Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Love and Grace (09/11/14)
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TITLE: Disturbing the Peace | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sheldon Bass
09/13/14 -
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They even had their own mayor, an elderly black gentleman regally mantled in African motif, topped with a colorful Kofi. Inside Mayor Mike’s huge canvas tent, we sat cross-legged as he proudly shared about his people.
“We have a population of seventy-five. Forty men, thirty women and five children.”
I had questions. “I understand you have your own laws here?”
“We do. Major offenses include theft, hard drugs, and any form of violence. We tolerate alcohol and marijuana, but only in strict moderation.”
“I see.”
“We have three men assigned as enforcers. Chino! Come here!”
Within seconds a heavily muscled Asian man popped into the tent, followed by two gargantuan fellows, a Caucasian and an African American. All three were profoundly polite, smiling amiably.
“This is Chino, our sheriff. The white one with the goofy grin there (pointing) is Harley. And that’s Alan. They also accompany small groups around the city on errands. Chino, tell this man the penalty for committing a major offense in Peace-town.”
“They are permanently banished from the community!” He stated matter-of-factly.
After shaking my hand their police force scooted back outside and I continued.
“You been to college?”
“No, graduated high-school though. I’m self-educated. We do have two men with bachelor’s degrees, and another mastered in music. We even have an engineer. Most have either a high-school diploma or GED. We encourage education, and sometimes we take field trips to the library in small groups.”
Mike held up an index finger with a sudden idea. “How about spending the night with us?”
This was entirely too intriguing for me to leave just yet, so I grabbed a blanket and locked up my little red Chevrolet. Their surreal society was like walking through an exciting novel.
That evening as sparks from a community bon-fire swirled heavenward, skilled troubadours, faces aglow in fire-light, held the camp spellbound with tales of knights, the Incas, and seafaring adventurers. There must’ve been forty people seated around the blaze. Sleepy kids rubbed their eyes yawning, not wanting to miss story-time. Around a second, smaller fire, someone softly strummed a guitar. On the other side of camp a smooth alto voice sang, while crickets chirped.
I was honored to lead an evening prayer. They always prayed over their meals like one giant-sized family. Everybody shared the little they had with each other. Their unity was astounding. Several times I was told, “We’re not homeless, Peace-town is our home.”
They had their difficulties, yet comparing the serenity of this little community to that of society as a whole… Let’s just say that some church congregations could learn from this group. Love, harmony and grace ruled.
I slept all night by the fire. When the sun again peeked through the trees, a married couple in their thirties supplied me with a fruit breakfast and big smiles. Praising God for such a wonderfully, peaceful respite from my routine, the camp suddenly exploded into mass confusion.
Several police cars and a pick-up truck full of men with ball-bats charged into camp like wild banshees. I took refuge in my car and began to leave, but decided I had to see what would happen to my new friends. I hid the car, crept back up to the perimeter and peeked through the bushes.
They smashed everything in sight. Slashing tents with knives, they ripped them down. Tears streamed down the Children’s faces. They were terrified. Chino tried to stop several attackers from collapsing a tent with a young mother and her infant inside. He was horribly beaten for his efforts. When the cops had everyone crowded together on their knees with hands behind their heads, they piled up all the contents of the camp into two giants heaps and set fire to them. All the people’s clothing, food and shelter were gone in an instant.
Peace-town was on county property which had sat idle for sixteen years. The powers that be didn’t like, “Tramps and homeless trash” living free on their unused property.
That night I wept before the Lord as I prayed for those people. And then prayed that the love and grace Jesus brings would cover the earth.
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I live in a home owner's association about 25 miles south of Asheville, NC.
I vividly remember about 3-4 years ago where there was a group of homeless folks that had set up a tent city type of community.
These poor folks were harassed by the powers that be in Asheville. When they interviewed the folks that lived in the tent city.
These were folks a lot like you and me.
Your article reminded me very much of this.
I hope that your article will do well with the judges. It is a well written article.
God Bless!
Your words allowed the reader to see exactly what went on, the visual was as if I was there. And, the message of their peace consequently the polar opposite of the "intruders" sent shivers down my spine.
Well executed in content, delivery and tone.
God bless~
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1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Hugs and prayers, Judi
God bless~
Very well done, my friend. I am thrilled for you.
Blessings, Lynn
You did a great job with the characters you developed and the voice of your MC. You put me there, at that campfire, and I could hear the stories, feel the warmth and almost see the sparks floating in the air.
Way to really show me your story, Sheldon.