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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Personal Peace (06/01/06)
Only through Jesus’ shed blood and his redemption can personal peace be found. Peace that passes all understanding is only given through him.
These are the thoughts that pass through my foggy mind as I sat in the dark, cold, outdoor shelter built from cardboard boxes. I had known that peace at one time in my life. How has it evaded me? Where did I step from the path the Lord set me on. Why would I allow such a happening?
My mind turned back to the time my father slammed the suit case on my bed. “Take your belongings and leave this house. You are no longer welcome here,” he screamed.
“But Dad, where will I go? I have no kin. I don’t have money.”
“That is your problem. You must earn your own living. There is not enough food in this house to feed extra mouths. You are seventeen now and it is time for you to take responsibility for yourself.”
“I promise I will find work. Don’t throw me out in the streets. Please Dad?”
“No! You must go; seek your own way of survival. There are too many mouths to feed.”
“Do you know what it’s like out there? I have been told how dangerous it is. Most women turn to prostitution. Is that really what you want for your daughter, Daddy?”
“It isn’t exactly what I want, but I don’t have any choice. Now, hurry up and fill your suitcase,” he said with a frown.
I scurried to the closet grabbing as many things as I could stuff in the old, worn suitcase. It was so full it would hardly close.
As I stepped out into the cool, damp air, tears flowed freely. My body shook, not from the cold, but from fear. Making my way down the side walk toward a whole different way of life, despair gripped my mind and weakness pressed my body. What am I to do?
After wandering the muggy streets, I saw a whole line of boxes and poles with blankets strung over them. People were huddled in them while others sat around little fires trying to cook something to eat. Shivers ran up and down my spine, and a sickening feeling gripped me from the inside out. I had never had a very prosperous life with my family, but it certainly beat this alternative.
An older lady stepped beside me. “What are you doing here? You don’t look like you belong here.”
“I know I don’t belong here, but my father kicked me out. I have no choice.”
“What kind of father would do this to his daughter?”
“He says he has no choice. There are too many mouths to feed, and I am the oldest.”
“Come with me. There are too many waiting to trap you into terrible living. I’ll try to help you,” she said as she placed her arm on my shoulder and guided me to her little handmade hut.
Thankfully, I whispered, “Thank you, Mam.”
“Call me Maude.”
“Call me, Orphan Annie.”
“OK, Orphan Annie. You take that corner of my mansion.”
“Please call me Susan.”
For the next few days I learned the life of homeless people. The realization began to seep into my soul that I am now one of them.
This was Sunday, and Maude took me to a nearby church. We were welcomed with open arms. The young minister preached about how much God loves us, so much he gave his son to die for our sin. At the end of his sermon I made my way to the altar to receive a Savior that I didn’t know existed. Peace washed through me in a way I did not know was possible. In the weeks to follow I talked with the minister many times. He was of tremendous help. Eventually, I was able to move in with a widow. I also found work to support myself.
The realization of turning my back on God seeped into my very being. I had stopped going to church and reading the Bible. “Oh, Father, please forgive me. Help me to forgive my earthly father as you forgive me.”
I knew Sunday I would be back in church and straighten up my life again. Personal peace returned to me as I said a prayer of gratitude. This time I knew God’s peace would remain in me because I determined never to go back to my old ways.
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This article has been read 1265 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sue Goodreau
06/10/06
Overall, I think that you successfully conveyed Susan's bewilderment and fear when she was asked to leave home. I also liked that a christian woman reached out to help her and save her from possibly turning to prostitution for survival. And, of course, it's always a plus when the main character finds Jesus.
A few suggestions.
--Double-space between paragraphs. It is much easier to for us to read.
--I was a little confused at the end when Susan talks about turning her back on God. Did she do this after talking to the minister, or is she referring to the past?
I enjoyed reading this. Good job.
Virginia Gorg
06/12/06
Nice wrap up to her problem. God is always there for us. Easy to read and conveys a powerful message :)
Marilyn Schnepp 
06/13/06
Very difficult to read without the spaces between the paragraphs. However, another said "an easy read"...so perhaps my eyes are getting old. Very nice, thank you.
Zuanne Joubert
08/01/06
I'm not sure if this is fiction or truth, yet i know children who do get kicked out, and live the way you wrote (I work with streetkids) and they feel that way the first time. You explained it well.