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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Passport (07/25/05)
Check. I've done that.

Check--that, too.

Next on the list: "In order to travel to your desired destination, a visa is required."

Okay. How hard can that be?

"To secure a visa, select an authorized agency, fill in the application, then send the forms, along with your passport, to the agency for processing."

Wait. I must have read that wrong--I thought it said I had to send in my passport. Skim, scan, re-skim, and re-scan. Ewwww. It did. In order to go where I want to go, I have to give up my passport?

Well, no. I don't wanna. That has all my vital information in it--everywhere I've gone, all my memories, all the hopes and dreams that went into my travels. And they just expect me to turn it over to them, just like that? I don't think so.

And who are they, anyway? I don't know them. Why should I trust them: "an authorized agency"? What if they lose it? They might damage it, and that passport is my whole life!

Oh, and while I'm getting all riled up here, consider this: they'll know everything, and I mean everything! I'm not too terribly proud of some of the places I've visited, and I make it a point to keep my passport information private!

Maybe I should just give up on the idea of making this trip, anyway. Surely I won't qualify for a visa to get in there, not with my background and all. And, whew, look at that photo: not very flattering, to say the least. That alone will probably make them decide I'm not good enough to get in, right?

But I really want to go! Whine, whine, whine. What to do, what to do?

Hey! Maybe I can just tear out a page from my passport booklet, and get the visa on it! That way, I don't have to turn the whole thing over to them, just that page! Terrific idea!

Not so terrific--I just went back and read the fine print. The entire document must be submitted--every page, the front and back cover, all in one piece.

Maybe I can unearth some other loophole in the instructions somewhere. Let's see...

Um, this part can't be right. "Upon approval, your passport will be stamped, or, in some cases, receive a sticker. The stamp or sticker indicates that you have been determined to be acceptable, and will allow your entry into the desired location. Then your passport will be returned to you."

I could get an actual stamp of approval, indicating for all to see that I'm accepted. Me--accepted!

So, I have to surrender my passport, but then I get it right back?

One more question: when does this visa, including my acceptance and my entry pass, expire?

Let's see: there are four boxes on this form to check off... But that's weird. They say "Eternal," "Everlasting," "Forever," and "Never Ending."

Decision made.

Here's my passport, Lord, messy as it is, cover to cover.

Stamp me.
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This article has been read 1469 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sandra Petersen
08/01/05
Message received! Very good "internal" thinking. Sealed with the stamp of the Holy Spirit, and yet how many hesitate handing over their "passport"? Enjoyed this!
Karen Ward
08/02/05
Interesting! Some valid points about not wanting to give things up, and yet seeking that 'approved forever' sticker!
Beth Muehlhausen
08/03/05
Indecision, confusion...then sweet surrender! Love the end: "Stamp me." Good job!
Nina Phillips
08/03/05
I really like your story! Wonderful, delightful, good ending!
God bless ya, littlelight
Crista Darr
08/04/05
A fresh and creative idea. Well done.
Joanne Malley
08/05/05
Just like we humans. Still wanting our way 'til the very end! When we get there, we can finally let go of that awful internal struggle. Loved the last line! Blessings. Jo
Maxx .
08/06/05
I really like the ending on this one.. "Stamp me." Perfect.
Shari Armstrong 
08/06/05
Nicely done.
Sally Hanan
08/06/05
Yup, great last line and I liked the internal struggle.
Linda Watson Owen
08/07/05
A really cute story with a great point to cinch it all up!
Suzanne R
08/08/05
Congratulations, Brenda. A good strong message here - well done!
Val Clark
08/08/05
Enjoyed the analogy! Internal dialogue works well. Great skill in keeping the analogy going and not pushing the ending in the reader's face. Well done. Yeggy
Bill Shurkey
08/09/05
Brenda,
I have to agree with the others. It was an interesting story with good internal dialogue and a perfect finish.
Jan Warrick
08/12/05
Love this!!! Sounds like some of my conversations with God. I really enjoyed reading your story.
Deborah Porter 
10/19/05
Hi Brenda. I'm just preparing the new FaithWriters' Anthology and need a short (two to three sentences) bio piece to include in a new section for the book - "Meet Our Authors." The bio notes need to be written in the third person. Could you please send it to me via a Private Message? Thanks so much. Love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator)