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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Rich (04/26/12)
"Her house is gorgeous...so huge." Debra's eyes nearly bulged out of her sockets.

"Yes, it's big. I kinda told you this beforehand, I prepared you...how come you're so shocked?”

"It's just bigger than I thought. I know you've been there many times before, so maybe it's not a big deal to you. But, man oh man she's a lucky one! A mansion and a hunk of a husband that totally idolizes her."

"Debra, I never realized how superficial you are. This is a revelation to me, seriously...what's the big deal?" Emily quickly glanced at Debra before averting her eyes back to the rural road in Upstate New York.

"What? You mean to tell me in all honesty that you don't wish you were rich like her?"

"No, I don't." Emily's voice was adamant and a little annoyed at the question from her best friend. "I'm happy right now. I never cared for materialistic things, including mansions and all that goes with being rich. You of all people should know that about me Debra, come on."

"But Andrea is rich beyond our means of understanding. She has nothing to worry about...she has it all." Debra popped a Hershey's kiss into her mouth, "You have to work, I have to work...doesn't it get to you sometimes? Don't you wish you could retire right now and not do anything?"

"Debra...what did Jesus Christ say in Matthew? Do you recall the verse that mentioned rich people?" Emily pressed Debra's knowledge about the Word.

"What do you mean? Which part? He spoke in a lot of verses, like in Luke, John, Matthew and Mark, and was quoted throughout the Bible in so many other places. Which part?"

Emily rolled her eyes and smiled before answering, "Jesus said it will be easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." She peeked at her friends face for any kind of recognition or reaction before continuing. "Our rewards will be in heaven...that is what I set my eyes on Debra, not earthly possessions."

"Yes that's nice and I believe it too Emily...but seriously, you’ve never wanted to own a huge house or think about being free of debt?"

"Jesus said, 'And everyone that has forsaken houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.' This doesn't give you pause for reflection Debra?" Emily said as she turned down her street and onto the driveway of her modest two bedroom condo.

"Well since I just ate about 100 kisses I'm a glutton by Bible standards right there." She laughed.

Emily, smiling at her friend, espoused "Jesus said, 'If you will be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.' This doesn't make you think differently...you still want Andrea's house and life?"

"I'm thinking…"

"Oh Debra you can't be serious. I know deep down you're feeling the way I do...you're not a materialistic individual. Andrea is just someone we work with...but think about it. She never looks happy; she’s kind of sad most times...and admitted to many affairs over the years from being so unhappy. Nor does she believe or have great faith like us. Don't you realize she isn't rich? We're rich, in God's love and promise of eternal life with Him in His kingdom."

"Yes, I know." Debra smiled as she wiped a tear from her cheek.

"What's wrong?" Emily asked in alarm.

"I feel sorry for her all of a sudden. You're right. But, if she doesn't believe, and you're unequally yoked with her, how come you always accept her invitations?"

"I'm planting seeds...I keep her in prayer and I know it's up to God to do the rest. It's up to Him if the seed will take root or not. Jesus didn't come to save the righteous, but to convert and save sinners. I'm the messenger spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ...I haven't given up on Andrea, so that's why I always go when invited. Debra?" She looked at her friend intently.

"Yes?"

"She always invites me...so, she wants to hear about Jesus, haven't you noticed?" She winked at her friend and smiled with purpose.

"Wow...you're right!"

"Okay, let's go into my little 800 square foot two bedroom condo...I'm rich where it counts." Emily touched her heart and looked upward.
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This article has been read 1273 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Marina Rojas
05/03/12
I think Emily needs to apply for sainthood! She has a word in time, a scripture for everything, and a determined fierceness for the riches of her Savior!

How wonderful that her heart is turned to touching the hearts of others -- an evangelist's heart that is surely blessed, and a blessing!

Good story.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/03/12
I really enjoyed this friendly banter. I think we all at some point dream of what it would be like to be that rich..However, I've seen the reality TV SHOW, The Real Housewives and they are messed up! How much better to live in a tiny place and to know Jesus.
Leola Ogle
05/04/12
I love the conversation between Emily and Debra, also the reminder that true riches aren't found in material possessions, but in Christ. Good job! God bless.
Hiram Claudio
05/04/12
This story flowed so well an easily and delivered a great message! I enjoyed the very realistic interaction between these two ladies and was touched by their concern for their lost friend. Nice job!
Sandra Renee Hicks 
05/04/12
Hi -

Thank you for that truly meaningful message.

It's vital that we keep things in perspective from the pages of the Holy Bible.
Linda Goergen
05/06/12
Great story-great message. It is sad how so many envy earthy riches and yet, neglect to praise God
for what they are really rich in! People should know just by looking at the lives of most of the rich and famous that money does not buy happiness. The blessings of the Lord brings true wealth and I enjoyed how you showed that through your MC. Well written, enjoyed the read!
Genia Gilbert
05/07/12
Most of us can relate to Debra more than we'd like, and need to be more like Emily. Thanks for the reminder.
Edmond Ng
05/08/12
An interesting story with a clear message directing its readers to the right way of thinking about riches. God job on a well written piece.
Beth LaBuff 
05/10/12
The wisdom displayed in your story is profound. I enjoyed these ladies conversation. You've left me with a lot to think about.
Margaret Kearley
05/12/12
Oh this is great, and so real - I love the conversation of these two friends- their honesty, their 'keeping each other on trackl', their sharing of God's Word, and particularly the compassion and love for Andrea, Beautifully written. Many thanks.
Norma-Anne Hough
05/12/12
Hi there,
I love the interaction between the two girls.
How often don't we wish we were like others, yet never realizing that they perhaps wish they were like us.
Good scriptures and excellent lesson.

Lovely read.
Blessings
Norms
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/14/12
Congratulations for ranking 11th in level three! Happy Dance!