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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Cat and Dog (09/04/14)
Pastor Eric rolled his eyes while shaking his head, "Can't the two of you get along for the sake of our mission?"

JoAnn and Deborah stood with arms crossed in silence.

Pastor continued in a low yet strong voice, "We have to meet this deadline in order to keep this church open. There are issues pending that call for a cohesive alliance, and standing there arguing like recalcitrant children clearly isn’t the answer."

"She's the one that’s going against the grain, not me!" JoAnn threw her purse across the long mahogany table, "I'm sick of being the lackey in this equation. She treats me like a second class citizen."

Deborah threw her hands up and spoke directly to Pastor "See? Do you see what I’m up against? Do you see it now?"

"Okay...okay. Please, let's call a truce. The two of you listen up. We all want what's best for the community, which ultimately translates to keeping this church up and running. We have so many families depending on us here in this poor side of town."

"I'm not the one who always starts--"

"Oh Deborah knock it off...you always start. And you call yourself a Christian? Ha! There's a joke in itself."

Pastor Eric searched his heart and prayed for an answer and help. The two of them fought as if they were natural enemies. They were both so important to the mission...he couldn't decide on one over the other. He needed God's help and input. The two ladies were clearly on a non-Christian path, both showing signs of fleshy behavior...and not walking in the spirit.

"Ladies, we have the board of directors coming soon, we have to provide an outline of our needs...and both of you have to be a part of this. There are children in need of homes. We have the plans for building the housing complex, and Praise God for His grace, we now have the funds. We also have the missionaries waiting for the okay to head to Africa. Do you fully understand what's riding on this?"

Deborah and JoAnn sat in silence with heads down; the only sound was the incessant clicking of JoAnn's pen.

"Ladies, please...can we come to an understanding? We haven't much time."

Pastor placed his hands over his face and prayed, "Please Lord, give us a sign. Let these two ladies see that they can get along for the purpose of goodness, let them see they’re not enemies, but children of an almighty and sovereign God. Please give them a change of heart to carry on in a Christian manner...I ask for Your help and guidance, in Jesus name I pray. Amen."

Suddenly,they heard whimpering and mewing sounds. The three of them looked around quickly. Deborah stood and rapidly walked to the entrance and opened the door. There, on the top step, was a small brown dog, dirty and matted, with ribs prominently displayed. Alongside the dog, a tiger cat stood equally filthy, and scrawny. The dog licked the cat as she mewed.

Deborah cried out, "Oh my heavens!" She knelt down and began to pet them both ever so gently.

"Oh my goodness...Where did they come from? Oh the poor little guys. Let's bring them inside. Hurry, it's so cold out there! And, look at how thin they are." JoAnn’s soothing voice resonated concern.

Pastor Eric watched and smiled broadly...there was the common thread of compassion and humility. God's light was shining and He would get the victory as always. He always knew what to do and how to answer the cries of His children.

"Deborah, do you think you could help me wash them? And, maybe get some food into them too?"

JoAnn nodded then emphatically answered, "Yes."

"It makes me feel ashamed that these two beautiful animals are such obvious friends, and appear to be traveling companions under the most dire of circumstances, as evidenced by their skeletal bodies..."

JoAnn finished for Deborah, "And that we've been fighting all along makes me cringe. God knows we've been on the same side, and yet we let our silly flesh get in the way of progress. Amazing how it took two animals to bring us to our senses. And, it would be a cat and dog. God has a great sense of humor doesn't He?" They both laughed in unison.

Pastor Eric knew that God had answered his prayers. He smiled broadly greeting the board members one-by-one as they walked into the conference room.
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This article has been read 1134 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Catrina Bradley
09/11/14
I work in a church and know that this situation is entirely plausible. Not only the head-butting, but the animals. We had our fellowship hall doors open one nice day, and a stray dog walked in and joined the gathering. :) The first half of this story excellent, but it seems like the second half was rushed and not as well constructed. However I truly enjoyed reading your entry.
PamFord Davis 
09/11/14
Conflict in churches is sad but nothing new...Paul & Barnabas split due to conflict; yet, God used that to double mission outreach. Your 'show-not tell' was excellent!

Wing His Words
Robert Douglas Brown
09/12/14
It is funny how the Lord can use his innocent animals to show us how we should live and treat others no matter the circumstance.

You did an A+++ job with this article. Your articles often show how compassion is always the right solution for so many problems that we as Christians encounter daily.

Keep up the great work that I enjoy reading every week.

God Bless!
lynn gipson 
09/12/14
Oh, this is awesome. I loved the way you spun this story to have the ladies come an understanding of one another, and how God answered the Pastors prayers by having the dog and cat appear in great need.

This is one of your best. So original and fresh. What a great take on the topic.

Excellent writing here, just excellent!
Noel Mitaxa 
09/13/14
I guess we've all heard of the Hound of Heaven, so it's only fair that God should answer a prayer with cats...
But seriously, I enjoyed your characters and the sad credibility of their dialogue, for it happens all too often.
Good work.
Dannie Hawley 
09/18/14
An absolutely delightful read. I appreciated the way you developed the characters and the conflict. I thrilled to see how you brought the topic around from fighting like cats and dogs to the cat and dog solution. You brought out the important reason the two ladies were there in the first place by this pair of needy pets. Terrific work. Thanks for a memorable tale.