Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Liberation (05/02/24)
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TITLE: Elder Levi | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marlene MCPherson
05/09/24 -
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My brothers and sisters were all helping our father with the different tasks to accommodate the many family members who were guests, while Mommy and the women prepared the meals. B’owy, was I happy.
“Daddy, how long will we be together?” I asked.
“Noel, remember, this is a three-day celebration. I know you want to be around the family for a long time but, but…”
Before he could finish Noel broke in.
“They have to travel back and get to work,” said Noel beaming.
“I am glad you got the picture,” said his father.
“Mary, Abraham, John, Reuben, come near, listen, be on your best behavior, and be helpful to everyone because we are family” Then he clapped, and we all dashed inside in preparation for the day.
I was filled with the aroma of the cooking of food items. This seemed to propel me to be helpful instead of playing as usual. Suddenly, the noise of Praises, and scampering of feet forced me to peer through the window and there was Elder Levi.
I ran outside to meet him.
“You have grown, Noel,” said Elder Levi.
He stooped and looked into my eyes, then kissed my head. I felt great. I held his right hand and walked alongside him as he greeted the family members, and my father led the way to the large tent where we would dine.
About one hundred family members stood and Elder Levi led the songs of thanksgiving, the repeating of the Shema then the grace.
The dining session was my favorite as I ate to my heart’s content while I listened to past events.
“It is important that I remind you of how forefathers’ faith in Almighty God delivered us from Pharaoh and his wicked men.”He cleared his throat, surveyed the room and all paid close attention.
“Our forefathers were in Egypt and a wicked Pharaoh came to the throne. Out of fear, he placed all Israelites into slavery.
Yes Noel, I see your hand, you have a question?”
Nine-year-old Noel stood. “Yes, Elder Levi. What is slavery?”
“Great question. Slavery is forcing people to work without paying them. It also includes treating people harshly. They were beaten and had little food. And they did not have human rights”.
“They were in this condition for over four hundred years.”
Mary interrupted. “I would run away 'cause I don’t want to be a slave.” every- one chuckled and eyed each other.
Elder Levi continued.
“It is not as easy as you think, Mary. But you know what they called out to Almighty God, day and night.
God answered them and brought miracles, signs, and wonders. Let me explain.
God called Moses and Aaron to go to Pharaoh to tell him to let his people, our fathers, leave Egypt. He refused so he sent nine plagueson him and his people. It was the slaying of the firstborn that caused Pharaoh to free the Israelites. But it was not easy. That night all the Israelites took part in a feast called Passover, and then they started their journey. Over one million people left that night with their animals and different items.
Pharaoh, realizing that he would not have any more slaves, went after them, with his army. When our brothers and sisters saw Pharaoh coming they became afraid and ran and became despondent and called out to Moses.
This is the fun part; they reached the Red Sea now. Moses said “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will accomplish for you today’’
Then the Lord told Moses to lift his rod and stretch out his hand over the sea and the children of Israel went over dry land while Pharoah and his men drowned.
When they crossed over, they rejoiced and praised God because they were now free. No longer in bondage but free to worship and live as God wanted. Let us change our position and praise in dancing and singing”.
All began "I will sing..." While the musician accompanied them. all were now in a festive mood.
Scriptures from Exodus chapter 14:13; !5:1
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The reader can't read your thoughts behind the story, so you have to be very careful there.
The ending seemed to jump from the speaker back to the narrator
which is a bit sudden.
Word count pressure probably :)
The focus on the Challenge topic was excellent.
Forgive me if I have missed the obvious- but your readers need to understand the flow to fully enjoy the story.