Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Encouragement (02/23/12)
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TITLE: One More Night With the Frogs | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kathy Stevens
02/29/12 -
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When everything is done and Eddie is comfortable with the way it is arranged, Mom and Dad prepare to make the trip back home and leave their precious son alone to explore the possibilities of life.
Eddie is tall and strikingly handsome with blond hair just like his dad’s. His blue eyes peek out from under long eyelashes that any girl would envy.
Mom notices he has caught the eye of several beautiful girls and she is flattered, but cautious. Many other scenarios wander through her mind as she remembers her college years. Oh, that she could be there to protect him all the time, but she knows he has been taught well and must take comfort in that fact.
As Eddie is seeing them off, Mom motions for him to wait.
“Eddie, you know how much we love you, and I have one more thing for you.”
She reaches in the car and retrieves his Bible.
“Thanks, Mom, in the rush I forgot.”
“I know how much you love reading it, but I also know your world is changing, and I want to encourage you to continue. It’s very profitable to read your Bible. You’ll need it more than ever now.”
She gives him one more hug and kisses him on the cheek. Dad hugs him and gives him a manly hand-shake
“Sure, Mom, I won’t forget. I love you.”
**************
Months have passed now, and Eddie has had some extra expenses to arise. He struggles trying to count his pennies, but he really wants a new outfit for an up coming dance. He has met a beautiful girl and wants desperately to impress her. He calls home.
“Mom, do you remember the cute girl I told about? Well, there’s a dance, and I want to look really nice, but I don’t have enough cash to buy any new clothes and take her out properly. Do you suppose you and Dad could help me?”
“Of course, sweetheart, have you been reading your Bible?”
“Well, you know it’s been really busy around here, and I just haven’t had the time, but I will, I promise. How about the money – will you send me some?”
“All I can say at this point is to read your Bible. I love you, son, goodbye.”
Eddie is stunned. He has never been turned down by his parents for anything. He is at first hurt, then confused, then anger tries to creep in.
“I can’t be angry at my parents, they love me, I know they do. Why didn’t they give me the money?” So many thoughts run through his mind, but none make sense.
In a day or two, Eddie can’t get over his parents refusal to help him. He decides to call again.
“Hi, sweetheart, it’s good to hear from you again. How’s everything?”
“Well, Mom, I just thought I’d call again and see if you and Dad could send me some money. The dance is getting close, and I really don’t have anything to wear. I do want to make a good impression on Annie.”
“I know you do, son, God will supply your every need. Are you reading your Bible?”
“Well, no, I’ve been too busy trying to plan a way to get the new clothes.”
“Son, has God ever failed you? Read your Bible. I love you.”
Eddie sits down and rubs his forehead. Discouragement takes over him.
“Why is she so adamant about me reading the Bible? Okay, I guess I will. I’ve tried everything else.”
He pulls his worn Bible down from the top of his closet and flippantly opens it. Out falls $100.00. Going further, he finds another and then another – it would seem the whole Bible is full of cash. He hears, “One more night with the frogs.”
He immediately remembers that choice made by the Egyptian Pharaoh in Exodus 8. His lightening-fast mind rushes in several different directions.
“Why did I wait so long to do what Mom told me? I wonder what else I’ve missed. I worried so long. How dumb I can be sometimes. I’ve gotta call Mom and thank her for being so smart, and to tell her I finally read my Bible.”
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