Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: OVERLOAD (10/06/16)
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TITLE: Aroura's Storm | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kate Warren
10/13/16 -
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The road was studded with stinking pits of mud. A cruel, relentless wind drove her into each vile, stinking pit. She dragged herself out of each pit, but the mud clung, in spite of the driving rain. If she did not get help soon, the storm and the mud would claim her.
Jesus walked into that ferocious storm and helped her out of the stinking mud. He led her to the cottage, using his cloak to shelter her. He sat her near the warmth of the fire. He knew she was an “almost”.
The “almosts” experienced an emotional rush they believed to be salvation. They followed for a time, then the lure of the world drew them away, their faith and prayers withered as dried out husks. Jesus knew this “almost” was different.
In real life, Aroura was married. the mother of four children, held down a full-time job as a teacher and volunteered for every good cause that came her way. Her commitments to family, job, activities had taken over her life, leaving her distracted and ineffective; filling her with frustration and guilt.
Aroura’s storm began when she returned from work burdened with tests to be graded and recorded. Her children were all clamoring at once. Her husband, Tim walked in a few minutes behind her announcing that tonight was the big company dinner and he hoped she had a pretty dress ready. As Tim’s words registered; she shook her head and leaned against the counter, overwhelmed. The phone began to ring.
“Hello Caroline….. What, tonight? Oh, I couldn’t possibly; I have tests to grade, Tim just came home and said the company dinner is tonight! I don’t have a dress to wear; where am I going to find a babysitter? ……. You will? …. Are you sure? … I can’t tell you how much I appreciate…..Yes, yes, your daughter will be here in thirty minutes. I will order pizza … Thank you, thank you so much.”
“Aroura, you’re trying to take on too much, look, you forgot about the dinner tonight, forgot about the Bible Study tonight, our kids are unhappy, fighting. I don’t even know where we stand.”
Aroura answered him distractedly; “Uh-huh.”
Tim shook his head and turned toward the closet. He did not see the shoes on the floor, stumbled, lost his balance, and fell head first into the door, gashing his head open, losing consciousness.
Back in the cabin, Aroura began to catch her breath. Jesus urged her, “Tell me, child.”
Words tumbled out as she confessed her abortion as a teenager, the unplanned pregnancy a year later, her unwanted marriage, and resentment of her husband. She confessed her feelings of inadequacy as a wife, a mother, a teacher. Jesus asked if she repented and each time she responded with a heartfelt “Yes.”
Jesus asked his final question, “Aurora, do you accept me into your heart as your personal savior? Do you renounce sin and Satan?”
Aroura recognized Jesus. “My Lord and my Savior, please forgive me. I am yours.” The mud was gone.
Jesus smiled and draped a white veil of delicate gossamer lace over her head. Her print dress was replaced with an impossibly white gown, studded with pearls and diamonds.
“Keep this lamp trimmed and ready, for one day soon I will come.” Jesus said handing her a lamp. The storm subsided, giving rise to a magnificent sunset.
Aroura found herself back in her house, her husband in her arms, paramedics bringing in a gurney. Time passed and Tim recovered; Aroura found peace for the first time. She gloried in Christ’s love and forgiveness. Her marriage healed and she fell in love with her husband for the first time. Aurora often remembered her dream of Jesus with thanksgiving and joy.
One day, while cleaning out her closet, Aroura spied something in the very back. She drew it out and gasped. It had not been a dream. Jesus had been with her on that dark day months ago. She held the veil Jesus had placed on her head, buried her face in the diaphanous material. A tear crept down her face. “I will keep my lamp trimmed, Lord.”
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Being faithful til death is also being faithful in obedience to his commands.
I really liked how you showed what life is like without this obedience to Jesus. It is like being stuck in the mud on a terrible stormy night. Only Jesus can help us out by following what he tells us to do and how to live.