head, unaware that I’d lowered it. “Oh, and PJ, I memorize lots of Scriptures. That’s God’s way of monitoring all of my activities and keeping me on the winning side.”
Author’s note - fiction
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Excellent writing here!
Loved how you tied it together very strongly upon closing.
God bless~
One suggestion: You might want to indicate the gender of the MC toward the beginning of the piece.
Your subject matter is current for contemporary issues, and I like the way you showed how the problem can be overcome, filling the mind with God's word. I look forward to reading your next entry. Keep up the great work!