Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: SICK (05/09/19)
-
TITLE: Fighting Words | Previous Challenge Entry
By Terry R A Eissfeldt
05/15/19 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“Sssay it…..ssspeak itsss name….claim itsss power…sssink into itsss comfort…”
Hot tears streamed down Jen’s pallid cheek. She could barely see the waiting car. She bit down on her tongue as she sank into the passenger seat only releasing the grip when she tasted blood.
“Jen?” Mark’s voice cut through the inner battle. “What’s wrong? What did the doctor say?”
She answered in a flood of tears accompanied by incoherent sobs. Mark leapt out of the car, ran around opening the passenger door and embraced his wife. She felt boulder hard and bony, her slim body shaking. Mark hugged harder hoping the added pressure would calm his young wife like the weighted blanked she slept under. Slowly the crying ceased. Erratic breathing slowed and deepened. Finally Jen relaxed in his arms.
“I…I didn’t gain any weight this week. I’ve been trying so hard.” Jen pounded her frail fist into Mark’s chest.
“I know honey. You’re doing great! Come on,” he encouraged, “at least you didn’t lose any! That’s three months in a row.” He covered her elfin face in gentle kisses. One on the forehead, each eyelid, the end of her nose and finally on her parted lips. Every one salty.
“But….I’m still sick…Anorexia is too strong…I’ll never be well…I’ll never defeat it!”
She pushed Mark away and slumped back into the leather seat pushing the electric button until the seat was fully reclined. She closed her eyes firmly, like iguanas do to escape overwhelming situations. Mark sighed deeply, got back in the car and drove home.
The ride home was stony silence. When they finally arrived Mark carried Jen into the house gently placing her in the recliner he bought her for Christmas. She didn’t look at him, didn’t say anything, didn’t acknowledge his assistance. Mark prayed silently for strength to start from this difficult place one more time; Jen the sick and tired victim. Mark the strong never-tiring caretaker.
“I’ll get your blanket and put the kettle on.” He reached for her hand but she pulled away. He turned and faced the stairs. A Mt. Everest.
His leaden legs barely lifted enough to reach the next step. But he prayed with every one.
“Father! I need Your wisdom. Jesus! I need Your love! Holy Spirit! I need Your guidance!”
The dove-grey quilted blanket lay crumpled at the foot of the unmade bed. Mark gathered it up in his arms noting that his wife barely weighed more than the blanket when something thumped on the floor. Looking down he noticed a gold journal. He recognized it as one Jen brought home from last weekend’s Ladies Retreat.
She was so positive and feisty when she returned she glowed. Mark hadn’t seen her that excited, positive, and faith filled since their wedding day 18 months ago.
When he asked her about it she was coy and secretive. “It was for ladies, silly,” she teased. “You’ll just have to wait and see the results!” Then she flashed the golden journal and skipped up the stairs.
Mark picked up the book and, feeling like a spy, opened it.
The first pages were filled with notes Jen took from the sessions. A general perusal told Mark the main topic was about destiny and self-worth found in Christ. Good stuff.
The next page listed Bible verses.
Romans 8:26, Psalm 139:14, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Philippians 4:6-7, Ephesians 6:10-17
Mark turned another page. His eyes widened. There, in Jen’s beautiful script, were bold declarations.
Holy Spirit helps me in my weakness.
I am wonderfully made.
My body is a temple for Holy Spirit.
My heart and mind is guarded in Christ Jesus.
I am strong in the Lord, fully armed, and able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Mark knelt beside the bed, clutching the journal.
“Forgive me Father. I’ve been serving my wife as best I can but I haven’t been leading her. Help me to be faithful in declaring Your truth over our lives. Help us to fight this together.”
The sound of the kettle interrupted his prayer. With renewed faith, hope, and love Mark went back downstairs and made his wife a cup of tea.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
