Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Meek (07/18/24)
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TITLE: M, double E, K | Previous Challenge Entry
By Phil Drabble
07/25/24 -
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His mind wandered through the desert seeking an oasis of revelation. There were no palm trees ripe with fruit. No ripples on the pool of imagination, no cold refreshing splashing of inspiration against his face. This time he held his finger on the delete key until his word was silenced with one cruel streak instead of the previous staccato machine gun fire.
No, he had nothing. His search engine opened and he typed those four letters in. The web insisted that meekness was defined as ‘quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive’.
He paused. No, he still had nothing.
He finished the half warm, half cold, half full, half empty coffee cup in his hand. Having drained it he wiped the crescent moon stain off his desk with his sleeve. Becoming vaguely aware that someone with more words than him was typing about him.
M, double e, k. He tapped, deleted one letter, then another. Staring at the screen the dawning realisation shocked him. In his mind’s eye he was stood on the shoreline. This was no mere oasis mirage this was wide, wide as the ocean, high as the heavens above. This was revelation in all its depth, breadth and glory. He focused. Stared at the screen and formed the two remaining letters in his head. This piece is not about meek, it’s about ME. It’s about me.
Pouring myself another coffee I open a brand-new Word document and I type. The definition of meekness is having the right or the power to do something but refraining for the benefit of someone else. In its original context it is akin to a horse wearing a bridle and choosing to respond to the directions of the master. My mind is drawn back once more to that most challenging of Bible books James.
'Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.'
I feel a body blow to my stomach and let out an audible gasp.
'When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn them. All kinds of animals are being tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue.'
Another body blow, another involuntary gasp of air.
'It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.'
James isn’t pulling any punches. I’m on the ropes.
'With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.'
The punches are coming thick and fast now.
'Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.'
Once again, I’m on my knees, my hands held high in surrender and I say 'Keep me meek, Lord. Place the bridle back in my mouth. Please teach me to be meek.'
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Blessings
I was fully identifying with the blank screen. At last someone understands the travail of no inspiration.
The shift from third person ‘he’ to ‘I’ was confusing for me. I think I can get your meaning in that you suddenly understood the focus changed - to you.
For publication that may need a little more ’lead in’.