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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: TASTE (07/01/21)
“I’m going crazy. Why did Sarah steal from me?”

“Maybe she thought she’d never be caught.”

“She’s out on bond, but the court date is still six months away. When will I get my 15,000 back?”

“God only knows.”

“That HVAC Cool4You company is cutting their prices lower than mine, trying to run me out of business. How can I compete with people quitting and stealing from me?"

“You have great prices and a warranty with every job. You are fair and provide guaranteed service. Let that stand for itself.”

“I need to hire more people. I need qualified help. It’s expensive to advertise."

Did you know Max is leaving? How am I going to replace him?”

“I’m sorry. Do you want another cup of coffee?”

“Peggy, we are supposed to enjoy our quiet times at home. I can’t even enjoy breakfast with my wife. I don’t want to do this anymore. It’s not fun. It’s one headache after another.”

“You have me, Mike. I love you and support you. You’ve done very well for the last fifteen years, we work together. You know your brother ministers that church in Atlanta. He has all sort of problems. Give him a call and see how he handles his ministry."

“Hi James, this is Mike, I’m calling from my office in Charlottesville. How’s it going?”

“Mike, good to hear from you. Well, I could say things are great, but then I’d be lying. The church is 10,000 under budget and the roof just started leaking when it rains. The assistant pastor just quit. The church organist had to quit because of her knee. We have homeless people trying to take up residence inside the church. We desperately need strong leadership from the elders. Our church needs to be painted. Mary’s elderly mom isn’t doing well, and I need to help work around her house and straighten out financial problems for her.”

“I didn’t know things were so tough.”

“The Christian life doesn’t shield you from life’s problems, but it helps you deal with them. We have got major issues here. If this was a regular business, I’d quit. But this is God’s business, and I am called to take care of it.”

“James, I have tax problems. I can’t get decent help. Max, my protégé, is quitting. Sarah, my administrator, embezzled 15,000 dollars from me last month. I had her arrested, but it may take years to get the money back. My competitors are stealing my clients. I need help.”

“I thought your business was to make life comfortable for you?”

“If people were moral and true to their word, it wouldn’t be so bad. But people will lie, cheat, and steal if they can. People are desperate.”

“Mike, all people have problems. No one is immune to sin. We sin and others sin against us. This is a fact of life.”

“It’s driving me crazy. I’m so frustrated I can’t sleep at night. I’m worried I won’t have anything once I retire. How do you handle the stress?”

“I don’t handle the stress. I let God handle the stress for me. I pray To God for guidance and wisdom. There is a verse I want you to memorize and use it whenever you are overwhelmed. It helps me every day. I pray every day and have committed my life to Jesus Christ. I will pray for you. Now promise me you will memorize this verse. Write it down and put it in your home and office. Pray every day for peace. Here is the verse,

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are
steadfast,
Because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord
himself, is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:3, NIV)”

“I’ll do it. The other phone is ringing, and someone is standing outside my office door. Thanks.”

I called James back two weeks later, “Hi James, this is Mike, how’s it going?”

“How are you doing? Is your HVAC company behaving?”

“No. The problems are still there, but I’m doing a whole lot better. Things seem to be better because I let God handle the business. I pray that prayer you told me every day and I feel better. That is making the difference. I’ve had a taste of God’s grace and Peggy and I have started to attend the local church. Thank you, brother.”

Fiction
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This article has been read 285 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Graham Keet 
07/09/21
I enjoyed your realistic dialogue - you have probably had your fair share of life's trials. But God is faithful and true and gives peace beyond understanding. A strong entry.
Bea Edwards 
07/13/21
I think the initial few lines of dialogue could have been cleaned up a little bit and made less confusing for me if I would have known who was doing the speaking after I went back and reread the entry I realized it was the husband and wife having the initial dialogue, but at first I did not get it.

I really like how you tied it all together in your ending.
Laura Manley
07/15/21
I agree with Ms. Bea's comments. The first part of this very interesting scenario had me confused as well. But other than that, I found your story very enjoyable. You did a great job!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
07/16/21
You've a nice idea in this piece. You have some good dialog. Many editors don't like starting with a quote. I don't always agree but in this case, I felt very disjointed. I had no idea who characters were. Instead try something like this: Mike flailed his arms in the air. "Auuuggghhh! Why did Sarah rip me off?"
Peg patted his shoulder as she shrugged.
That's just a quick example to show you what I mean. Hopefully something like that will paint a picture. You have a clear message and I can feel your passion.