Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Calm (04/09/26)
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TITLE: The Atmosphere makes the Difference | Previous Challenge Entry
By Vashti (Rose) Hing
04/15/26 -
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I recall hearing a minister's testimony about what happened in his home one day. If you are a minister or a minister's child who has lived in a minister's home, you would know that some days can be chaotic, and that feeling of being overwhelmed is common and relatable.
That day at that minister's home, people from all walks of life and cultures came to pray, seek counsel, etc. The basement was full, and every room in the den had people. The people left in the evening after they had calmed down.
After the people left, the minister went into the kitchen to check on his wife, demonstrating his dedication to his family and concern for their well-being.
The children were all crying and fussing. The wife was crying, and the minister saw how the busyness of the home tore her apart, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, reflecting the toll of that day's struggles.
She held up her hand, pleading for help, and exclaimed. "I am losing my mind. These children haven't eaten a bite for the day."
He looked around and saw his two daughters, Becky and Sarah, on the floor, fussing over some little blocks, their voices rising in frustration. When Becky saw him, she screamed at the top of her voice, "Daddy, Sarah got my blocks!"
The minister then thought that the only thing to do was to pray for a change in the situation. So, he prayed silently for God's help to bring calm. Then he put his arm around his wife and said, "Oh, sweetheart, I really feel sorry for you.”
“She said, “Billy, I don’t believe I can hold out any longer. Oh, I’m just going to pieces, just look at this house.”
He said, “Yes, that’s right, Honey…that’s exactly right.” And he thought, “Lord, please quiet her.”
“That is true,” he continued, “but you know, honey, the other day I saw a pretty blouse for you.”
She said, “Billy, no time to talk about blouses.”
Holding his hand on her, Billy said, “Tell me what, you put me on your apron and let me help you get supper.”
So, he put on the apron, started chopping carrots and other ingredients, and began talking to her about the goodness of God. The domestic setting emphasizes closeness, fostering warmth and connection.
Then he noticed that she had stopped crying, showing how his small act of care had brought her comfort.
He thought, "Lord, thank you," and kept talking to her about God's goodness.
After a while, he noticed her face light up with a smile, indicating a shift in her feelings.
Then she said to him, "Well, Billy, do you think the stores will be open?"
"I'm pretty sure they will be open. I think they will be." And he thought, “Lord, it is working,”
He kept talking to her, and next, he noticed that his daughters had divided up their blocks, his son had gotten a little rattler toy, and there was a calm in the house, illustrating family harmony and positive change.
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