Left, two three, right, two three… Heads held high, shoulders squared, faces wreath in smiles they marched in unison.
They had made it. They had seen many who started with them give up saying it was too hard. They too had battled against the desire to simply throw in the towel and say, “I can’t do this. I quit.” But, they didn’t. Against all odds, after many sleepless nights and countless other sacrifices they were graduating.
As they took their seats Dawn, took the tissue one of her classmates handed her to wipe the tears she hadn’t even realize were rolling down her cheeks. She whispered a thank you as she felt her neighbor on her other side squeeze her hand. They all knew how much this moment meant to Dawn. They had started this journey together and had become fast friends as they encouraged each other to “stay the course no matter what.”
In the audience, Dawn’s dad smiled while he too wiped away a tear. Next to him Dawn’s younger brother and Elaine, Dawn’s best friend from kindergarten beamed with pride as they thought about how much Dawn had accomplished. Elaine remembered how she and Dawn completed their bachelors’ degree together several years earlier after which Dawn had gone to medical school. Elaine had done her degree in Accounting and was now a CPA and employed at a large resort. Elaine knew this moment was a bitter-sweet one for her friend and quietly whispered a heartfelt, “God please give her strength.”
“… and now we’ll have our Valedictorian speech by ….”
Dawn stood up as she heard her name and shakily made her way to the podium. She stood for a moment hands trembling, then began to speak gaining strength as she went.
There’s so much strength in all of us
Every woman child and man
It’s the moment that you think you can’t
You’ll discover that you can
“I quoted that verse of Celine Dion’s song,” Dawn began “because I honestly didn’t think I had the strength to stand before you tonight. However, in the moment when I thought, I can't” you – my family and friends- offered me a shoulder to lean on.
I feel honored and proud to be standing here tonight representing a group of students who have become like family.
I decided that I wanted to become a doctor when I was in high school and my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, by God’s grace she beat the odds and was there for my high school graduation and my pre-med graduation. I thought she would be here for my graduation from medical school but it was not to be. Just a two week ago my mom died from the very disease I hope to help find a cure for one day.”
As Dawn spoke, the tears began to flow down her cheeks and that of many of her classmates. “I had speech prepared,” Dawn said, “and for those of you who would like to read it I will post it online. However in lieu of my speech tonight I would simply like to say in honor of my mom.”
Life is short
Live, love, laugh, forgive
Make a difference where ever you go.
And, don’t forget that Jesus Christ, the great physician should always be first in your life.
To our family and friends, especially my dad, thank you for being there with us, for believing in us and never giving up on us. We love you and appreciate you... class of 20—We did it! Thank you Lord!!!
The entire audience stood to their feet and erupted into applause as Dawn, face now sporting a huge smile walked to her seat…
(The end? Or is it the beginning?)
(This story is strictly fictional; any resemblance to persons living or dead is completely coincidental)
GT June 2010
Showing posts with label Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stories. Show all posts
Jun 14, 2010
Feb 1, 2010
Grouchy Lainie
“Hey Lainie,” Dawn said cheerfully as she caught up with her best friend for their walk to school.
“What are you so happy about?” Elaine replied grumpily.
“Uh oh, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed,” Dawn teased. “Girl, it’s a New Year, in a few months we’ll be graduating, I thought you’d have a smile on your face every day until then.”
“I just didn’t feel like getting out of bed this morning. Do you know how cold it is? It’s inhumane to expect anyone to be out in this. Besides, what are you so happy about?”
“Nothing really, I’m just choosing to be thankful and happy.”
“Really?”
“Uh hmm, Last year I remember one of my “facebook friend’s” did a weekly Thankful Thursday list and tried to get everyone to join in. A lot of other people joined in every Thursday and listed what they were thankful for.”
“Did you?” Elaine asked.
“Nope, you know me, I hate making lists. But reading some of the lists other people wrote inspired me so much I decided this year I would like to try to focus more on the things I’m thankful for. So, I’m just practicing being thankful every day.”
“Sounds like a lot of work to me. What can you find to be thankful for every single day?” Elaine asked.
Sure seems like you can use that today,” Dawn teased. “I can think of ten things right off the top of my head Dawn said,” starting with my mom’s cancer being in remission, that fact that I have only a few months left in high school, my grades being good enough to make the honor roll…
“I guess I can probably think of a few things too Elaine said. But I still don’t feel like it.”
"How about we make a pact to help each other be more thankful this year?” Dawn suggested.
“Sure, I guess we can give it a try” Elaine answered.
“Whenever one of us forgets to be thankful the other says, T squared.”
“T squared?” Elaine said questioningly.
“Thankful Thursday or if it’s not Thursday, Thankful Today,” Dawn replied.
“I like that,” Elaine said, “sort of like a secret code.”
“Uh hmm,” Dawn said then continued, “Lainie…”
“Yeah?”
“T squared”
“Hey no fair,” Lainie laughed. “You didn’t say we were starting right now. But anyway Dawn, I’m thankful for having a friend like you, who sticks with me even when I’m in a grouchy mood.”
See that wasn’t so hard Dawn said, and I’m thankful for a friend like you too. Now let’s speed up before we freeze our, you know what off.”
The two girls continued walking, laughing and talking the entire way.
This was written originally for Thankful Thursday but I rewrote it for Girl Talk Magazine
“What are you so happy about?” Elaine replied grumpily.
“Uh oh, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed,” Dawn teased. “Girl, it’s a New Year, in a few months we’ll be graduating, I thought you’d have a smile on your face every day until then.”
“I just didn’t feel like getting out of bed this morning. Do you know how cold it is? It’s inhumane to expect anyone to be out in this. Besides, what are you so happy about?”
“Nothing really, I’m just choosing to be thankful and happy.”
“Really?”
“Uh hmm, Last year I remember one of my “facebook friend’s” did a weekly Thankful Thursday list and tried to get everyone to join in. A lot of other people joined in every Thursday and listed what they were thankful for.”
“Did you?” Elaine asked.
“Nope, you know me, I hate making lists. But reading some of the lists other people wrote inspired me so much I decided this year I would like to try to focus more on the things I’m thankful for. So, I’m just practicing being thankful every day.”
“Sounds like a lot of work to me. What can you find to be thankful for every single day?” Elaine asked.
Sure seems like you can use that today,” Dawn teased. “I can think of ten things right off the top of my head Dawn said,” starting with my mom’s cancer being in remission, that fact that I have only a few months left in high school, my grades being good enough to make the honor roll…
“I guess I can probably think of a few things too Elaine said. But I still don’t feel like it.”
"How about we make a pact to help each other be more thankful this year?” Dawn suggested.
“Sure, I guess we can give it a try” Elaine answered.
“Whenever one of us forgets to be thankful the other says, T squared.”
“T squared?” Elaine said questioningly.
“Thankful Thursday or if it’s not Thursday, Thankful Today,” Dawn replied.
“I like that,” Elaine said, “sort of like a secret code.”
“Uh hmm,” Dawn said then continued, “Lainie…”
“Yeah?”
“T squared”
“Hey no fair,” Lainie laughed. “You didn’t say we were starting right now. But anyway Dawn, I’m thankful for having a friend like you, who sticks with me even when I’m in a grouchy mood.”
See that wasn’t so hard Dawn said, and I’m thankful for a friend like you too. Now let’s speed up before we freeze our, you know what off.”
The two girls continued walking, laughing and talking the entire way.
This was written originally for Thankful Thursday but I rewrote it for Girl Talk Magazine
Sep 15, 2009
Dawn & Elaine's Final Year
“I wonder what Dawn’s working so hard at already?” Elaine muttered to herself as she approached her best friend. Dawn was sitting on a bench under a tree, hunched over something in her lap. As Elaine got closer she noticed that Dawn was feverishly going over some numbers on a piece of paper.
“What are you doing Dawn?” Elaine enquired.
Dawn looked up startled. She had not even heard Elaine’s approach.
“I’m trying to see what I need to do in order to graduate on the honor roll.”
“Earth to Dawn,” Elaine said rolling her eyes exasperatedly. “You are on the honor roll, what are you stressing about?”
“No, I’m not. My cumulative average is below a three point. You remember the term when Mommy was doing her chemotherapy? My GPA dropped to almost 2.5. Even though I was back on the honor roll the next term my GPA was barely a 3.0 and my cumulative average was affected. I really don’t want that one term to stop me from being on the honor roll for graduation in June.”
“So what do you need to get in order to be on the honor roll?”
“I need to get at least a 3.5 for the next two terms in order to make it. I should be okay though, the only subject I completely failed was the physics. I’ve already signed up for extra classes so hopefully I can get a better grade in that”
“Physics! But what if you get Mr. Kenton, even the best students complain about his class, how tough he is, he doesn’t give good grades and hardly anyone does well in his class.”
“You know what Elaine, I’m not looking for anyone to give me a good grade. I plan to earn it. Besides, I’m not going to let what others say worry me. Students said all kinds of stuff about Mr. Smith’s Biology class but I found out that the students who did their work on time and participated in class had no problems at all with him.”
“Dawn, I don’t think anyone would hold it against you if you didn’t quite make the honor roll. Everyone knows what a difficult time it was for you when your mom was sick. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“I’m not being hard on myself Lainie,” Dawn responded. “I just want to know that I gave it my best effort. Also, my mom is doing so well now and I want to make her and my dad proud at graduation. I may not do as well as I would like but I am going to be on the honor roll.
Both girls paused for a moment, thinking about the year before when Dawn’s mother was so sick. Lainie, recalled the gaunt, frail, joyless person her friend had become. She remembered being so afraid that if Dawn’s mother had not made it she would have lost her best friend also. Thankfully, it had not come to that and here they were now in their twelfth grade year. ..
“Dawn…,”
“Uh hmm?”
“You know you can count on me if you need my help with anything right?”
A myriad of memories crossed Dawn’s mind. Memories of late night conversations, sleepovers where she cried all night because she was worried about her mom, Lainie’s halting voice praying that her mom would be alright…
“I know Lainie,” she whispered. “I know.”
Read part 1 here
I know I said Dawn and Elaine would be graduating but they weren’t quite ready. They wanted to share their senior year with you. It’s been quite a while since my senior year so I’m a little lost. How about sending me some ideas on what should happen with Dawn & Elaine over the next few issues.
(This story is strictly fictional; any resemblance to persons living or dead is completely coincidental)
A Teen's Fear Part 2
A Teen's Fear Part 3
“What are you doing Dawn?” Elaine enquired.
Dawn looked up startled. She had not even heard Elaine’s approach.
“I’m trying to see what I need to do in order to graduate on the honor roll.”
“Earth to Dawn,” Elaine said rolling her eyes exasperatedly. “You are on the honor roll, what are you stressing about?”
“No, I’m not. My cumulative average is below a three point. You remember the term when Mommy was doing her chemotherapy? My GPA dropped to almost 2.5. Even though I was back on the honor roll the next term my GPA was barely a 3.0 and my cumulative average was affected. I really don’t want that one term to stop me from being on the honor roll for graduation in June.”
“So what do you need to get in order to be on the honor roll?”
“I need to get at least a 3.5 for the next two terms in order to make it. I should be okay though, the only subject I completely failed was the physics. I’ve already signed up for extra classes so hopefully I can get a better grade in that”
“Physics! But what if you get Mr. Kenton, even the best students complain about his class, how tough he is, he doesn’t give good grades and hardly anyone does well in his class.”
“You know what Elaine, I’m not looking for anyone to give me a good grade. I plan to earn it. Besides, I’m not going to let what others say worry me. Students said all kinds of stuff about Mr. Smith’s Biology class but I found out that the students who did their work on time and participated in class had no problems at all with him.”
“Dawn, I don’t think anyone would hold it against you if you didn’t quite make the honor roll. Everyone knows what a difficult time it was for you when your mom was sick. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“I’m not being hard on myself Lainie,” Dawn responded. “I just want to know that I gave it my best effort. Also, my mom is doing so well now and I want to make her and my dad proud at graduation. I may not do as well as I would like but I am going to be on the honor roll.
Both girls paused for a moment, thinking about the year before when Dawn’s mother was so sick. Lainie, recalled the gaunt, frail, joyless person her friend had become. She remembered being so afraid that if Dawn’s mother had not made it she would have lost her best friend also. Thankfully, it had not come to that and here they were now in their twelfth grade year. ..
“Dawn…,”
“Uh hmm?”
“You know you can count on me if you need my help with anything right?”
A myriad of memories crossed Dawn’s mind. Memories of late night conversations, sleepovers where she cried all night because she was worried about her mom, Lainie’s halting voice praying that her mom would be alright…
“I know Lainie,” she whispered. “I know.”
Read part 1 here
I know I said Dawn and Elaine would be graduating but they weren’t quite ready. They wanted to share their senior year with you. It’s been quite a while since my senior year so I’m a little lost. How about sending me some ideas on what should happen with Dawn & Elaine over the next few issues.
(This story is strictly fictional; any resemblance to persons living or dead is completely coincidental)
A Teen's Fear Part 2
A Teen's Fear Part 3
Jun 11, 2009
Passing the Flame Part 1
By B. McIntosh
“Can you believe it Dawn?” Elaine whispered excitedly, “next year that will be us up there. We’re going to be graduating from high school!” “I know! It is unreal! It seems like not too long ago we were leaving primary school and now here we are, at the end of our eleventh grade year.”
Did you ever think we’d be here Dawn? I mean, think about some of the things that happened since we started high school. I didn’t think our friendship would survive, I didn’t think we would survive …”
“Well it’s not over yet” Dawn whispered jokingly, “give it time.”
“Dawn! I’m being serious…,” Elaine whispered annoyed. However, she quickly quiet down as the indignant eyes of the lady next to her turned their way. “Do you mind?” They seemed to say. “I would like to hear what’s going on.”
Dawn giggled quietly as she saw Lainie’s mouth close mid sentence. “Wow, she thought I haven’t seen anyone have that effect on Lainie for a long time. Her laughter however was short lived as she felt Elaine poked her in the side. This time Elaine giggled as she heard Dawn’s gasp.
Simultaneously it seemed, from left, right and in front, several annoyed, chastising eyes turned their way. Careful not to look at each other both girls sat up, with their hands in their laps, lips tightly compressed to hold back laughter as they listened to hear what was being said to the class of 2009.
“Class of 2009, ” the graduation speaker was saying. “As you leave here and walk into a new phase of your life I want you to always remember the words of this song by Rascal Flatts. As he finished speaking, the music which had been playing quietly in the background as he neared the end of his speech was turned up on these words…
I hope you never look back, but ya never forget, All the ones who love you, in the place you left, I hope you always forgive, and you never regret, and you help somebody every chance you get, Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake, and always give more then you take.
But more than anything, Yeah, and more than anything, My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to, your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small, You never need to carry more than you can hold, and while you're out there getting where you're getting to, I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too, Yeah, this, is my wish.
“Class of 2009, this is my wish for you,” he finished as he turned and walked to his seat to the thunderous applause of the graduating class and the audience.
“That is so beautiful!” Dawn whispered to Elaine. She saw several of their friends who were graduating wiping tears from their eyes as it really dawned on them, life as they knew it was over.
The rest of the graduation ceremony passed quickly and Dawn and Elaine pushed their way through the crowd to hug their friends who were now officially high school graduates. “We’re passing the flame to you girls now,” one of them smiled as she hugged Dawn and Elaine. “It’ll be your time to shine soon.”
“Next year it will be us,” Dawn said echoing what Elaine had said earlier. “Lainie, we are almost there…”
I know I said Dawn and Elaine would be graduating but they weren’t quite ready. They wanted to share their senior year with you. It’s been quite a while since my senior year so I’m a little lost. How about sending me some ideas on what should happen with Dawn & Elaine over the next few issues.
(Fiction)
“Can you believe it Dawn?” Elaine whispered excitedly, “next year that will be us up there. We’re going to be graduating from high school!” “I know! It is unreal! It seems like not too long ago we were leaving primary school and now here we are, at the end of our eleventh grade year.”
Did you ever think we’d be here Dawn? I mean, think about some of the things that happened since we started high school. I didn’t think our friendship would survive, I didn’t think we would survive …”
“Well it’s not over yet” Dawn whispered jokingly, “give it time.”
“Dawn! I’m being serious…,” Elaine whispered annoyed. However, she quickly quiet down as the indignant eyes of the lady next to her turned their way. “Do you mind?” They seemed to say. “I would like to hear what’s going on.”
Dawn giggled quietly as she saw Lainie’s mouth close mid sentence. “Wow, she thought I haven’t seen anyone have that effect on Lainie for a long time. Her laughter however was short lived as she felt Elaine poked her in the side. This time Elaine giggled as she heard Dawn’s gasp.
Simultaneously it seemed, from left, right and in front, several annoyed, chastising eyes turned their way. Careful not to look at each other both girls sat up, with their hands in their laps, lips tightly compressed to hold back laughter as they listened to hear what was being said to the class of 2009.
“Class of 2009, ” the graduation speaker was saying. “As you leave here and walk into a new phase of your life I want you to always remember the words of this song by Rascal Flatts. As he finished speaking, the music which had been playing quietly in the background as he neared the end of his speech was turned up on these words…
I hope you never look back, but ya never forget, All the ones who love you, in the place you left, I hope you always forgive, and you never regret, and you help somebody every chance you get, Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake, and always give more then you take.
But more than anything, Yeah, and more than anything, My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to, your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small, You never need to carry more than you can hold, and while you're out there getting where you're getting to, I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too, Yeah, this, is my wish.
“Class of 2009, this is my wish for you,” he finished as he turned and walked to his seat to the thunderous applause of the graduating class and the audience.
“That is so beautiful!” Dawn whispered to Elaine. She saw several of their friends who were graduating wiping tears from their eyes as it really dawned on them, life as they knew it was over.
The rest of the graduation ceremony passed quickly and Dawn and Elaine pushed their way through the crowd to hug their friends who were now officially high school graduates. “We’re passing the flame to you girls now,” one of them smiled as she hugged Dawn and Elaine. “It’ll be your time to shine soon.”
“Next year it will be us,” Dawn said echoing what Elaine had said earlier. “Lainie, we are almost there…”
I know I said Dawn and Elaine would be graduating but they weren’t quite ready. They wanted to share their senior year with you. It’s been quite a while since my senior year so I’m a little lost. How about sending me some ideas on what should happen with Dawn & Elaine over the next few issues.
(Fiction)
Mar 16, 2009
All Work and No Play
Hello,” Shaunna said absently into the phone. “Sorry, I’m not going to the concert tonight,” she said in response to a question from her friend on the other end. “Because I’m studying!” she continued as her friend persisted in questioning her. “Have you forgotten we have BGCSE exams in less than two months?”“But Shaunna,” Kaylin exclaimed, “Can’t you take your nose out of the books for just one evening? This is our senior year. We are supposed to be having fun! You know what they say about all work and no play…”
“Yeah, it means I get A’s and “B’s instead of the grades I got on the ones I took last year,” Shaunna responded to her friend’s persistent effort to get her to go out. “Maybe if I had spent a little more time studying and less time doing other things I would have gotten better grades.”
“Girl what are you talking about? What’s wrong with the grades you got? Do you know how many people wish they could say that they passed five BGCSEs in the eleventh grade and they have a 3.5 grade point average? You have nothing to complain about.”
“I thought it was okay last year too,” Shaunna said unhappily, “But last year, both of my parents were working and I thought they would have no problems paying my college tuition. Now, since Daddy got laid off I’m not so sure. At least if I can get rid of those two D’s I should be able to get a Scholarship to College of the Bahamas.”
“Why are you stressing about that now?” Kaylin asked a little annoyed with her friend. “You know your parents are going to make sure you go to college.”
“You know what, just in case they can’t, I’m going to do my part. After all it’s my future and I want to be sure there’s a college degree in it. Besides we went to the movies last Friday night and the Bowling Alley the week before. I think I need to study tonight. Why don’t you come over and we can study together, I have some old Geography and Math papers we can go over before our BGCSE tutoring class tomorrow.”
“Sorry girl,” Kaylin said, not sounding sorry at all. “I can’t spend Friday night going over Math and Geography when everyone is meeting up at the concert. I’ll call you tomorrow and tell you all about it.” On at note she said goodbye and went to get dressed for the concert.
“I wonder if I should take a break and just go and have fun tonight?” Shaunna thought to herself after hanging up the phone. “I have been studying a lot…”
“What would you do? There isn’t going to be a conclusion to this story, this is just something to make you think whether you’re a senior about to take BGCSEs or a ninth grader about to take B.J.Cs, what takes priority in your life, studying or fun?.
*B.J.C - Bahamas Junior Certificate
** BGCSE- Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education
Fiction
Dec 1, 2008
Anna's Frustration (Conclusion)
Mrs. Johnson sighed when she saw the big “Do Not Disturb” sign on her daughter Anna’s bedroom door. However, she decided to ignore it. She raised her hand to knock but paused in mid-air as she heard voices coming from the bedroom.
It was late but she couldn’t sleep with the angry conversation she’d had with Anna running through her mind. She was determined to find out what was going on with her usually sweet nature middle child. However, the voices coming through the bedroom door told her that her oldest daughter, Shyquelle had beaten her to the deal.
“What’s wrong Anna?” Shyquelle was saying. Are you trying to get in trouble these days?”
“I’m just tired trying to live up to you,” Anna snapped, still feeling angry.
“Live up to me?” Shyquelle exclaimed, “What do you mean?”
“Everyone compares me to you! Nothing I do is ever good enough. When I have the same teachers that you had before, they compare me to you. My B’s will never measure up to your A’s in their minds, even though I’m doing my best…”
“But Anna…,”Shyquelle tried to insert.
“…and if that isn’t bad enough,” Anna continued as if she hadn’t heard. “Mommy does the same thing. It’s as if nothing I do measures up to you. I feel as if I’m living in your shadow sometimes.”
“Do I make you feel that way?” Shyquelle asked softly.
“No, but everyone else does,” Anna answered. “And sometimes I find myself getting angry with you because of it,” she continued a little sheepishly.
“Maybe you should try talking to Mommy about it,” Shyquelle suggested softly.
“It’s hard talking to someone who always thinks you’re being rude when you try to express yourself,” Anna answered.
From her position outside the room Mrs. Johnson hung her head. “Is that how I make my daughter feel?” she thought to herself, “as if she doesn’t measure up?”
She walked quietly back to her room leaving her daughters’ conversation still going on. She made up her mind that she was going try to be more sensitive to Anna’s feeling and not make her feel as if didn’t measure up to her older sister.
(This story is strictly fictional; any resemblance to persons living or dead is completely coincidental)
(This story is strictly fictional; any resemblance to persons living or dead is completely coincidental)
Oct 6, 2008
Anna's Frustration Part 1
“Anna, is something wrong?” asked Mrs. Johnson, Anna’s mother as they drove home from school. Her older daughter and younger children were all laughing and talking together but fourteen year old Anna was not joining in. In fact she’d been exceptionally quiet all that week.
“No ma’am,” Anna muttered.
“Are you sure?” He mother asked.
“Yes ma’am.”
Later that evening Anna picked at her food, not bothering to join in the laughter and conversation going on around the table. Finally, Mrs. Johnson asked in an exasperated voice, “Anna did something happen at school? You’ve hardly spoken to anyone all week.”
“I said nothing’s wrong Mommy!” Anna snapped.
“Anna,” her father interjected softly as Anna’s voice started to rise.
“Why can’t you just be like Shaquelle and say when something is bothering…” Her mother began again. However, before Mrs. Johnson could get the words out of her mouth Anna jumped up and pushed her chair forcefully underneath the table.
“Shyquelle, Shaquelle, that’s all I ever hear around here,” Anna shouted. Why can’t you do this like Shaquelle Anna? Shyquelle gets all A’s Anna why can’t you? Shyquelle this, Shyquelle that, I AM NOT SHYQUELLE, MY NAME IS…”
“ANNA!” Her father shouted sternly. “Do not shout at your mother! Now apologize at once.”
“But Daddy…” Anna started.
“Anna…”
“That’s just like parents,” Anna muttered angrily under her breath. “They say they want you to talk and when you do they say you’re being rude.”
“Young lady,” her father said getting up from his seat.
Even in the height of her anger Anna recognized that tone, she knew that look and she knew not to push any further. She looked around the table at the shocked faces of her older sister Shyquelle and her younger brother and sister. Tears of anger hurt and frustration built up in Anna’s eyes but she refused to let them fall.
“Sorry for shouting Mommy,” she said her voice trembling. “May I be excused, I’m not hungry.”
I think that would be best," her father said tersely, still upset by what he saw as Anna being rude to her mother.
Anna quickly left the dining room. As she turned away the tears she was trying so hard to hold back began to fall. She walked quickly to her room and closed the door. She threw herself across her bed and clutched her pillow tightly to her chest and the tears began to pour down her cheeks and she began sobbing uncontrollably.
GT Magazine Sept/Nov '08
What is wrong with Anna? Write in and share your thoughts.
What is wrong with Anna? Write in and share your thoughts.
(This story is strictly fictional; any resemblance to persons living or dead is completely coincidental)
Jul 18, 2008
Sandra’s Triumph
“Accidents don’t happen to people like me,” or so I thought. So I got into a car with someone who’d been drinking. Bad choice!! That one mistake almost cost me my life. In fact it’s a miracle that it didn’t. So my advice to you is, don’t be like me! Don’t think that bad things can’t happen to you because I’m a living witness that it can and it will, if you don’t make the right choice.
GT June/August 2004
Sandra paused and looked up at the full auditorium then continued her speech.
“I wrote the short article that I just read a year and a half ago after recovering from an accident that could have taken my life. After the accident I wanted to give up so many times because every thing about my life had changed in just one moment of time including my appearance. However, with the help of our school’s guidance counselor, my family, you my friends, teachers who refused to let me quit, and later a new found faith in God I was able to pull it together. Now I stand before you as your Valedictorian, proof that out of bad situations good can come if you’re willing to work hard and trust in God.” Sandra paused again as the auditorium erupted in cheers and applause. Then she continued her speech.
“Class of 2008, we have experienced many things during the course of our high school, journey some good and some not so good, let’s hold on to the good.
We’ve received words of wisdom from teachers and administrators let’s use them to help us become better, wiser, stronger young adults.
We’ve formed friendships over our time here that I hope with the help of texting, messenger, Facebook, My Space and Hi5 will last a life time.
So as we say goodbye to the carefree days of high school I would like to say to our parents, it’s because of you that we’re here; because of the times you hugged and those when you yelled at us. We love you and thank you for your love and support.
To our teachers and administrators, thank you for never giving up on us even when we pushed you to the limits and made you wonder why you ever joined the teaching profession.
Finally to you class of ’08, I say remember, don’t ever allow yourself to be defined by your mistakes, always remember to reach for the heavens that you may fall among the stars. I’ll see you there as we all soar together.
Sandra walked to her seat to the sounds of the standing ovation given by the graduating class and the rest of the auditorium.
GT Jun/Aug '08
Fiction
If you would like to read the introduction to Sandra’s story the links are below
Part 1 Sandra's Mistake
part 2 Sandra's Decision
Apr 3, 2008
Almost There (Fiction)
Diary of a High School Senior
Dear Diary,
I can’t believe it’s almost here. I am less than four months away from my high school graduation. I am so excited! I can’t wait for June to come so that I can be an official high school graduate.
My family is beginning to get excited especially Mommy although she’s trying hard not to let it show. She told me that she was very rebellious when she was my age and in spite of her mother’s warnings she was determined have fun and do whatever she wanted to do. She was only sixteen years old when she had me and she dropped out of high school. I think she’s a little bit afraid that I’ll follow in her footsteps especially since her mother had her when she was in high school also.
I’m determined that I’m going to break the cycle though. I see how hard Mommy has worked over the years to provide for me and make a better life for the two of us. She really has changed from the stubborn teenager she told me about. I’m not going to let her down.
I’ll admit there were times when I gave her a hard time, got into trouble with my teachers, and didn’t get the kind of grades I know I was capable of but thankfully I came to my senses before it was too late for me, I only get in trouble once in a while now, lol. I’m so grateful to have people in my life who believe in me. One of those is my Accounts teacher. She always motivates me to do my very best. In fact she was on my case so much that I tried harder just so I could get her off my back. She really cares about her students and not only about our grades in her class but in the other subject areas as well. I didn’t really like Accounting in the beginning but now I’m thinking about becoming an Accountant. I haven’t decided yet but we’ll see.
I know I haven’t graduated yet but I’m so proud of myself. Not bad for a girl who people said was going to be “just like her ma and grandma.” I’m going to make it diary! I’m not just going to finish high school but I’m going to college also. In less than four months my first goal will be accomplished. I can’t wait!
Sincerely,
A soon to be high school graduate
March 2008
Girl Talk Magazine March/May 08
Dear Diary,
I can’t believe it’s almost here. I am less than four months away from my high school graduation. I am so excited! I can’t wait for June to come so that I can be an official high school graduate.
My family is beginning to get excited especially Mommy although she’s trying hard not to let it show. She told me that she was very rebellious when she was my age and in spite of her mother’s warnings she was determined have fun and do whatever she wanted to do. She was only sixteen years old when she had me and she dropped out of high school. I think she’s a little bit afraid that I’ll follow in her footsteps especially since her mother had her when she was in high school also.
I’m determined that I’m going to break the cycle though. I see how hard Mommy has worked over the years to provide for me and make a better life for the two of us. She really has changed from the stubborn teenager she told me about. I’m not going to let her down.
I’ll admit there were times when I gave her a hard time, got into trouble with my teachers, and didn’t get the kind of grades I know I was capable of but thankfully I came to my senses before it was too late for me, I only get in trouble once in a while now, lol. I’m so grateful to have people in my life who believe in me. One of those is my Accounts teacher. She always motivates me to do my very best. In fact she was on my case so much that I tried harder just so I could get her off my back. She really cares about her students and not only about our grades in her class but in the other subject areas as well. I didn’t really like Accounting in the beginning but now I’m thinking about becoming an Accountant. I haven’t decided yet but we’ll see.
I know I haven’t graduated yet but I’m so proud of myself. Not bad for a girl who people said was going to be “just like her ma and grandma.” I’m going to make it diary! I’m not just going to finish high school but I’m going to college also. In less than four months my first goal will be accomplished. I can’t wait!
Sincerely,
A soon to be high school graduate
March 2008
Girl Talk Magazine March/May 08
Jan 9, 2008
Practicing Thankfulness (Grouchy Lainie)
I know that my Thankful Thursday post is a little unusual but please do keep reading.
“Hi Lainie,” Dawn said cheerfully as she caught up with her best friend for their daily walk to school.
“What are you so happy about?” Elaine replied grumpily.
“Uh oh, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed,” Dawn teased. “Girl, the new school term just started so you can’t be stressed out already.”
“I just didn’t feel like getting out of bed today. What are you so happy about?”
“Nothing specific, I’m just practicing being thankful and happy.”
“Really?”
“Uh hmm, Last year a blog I visit had a weekly post called Thankful Thursday. Other bloggers linked up every Thursday and listed what they were thankful for.”
“Did you join in?” Elaine asked.
“Nope, you know me, I hate making lists. But reading some of the posts inspired me so much I decided this year I would like to try to focus more on the things I’m thankful for. So, I’m just practicing being thankful every day.”
“Sound’s interesting,” Elaine said.
“Sure seems like you can use that today,” Dawn teased. "How about we make a pact to help each other be more thankful this year?”
“Sure” Elaine said.
“Whenever one of us forgets to be thankful the other says, T squared or TT.”
“T squared?” Elaine said questioningly.
“Thankful Thursday or if it’s not Thursday, Thankful Today,” Dawn replied.
“I like that,” Elaine said giggling, “sort of like a secret code.”
“Uh hmm,” Dawn said then continued, “Lainie…”
“Yeah?”
“T squared”
“Hey no fair,” Lainie said laughing. “You didn’t say we were starting right now. But anyway Dawn, I’m thankful for having a friend like you, who sticks with me even when I’m in a grouchy mood.”
See that wasn’t so hard Dawn said, and I’m thankful for a friend like you too.”
The two girls continued walking, laughing and talking the entire way.
My List…
I'm thankful the the gift of life in a brand new year.I’m thankful for real life friends and blogging friends like Iris, Denise & Lynn who encouraged me and made me smile when I wasn’t in a smiling mood last year. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment on my very sporadic posts.
I'm also thankful for all of the bloggers who put up Thankful Thursday lists, thanks for inspiring others to find something to be thankful about.
For more Thankful Thursday visit Lynn
Nov 4, 2007
Thank you for giving to the Lord
No matter how young or old we are in Christ, we all experience times when we feel as if what we're doing isn't of significance or isn't affecting any one's life in a meaningful way. However you may never know this side of heaven how much something you did or said changed some one's whole life. To those of you who have been there or are at that place right now I dedicate this post to you.
It was a beautiful day outside. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and the flowers were in full bloom. It was the kind of day that would make anyone happy to be alive, anyone except Mama Gina, the neighborhood's favorite grandmother. She was usually one of the most cheerful person around, but not today. She didn’t even notice the beauty of the day as she walked humming a song she was making up as she walked.
I feel so weak and tired
Feel like all my strength has gone.
Nobody told me that the load would be so heavy
I feel like God has brought me this far and dumped me
As Mama Gina was walking humming, one of her young neighbours caught up with her.
Neighbor: Mama Gina, isn’t it a beautiful day? What’s that song I heard you singing?
Mama Gina: Child I’m just making the words up as I go. I feel so discourage. I feel like all my work in vain
Neighbor: You do? Maybe that's why I dreamt about you last night
Mama Gina:About me? What did you dream?
Neighbour: I dreamt I went to heaven, you were there with me.
Mama Gina: Sound good so far, go on.
Neighbour: We walked upon the streets of gold, near the crystal sea. Heard these angels singing and someone called your name.
Mama Gina: My name?
Neighbour: Yes, your name
Mama Gina: Who was it?
Neighbour: It was a young man. He was smiling as he came.
Mama Gina: Was it my grandson? He just went on home last year.
Neighbor: I don’t think so but he walked up to you and said,
Neighbor: Then he gave you a rose and started singing,
Neighbor: Yes but I’m not finished.
Mama Gina: You mean there’s more?
Neighbor: Yes, then another man came gave you a rose and said,
Neighbor:
Neighbor: Mama Gina what you crying for? I thought the dream would cheer you up. Are you still feeling discouraged?
Mama Gina: How can I still be discouraged after that? I think I have a new song to sing now.
Neighbor: Really what is it?
Mama Gina: I don’t feel no way tired.
Neighbor: I can join you in singing that.
The two continued walking together singing softly: I don’t feel no way tired. Come to far from where I started from. Nobody told me that the road would be easy but I don’t believe he brought me this far to leave me.
(Words in italics are from the song Thank You For Giving to the Lord by Ray Boltz) I've always loved the song and this is a shortened version of a skit I wrote several years ago using the lyrics of the song)
It was a beautiful day outside. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and the flowers were in full bloom. It was the kind of day that would make anyone happy to be alive, anyone except Mama Gina, the neighborhood's favorite grandmother. She was usually one of the most cheerful person around, but not today. She didn’t even notice the beauty of the day as she walked humming a song she was making up as she walked.
I feel so weak and tired
Feel like all my strength has gone.
Nobody told me that the load would be so heavy
I feel like God has brought me this far and dumped me
As Mama Gina was walking humming, one of her young neighbours caught up with her.
Neighbor: Mama Gina, isn’t it a beautiful day? What’s that song I heard you singing?
Mama Gina: Child I’m just making the words up as I go. I feel so discourage. I feel like all my work in vain
Neighbor: You do? Maybe that's why I dreamt about you last night
Mama Gina:About me? What did you dream?
Neighbour: I dreamt I went to heaven, you were there with me.
Mama Gina: Sound good so far, go on.
Neighbour: We walked upon the streets of gold, near the crystal sea. Heard these angels singing and someone called your name.
Mama Gina: My name?
Neighbour: Yes, your name
Mama Gina: Who was it?
Neighbour: It was a young man. He was smiling as he came.
Mama Gina: Was it my grandson? He just went on home last year.
Neighbor: I don’t think so but he walked up to you and said,
Friend you may not know me now, then he said, but wait, you use to teach my Sunday school I was only eight. And every week you would say a prayer, before the class would start. One day when you said that prayer I asked Jesus in my heart.
Neighbor: Then he gave you a rose and started singing,
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving too the lord. I am so glad you gave.Mama Gina: You really dreamt that about me?
Neighbor: Yes but I’m not finished.
Mama Gina: You mean there’s more?
Neighbor: Yes, then another man came gave you a rose and said,
Remember the time a missionary came to your church his pictures made you cry. You didn’t have much money but you gave it anyway. Jesus took that gift you gave and that’s why I’m in heaven today.Mama Gina: There were so many missionaries. I don’t even know which one it was.
Neighbor:
Well one by one they came as far as the eyes could see. Each one someone touched by your generosity. Little things that you had done sacrifices that you’d made, unnoticed on this earth but in heaven now proclaimed. And I know up in heaven you’re not supposed to cry but I’m almost sure there were tears in your eyes. As Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord he said “my child, look around you great is your reward.”Neighbor: Then everyone started singing to you.
Thank you for giving to the Lord I am a life that was changed, thank you for giving to the Lord I am so glad you gave.As the young neighbor finished repeating the dream tears began to fall from Mama Gina's eyes.
Neighbor: Mama Gina what you crying for? I thought the dream would cheer you up. Are you still feeling discouraged?
Mama Gina: How can I still be discouraged after that? I think I have a new song to sing now.
Neighbor: Really what is it?
Mama Gina: I don’t feel no way tired.
Neighbor: I can join you in singing that.
The two continued walking together singing softly: I don’t feel no way tired. Come to far from where I started from. Nobody told me that the road would be easy but I don’t believe he brought me this far to leave me.
(Words in italics are from the song Thank You For Giving to the Lord by Ray Boltz) I've always loved the song and this is a shortened version of a skit I wrote several years ago using the lyrics of the song)
Sep 17, 2007
Divine Interruption
"They gave our Master a crown of thorns. Why do we hope for a crown of roses?"
~ Martin Luther ~
Sandra mechanically raised her hands and sang along with the words of the praise and worship song. However, the words didn’t register in her mind. It was Sunday morning she was in church because as a Christian, that’s exactly where she was expected to be. However, she was just going through the motions. The service was having no real impact on her because although she was there in body her mind was far, far, away.
Sandra was thinking about everything that had gone wrong during the week. She carried on a silent conversation with God, as mechanically responded to everything that was going on in the service.
“Why God?” she silently asked. Why so much turmoil? Why is life so difficult right now? Why are so many things going wrong?”
While Sandra was having her one sided conversation with God, the pastor came on. She didn’t even realize at first until he read a quote he said had touched him that week. Sandra gave a surprised burst of laughter when she heard the quote not even noticing that the people around her stared in amazement. She gave her full attention to what was going on as the pastor began reading from James chapter one
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 2-4
“We must go through trials,” he continued as he finished reading. “If you’ve never experienced trials in your life then you’re not growing as a Christian. It is the way you handle your trials that brings about spiritual growth and maturity."
Sandra’s eyes grew misty as her pastor made reference to Dr. Martin Luther’s quote again.
“If Jesus himself experienced hardships, why do you expect your life to be trial free?” He asked. “Remember Dr. Martin Luther’s quote as you go about your daily work this week”, he said as he quoted it again,
“They gave our Master a crown of thorns. Why do we hope for a crown of roses?”
“There you go again God,” Sandra whispered. “There you go again, stepping all over my toes, when I was just about ready to have myself a great big pity party right up in your house.”
Sandra smiled at the pastor as he greeted her on the way out. “You spoke directly to my heart today Pastor,” she said and with a quiet “thank you,” she went smiling through the door thanking God for interrupting her pity party.
Visit Iris for more on this thought provoking post.
Jun 1, 2007
A Little Girl Talk
"Hey Dawn, what's up?" asked Elaine as she walked towards her best friend who was sitting on her front porch. "What are you reading?" she continued as she saw Dawn looking intently at something.
"The latest issue of GT."
"Oh, it's out already? Did you get me one? What's in it this time?”
"I was just reading that the next issue is the seventh anniversary issue."
"Wow! Time really flies!"
"Yeah, do you remember when we started getting Girl Talk back in fifth grade?"
"We felt so grown up getting a teen girl magazine."
"Now look at us, almost all grown up."
"Uhhmm, Girl Talk really feels like an old friend. It’s helped me a lot through the years," replied Elaine.
"What helped you most?" asked Dawn.
“Remember the interview with Tinnyse Johnson?”
"Yeah" Dawn replied.
"Well after hearing her talk about how she brought up her GPA from a 1.9 in tenth grade to a 2.99 before graduation it made me want to try harder especially after reading some of the things she went through. What about you?" she asked Dawn.
"I really liked Vinzanna Patrick because she was in it twice. I remember the first time she was in she was so real! She was in twelfth grade and she talked about being punished by her parents for sneaking out to a party. It showed that the Spotlight Teens aren't perfect, just girls like us. I also liked the follow up interview where she's following her dream in college.” Dawn replied.
"Yeah"
“What about articles?” Dawn continued
.
“I like the one with the mother who wrote in response to a story,” Elaine responded, “remember where the daughter was supposed to be going to class but went to the movies with her boyfriend instead?”
"That one was good,” Dawn laughed.” “I bet her daughter wouldn't try that."
"Girl, if she did I wouldn't like to be in her shoes” Elaine shivered dramatically.
“Lanie you know your Mommy is just as bad,” Dawn joked. “Wait a minute I think that lady has something in here too; it's called, The Issue of Trust, From a Mother's Perspective.
“Hmmm, that sounds interesting." Elaine said. “And you’re right Dawn, Mommy is worse. I speak from experience, remember Dion?”
"Yeah, aren’t you lucky you lived to tell the tale” Dawn joked “. What’s your favorite piece of advice from GT?” she continued.
“That's easy,” replied Elaine, “I memorized it remember the Jennifer Hudson article?”
“Yep, did you know she won an Oscar???”
“Of course girl, we watched it together remember?”
“That was you I watched it with?”
“Oh stop being silly, now back to my favorite piece of advice.”
“Believe in yourself; believe in your dreams Believe that you CAN succeed! Believe that if you work hard there’s nothing you can’t do
.
Dawn quietly joined in with Elaine,
There’s power in belief young lady, Believe that God will make your dreams come true.”
“I really hope GT stays around for a long, long time. Dawn said quietly, “I'll probably be reading when I'm 30.”
“Me too,” Elaine said as both girls sat silently for a moment.
"Okay now enough talk,” Elaine said breaking the silence. “Did you get a copy for me?"
"You know it girl!" Dawn passed Elaine her copy and they settled down to read the latest issue of Girl Talk.
"The latest issue of GT."
"Oh, it's out already? Did you get me one? What's in it this time?”
"I was just reading that the next issue is the seventh anniversary issue."
"Wow! Time really flies!"
"Yeah, do you remember when we started getting Girl Talk back in fifth grade?"
"We felt so grown up getting a teen girl magazine."
"Now look at us, almost all grown up."
"Uhhmm, Girl Talk really feels like an old friend. It’s helped me a lot through the years," replied Elaine.
"What helped you most?" asked Dawn.
“Remember the interview with Tinnyse Johnson?”
"Yeah" Dawn replied.
"Well after hearing her talk about how she brought up her GPA from a 1.9 in tenth grade to a 2.99 before graduation it made me want to try harder especially after reading some of the things she went through. What about you?" she asked Dawn.
"I really liked Vinzanna Patrick because she was in it twice. I remember the first time she was in she was so real! She was in twelfth grade and she talked about being punished by her parents for sneaking out to a party. It showed that the Spotlight Teens aren't perfect, just girls like us. I also liked the follow up interview where she's following her dream in college.” Dawn replied.
"Yeah"
“What about articles?” Dawn continued
.
“I like the one with the mother who wrote in response to a story,” Elaine responded, “remember where the daughter was supposed to be going to class but went to the movies with her boyfriend instead?”
"That one was good,” Dawn laughed.” “I bet her daughter wouldn't try that."
"Girl, if she did I wouldn't like to be in her shoes” Elaine shivered dramatically.
“Lanie you know your Mommy is just as bad,” Dawn joked. “Wait a minute I think that lady has something in here too; it's called, The Issue of Trust, From a Mother's Perspective.
“Hmmm, that sounds interesting." Elaine said. “And you’re right Dawn, Mommy is worse. I speak from experience, remember Dion?”
"Yeah, aren’t you lucky you lived to tell the tale” Dawn joked “. What’s your favorite piece of advice from GT?” she continued.
“That's easy,” replied Elaine, “I memorized it remember the Jennifer Hudson article?”
“Yep, did you know she won an Oscar???”
“Of course girl, we watched it together remember?”
“That was you I watched it with?”
“Oh stop being silly, now back to my favorite piece of advice.”
“Believe in yourself; believe in your dreams Believe that you CAN succeed! Believe that if you work hard there’s nothing you can’t do
.
Dawn quietly joined in with Elaine,
There’s power in belief young lady, Believe that God will make your dreams come true.”
“I really hope GT stays around for a long, long time. Dawn said quietly, “I'll probably be reading when I'm 30.”
“Me too,” Elaine said as both girls sat silently for a moment.
"Okay now enough talk,” Elaine said breaking the silence. “Did you get a copy for me?"
"You know it girl!" Dawn passed Elaine her copy and they settled down to read the latest issue of Girl Talk.
Jan 29, 2007
Let Your Light Shine, Part 1
Read the introduction to this series here.
Text: Matthew 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Topic: Let Your Light Shine
What is light? My personal definition of light is that it is that it is something that overwhelms, defeats and conquers darkness.
No matter how tiny the light even if it’s only a pinprick it cuts through the darkness. Darkness will never overwhelm a light that is brightly burning unless the light yields to the darkness. As Christians it is important that we let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven. It is easy at times to try and blend in with our surroundings but as Christians God is calling us to stand out from the crowd and let His light be reflected in our lives.
Below is a short story that I will refer to several times as I share with you what I shared with the youths at my church.
Alicia's Light
As the evening grew darker Alicia became more and more afraid. She was totally lost and had no idea which direction to turn. She had decided to take a short cut to her friend K’deidra’s house. This was a walk that Alicia had taken many times. However this night she was deep in thoughts. She had something on her mind that she wanted to talk to K’deidra about. Consequently, Alicia ended up missing her turn to K’deidra’s house and walking down a dark deserted looking area. To top it off it seemed like the electricity went off because she could only see darkness all around her.
Alicia grew more and more afraid because she could not make out any familiar landmarks to pinpoint exactly where she was. As she started to panic she heard a quiet voice within her say “Alicia, let your light shine.”
"Oh, thank goodness," Alicia whispered to herself, "I put my flashlight in my bag for just in case it got dark before I reached." She took the flashlight and turned it on, nothing happened. She tried again, still nothing happened. Alicia gasped in horror, "I forgot to check my batteries and they’re dead. What am I going to do?"
As Alicia stood there, she saw a tiny light but as she started to approach it flickered a few times then went out. By this time the tears were pouring down Alicia’s cheeks. She was terrified, she couldn’t see where she was going and she was afraid to call out because she wasn’t sure who exactly was out there.
“Jesus help me!” Alicia cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I’m scared, I don’t know what to do help me.”
It seem that no sooner that the words came out of Alicia’s mouth that she saw a bright, steady light in the distance. As the light came closer towards her she heard a voice calling her name. Alicia quickly began to walk towards the light. As she got closer she realized that it was her friend K’deidra and her parents. There had been a power outage and they realized that she must have taken a wrong turn in the dark and had come to look for her.
"I’m so glad to see you!" Alicia cried as she hugged them, "thank God you had a light because my batteries are dead."
As they walked towards K’deidra’s house Alicia realized that she was nearer to the house than she thought, but she must have been going around in circles because of the darkness.
“Next time I’ll be prepared,” she thought. "I’m going to check my batteries often, I’m going to make sure that my light shines, what if K’deidra’s light had gone out too?"
As they walked she toldK’deidra about how she had seen a light but it flickered and went out and how she called to Jesus to help her. K’deidra gasped, “You’re not going to believe this. When we started looking for you the light started to flicker a bit and get dim. It seem like the battery was low but all of a sudden it just came on brighter than ever. Do you think it was because you prayed?”
Both girls grew quiet and reflective. They began to realize the importance of light, not a flashlight, a candle or a lamp but the inner light that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. They realized that the light that shone from within them could lead someone to choose a better path in life. They also realized that a flickering light or dead light was no help to anyone because it couldn’t be depended upon during difficult times.
The most important thing K’deidra realized was that her light wasn’t only for her it was to give others hope as well. "Just think she told Alicia, your getting lost taught us both a lesson, isn’t God good?"
As you read the story you may have thought to yourself, “That’s silly! I’d never get lost walking to my friend’s house. However that little story has several life lessons in it, and over the next week I'll discuss some of them.
Text: Matthew 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Topic: Let Your Light Shine
What is light? My personal definition of light is that it is that it is something that overwhelms, defeats and conquers darkness.
No matter how tiny the light even if it’s only a pinprick it cuts through the darkness. Darkness will never overwhelm a light that is brightly burning unless the light yields to the darkness. As Christians it is important that we let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven. It is easy at times to try and blend in with our surroundings but as Christians God is calling us to stand out from the crowd and let His light be reflected in our lives.
Below is a short story that I will refer to several times as I share with you what I shared with the youths at my church.
Alicia's Light
As the evening grew darker Alicia became more and more afraid. She was totally lost and had no idea which direction to turn. She had decided to take a short cut to her friend K’deidra’s house. This was a walk that Alicia had taken many times. However this night she was deep in thoughts. She had something on her mind that she wanted to talk to K’deidra about. Consequently, Alicia ended up missing her turn to K’deidra’s house and walking down a dark deserted looking area. To top it off it seemed like the electricity went off because she could only see darkness all around her.
Alicia grew more and more afraid because she could not make out any familiar landmarks to pinpoint exactly where she was. As she started to panic she heard a quiet voice within her say “Alicia, let your light shine.”
"Oh, thank goodness," Alicia whispered to herself, "I put my flashlight in my bag for just in case it got dark before I reached." She took the flashlight and turned it on, nothing happened. She tried again, still nothing happened. Alicia gasped in horror, "I forgot to check my batteries and they’re dead. What am I going to do?"
As Alicia stood there, she saw a tiny light but as she started to approach it flickered a few times then went out. By this time the tears were pouring down Alicia’s cheeks. She was terrified, she couldn’t see where she was going and she was afraid to call out because she wasn’t sure who exactly was out there.
“Jesus help me!” Alicia cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I’m scared, I don’t know what to do help me.”
It seem that no sooner that the words came out of Alicia’s mouth that she saw a bright, steady light in the distance. As the light came closer towards her she heard a voice calling her name. Alicia quickly began to walk towards the light. As she got closer she realized that it was her friend K’deidra and her parents. There had been a power outage and they realized that she must have taken a wrong turn in the dark and had come to look for her.
"I’m so glad to see you!" Alicia cried as she hugged them, "thank God you had a light because my batteries are dead."
As they walked towards K’deidra’s house Alicia realized that she was nearer to the house than she thought, but she must have been going around in circles because of the darkness.
“Next time I’ll be prepared,” she thought. "I’m going to check my batteries often, I’m going to make sure that my light shines, what if K’deidra’s light had gone out too?"
As they walked she toldK’deidra about how she had seen a light but it flickered and went out and how she called to Jesus to help her. K’deidra gasped, “You’re not going to believe this. When we started looking for you the light started to flicker a bit and get dim. It seem like the battery was low but all of a sudden it just came on brighter than ever. Do you think it was because you prayed?”
Both girls grew quiet and reflective. They began to realize the importance of light, not a flashlight, a candle or a lamp but the inner light that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. They realized that the light that shone from within them could lead someone to choose a better path in life. They also realized that a flickering light or dead light was no help to anyone because it couldn’t be depended upon during difficult times.
The most important thing K’deidra realized was that her light wasn’t only for her it was to give others hope as well. "Just think she told Alicia, your getting lost taught us both a lesson, isn’t God good?"
As you read the story you may have thought to yourself, “That’s silly! I’d never get lost walking to my friend’s house. However that little story has several life lessons in it, and over the next week I'll discuss some of them.
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