Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Billboard/Poster/Sign (any or all) (12/02/10)
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TITLE: From Here to Yesteryear | Previous Challenge Entry
By Barbara Culler
12/08/10 -
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Write a vignette that places the life of Jesus Christ during your real-time life
Winner will receive $100.00 cash plus $50.00 gift certificate to Calvary Bookstore
Sounded like fun so I wrote down the particulars and started brainstorming. Since I’ve lived through various colorful times in history, I decided to go with my memorable time as a teenager.
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Relaxing in the recliner; computer on my lap, I deem this an easy task as I sort through memories of that era. First off, I need an attention grabbing opener … hmmm, let’s see…the setting… early 1970’s in the Land of Jesus Freaks….
The social hall at the small Baptist church on the hill was overflowing with youthful energy. An assortment of girls clad in hip hugger pants, or mini dresses flirted with boys who had side-parted hair swooping into their eyes. With wistfulness in her heart, Julie watched Roger laugh at something one of the popular girls said, and wished it were her he cared about. Frank was sitting alone, plucking his guitar and waiting for the meeting to start.
Ohhhhh … This is harder than I thought. What have I gotten myself into?
The meeting opened with Roger leading the song “We are one in the spirit we are one in the Lord”
With a final flourish of a guitar chord, Roger announced: “Dude, can you dig it? The Man, Jesus Christ, is in town! What if He came here? That’d be so trippy!”
Conversation buzzed in the room as several teenagers responded:
“Far out!” “That’s so rad!"
Frank, sweeping hair out of his eyes, strummed a chord on his guitar and sang out “Here comes Jesus, see Him walking on the water…”
“Right on, Frank!” Roger gave thumbs up sign in agreement.
Mr. Hoffman, the adult leader, walked to the front of the room and adjusted the microphone.
What kind of devotional can Mr. Hoffman give that indicates Jesus is still walking the earth? This is getting too weird – wished I’d never seen that poster!
“Hey guys, have you heard about Jesus’ sermon on Mt. Baldy? He told everyone that they are holy if they have certain attitudes. It was on the news but they didn’t tell the entire story. What they chose to ignore is that Jesus asserted that only the pure in heart will see God.
What if Jesus did come here today? Would you really “know” him as God? Do you have certain motives and ideas about Jesus that would hinder your ability to recognize God?
Jesus also warned that Christians will be persecuted for being followers of Him, but they will be blessed if they hang in there. It’s true that sometimes supporters of Jesus are mistreated and misunderstood. Some of you here today could be the very same ones who abuse Christians only because they follow Christ. Others here will continue to hang around Jesus even if they are wronged. In the end they will be rewarded for their perseverance.
Think carefully; what you want to be: Followers of Jesus? Or haters of Jesus?”
The room was quiet as the kids pondered what they’d just heard.
“Let’s close in prayer”
The kids joined hands as Roger prayed:
“Dear God, thanks for being the Awesome God that you are…"
Suddenly the overhead fluorescent lights became brilliant white as a strange man entered the room. Jumping up and down Julie shouted “It’s Jesus!” Several teens wept in awe and others gathered around the visitor.
Frank picked up his guitar and stared at the bearded man in old-fashioned clothes. “What a square” he scoffed. “That’s just some old hippie who is probably high on LSD.” A few kids laughed in agreement.
Seeing that he had an audience, Frank continued: “Just shine him on; Come on, let’s split.” They strutted out the door, snickering taunts to the kids surrounding the peculiar man in the room.
Should I end here or should I add more to the story? Actually, I like leaving it open ended to make a point.
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Even if I don’t win the contest, writing this story was enjoyable as it brought back bittersweet memories. I’m blessed for seeing this poster because the challenge encourages me to keep on writing (and truckin’) for the Lord.
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This touched me with humor and awe at picturing myself as the one who recognized Jesus. Truly awesome story.