Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Hope (05/04/06)
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TITLE: Hope Never Ending | Previous Challenge Entry
By SYLVIA KING
05/10/06 -
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I hung up the phone after talking with Matt and Jessica. The baby would be here in the next
three to four weeks. I would be a great-aunt before I turned fifty-seven years old.
Life. It certainly had not turned out the way I planned. When I was first out of high school
my hopes and plans revolved around meeting Mr. Wonderful, getting married, and having at
least six children.
As I sat down on the couch I motioned for my little poodle, Daisy Mae, to join me. Getting
older sure produced a new set of feelings. The fact that I was considered a senior citizen and still
single was a very real feeling. The hysterectomy had removed all hope of birthing my own
children. It produced a strange ache and sense of hopelessness in my heart. At least I wasn't
suffering from a recent divorce or death of a family member or friend, or even from the empty
nest syndrome.
I looked around the room. I had spent the past seven years caring for my elderly mother.
I was grateful for the extra time I was being given with her. I thoroughly realized this phase of
life was but for a season. I had to loose the 150 pounds of excessive weight now if I hoped to
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to physically be ready for any future events in my life. I sighed, "Daisy Mae, changes are never
easy." She snuggled closer and sighed.
What would determine the journey ahead of me? Would hope for the future, dreams, God-
given dreams be prominent enough that I'd reach for them in spite of my present situation?"
I wondered. Avoiding the feeling of hopelessness, loneliness, and inadequacy I leaned back
against the couch and closed my eyes.
Suddenly the room was hot and sticky. I rubbed my forehead in confusion. Where was I?
The ringing of the school bell brought junior high kids from all directions. School bell? I
stepped back against the wall so I wouldn't get ran over. From all appearances they weren't
even aware I existed. They were busy chatting, laughing, shoving, teasing and gathering in
their private little groups. It soon became obvious some "belonged" while others were treated
as "outsiders. They looked so hopeless and lonely.
My heart became troubled, even angry, as I watched the less fortunate children being cruelly
teased about their lack of adequate clothing. The hurt in their eyes, the tear that escaped and was
quickly wiped away made my heart ache.
"Lord, do something!" I pleaded.
"You're supposed to be My hands extended," He reminded me.
"Me? What can I do? I don't have any money! There's too many kids that need help," I
exclaimed in despair.
"This time you have something more important than money," He declared.
"Better! What?" I questioned.
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"You have knowledge. You know how to sew, right?" He admonished.
"You want me to sew outfits for all of the children that are in need?" I asked somewhat
overwhelmed.
"No, I want you to do something even more important!" I heard Him say to my inner soul.
Feeling very confused I asked humbly, "What's more important Lord?"
"You can make or buy clothes for each child. In a short period of time the garment will
be outgrown or worn out. But, if you taught a sewing class for the ones that want to learn to
sew you will have given them knowledge and hope for a better future," He declared with
enthusiasm.
The wisdom of His words took on a new meaning. Teach them to sew so they are not at
someone else's mercy. With knowledge comes hope and confidence. Constructive activities
keeps children off the street and away from serious dangers. Knowledge and hope sparks
dreams," I spilt over with excitement as I spoke to the Lord.
I felt His pleasure as the truth He shared sank into my conscious mind as I awoke.
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