Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Write something suitable for CHILDREN (05/31/07)
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TITLE: Witchcraft on the Playground | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ruth Scott
06/06/07 -
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Bob just shrugged his shoulders and passed by to claim a swing.
Rovin, at twelve, had earned this nick name when one day a friend had exclaimed, “You‘re always restless and rovin‘!” and the name had stuck. He continually wore all black, sometimes even chains hung from his clothing.
Bob, on the other hand was content with life and enjoyed tranquility and bright colors.
This afternoon when ten year old Bob declared he didn’t believe in wizards and such, Rovin lashed out.
“So why do you persist that witchcraft is not all powerful, you little know it all?” Rovin demanded, blocking Bob’s way to the swing.
Undaunted, Bob looked up. “How do you know it is?”
“Because I’ve read about it and, for your information, had quite a bit of first hand experience in it.”
“Where’d you read about it?”
“From the famous Harry Potter books… duh!” Rovin replied, rolling his eyes.
“Really?” said Bob, tilting his head curiously. “I’ve heard that they’re harmless entertainment. How’d they introduce you to witchcraft?”
“Huh!” Rovin scoffed with a toss of the head. “Yeah… of course it’s been spread that they’re harmless, but most likely parents wouldn’t let their kids come within a foot of ‘em if they really knew. Parents are so old fashioned, ya know.”
A group of kids had stopped playing to listen to this conversation as it had the feeling of a challenge and maybe a fight. At this last sentence many of them snickered in ascent.
“Actually, I didn’t know that.” said Bob.
“So ya going to answer my question or not?”
“Sure, I’ll answer you. Witchcraft may have power, but it’s not all powerful. God existed before anyone else and He created angels. Some of them rebelled against God and became devils. So although they have supernatural power, God is more powerful then they are. And Jesus Himself said, ‘All power has been given unto Me in heaven and in earth.’”1
“Well, I don’t believe that He’s all powerful.”
“Guess your not believing it doesn’t change the facts.”
“Ha!” Rovin jeered. “Let’s find out who’s really the most powerful.”
“Okay.” Bob agreed.
“I’m going to put a curse on you and you’ll find that it’ll be hard to breathe and soon you won’t be able to breath at all. Your parents will rush you to the emergency room where they’ll put you on a respirator before you can return to normal.” Then Rovin added with an evil look, “I’ve done this sort of thing since I was almost nine, so I’m not just foolin’.”
Fright etched itself on the face of most of the other kids standing around, but Bob answered confidently, “Okay. I’m not afraid, because I know God is stronger.”
“So what’re you going to do to counteract?”
“I’m going to bless you.”
“What?!” Rovin exclaimed, looking incredulous. “That’s complete idiocy!”
“Yep.” Bob continued matter of factly. “I’m going to pray that God will bless you and show you that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and angels just like He did to Nebuchadnezzar.”2
“Who in blazes is Nebuchadnezzar?” Rovin asked with a snort.
“My dad’s just been reading to me about him. He’s the one who threw Daniel’s three friends into the really hot fire and God came and walked with them in it and they came out untouched by the fire.” Bob announced triumphantly.
Rovin was growing visibly uncomfortable.
Suddenly Bob gulped and gasped for air. Rovin regained his boldness and said, “Your parents see you from where they’re sitting over by the tennis court and it’ll happen just as I predicted.”
One of the girls screamed and another began crying.
“Help! He’s going to die!” one little boy hollered.
Parent’s began rushing over to the group of kids yelling and wanting to know if it was their child who was hurt.
“Jesus!” Bob choked out.
In an instant his breath came back and he took a deep gulp of air then smiled kindly up at Rovin.
All was confusion while children cried and parents were trying to find out what was going on and who was hurt.
Rovin just stared at Bob.
“Son, are you okay?” his dad asked urgently, gently pulling him away from the noise and chaos. “Are you hurt?”
He knelt down to his son’s level, concern etched across his face.
“No, Dad. I’m okay.” replied Bob, putting his arms around his father’s neck. “God was walking with me.”
*(1)Matthew 28:18 (2)Daniel 4:19-37
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The boys' dialog struck me as a bit stilted and unrealistic; perhaps working a bit more on voice would improve the flow of this piece.
Lots of suspense and excitement--would appeal to boys a great deal.