Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: GENTLE (10/21/21)
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TITLE: Dry Bones Speaking | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sue Botte
10/27/21 -
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The two of us are strolling through the walled-in area. The wall, about two feet high was built with stones quarried locally. The grass in between the rows and rows of upright stones of which some are oddly shaped is neatly cut. We are deep in thought, each to our own.
On noticing such kind words inscribed on some of the gravestones, ‘Sacred to the memory of…’, ‘Rest in Peace’ and ‘At Rest’, a longing in me rises to know how their lives turned out. Warm tears were rolling down my cheeks.
My husband, Luke, knowing me so well, offered his handkerchief, wrapping his arms around me for a moment. Upon gesturing to the run down park bench under the evergreen searsia lancea tree, he let me go.
“I am waiting for you in the car.” Luke said.
He knows I need a moment.
I let my emotions ride the crest of the wave.
How many of the souls whose bodies are lying here, some bones, some dust, that departed this life, through kindness overcame their fears, and reached their potential… whose life was truly fulfilled?
I resumed sauntering through the graves, reading other inscriptions:
“‘Absent from the body…’
‘Our Lily that faded here below now blooms anew above.’
‘The star that set at early dawn now shines in realms of love.’
‘She is not dead, she is sleeping.’
‘Till the day dawns.’
‘Departed this life.’”
What happened to their dreams, their God given talents? Dreams, gifts, and talents, are for use here, on earth. Were they also ‘absent from the body’ deeming their dreams to be unreal…and has it faded and no longer shines, no longer hope or life seen in the dream or talent…and sleeping, have they not taken ownership of their dream, gift or talent? Have they allowed their gifts and talents to ‘depart this life, through someone else’s unkind words?’
‘Departed this life…’ How, was there a choice? Perhaps there was.
‘Till the day dawns.’ Which day, when?
Sorrow washes over me, my heart bleeding.
Whilst walking back to the car, it dawned on me how very apt the inscriptions on the gravestones are. Apart from a few the inscriptions are kind words, kind last words.
Dreams, gifts, talents, even relationships do not have to ‘depart this life’ because of someone else’s thoughtless moment.
Through the promises in Isa 58:11 and Eze 37:4 your dry bones can be revived with tender words and patience, may your dry bones be dreams, gifts, talents, or relationships it does not matter.
Yahweh’s word: Mat 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.
Don’t give up on your dry bones. Be kind to yourself; nurture your dreams, gifts, talents and relationships.
Through gentleness and thoughtfulness, you dispel procrastination.
Gentleness encourages growth.
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