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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Bridge (07/31/08)
Sunshine had finally won out. The weekend retreat in the lower San Bernardino Mountains had begun under heavy storm clouds and intermittent rain. Now on this last day fluffy white clouds edged a blue sky. Annie breathed in deeply. Invigorated by the scent of pine freshly released in the storm, she set out on a solitary walk, the campground’s bookstore her goal. The path led towards the brimming stream running through the middle of the area. Years ago when she’d been here on another retreat, she’d had to take a more circuitous route. How nice, she thought, to have this beautiful new wooden footbridge here saving us time and energy.

Halfway across the suspension bridge, she paused, leaned on the railing, the rushing water beneath her echoing her excitement and sense of refreshment. Her thoughts continued. I am so glad we made it to the retreat this weekend! It’s been a precious time, reconnecting with God and church family in this more intimate setting.

The worship time that morning had been especially meaningful to her. The pastor spoke about the woman in the crowd who touched the hem of the garment Jesus wore and received healing of her ailment. He explained that the hem would have had tassels on it.

Annie meditated there on the bridge, zeroing in on “touching the tassel” on the hem of his garment. A number of changes in the past year, including a move to a new city that required spending more time on the freeway than she cared to and a number of friends moving away, had challenged her. Annie was of a temperament that didn’t do well with change; it drained her of the energy to live more joyfully.

If I could just “touch the tassel” of Jesus’ robe, she thought, and believe that He has all the power I need to get me through what challenges me the most, what would that be like? She took in the scene below her. Water swirled, pounded on rocks, surged forward. It was the inspiration she needed. Her spirit spanned the chasm as she reached out and touched the tassel. A river of relief and gratitude cascaded as she discovered his power was there.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Verna Cole Mitchell 
08/07/08
I'd never thought of tassels on the woman's robe before. I liked your interpretation of touching the tassel and gaining peace, in contrast to the swirling water below the bridge.
Lisa Keck
08/07/08
I like this. I don't know if I'd be comfortable stopping on a suspension bridge but sometimes you have to, if just to reach the tassles.
Marlene Austin
08/07/08
Unique perspective. Great tie-in of the "modern day" experience with the Biblical lesson. Would liked to have seen more of the revelation and transition of the MC. Nice job. :)
Beckie Stewart
08/13/08
Love those retreats that stir in the depths of the heart a desire to be closer to the Lord.
Debra Martinez
08/14/08
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through your story. It flowed very smoothly. I felt the need for a little more development in the last paragraph to build up to the climax. I think that would make this piece exceptional. Thanks for writing it.
Dan Blankenship
08/14/08
Good words...needed to be a bit longer.

May God bless.

Sincerely,
Dan Blankenship