Marching Orders | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Marching Orders | Previous Challenge Entry
By David F. Palmieri Sr.
11/13/07
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

Marching Orders

“Hey brother,” was all he said as he stood in the doorway before me. It was as if I’d spilled my morning coffee on my keypad again. My hard drive crashed and my motherboard spun out of control. I knew who he was, but my mind ceased to compute any further data. I am only able to write this story because my brain has had time partially re-boot from the events of the past week.

We crossed paths almost a year ago on a Christian writers web site. During that time we’ve exchanged brotherly jabs, heartfelt emotions, prayer requests, you name it. The 2965 miles between us had diminished to a simple, click & send cyber relationship. Being brothers in Christ is what brought us together. Having so many other things in common always gave me Goosebumps, as we exchanged notes over the months.

With the help of my loving wife and little sister he had secretly charted last weeks visit for over a month. When my sister arrived last Saturday night for our planned dinner together I had no clue. When she entered the living room stepped aside and said, “look who I brought with me,” I had no clue. I stared, not in disbelief, but in an utter vacuum. When he said, “hey Brother,” I knew who it was, but my reason was locked up, as if I’d clicked on the wrong icon.

Most of the following week was spent in a semi-fog as my mind fought desperately to compute the fact that my cyber friend/brother had come cross-country for the express purpose of encouraging me. Scripture says, and I paraphrase, “no greater love has any man, but to lay down his life for a friend.” If it were not condemned to add one “jot or tittle,” to the Word of God I would certainly add my own powerpraise as follows; “no greater love has any man, but to travel 2965 miles to encourage a fellow believer, that he has never met.”

As I ponder the above statement I once again find myself overwhelmed and speechless. The latter, a condition that my family and friends will testify, that I am quite seldom in. I can not go into great detail about the events of the past week for several reasons. First is a word count restriction. Secondly is because my processor is still in the course of re-booting. Thirdly is because I believe in my heart that the effects of this visit will continue to effect my thought process for years to come.

You will be hearing more from me in the future, but in the meantime, please remember. Even a short card of encouragement to a brother or sister in need can be a life changing blessing, to the receiver, and also to the giver. We are of one body; the Body of Christ, when one limb hurts it affects the whole body. Pray a prayer, make a call, send a cyber-note, heal the “Body.” We have a “Battle Plan,” we have our “marching orders.” Pick up a “wounded soldier” and keep pressing on.

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.