Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: TOWER (01/16/20)
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TITLE: The Run | Previous Challenge Entry
By Debra Brand
01/21/20 -
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I planted my left foot on the second step. No less afraid, curiosity started to invade the fear. What lay ahead? What is this place? How much farther?
As I gazed upward, the stairway seemed to lengthen and expand, twisting and coursing through white clouds obscuring the end. Exterior brilliance scattered rays through tiny wall slits illuminating portions of the staircase. Behind me only swirling blackness covered the distance I had traveled.
“Onward and upward,” said my conscious. My heart beating in rhythm as I climbed.
Shooting calf pains called my attention back to my body as I strained to keep pace to the top. Ragged panting told me to rest … to stop … to wait.
“Come up here!”
My breath held. Who is there? Throat constricted and my heart barely beating, I waited.
Do I answer? How far to go? I squeaked a “Who’s there?” In the silence, I only heard my own blood beating in my ears.
With extreme caution, I moved again. I dared not to make a sound with my boots or swing my arms against my clothes. Around the bend, the light grew brighter. Closer and closer to the top, I climbed. Thinking I had imagined the voice, my bravery returned.
A sudden boom jarred my confidence and I hunkered down, crouching to avoid what might be coming my way. But again … nothing, so I stood up straight and caught sight of an opening nearby in the wall. On tiptoes, I looked out at an amazing vista.
Gone were the soldiers in the battle from which I had run. The tops of trees spread out as plush emerald carpeting. A sapphire expanse of sky devoid of clouds, filled my vision. Quiet solitude calmed my shaken nerves and soothed my aching limbs.
As I stepped back, something caught my eye on the tread. A drop of crimson lay at my foot. Another drop below me and down the way I had come … drop by drop.
Could it be I was so caught up in the escape and finding this haven reaching to the sky, I hadn’t noticed the injury in my side? In the absence of adrenaline and in shock, the pain surfaced shattering my peace.
As I slowly slid down the wall to rest, a crimson stain smeared on the wall. Awareness set in as to my condition. Brilliant red blood meant a serious wound, life-threatening. My hand came away from my side with the evidence. But what is my life, anyway? Family all gone and the war lost made for little reason to live.
“I’m here.” The voice again spoke. This time softly and gently.
I looked up. The clouds became wispy and disappeared revealing a dazzling light beckoning me upwards. With a last gasp, I struggled to my feet.
Step by step I climbed. At the top, a door carved with figures entwined in the battle of good vs. evil stood ajar. I had fought for good, so I thought, but the picture relief showed all were lost. None are good, no not one.
I pushed open the door. A golden throne stood centered in the room, surrounded by a gleaming rainbow. He, who was seated on the throne, said, “Come here.”
Peace displaced pain and fear as I gazed upon His glory.
He touched my lips and said, “You have fought valiantly. You have sought peace. You have come to Me.”
Choking for air, I awoke to the clamor of the hospital tent. I could hear the surgeon say, “This one will live to fight another day.”
*Proverbs 18:10-12 (NASB) The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.
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Powerful, strong, well written, and well done!
Amen...
Blessings~
Well Written.