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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Encouragement (among believers) (11/08/07)
“Thanks for the excellent dinner.” I uttered to my husband’s aunt Christy. “Why should you thank me? It’s my pleasure.” Picking up a little boy who came behind her, holding him in her arms she smiled at me with these words. I stood like a statue listening while washing my hands. “This is my daughter Betty’s son. My son Titus elder to Betty is married for eight years but my daughter-in-law is not blessed as yet with the gift of a child.” Her face expressed mixed feelings of sadness for her son; partially throwing the blame on her daughter-in-law Regina.

My husband and I for the first time had entered their home as a newly wed couple and this talk made me move vast mental mountains. However, I was prompted to say, “God makes everything beautiful in His time. There are many couples blessed with children even after twenty years of married life.” She concurred with my statement.

On reaching home, I imagined Regina’s plight with such a mother-in-law and a sister-in-law who belittles her barrenness just because God has been gracious to her. This set my mind ticking like a clock. “What would others say about me? Is it possible for me to cope up with such comments? How to avoid or answer such questions? Why are there a lot of discouraging and disturbing factors in this wonderful world? If a woman is not able to conceive a child is it a big sin? Is God laughing over his handy work –us?” Many such thoughts mushroomed my mind. An invisible inflated balloon flying in my mind filled with fear and anxiety got deflated when God in his immense grace blessed me with a beautiful girl child the following year.

“Esther! Regina’s birthday falls on this Saturday. Remind me. Must call and wish her.” My husband told casually. I forgot all about Regina and asked, “Who is she?” “You know her. Wife of my cousin brother Titus.” The volume of his voice was slightly raised. “Yeah! Now I remember.” I told after a pause recalling her appearance before my inward eye. I felt ashamed of the poor communication that we had with our dear ones. The hustle bustle of life has made us run a rat race that we live mostly fearing constraints rather than enjoying the run. “Must think of some other way to encourage her. Poor soul.” I told myself.

That night when I knelt down for prayers, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Regina again and again. “God alone knows and understands the anguish this soul must be undergoing. What can I do to ease her aches? Will a costly present make her happy? What are her likes and dislikes?” With these thoughts in mind for sometime after prayers I went to sleep.

A year passed by. One day, telephone bell rang at a time when the moon captured the throne conquering the sun and I picked it up. “Happy birthday to you Esther. How are you?” The voice of Regina bubbled with joy. “Thank you. How are you, your husband and junior Titus?” “Oh! All are fine. I can never forget you Esther in all my life. The words of encouragement you sent through that birthday card. I will treasure it forever. They were dew to my parched soul- life giving words.” I could feel the tears of joy. She continued, “Exactly as you had written, ‘God will fulfill the desires of your heart and make you happy (Psalm 20:4)’ God has blessed me. A miracle in my life after eight years.” Then the conversation took a casual cadence.

My soul rejoiced again. God’s awesome power was manifested through those encouraging words. Although insignificant like seeds it had ability to cheer a soul choked by cares of this world. I keep wondering over the fact that if God could use an insignificant birthday card to encourage someone and bestow blessings there are many such tools of encouragement operating in His hands.

When God’s favour and encouraging words come upon you then people appearing in your life having the attitude of Christy or Betty will be silenced forever. They will feel His mighty power. Word alone can work wonders in you. He is One who encourages – He is the Comforter. I shed tears thanking and praying thus: “Thank you Lord for making use of an insignificant act of mine to encourage and be encouraged. Continue to keep me as Your tool that encourages.”
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Joanne Sher 
11/18/07
A very neat, encouraging story. A little polish on grammar and punctuation and this would really shine. Keep writing!
Sara Harricharan
11/19/07
I liked the story here, but it was a little confusing here and there. Try to add some commas, after names and such.
e.g. son, Titus, elder to Betty.
It will make for easier reading-also, every time there is a new speaker, begin a new paragraph. Otherwise, this was neat! A wonderful example of how our own encouragment can keep on giving even months afterwards.