Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Truth or Dare (08/28/08)
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TITLE: Heart Condition | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Shell
09/04/08 -
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Martin heard the words, but they didn’t seem real. All of a sudden, words spoken directly to him made him take a quick inventory of his life. One decision could change his life forever. Wasn’t he the one whose life had always seemed so complete, so well-planned, so…perfect? Now he faced a truth he couldn’t ignore. Something was missing that he could no longer live without.
“My wife, my kids,” he thought. “What will everyone think?”
As he turned and looked at Sharon, he still remembered that day as if it were yesterday. It was a warm spring afternoon. He was running from first base back to the dugout. She caught his eye from the stands with that smile that still melts his heart. With just a wave, Martin knew she was there for him that day and every day the rest of his life. Now, this felt like a secret that he was keeping from her, the first one in 18 years of marriage. But the decision was personal, and no one else could help him with his choice.
Philip stood by his side, growing into a man too quickly. Where did the years go? At 15, he was becoming the image of his father. Martin recalled the excitement and determination on his face the day of his first Little League game. They had practiced together for weeks. He couldn’t have been more proud. He never missed a game, watching his son develop his love of baseball. Now, he wondered, if Philip could always be proud of him.
He managed a quick glance to Sharon’s side. Chloe, Daddy’s little girl, had her mom’s eyes and dimples. Martin vividly recalled the first time she had smiled at him. Thirteen years ago, the doctor announced, It’s a girl.” With those words, his family, and his life had become complete. That’s what he had believed, until now.
He’d never claimed to be perfect, but now he felt vulnerable, and empty. Martin didn’t like the idea of showing weakness, especially in front of his family. This time, however, it seemed as if he had no choice.
The thoughts raced through his mind, “So what if I say no? What is the alternative?” Deep down, he knew the truth. Maybe he had known it all along. He asked himself, “Do real men admit they are weak, and don’t have all the answers?” He looked around and knew the truth. Today, he must make the choice to accept the truth and live, or reject it and face the alternative. Did he dare leave church without making a commitment? As he gripped the pew in front of him, Martin understood his options. He had lived the dare his entire life, without God.
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