Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: GENEROUS (10/14/21)
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TITLE: The Gift of Safety | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jennifer Percell
10/21/21 -
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“Look under the your bike seat when you go.” Carl said as I walked to the door.
I heard the warmth in his voice and could not respond. The envelope was rolled tightly under the seat. Where could I hide two hundred dollars for three days? The crack in the attic wall would have to work until Saturday morning when I could tuck it in my socks. Carl had thought of every detail. The clothes I wore Saturday would be all I had, the cash would allow me to buy enough to wear until I earned money of my own. My favorite blue t-shirt with the American Sign Language alphabet was ready with my best jeans and converse high tops.
The thought of buying clothes should be exciting, but I could hardly believe that safety and freedom were in reach. It was easier to think about the plans we had made last week.
“You have to help me, I can’t tell them myself.” I had begged.
“You can do what you set your mind to.” Carl grinned starting to sing the old song about determination but stopped when he saw my tears. “I know it will be hard, but you are 18. They can't stop you.”
“He can find me, he can bring me back like he did Rose.”
“Rose was 17. You stuck it out to make this legal. Now his power is gone.” Carl said.
His power is gone, it had truly been gone since the day two years ago that I heard Romans 8, verses 38 and 39. The power of God was greater than my dangerous, terrifying father. But my heart did not fully understand that yet.
I didn’t see the car until it was almost too late to swerve, my bike slid in the gravel beside the road. Fear raced from my quivering legs, through every cell that had borne fear as long as I could remember. My clinched jaw held the control I needed to get back on the bike. Three more sleeps and I wouldn't have to go home ever again.
“Answer the door!” My mother was irritated that our Saturday housework was interrupted. I was terrified knowing this knock meant so much more. Fear screamed at me to accept familiar pain and abuse instead of thinking I could actually leave. Had Rose found her way without a family? We were always told if we left we could never come back, could I leave my little brothers like she had? Carl saw the fear in my eyes and stepped quickly in the open door.
He cheerfully greeted my mother, “Good morning Mrs. Carter.”
The friendly greeting seemed so out of place in this room where shouting was the native language. Once again the contrast between this kind Christian and the anger that lived here reinforced the choice I had made. I would break out of this abusive life.
“I am going to leave today. I will make sure to call,” I said. Angry words flew as I took shaking steps away from all I had known. My little brother’s tears almost drew me back, but Carl’s hand on my shoulder gave me strength.
Christ’s love became a verb that day. Carl took me to a Christian family. They gave me a warm meal, a safe bed and the reassurance that no one could find or hurt me. I will always remember the clean sheets, the toothbrush laid out for me and the gentle hugs.
The next day Carl took me shopping, and drove me to the town where I had secured a job. Katie, a single woman had offered me a room in her apartment. My new life, made possible by a youth director, an accountant, a secretary, everyday Christians, emissaries of hope and unimaginable generosity.
“I don’t know how soon I can pay you, all these clothes and the gas, it will take awhile.” I was concerned about the money but also afraid to let Carl go.
“You owe me nothing. You have my phone number and I will be checking on you.”
I folded my new clothes and picked up a blanket Katie offered to me. Wrapped in the soft fleece and the lullaby of abundant kindness, I slept.
*Based on my story. Names and details changed for privacy.
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