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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Flowers (10/03/05)
OF THORNS AND LILIES

“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.”
Song of Solomon 2:1,2 (KJV)


Existing in the darkest depths of the valley, my thorns devour the land. The curse reigns, filling the earth with the stench of death and sin. I twist and writhe in my prison of stabbing fetters as the star halts its trek across the midnight sky.

Beneath the beams of the heavenly starlight, the lily is planted among thorns. He flourishes in this parched earth, blooming an exquisite white of perfect purity. His radiating light, emanating from within, shines on the thorns around me. I fight to remain hidden, lest the passions I hold close be consumed. Threatening my darkness, the lily becomes my enemy.

My brambles strive to choke the lily, clawing their way to enwrap him in a crown of thorns. The lily aches as he lovingly receives each thorn. These thorns are mine; I know their names – contention, bitterness, anger, and pride. Each barb digs deep into his heart, yet still he loves. I cringe now as I pierce him – this lily among thorns.

The valley, intent on extinguishing the convicting light, plucks him up by the roots. The perfume of the lily becomes one with the cedar, a sweet-smelling sacrifice. As the filth of every bramble is laid on him, I tremble in his shadow, tormented to see my own wickedness. The sun ushers in clouds of darkness to hide its face as the lily fades. Still, his love shines, drawing me nearer. Droplets of crimson nectar fall from petals of holiness, cleansing me. Sharing in his suffering, I am transformed into his image – a lily among thorns.
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This article has been read 1679 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Karen Deikun
10/10/05
This was beautiful - like poetry. Creative, piercing, and passionate. Thank you!
Linda Watson Owen
10/10/05
Oh,yes! Poetry it is! Beautiful imagery.
Floyd Jordan
10/10/05
Magnificent! Emotional and visualy, this piece speaks to me.
Well done, Floyd
Amy Michelle Wiley 
10/11/05
This is so beautiful. Wonderful job!
B Brenton
10/11/05
This is beautiful. Simplistic. Heartfelt. Great message!
Brandi Roberts
10/11/05
WOW! Breathtaking work. Love the imagery. Thank you for sharing!
Alexandra Wilkin
10/13/05
A stunning use of imagery. I loved how the purification process comes full circle. God bless.
Suzanne R
10/13/05
Whew - talk about packing a lot into just a few words. This is magnificent!
Jan Ackerson
10/13/05
Beautiful, beautiful allegory.
Anita Neuman
10/13/05
WOW! Every word evokes emotion and awakens the senses. Powerful writing indeed!
Joanne Malley
10/13/05
Beautiful. Concise word choices, evokes much feeling and distress. Wonderfully written! :)
Garnet Miller 
10/13/05
I like how this piece reflects the life of Christ. Well crafted story.
Lynda Lee Schab 
10/14/05
A picture is worth a thousand words. You painted a vivid picture in my mind while staying WAY under word count. THAT is a true sign of a born writer.
Magnificent!
Blessings, Lynda
J. C. Lamont
10/14/05
Um, WOW. I don't know what else to say. Very, very powerful!
Cassie Memmer
10/15/05
I can only repeat what has all ready been said. This is beautifully written, and the message is truth.
Val Clark
10/15/05
Beautiful, poetic, layered imagery. Well done.
Shari Armstrong 
10/16/05
Wonderful! I loved the imagery.
Dixie Phillips
10/17/05
Crista, This is absolutely BREATHTAKING... Way beyond the average bear! OH MY!!! Have you ever read any of Amy Carmichael's writings? She is one of my all-time favorites, especially when she writes devotionally. Your style reminds me of hers. Such depth and intensity. I don't know how this didn't place, dear friend. I'm sure God will use it elsewhere because it is a contender indeed! Praying it gets in the hands of just the right people. Blessings!