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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Hope (05/04/06)
I picked up the bundle and held it securely. I drove with it in my arms trying to comfort the dying pet and reassure the child in the back seat that a better home was waiting for our faithful companion. We talked about our heavenly home that is promised by God. I explained to her that when animals get old they die. Would she understand?

“Will her spirit go to Heaven?”
“Yes, Sweetheart. If animals go to Heaven, then she will be there.”
“Why won’t her body go there?”
“God promises a new body for everyone in Heaven. A new body that will not hurt, get sick, or become old.”

As I placed the old dog in her lap, I looked at her blue eyes now stained with red from crying. She gently held her and gently stroked Little Bit’s head. A kiss on Bit’s head and I took her into the back room to see the vet.

“Hope sole remain’d within, nor took her flight,
Beneath the vessel’s verge conceal’d from light.”
Hesiod (Elton’s tr.)

I tried not to hope. But I did. She had been my “baby” for eleven years. A five week old pup weighing only a 11/2 pounds. Now an old dog, grayed face, and barely breathing.
I silently prayed, “Father, I know she is just a pet; but if it be your will help her make it through this sickness.”

Is praying for your pet selfish? Is this faith or hope? What is the difference? Is hope emotional and faith spiritual? I heard my granddaughter tell my sick mother,
“Mama, I wished to Jesus that you would be better.”
To her, wishing was praying. She had prayed to Jesus for her great-grandmother to get better.

“Hope sole remain’d within, nor took her flight,” hope remained within Pandora’s box until she opened it the second time. According to the ancients, evil entered the world, bringing all kinds of misery; but Hope came to the assistance of struggling humanity and brought a brighter future.

Faith, hope and charity. Charity is love. Love must be the catalyst to inspire hope and hope fuels our faith.

Little Bit is recovering. Was it by my hope (faith in God to intervene) or a child’s prayer? Does it matter?

God is in charge of our lives when we trust in him in all circumstances. Bless be His name.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
angela belock
05/15/06
Maybe I'm silly too, but I believe all animals have a place in heaven. I really liked this piece and am surprised no one else has commented on it. Animals are love, and sometimes they teach us about so much of God's plan. Love, forgiveness, and hope!!! Keep Writing!!
Helen Paynter
05/15/06
Nicely written. An interesting and unusual perspective (not so much the animals in heaven idea, but the classical allusions and the points you draw from them.) THought provoking. THank you.