Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Angry (08/02/07)
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TITLE: The Storm Before the Calm | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jacquelyn Horne
08/08/07 -
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The night air was almost free of floating debris, but the acrid smell of smoke and ashes lingered. However, the heavy, choking odor didn’t deter the curiosity of those who followed the sirens to the crumpled and charred leftovers on a lot where, until a few hours ago, a beautiful church building, complete with a new steeple, had stood.
One by one the stars became visible again. But, the clearing sky and gentle warm breeze did nothing for Dan’s mood as he surveyed the charred ruins still smoldering before him. He was beyond “angry”; he was in a dimension of “seeing red”. He wanted to scream, stomp his feet and lash out with his arms, but because the fire-chasers and sightseers were watching him, he remained as composed as he possibly could in such a circumstance.
He was the pastor. He represented the church body and the Lord. His reaction to this unthinkable act would stick in the minds of this town for weeks, months, and maybe years to come. Somehow, he had to “get on top of it”. The human in him didn’t want to comply, but the Spirit gave him the strength to at least put on a good face.
As he observed the black silhouettes of the organ and piano and the ridiculous looking steps now leading to nowhere, he forced himself to stay composed – at least on the surface. The smoldering embers matched his mood, but no one seemed to notice. He was a paragon of forgiveness and peace – on the outside.
The hurricane storming inside of him refused to subside, however. It remained with him for weeks. How could anyone deliberately set fire to a house of God? How could anyone hate so violently that they would endanger others and destroy property that didn’t belong to them? People, even some who never attended services, had sacrificed their time and money to build this sanctuary. How could anyone purposely burn such a dream?
Anger took its abode in him. He couldn’t even pray without feeling those stabbing pangs of hatred that accompanied this strong evil power that had control over him. He had always believed that everything had a purpose. But what purpose could this horrendous act serve? Why, God? Why?
A few weeks later, Dan was sitting at his desk, thinking about the terrible nightmare and wondering who would do such a hateful thing. All of a sudden, he recalled the scripture, “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” * He thought of how the Lord must have felt when he was hated of men. But Jesus forgave and still went to the cross for them. Could he, Dan, somehow find the strength to forgive? Could he, Dan, embrace the love that Jesus showed and pray for his enemy? He didn’t know, but he had to try. Springing from his desk, he left the room in a flash.
Hurrying across the lawn between the parsonage and the ruins of the sanctuary, he made his decision. I will forgive! I will love my enemy! And what better place to do it than at the source of the problem?
He knelt in the cold ashes of the once beautiful church building and called upon God to help him love the person who had done this horrific deed. It wasn’t easy, but praying aloud, he stormed the portals of heaven with his petition. Eventually, peace overtook him, and he felt his anger being conquered by the love of God. A genuine compassion for the arsonist whom he had so hated enveloped him. And with a sincere God-given love, he prayed for the person responsible for his earlier anger.
With his head bowed, allowing his heart to heal, Dan did not see the young man, hidden behind the large oak tree at the corner of the property, spying on him; a troubled youth wiping tears from his eyes as he listened to Dan’s prayer of forgiveness; a mortified youth with his head bowed in shame as he stepped out from his hideaway; a repentant youth who realized what he must do. This will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, he thought.
He kept his eye on the preacher as he walked slowly toward the smutty remains…
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*I John 3:13 KJV
Matthew 5:44 KJV “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
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