Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Personal Peace (06/01/06)
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TITLE: In the Midst of the Storm | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dr. Sharon Schuetz
06/03/06 -
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Tightening his jaw, Larry Rhine slowly hissed through clenched teeth, “That’s stupid; how can you paint peace?” Larry had been in a funk since his parent’s fatal car crash three months before. Consumed by anger and doubt, he blamed God.
“You’re a good painter, Larry. You have to get out of this mood. We can’t live this way. I just thought maybe this would help,” Larry ignored Sue’s monotone whisper.
“How can I paint peace when I don’t even know what it is?” He slammed the door so hard a cup fell off the counter.
Sue’s shoulders sagged. She rested her chin on her fist, the sofa became her alter. ‘Father, Larry is in such pain. I know he still loves You. Help him. This darkness is killing us. Please give him peace. Thank You.”
In the garage, Larry was pacing, clenching his fists. I don’t care what anyone says. They didn’t deserve it. They were faithful to God and he didn’t protect them. How can I have peace if I can’t trust God with my own parents? He stopped pacing and spoke to God for the first time in months. “God, I don’t want to go to hell so I’ll serve You, even if I can’t trust You.”
He went into the bedroom where Sue was reading her Bible. “I’ll do it.” Raising one eyebrow, he almost smiled. “Who knows, with luck I might win.” Shrugging, he turned to leave, “Besides, we can use the money.”
Larry painted for six days. Sue was delighted. She noticed a gradual change in him since he started working. The depression cloud was dissipating; he was softening, and even smiled occasionally. He was more preoccupied than normal, but at least he wasn’t brooding. Always private, he was being almost tight-lipped, even hiding the canvas from Sue’s curious eyes. When he finished he drove to the Art Center and entered it into the contest.
The following Friday night they were to announce the winners at an open house. Handsome in his tuxedo, Larry looked young for forty. Sue wore an exquisite blue floor length gown with a low cut back; the pearls Larry gave her for their tenth anniversary, and matching heels. She pinned her long, blond hair in a tight bun at the nap of her neck with a pearl studded clip.
On the way to the Art Center Larry squeezed her hand. “God and I’ve been talking for the past few days. He used this painting to show me how to find peace. We’re ok now.” This is all he said, but for Sue it was enough.
The gallery was full of mingling art patrons. Muffled conversation filled the large room. A large woman in her seventies stepped to the microphone clearing her throat. Greeting the assembly, she droned on about the Arts. She was finally ready to make the anticipated announcement.
“Third place, for $1,000, goes to Geoffrey Lindale for his, Morning Meadow.” Trees, flowers, and butterflies covered the canvas, tranquil in understated beauty. The peace nearly drew you into the painting. You could almost smell the flowers and feel the soft breeze coming from Morning Meadow.
“Second place, for $1,500, goes to Mitzy Douglas for her, Lion and the Lamb. The king of the jungle laid quietly, his large head resting beside a soft, white lamb. They were nestled together in peaceful slumber, without a care in the world. Peace radiated from the near embrace of these natural enemies.
“And our $10,000, first place winner is Larry Rhine for his, In the Midst of the Storm.” The eagle’s nest was perched on the edge of a ten-thousand foot cliff. A storm raged, threatening to destroy everything in its path, with lightening, thunder, and treacherous winds. Two tiny eaglets slept soundly, snuggled in the soft down taken from their mother’s breast. Their parents sat close by watching over them. Oblivious to the danger around them, these eagle fledglings knew only contentment and trust.
Larry took the microphone. “God promised us that he’ll never give us more than we can bear. As long as we’re in this body we’ll always have storms, even then our spirit can still find peace. I forgot that for a while. But God reminded me he’s always there, even In the Midst of the Storm.”
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In the 12th paragraph, consider rephrasing the "you" references.
The picture sounds so beautiful; I'd love to see it in real life.
A beautiful message written beautifully and tenderly.
Now for the good stuff...where oh where did I put that kleenex box!
Sharon, I sure hope this places. This peace/piece touches very close to home.
May our Heavenly Father continue to guide your pen.
Trina<><
Good job!
I understand the kind of anger this young man felt; you feel as though you are
are trying to use God as your
punching bag! In the end, all you feel is very exhausted. But, He is truly patient, and holds you in His loving arms - until you are ready to surrender all of your emotions to Him.
God Bless!