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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: SMEAR (03/10/16)
Julie was her usual effervescent self, giggling at something her friend Hanna texted as she opened her laptop. She pulled up Face Book ready to catch up with all the news of the day. Her face morphed from its customary smile to a look of pain and shock. As she stared at the screen she felt as if she had been punched everywhere at once. One after another the messages were filled with epithets, vile suggestions, and called her unspeakable names. She was warned not to show her face in school the next day if she knew what was good for her.

Devastation eclipsed her heart and her soul. Her depression was such that she could not eat, sleep or even pray. She would not come down to dinner, skipped youth group at church and skipped school the next day. Julie was totally alone in a dark cold place. The messages were getting worse, suggesting she die. Boys started to write her describing unspeakable things they would do to her because she “wanted it.”

She dragged herself down to the table Friday night after her father threatened to break down her door if she didn’t open it and join the family. The sorrow and brokenness she felt was evident in her dull, tangled copper hair, her pasty complexion, lowered eyes, and down turned mouth. Sadness overcame her and she started to sob. Chris, her older brother, went up to her room and opened her computer. As he read her Face Book, his anger exploded.

“Dad! Dad! Come up here, quick!” Chris called, fury in his voice. Everything became horrifyingly clear, why Julie had locked herself away, her depression, her sense of shame.

They called the police and their pastor. They would go to the school the next day.

Pastor looked everything over and sat down in a corner of the living room with the broken girl.

“Is this why you skipped Youth Group Wednesday night, Julie?” he asked gently.

“Uh-huh.” She sobbed.

“Julie, do you know that you are none of the things that those children wrote?

“I-I guess,” Julie hiccuped “Some of them must be true, so many people said them.”

“Julie, look at me,” Pastor said. He waited until he held her gaze. “You are none of those things. Satan has targeted you to hurt you. Are you going to let him win?”

At that her head snapped up. “This is from Satan?” she asked incredulously.

“You are the very opposite of those words. I do believe that this is a demonic attack; you have been on fire for God and it has been catching. I think Satan was very anxious to quench that fire in your soul.” Pastor responded.

“Do I have to go back to that school? After what they wrote?”

“You know, God talked about that. In Proverbs He called such people fools. In Romans 12: 19-21 it says not to take revenge but to do kindness to them. You will heap burning coals on their heads and they will be convicted. They will be made the fools and you will store up crowns in heaven. You let your heavenly Father take care of these kids, Julie. You are blameless. You can return to school when you are comfortable and hold your head high.”

Pastor continued.

“Would you like to do something right now that will help you heal from this attack?”

Julie nodded enthusiastically. The sooner she could begin to put this behind her the better. She was taken aback at his next words.

“Let’s pray for them.”

“Pastor, you want me to pray for the people who said these horrible things?”

“What did Jesus do after they had beaten Him and nailed Him to the cross?”

“He asked His Father to forgive them.” Julie said quietly.

“So He set the example for us, don’t you think?” Pastor asked?

They bowed their heads and began to pray. Julie started praying and those prayers were led by the Holy Spirit. When they had finished Julie’s heart was lighter, the joy she had had was sneaking back.

“Mom, can I have some of that ginger ale you mentioned?” Julie asked. “Come to think of it, I am starved, can I have some spaghetti?”

It was a couple of weeks before Julie returned to school, but she returned with a stronger conviction of her faith and maintained her joyful effervescent demeanor. She had given a horrible situation to God and He had healed her.
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This article has been read 563 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
03/17/16
Powerful and pertinent message, given the age in which we live.

Well done...

Blessings~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/17/16
I really enjoyed this story. You pulled me in right away, and my heart hurt for the MC. You did a nice job with the dialog. You had sections were you did a great job of showing, but then you'd slip into telling near the middle. Keep writing and working on painting a picture for the reader and you'll be surprised at how you will blossom. I believe God has plans for your work, so keep listening to him and keep writing. I think you did a fantastic job of writing on topic and still keeping the story fresh and relevant to today's youth.
Bonnie Bowden 
03/17/16
Well told story about the effects of cyber bulling. I also believe prayer is needed for the victim. However, if the bully's actions continue, I believe stronger action is needed.
Holly Westefeld
03/17/16
You clearly illustrated a current challenge for many teens. I wish you had had the space to also have the parents realize their role in keeping their kids safe online. It is not wise for parents to allow even teens to have unfiltered, unmonitored internet access.
Pat Small
03/18/16
I enjoyed this a lot. It was well told. I think it was in the 4th sentence you switched tenses or something with "called her..names".
Loni Bowden-Horn 
03/20/16
My heart ached for the MC as those horrible words were hurled at her over the internet.

I liked how the pastor handled the situation. It is so difficult to understand how people can hurl attacks at someone that cannot be taken back.

I liked the MC's attitude at the end.
David Guion
03/22/16
A powerful story well conceived. Here's an easy way to tell it more powerfully: when you look back over your writing, look for every use of some form of "to be." Replace as many as possible. Change as many passive constructions to active as possible.
Bonnie Bowden 
03/24/16
Congratulations on placing 3rd place in the Beginners Category. Your story is relevant.
C D Swanson 
03/24/16
Congrats!
Blessings~
Catherine Craig
03/24/16
Congrats, Kathleen, on your placement.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/25/16
Congratulations on ranking 3rd in your level and 19 overall. The highest rankings can be found on the message boards.