Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Right and Left (07/31/14)
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TITLE: A BASKET OF HOPE | Previous Challenge Entry
By C D Swanson
08/07/14 -
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“Who do you think left her here?” I inquired calmly.
“I don't know. I didn't notice anyone when I drove up.”
“How can anyone really do this?” I asked without expecting an answer.
The baby began to cry loudly. I picked the infant up out of the basket and rocked her gently as I looked down at her cherub cheeks. My heart ached for the little precious one in my arms.
“Savannah, what are we going to do now?” My employee and friend asked pausing to touch the baby’s face before continuing with, “I hope we don’t’ get in trouble for this.”
“Mia, why would you think we’d get in trouble? We’ve never done anything illegal. Why would you even think that let alone say that? This infant being left on our doorstep hasn’t anything to do with us.”
“I-I-I-don’t know. I’m just kinda nervous. C’mon, you gotta admit this isn’t something that happens in real life—I mean it does—I usually see it on the movie screen or in the news!”
I walked into my office and sat quickly, “We have to call the proper authorities, but I need to think about this for a moment.”
“I’m so scared Savannah…I hope they don’t’ think we had anything to do with this!”
"Please get hold of yourself Mia. Why in the world would anyone think we’re connected to a baby being left on our doorstep? If anything, our place is a refuge, so if that is to which you are referring, then perhaps we have an innocent connection if we look at it that way. Anyhow, we have to do the right thing here—but before we call—I wonder if this could be a former client of ours. My brain is burning with thoughts of why, where, when and who.”
“So is mine! But, c’mon—do you really think it’s someone we know? I can’t think of anyone fitting the description that’d leave their little one with us. Our clients have had bad breaks, but none fit the description of being termed a deserter.”
Shortly after her comment, Mia walked out of my office to tend to a potential client who’d showed up in the interim. The safe house opened a little over a year ago and was doing really well. We’ve had close to twenty-five individuals stay with us during that time. The women who’d show up were battered and bruised. In addition to their physical pain they suffered emotional torment. Some had children, others were pregnant…but they were safe in our environment. Bibles were in all of the bedrooms. My employees and I didn’t preach, but we surely shared the word for all that wished to hear. And, I mentioned God as part of my conversation whenever I had the chance. The Shepherd’s House was a haven for women.
I watched Mia as she spoke with a young woman just outside my door. The baby began squirming in my arms bringing me back into focus. There was a note in the basket I hadn’t noticed earlier. It merely said, “I knew she’d be safe with you. Her name is Hope; please take care of her Savannah.” So the person knew me. Who could it be?
I began to pray with my eyes closed, “Dear Father, my God, please let the mother come back for this beautiful baby. Help her to understand it’s okay to be afraid, and there is help for her. Oh God, help her to do the right thing. Help her to come forward and claim Hope. God, You know where the mother is at this very moment, bring her here. Give her strength, peace and the ability to realize that there isn’t anything that is too big for You to handle and she’s not alone. Please bring her back to claim her baby. O’ my Father, I trust You will take care of this, in Jesus’ name I pray…Amen.”
I opened my eyes to see Mia crying. “What’s wrong?”
“I was too ashamed to tell you so I wore loose clothing and pretended I’d gained weight by overeating. I left her thinking it was the right thing to do. However, seconds ago God said… go get your child.”
I smiled and handed her Hope…
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Helplessness and HOPE!
Wing His Words
This one is a creative approach to the topic of left, and right. Loved it.