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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Hard and Soft (04/23/09)
Nadine,


This has gone on long enough. It is time for you to come home. It’s been three weeks and I suppose you are trying to make a point, but what you are doing is very wrong. You are my wife. You have duties here at home, which you can not just leave behind because your feelings were hurt. I have been having to do my own laundry and cook my own dinners, Nadine. I do not have time for this sort-of thing. You know I am a very busy man, and that I need to be focusing my time on work, not playing bachelor because you felt like being fancy free. This behavior is outright disrespectful, and I do not deserve it. You have not returned my phone calls and if I need to come to your mother’s to retrieve you I will. We took a vow, Nadine. This is not only up to you. Furthermore, this is an embarrassment. I do not know what to tell the members of our church who have been asking where you are. I have had to lie. This puts me in a very bad situation. I expect to see you home no later than Monday. That will give you sufficient time to receive this letter and pack up your belongings,

-Jim

Nadine,

Monday has come and gone and you are not here. I finished reading the letter you left on the counter. I’m trying to understand, but I’m having a difficult time. You say that you feel unappreciated, that I am cold, and you feel I don’t ‘try’ anymore. You said you feel that I am demanding. Well, Nadine, all I can tell you is that you are my wife, and you are to submit to me. That is what is Godly, Nadine. We have never had any problems like this before, and I don’t really know what could have gotten in to you. Perhaps these ladies in your Bible Study have become poor influences on you. I see the way their husbands cater to them, and honestly, it’s ridiculous. It’s backward and very unbiblical. Nadine, do you have any idea how hard I work to provide you a good life? It is because of me that you are able to do the things you do, because of me that you own nice clothes, and are able to go to your silly luncheons with your women friends. I believe that I am reasonable, Nadine. I allow you many freedoms. And as far as being cold, I am no different today than I was the day you married me. I’m simply not comfortable with overdoses of affection. You know that, Nadine. I really think it’s time for you to reflect on this and come home.


-Jim


Nadine,

It’s been two months and though I’m glad we’re speaking on the phone now, I would really like to speak in person. I guess I miss you. In the letter you left, you said you didn’t know if I would even notice that you were gone. Nadine, I definitely notice. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and wonder if maybe we could get together?

Yours,
Jim

Nadine,

It was so good to see you today. I wish you had come home with me. I wasn’t able to say everything I wanted to say. I don’t know why it’s so difficult for me to express my feelings, but I’m going to try. I’ve been going to that men’s Bible study you’ve been asking me to go to. It was interesting. And humbling. I was very angry the first week I went. I shared with the men what had happened, how you had left me, and I was certain that they would have an idea on how to convince you how wrong you were. But they were silent. I was forced to keep talking. Hearing myself, I realized that maybe, I had been in the wrong. Maybe, I’ve been controlling with you, maybe even harsh. And I realized that I never talked to you much. We did our separate things at home. I didn’t realize that it was harming you. I don’t even know if I know you. How long have I neglected you, Nadine? I’m sorry. I haven’t wanted to be cold. I’m going to continue to go to Bible Study. I’m learning many new things about myself and about God. I think, I’ve been viewing things all wrong.

I love you,
Jim
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This article has been read 765 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Seema Bagai 
04/30/09
I liked the way you chose to tell the story though letters. Creative.
Bryan Ridenour
05/01/09
Nice way to show a transformation in a hard heart. It looks like they will be back together soon. Well done.
Glenda Lagerstedt
05/04/09
A real awakening as he goes through a gamut of emotions and his vision begins to clear, encouraging his love to grow. Skillfully crafted.
Lollie Hofer 
05/05/09
I, too, like the way you told your story in letter form. The message was very effective that way. I enjoyed seeing the husband's progression in each letter.