Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Proverbs 1:8 (06/01/23)
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TITLE: Pattern of words | Previous Challenge Entry
By Corinne Smelker
06/08/23 -
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“Hey, kid, come here,” came the slurring, drunken voice of the man who was technically her father.
What now?
At only thirteen years old, Lily had endured years of physical and emotional abuse that had left deep scars on her fragile spirit. The constant shouting, the cruel words, and the brutal beatings had eroded her self-worth and shattered her dreams.
She slowly looked around her room, the walls stained with memories of pain and despair, before opening the door and navigating her way through the maze of creaky floorboards.
The TV’s light was the only illumination in the cramped living room, and her father was slouched on the couch. “Gimme beer,” he croaked, “Quickly, you worthless piece of….” Lily didn’t hear the invective as she opened the fridge door, grabbed a beer, and gave it to her tormentor.
He waved a hand. “Whadda still doing here? Get outta my sight.” He trailed off, mumbling, enthralled by the porn scenes playing out on the screen. “This will be you come morning,” he warned. “You’re old enough now. Gotta earn some money, pay me back for taking care of you all these years.”
Something within her shifted. A flicker of courage ignited in her heart, pushing her to act. After she returned to her room, Lily packed a small bag with a few essential belongings. Carefully, she made her way to her bedroom window. With shaky hands, she unlatched the window and silently opened it, praying that the rusty hinges wouldn't betray her. The cool night air brushed against her face, bringing with it a sense of liberation she had never experienced before.
With a deep breath, she swung her leg over the windowsill, feeling a mix of adrenaline and uncertainty rush through her veins. She landed softly on the dew-kissed grass outside, her heart pounding. As she made her way through the dimly lit streets, she couldn't help but cast a glance over her shoulder, half-expecting her parent to emerge from the shadows, ready to snatch her back into the nightmare she desperately sought to leave behind.
Meeting Noelle in the city center had been a ‘God thing,’ as Noelle liked to say. Lily was unsure about this God, but she enjoyed talking to Noelle and her parents, who were pastors of a church across town. Slowly, over months, she gave bits and pieces of her story and, in turn, heard about God.
Things she’d normalized (no, watching porn with your kids around is not normal; swearing at your kids is not acceptable; stealing to support your father’s habit is not a daughter’s duty) she was having to relearn. Everything her father had taught her was wrong.
Although her doubts about this God remained deep, there was the beginning of an uprooting as she started to replace her father’s words with God the Father’s words. She was still unsure she could trust Him, but anything had to be better than what she endured.
The night enveloped Lily as she made her way toward the bus stop. The darkness seemed to understand her plight, providing a protective cloak for her escape. With every step, her resolve grew stronger, fueled by the hope of a better future.
She almost fell asleep on the bus, but finally, after what felt like an eternity, she arrived at the rectory that housed Noelle and her family. A sense of relief washed over her as she knocked, her trembling hand leaving a faint echo in the stillness of the night. The door swung open, revealing Noelle’s mother, Pam.
“Lily!” Pam embraced Lily, offering her a safe harbor amidst the storm. “Come inside.”
As Lily took the first courageous step toward a life free from the shackles of abuse, she was unknowingly going to start changing the pattern of words she was putting into her spirit.
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