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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: The Media (in any form) (11/11/10)
It was that time again. They would beg. They would praise. They would exhaust themselves. And for what?

Kate Andrews stared at the image in the mirror. Bags under her eyes told of a restless night, worry lines across her forehead concealed little, and tears that threatened to spill further marred her look. She had her own problems for sure but for the next four hours, she would put them aside and talk the talk -- urging callers to dial the radio station’s number and contribute a few hard earned dollars to keep them on for another year.
_____

George Clark sat against the bathroom counter. Tears stung his eyes as the weight of the world bore down on him. The bedroom alarm signaled the start of a new day with the sounds of the local radio station. Words floated through the quiet straight to his soul.

“I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone”
______

“Good morning, Katie! You ready for this?” Her co host Mike Mathers greeted her at the door with a mug of coffee. “It’s just one week, so let’s get pumped!”

Kate glared at him and dumped her attaché case on the floor. “Yes, Mike! I’m ready.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she spun her chair towards the soundboard.
______

Victoria Corim looked out the window of her nursing home. Today would be like the one before it and the one before that. She reached toward the radio and turned it up as the words, “I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by your side…” reached her ears. A smile trickled across her face as hope flickered inside. Maybe today…maybe today.
______

“Kate.” Mike looked her straight in the eyes. “I don’t know what’s up but you have to put it aside. People need this radio station. The devil would love to have it go off the air but we can’t let that happen.”

“I know Mike, I know.” Kate ran her hands through her hair. “I just…oh never mind. Let’s do this. I’m fine.”
______

Nellie Pacer crouched in the corner of her bedroom; knees tucked against her chest. She pressed her ear buds in an effort to muffle the screaming and cursing coming from the living room. These words seeped through, “…cause the pain you’ve been feeling, it’s just the dark before the morning.”
______

“We have thirty minutes folks. You heard me. We’ve had a challenge from a local business. If we can get 200 calls in the next half hour, we will receive a $10,000 donation.” Mike looked towards Kate.

“Yes, that’s right.” Kate chimed in with her usual radio voice. “We urge you to call in now. Here’s your chance to be a part of something that only God can know the full impact of. Please, join us in this ministry.”
______

James Calloway sat in the back of a taxi. He fingered the powder in his pocket as his mind wandered towards his parents. What sadness his choice of lifestyle must be for them.

The taxi driver leaned forward and turned up the radio while humming along to the words, “It’s never too late to get back up again, you may be knocked down, but not out forever.”
______

The clock crept towards the top of the hour indicating the end of Kate and Mike’s shift. “Keep those calls coming! We’re turning you over to the afternoon crew now. Kate and I will be back tomorrow.”
______

Why was this year so hard? Kate started her car. She hadn’t committed to donate yet and with good reason. Her husband’s back injury four months before had left him without work, the car had broken down twice in the past month, her paycheck had taken a hit thanks to the economy, and the house needed repair. This ministry was important but…

Absentmindedly, Kate turned up the radio. As the words penetrated her core, she pulled to the side of the road. God’s presence enveloped her in a hug as tears trailed down her cheeks.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

She would donate tomorrow.

___________________________________

Music clips taken from:
“Lead Me” by Sanctus Real
“I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe
“Before the Morning” by Josh Wilson
“Get Back Up” by Toby Mac
“Our God” by Chris Tomlin
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This article has been read 1115 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Virgil Youngblood 
11/20/10
We get tired in the work but not of the work and we will never know in this life the lives we have touched for His glory. Your writing will bless those who read it. I'm one of them.
Anita van der Elst
11/20/10
Praise God for those listener supported Christian radio programs and the deejays! You've given realistic glimpses into who might be listening & affected by those uplifting and encouraging lyrics. I haven't thought much about what the deejays themselves may be going through. Praying for them right now.
Barbara Culler 
11/20/10
Thought provoking piece.

I dilike listening to membership drives, but know it is necessary to keep the station on the air.

Great story.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
11/20/10
I like especially the songs woven through the story and the blessings revealed from Christian radio.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
11/20/10
This was a brilliant bit of writing. I loved how you showed God knows what we need to hear and makes it happen every day. We just need to listen!
Caitlyn Meissner
11/21/10
You really enjoyed reading this article. Our Christian radio station goes through this every year, and they're always quick to point out how people's lives can be changed by their songs. Great job, and a great message.
Lillian Rhoades 
11/22/10
I haven't read too many entries about the radio media.
Seems as if it's almost obsolete in light of modern technology.
This one is a great reminder that radio continues to be a source of comfort and
inspiration to many.
Henry Clemmons
11/25/10
I finally found my favorite of week. I love radio and have had some experience with it. You nailed it right on. I hope this does well, but if for some reason not, know you wrote a first rate, honest truthful story from your heart. Great job!
Lollie Hofer 
11/25/10
You did a good job of pulling your reader into the story. Even though there were numerous scenes, it had a good flow and didn't feel chopping at all. We listen to our Christian radio station daily and God has used it on numerous occasions as a source of encouragement. Excellent story.