Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Help (02/20/06)
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TITLE: Help, My Chosen Four-Letter Word | Previous Challenge Entry
By Diane Johnson
02/21/06 -
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Growing up with secret agent parents (who would spell things out using top secret code), it became very obvious to me that I needed to break the code. I soon learned code words such as "bed," "cookies," and sometimes unfortunately, swear words (which of course I can't and neither want to say here!). But, there always was and always will be the infamous "four-letter words" that only mature and intelligent adults were permitted to say out loud. (Go figure.) AND, if you were ever caught using any of those four-letter words…especially by a rivaling sibling who was trying to score brownie points with the parents…soon there was running and screaming, "ooh! I'm telling Mom!" and then you knew you were in BIG trouble!
Well, if I can speak frankly, as an adult, I have unfortunately been tempted at times to use one of those four-letter words when I am under extreme distress. (And being a professing Christian, this does not make me proud to have to confess this.) But for instance, when I come home from work and find that the dogs had an "accident" by the back door and by the time I've realized it, I've already stepped in it, this can invoke a "bad" four-letter word, (use your imagination). But other times, it's been with bigger things like when I unexpectantly get bad news about either the kids, family, or even church, and its affects on my life make me feel like I am backed into a corner. Now please know that I don't WANT to use any of those bad four-letter words, and when I do, I feel even worse because I know that I chose to do so. But in the past (and in the worldly sense) those four-letter words seem to better reveal the intensity of my dilemma at the moment -- my feeling that I am at my wit's end. But even so, I know that I have sinned and after I calm down, I always tell the Lord (and anyone who has witnessed it), that I am very sorry .
Recently, I had a conversation with the Lord about my vocabulary in these trialing moments. And He spoke this incredible, but oh so obvious revelation to me; He said, "Just say help." There was silence…I was stunned. This simple four-letter word H-E-L-P held the answer to not only my frustration, but also to my potty mouth. And what was even more amazing to me, is that this word "help" was EXACTLY what I was trying to speak to not only the situation, but also to the Lord.
So, I said to myself, and God as my witness, "I'm gonna try it." And shortly thereafter when I felt pain either physically, emotionally or spiritually, I spoke out loud, "HELP!" And you know what? I immediately felt a release of distress leaving my mind and heart and also a peace came upon my body. Then I tried it again, and again, and again. And each time I received the same results.
Consequently, I feel like a new creature! I have even told others of my newly-found revelation. One of my co-workers who I have been witnessing to tried it and has now embraced it. Just think, this little four-letter word brings such favorable outcome. Help…it is a hero.
Well, you can imagine my surprise and then my delight when I saw this week's Writing Challenge word. What a great opportunity to not only write, but to pass on to you what the Lord has given to me. I really hope that "help" is on your way!
"Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day…" (Acts 26:22)
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