Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Worship (corporate) (10/04/07)
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TITLE: Maryn's Struggle | Previous Challenge Entry
By Shannon Redmon
10/06/07 -
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The Stoneybrook Worship Team walked onto the stage and the congregation rose to its feet, except for
Ol' Mr. Tomelin. His head began nodding off as soon as he sat down in the pew.
The Carmichael twins turned around to make goo-goo eyes at Michael Evans and giggled when he flashed a smile at them.
Little Tommy Joe was under the pew tying together the shoelaces of Billy Jr. again.
The worship leader sang into the microphone urging God’s people to join him. Some begin to lift their hands and faces toward heaven.
Worship did not come easy for Maryn. She had too many problems to think about. Bills she could not pay, a husband who lost his job and children that she overlooked due to busy schedules and exhaustion. How could she turn her heart toward God when all in her life seemed to be so wrong?
“…More of you, more of you Jesus, let there be less of me and more of You…” the worship team sang.
If there were any less of Maryn she would be nonexistent. Her thoughts turned to what she had always pictured her life to be…successful, full of love, financial security and a peaceful home. Her life and home were filled with anything but peace. She fought with her husband, snapped at her children and it seemed her pillow was often drenched with tears in the morning when she awoke. Maryn’s head and heart began to ache. Tears, once again, fell down her cheeks.
“..More of you, more of you Jesus. More of You, more of You my God.”
“I can’t take on anything more, God.” The music covered Maryn’s whispered prayer, as her mind fought the battle of surrender and control. The old enemy was back to steal away the blessing of worship God had for her.
The tears wouldn’t stop flowing and her knees became weak as she sunk back down to the pew. She wiped her cheeks and glanced around the church building again hoping that something would distract her from the pulling in her heart.
The earlier commotion was focused.
Mr. Tomelin had risen to his feet and stood with his eyes closed, face toward heaven and lips uttering the words of the song.
The Carmichael twins used sign language to demonstrate the song’s message while Little Tommy Joe tapped Billy Jr. on the shoulder and pointed out his shoelace prank. They smiled at one another and turned to face the stage, singing together.
Maryn’s husband didn’t sing but his head bowed in prayer with his arm wrapped around their children, one on each side.
Maryn could stand it no longer. She slipped out of the pew and began to walk the aisle. She stopped to look back. Her eyes viewed the whole congregation, faces smiling, singing, raising their voices in unison to the only God that could take care of their problems and hers. She knelt at the altar and gave her burdens to Christ.
Then Maryn began to sing…
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The title of this also drew me in, as the use of a personal name always sparks my curiosity. Great job!
Laury