Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Control (01/30/06)
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TITLE: Pillars | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jeremy Iman
02/01/06 -
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“It just seems like I’ve failed. I’ve let the whole country down by not protecting them like I should have. I can’t,” he stopped to gather his thoughts, “I can’t begin to express to you the grief I’m feeling now. I was supposed to be strong. I was suppose to be prepared. We all knew it was coming Jack, we all knew!”
“Henry there was nothing you could have done, there was nothing any of us could have done. We were prepared for everything we thought could happen. There are just some things in life you can’t prepare for, and this is one of them.”
Henry’s gray hair was fully visible as his head hung low and inert above his hunched body. All morning scenarios had been ravaging his mind, thoughts of what he could have done, defenses he should have raised, all rampaged through his brain. He was a leader, yes, but he felt so incapable and inadequate.
“People placed their trust, their faith, in me, and what did I do to show appreciation? I allowed the largest city in the whole country to be demolished overnight. I…I was supposed to be strong, I thought I’d be the one to end this war. Do we even know many fatalities there are? How many thousands of people will never breathe another breath?”
His companion leaned in closer, placing a gentle hand on his back.
“President Samson, you are still a great man. You’re a great man who had something bad happen to him, but you’re in good company. How many times does the Good Book record such events? How many times was faith tested in the past? I’ve been your pastor for many years now Henry, I know you know the answer. This is not the time for regret, this is the time for you to gain control over your emotions and see that God has a purpose for this. It will all work out for the good. That’s not a hunch, I’m not merely speculating that this is all part of God’s plan, it’s an insight that I’d bet my life on,” he stopped and caught the president’s gaze, “It’s something I do bet my life on.”
Henry’s face looked so much older than it had the previous day. Lines of fatigue made waves on his forehead, and his eyes were sunken and glossy. But there was something new sparking within them. A hint of life, a kindling of a flame, something was stirring in his eyes as he lifted his head and adjusted his stature. He brushed the snowy lint from the shoulders of his suit and cleared his throat in a deep tone.
Taking in a long breath of air through his nose, he spoke. “Once again I find myself lucky to say I know you. It’s true, my faith has been shaken but not nearly destroyed. God has placed me here for a reason, and though I don’t exactly know what I’m supposed to do, I believe it will be revealed to me soon enough. For now, it’s time to rally the troops. We’ve been weakened but not immobilized. Attacked but not eradicated. Bruised but not beaten. Our enemies have ignored the Living God for too long. I believe the end of their wickedness has come. After all I’m Samson…and it’s time for the pillars to fall.”
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