Kyle bobbed his head to the loud music, hardly paying attention to the conversations around him. The swirling lights and streamers created a shimmering dance floor, occupied by only a few daring high school couples.
“Did you notice that dress she’s wearing? It’s so last year.”
Kyle took a sip of punch, bringing himself back into his circle of friends. “Who are you talking about?”
“Laura.” Gina rolled her eyes to the corner of the gym. “She’s so stuck up. I don’t think she’s said one word all night.”
“Maybe she’s shy.”
Gina laughed. “Yeah, like she’s been shy all year. She just thinks she’s better than everyone else. I’d almost feel sorry when she finds out she’s not ‘all that.’”
Her suggestion brought on a dropped jaw from Jewel, but Gina gave her a smirk. “I said almost.”
The others in the small group seemed to find her statement amusing, and laughter broke out, along with several jeering points in Laura’s direction.
Kyle hid his reddened face behind a napkin as he wiped leftover cake from his lips. Laura had been hibernating in the corner since she’d arrived, her downcast eyes revealing her insecurity. Stuck up? Kyle hardly thought so. But there was no use arguing with his friends. Convincing them that the quiet girl who had moved to town last fall was anything but haughty would be like…getting a punch stain out of his white shirt. Kyle grimaced as he realized a bump to the elbow had resulted in a nice red stream down the front of his new shirt. Great. Acting quickly with spit and a napkin only managed to embed the stain into the threads. This wasn’t quite how he’d imagined his evening.
“Why don’t you ask her?”
Kyle’s attention was once again brought back to Gina’s voice as she gestured to Derek. “I dare you.”
Derek threw her a withering look. “Not on your life. I heard she smells like a barn.”
The giggling was almost enough to make Kyle gag. Hanging out with the popular crowd certainly had its benefits. Not only did he get invited to special events, but the attention from the girls wasn’t bad either. But this?
He tossed his now-empty cup into the trashcan, his desire to be here leaving along with it. This wasn’t exactly on his list of most enjoyable things to do. He’d asked Gina to come with him, but all she’d done all night was stand around, not even willing to dance.
“I heard her dad’s in jail.” Jewel tried to whisper, but failed miserably as everyone on their side of the gym seemed to hear.
Derek grinned. “That might explain her…outdated style of clothing. Her mama probably can’t afford to get her anything more than last year’s junk from the thrift store.”
Kyle couldn’t help his glance in Laura’s direction. Her blonde curls were tucked up neatly on her head, a few stray strands caressing her delicate face. She was free of makeup, unlike every other girl there, and her dress maybe wasn’t the most gorgeous, but it did nothing but compliment her thin frame.
“Why don’t you offer her some punch?” Jewel suggested.
Gina grinned mischievously. “I could ‘accidentally’ trip just as I got to her, couldn’t I?”
Kyle gritted his teeth. Teasing behind Laura’s back was one thing, but purposely spilling punch on her? That was going too far. This whole thing was ridiculous. Laura was nothing but polite and sincere, her quietness just adding to her gentle personality, in his opinion.
Seeing Derek pour the punch was the last straw. Spinning on his heel, Kyle left the group behind. If no one else was going to break this hideous pattern of mockery, he would.
Laura lifted her gaze as he approached, surprise flashing in her eyes.
He offered a soft smile. “Would you like to dance?”
“Me?”
“Yes, you.” Holding out his hand, his peripheral vision caught the startled looks on the faces of his friends. For once, he didn’t care. “Come on.”
A grin made its way to Laura’s lips, as she accepted. “I thought you came with Gina.”
“I did.” Kyle spun her out onto the floor. “But give a guy credit for realizing his mistake before the night was over.”
10/15/07
9/13/07
I Had to Say Yes
The atmosphere became deathly still as I was yanked onto my feet and brought forward like a specimen on display. The only sound was the ragged breaths behind me, signaling that terror had seized the room. No one moved.
My eyes closed tight, rebelling against the scene my mind knew was there. As if trying to trick reality, my brain sought to pretend I was in a place where horrors like this didn’t exist.
The question shattered the silence. It had been asked twice, and the tightened grip on my collar promised it would not be repeated again. The hushed whimpers behind me drove to my eyes the stinging tears that yearned to cascade down my cheeks. I knew I had to say yes.
Adrenaline surged through my veins as the battle between right and wrong intensified. Sweat poured down the back of my neck, drenching my shirt. Chills ran down my spine as my body began to shake. I could feel the panic wrapping its tentacles around my soul, threatening to squeeze out any life that was left. A whisper in my ear tempted me to say no.
My feet felt as if they had absorbed a mind of their own as they struggled to free themselves from the floor. I wanted to run. My ears latched onto the sound of someone else doing just that. My heart pounded in my chest, sending my pulse racing. All senses screamed at me to do whatever it took to save myself. But I knew I had to say yes.
I opened my eyes. The stare of my challenger came like a slap in the face. It drove through my very being, taunting me…daring me. My hands slowly turned to fists as rage gave courage the wings to soar. Cowardice would not prevail.
“Yes.”
I never heard the shot. I never felt the pain.
Some would say I died that day. But I had never felt so alive.
Standing up for what I knew was right had come with a price tag even I had shuddered at. But never could I imagine the price of denying my Lord’s name.
My eyes closed tight, rebelling against the scene my mind knew was there. As if trying to trick reality, my brain sought to pretend I was in a place where horrors like this didn’t exist.
The question shattered the silence. It had been asked twice, and the tightened grip on my collar promised it would not be repeated again. The hushed whimpers behind me drove to my eyes the stinging tears that yearned to cascade down my cheeks. I knew I had to say yes.
Adrenaline surged through my veins as the battle between right and wrong intensified. Sweat poured down the back of my neck, drenching my shirt. Chills ran down my spine as my body began to shake. I could feel the panic wrapping its tentacles around my soul, threatening to squeeze out any life that was left. A whisper in my ear tempted me to say no.
My feet felt as if they had absorbed a mind of their own as they struggled to free themselves from the floor. I wanted to run. My ears latched onto the sound of someone else doing just that. My heart pounded in my chest, sending my pulse racing. All senses screamed at me to do whatever it took to save myself. But I knew I had to say yes.
I opened my eyes. The stare of my challenger came like a slap in the face. It drove through my very being, taunting me…daring me. My hands slowly turned to fists as rage gave courage the wings to soar. Cowardice would not prevail.
“Yes.”
I never heard the shot. I never felt the pain.
Some would say I died that day. But I had never felt so alive.
Standing up for what I knew was right had come with a price tag even I had shuddered at. But never could I imagine the price of denying my Lord’s name.
8/27/07
No More to Weep
Hush, child, don’t shed those tears.
Your Daddy’s here to take your fears.
Don’t be so sad - the end is near.
Just take my hand, I am here.
Hush, child, don’t worry so.
I am your Friend, not your foe.
Don’t worry now of where to go.
I’ve washed you clean, white as snow.
Hush, child, don’t say a word.
The Truth I speak - through Me it’s heard.
Don’t let my words through hate be blurred.
It is through faith, you are cured.
Hush, child, just close your eyes.
Don’t believe those worldly lies.
Forget all that, which money buys.
For that great wealth, a blind man dies.
Hush, child, yes, I love you.
I can forgive, all you do.
To conquer death, it must take two.
Just you and Me, I’ll see you through.
Hush, child, the storm has passed.
The sunshine on the earth is cast.
Don’t let it go - to Me hold fast.
The pain is gone, with Me at last.
Hush, child, just lay in sleep.
At my side, your name I keep.
The sadness gone, the joy so deep.
Forever here, no more to weep.
Your Daddy’s here to take your fears.
Don’t be so sad - the end is near.
Just take my hand, I am here.
Hush, child, don’t worry so.
I am your Friend, not your foe.
Don’t worry now of where to go.
I’ve washed you clean, white as snow.
Hush, child, don’t say a word.
The Truth I speak - through Me it’s heard.
Don’t let my words through hate be blurred.
It is through faith, you are cured.
Hush, child, just close your eyes.
Don’t believe those worldly lies.
Forget all that, which money buys.
For that great wealth, a blind man dies.
Hush, child, yes, I love you.
I can forgive, all you do.
To conquer death, it must take two.
Just you and Me, I’ll see you through.
Hush, child, the storm has passed.
The sunshine on the earth is cast.
Don’t let it go - to Me hold fast.
The pain is gone, with Me at last.
Hush, child, just lay in sleep.
At my side, your name I keep.
The sadness gone, the joy so deep.
Forever here, no more to weep.
8/2/07
No
I looked out into the crowd and picked out my parents’ smiling faces. I was tempted to wave, but refrained. They were so proud. So was I. There was a time when, if asked, I would have said I’d never make it to this day...
“Mom! I just -”
“No.” My mother’s words were final. “You’re not going.”
I threw her a look that could kill. I’d already made up my mind. I wasn’t a child anymore. I was sixteen. I might have to climb out my window after dark, but I was going to Stacey’s party whether my parents liked it or not. The most popular kids were going to be there, and I wasn’t about to miss it.
“Yo, Amber!”
I smiled at Todd. He was a senior and the most gorgeous football player I knew. The fact that he knew my name was enough to send me sky-high. “Hi, Todd.”
There were a lot of people at the party. Stacey had invited the best. I held my chin high, thinking of how I’d outsmarted my parents. They were always telling me, “No.” Ever since kindergarten, they’d been all over me not to do this, and not to do that. I’d always fought them tooth and nail, but now I was smart enough just to go around them altogether.
“Amber, come here!”
Todd was surrounded by a bunch of cheerleaders at the punch table.
“You’ve got to try some of this.” Vanessa giggled. “Todd knows how to make anything taste good.”
I glanced to the table and noticed the liquor bottle. My face grew hot. Why I was embarrassed, I wasn’t sure. Maybe it was because the nearest person of legal age was at least six blocks away.
“Um…” I knew I was making a fool of myself.
Todd raised his eyebrows. “What’s the matter? Haven’t you ever had a drink?”
I shook my head, mad at myself for not lying.
Vanessa held out a cup of spiked punch. “Well go on, then!”
I took the cup. Why shouldn’t I? I could do what I wanted, when I wanted. I could hang out with the friends I chose. I could ignore my bad grades. I could drink.
The cup was halfway to my mouth, when I saw a handful of partiers who had already had too much to drink. For some reason, I hadn’t noticed the beer cans when I’d arrived.
The cup rose to my lips. I saw two girls at the corner of the house, smoking. They were younger than me. Defiant as I was, something about that scene made me gag.
People all around me were having a good time. Stacey had done a wonderful job of getting a party together. But suddenly, it didn’t seem so grand. No one here cared. No one here gave a second thought about what they were doing. And as painful as the realization was, I knew that no one here really cared about me.
The taunting look in Todd’s eyes almost knocked me over. He didn’t want to socialize with me because he liked me. He wanted to mock me. Vanessa wasn’t giggling because she was happy. She thought I was stupid.
I looked down at my drink. Was it worth it? Did I want to run around senseless with the beer drinkers? Did I want to bend under the pressure like the two girls by the house?
I returned my parents’ smile, and finally gave in to a little wave. I was glad I had said, “No” two years ago. Todd had ended up getting kicked out of college. Vanessa was now a waitress in a bar. Stacey wasn’t even graduating.
I heard my name and stepped forward proudly to receive my diploma.
There was a time when, if asked, I would have said I’d never make it to this day. But I had parents who hadn’t given up on me. Somewhere along the way, God had worked in my heart, and helped me realize that there were more important things in life than hanging out with the “in” crowd.
Today was the starting of a whole new life for me, and I was going to meet it head-on.
“Mom! I just -”
“No.” My mother’s words were final. “You’re not going.”
I threw her a look that could kill. I’d already made up my mind. I wasn’t a child anymore. I was sixteen. I might have to climb out my window after dark, but I was going to Stacey’s party whether my parents liked it or not. The most popular kids were going to be there, and I wasn’t about to miss it.
“Yo, Amber!”
I smiled at Todd. He was a senior and the most gorgeous football player I knew. The fact that he knew my name was enough to send me sky-high. “Hi, Todd.”
There were a lot of people at the party. Stacey had invited the best. I held my chin high, thinking of how I’d outsmarted my parents. They were always telling me, “No.” Ever since kindergarten, they’d been all over me not to do this, and not to do that. I’d always fought them tooth and nail, but now I was smart enough just to go around them altogether.
“Amber, come here!”
Todd was surrounded by a bunch of cheerleaders at the punch table.
“You’ve got to try some of this.” Vanessa giggled. “Todd knows how to make anything taste good.”
I glanced to the table and noticed the liquor bottle. My face grew hot. Why I was embarrassed, I wasn’t sure. Maybe it was because the nearest person of legal age was at least six blocks away.
“Um…” I knew I was making a fool of myself.
Todd raised his eyebrows. “What’s the matter? Haven’t you ever had a drink?”
I shook my head, mad at myself for not lying.
Vanessa held out a cup of spiked punch. “Well go on, then!”
I took the cup. Why shouldn’t I? I could do what I wanted, when I wanted. I could hang out with the friends I chose. I could ignore my bad grades. I could drink.
The cup was halfway to my mouth, when I saw a handful of partiers who had already had too much to drink. For some reason, I hadn’t noticed the beer cans when I’d arrived.
The cup rose to my lips. I saw two girls at the corner of the house, smoking. They were younger than me. Defiant as I was, something about that scene made me gag.
People all around me were having a good time. Stacey had done a wonderful job of getting a party together. But suddenly, it didn’t seem so grand. No one here cared. No one here gave a second thought about what they were doing. And as painful as the realization was, I knew that no one here really cared about me.
The taunting look in Todd’s eyes almost knocked me over. He didn’t want to socialize with me because he liked me. He wanted to mock me. Vanessa wasn’t giggling because she was happy. She thought I was stupid.
I looked down at my drink. Was it worth it? Did I want to run around senseless with the beer drinkers? Did I want to bend under the pressure like the two girls by the house?
I returned my parents’ smile, and finally gave in to a little wave. I was glad I had said, “No” two years ago. Todd had ended up getting kicked out of college. Vanessa was now a waitress in a bar. Stacey wasn’t even graduating.
I heard my name and stepped forward proudly to receive my diploma.
There was a time when, if asked, I would have said I’d never make it to this day. But I had parents who hadn’t given up on me. Somewhere along the way, God had worked in my heart, and helped me realize that there were more important things in life than hanging out with the “in” crowd.
Today was the starting of a whole new life for me, and I was going to meet it head-on.
6/28/07
First Grade Conversation With God
“Dear God, it’s me again…Katie. You know…the girl in the blue house with the big tree in the yard. It’s my bedtime, and Mommy told me to say my prayers. She told me to thank You for the day, and to tell You that I love You. But…I think my heart hurts. I don’t feel good tonight, God.
“First grade is harder than I thought. Today, Rob made fun of me. He said I wasn’t smart. When I was on the playground with Maddie, she pushed me and I fell. I tried not to cry, but I did anyway. At lunch, someone took my cookie. I don’t even know who it was. If You saw him, would You please tell him to be nice?
“Then, Miss Thatcher asked a question in math. I thought I knew the answer. But I was wrong. Some of the other kids laughed at me. Miss Thatcher said that it was okay, but it still didn’t feel good.
“When I got on the bus to go home, Amanda wouldn’t let me sit with her. I guess she didn’t like the way I dressed.
“Tonight, I wanted Daddy to play a game with me. But he was in his office and he got mad when I bothered him. Mommy didn’t let me help cook supper either. She said she was in a hurry.
“I don’t feel very happy tonight, God.
“Do You think I’m not smart? No one seems to like me. Will I ever have friends? Do Mommy and Daddy love me?”
“Dear Katie, it’s me again…God. You know…from Heaven where everything is beautiful. I heard your prayer tonight. Thank you for talking to me.
“I am sorry that you don’t feel good. People make fun of me sometimes, too. They laugh at me. I know that it hurts. Sometimes people don’t do the things they should. But we will love them anyway, won’t we? Maybe if we love them, they will love us back.
“And you know what? You are very special to me. I knew you before you were even born! And guess what else. You are smart. It’s okay that you missed a math question. That is how you will learn.
“I know your daddy and mommy were very busy tonight. They had a lot on their minds. But they take very good care of you, and they love you just like I do!
“It is your bedtime now, Katie. Go to sleep and dream sweet dreams. Remember that I am with you, wherever you go. You can talk to me any time, and I will always listen. I am here to help you, and I love you very, very much!
“Oh, and Katie…it was Jimmy who took your cookie. But I bet if you take an extra one for him tomorrow, you two can be friends.
“Goodnight, my child. Sleep tight.”
“First grade is harder than I thought. Today, Rob made fun of me. He said I wasn’t smart. When I was on the playground with Maddie, she pushed me and I fell. I tried not to cry, but I did anyway. At lunch, someone took my cookie. I don’t even know who it was. If You saw him, would You please tell him to be nice?
“Then, Miss Thatcher asked a question in math. I thought I knew the answer. But I was wrong. Some of the other kids laughed at me. Miss Thatcher said that it was okay, but it still didn’t feel good.
“When I got on the bus to go home, Amanda wouldn’t let me sit with her. I guess she didn’t like the way I dressed.
“Tonight, I wanted Daddy to play a game with me. But he was in his office and he got mad when I bothered him. Mommy didn’t let me help cook supper either. She said she was in a hurry.
“I don’t feel very happy tonight, God.
“Do You think I’m not smart? No one seems to like me. Will I ever have friends? Do Mommy and Daddy love me?”
“Dear Katie, it’s me again…God. You know…from Heaven where everything is beautiful. I heard your prayer tonight. Thank you for talking to me.
“I am sorry that you don’t feel good. People make fun of me sometimes, too. They laugh at me. I know that it hurts. Sometimes people don’t do the things they should. But we will love them anyway, won’t we? Maybe if we love them, they will love us back.
“And you know what? You are very special to me. I knew you before you were even born! And guess what else. You are smart. It’s okay that you missed a math question. That is how you will learn.
“I know your daddy and mommy were very busy tonight. They had a lot on their minds. But they take very good care of you, and they love you just like I do!
“It is your bedtime now, Katie. Go to sleep and dream sweet dreams. Remember that I am with you, wherever you go. You can talk to me any time, and I will always listen. I am here to help you, and I love you very, very much!
“Oh, and Katie…it was Jimmy who took your cookie. But I bet if you take an extra one for him tomorrow, you two can be friends.
“Goodnight, my child. Sleep tight.”
6/18/07
Repentance Bridge
“Hang on!” Eric could feel Ross’ hand slipping from his grasp. The protruding tree root that his legs were wrapped around was the only thing keeping him from plummeting into the deep ravine with his friend. Laying on his stomach headfirst at he cliff’s edge gave him a much too clear look at the danger. “Let go of the bag and give me your other hand.”
Eric saw Ross hesitate. The precious bag held what had led them here in the first place. A treasure. But Ross valued his life more at this point. Gold and jewels sailed into the ravine, never to be seen again. Ross groped for Eric’s hand, and held on as he was dragged up onto solid ground. Both young men were sweaty and breathing heavily, but had little time to recover.
The dense jungle foliage rustled with the running feet of the Tribe. “They’re still coming,” Eric warned in a whisper. “We have to get out of here.”
Ross reached for his machete, but it was gone. He’d lost it over the edge. “Which way?”
Sweat poured from Eric’s brow as he grabbed his Guidebook. It was their only hope of finding the way to Repentance Bridge. Eric found the map and ran his finger along the trail. “We have to follow Vanity Ravine. Once we get over this mountain, it’s just a few more miles until we reach the bridge.”
“Do you think we can make it?”
“We have to.” Concern laced Eric’s words. He and Ross both knew the severity of the situation. They had crossed into the Forbidden Territory, believing that wealth and adventure awaited them. The Maker had told them about the dangers and temptations. He had explained that once someone crossed over, it was difficult to return. But Eric and Ross had laughed off the warnings. They had been sure that the other side was better. They had been wrong.
Eric picked himself up and peered through the thick brush to see the Tribe’s painted faces. They wanted their treasure back. Unfortunately for all involved, it now lay at the bottom of Vanity Ravine. If Eric and Ross were captured without the jewels in hand, they most likely wouldn’t make it out alive. “Come on,” Eric whispered. “Stay low and follow me.”
The two men crept through the undergrowth, stopping every few minutes as the Tribe crossed their path. “They’re not going to give up, are they?” Ross asked quietly.
Eric wanted to laugh at the question. The closer they got to Repentance Bridge, the angrier the Evil One would become. He was the ruler on this side of the ravine, and would try everything to stop the men from leaving.
“There it is.”
Eric followed Ross’ pointing finger and spotted Repentance Bridge. A smile creased his lips. “We did it.”
Before they took another step, the ground started to shake. “What’s happening?” Ross whispered hoarsely.
Eric went for his Guidebook again, and desperately searched for instruction. “It’s the volcano.”
“Mount Hate? What do we do?”
“We have to make a run for it. The Evil One is furious. If we don’t get to the bridge quickly, the lava will cut us off.”
The path was steep, causing the men to trip and stumble. The air grew stale, and the stench of burning sulfur was suffocating. At last, Eric felt a wooden plank beneath his feet.
“Fools!”
Eric whirled around to face the Evil One, fear surging through his veins.
“You think your Maker will want you back?” the Evil One bellowed. “After you walked away from Him?”
Eric clutched his Guidebook. “He loves us.”
Fire flashed in the Evil One’s eyes. “Cross that bridge, and you’ll be throwing away your dreams.”
“All I found here were lies and deceit,” Eric stated boldly. “You trap lost souls here to live in an eternity of suffering, not give them their dreams. My Maker offers me more than you ever could, and I’m just sorry it took me this long to realize it.”
Flames from the lava raged toward them. Eric and Ross hesitated only a moment before turning their backs on the one who offered worldly pleasure. Through the smoke, they could just make out their Maker – His arms stretched wide open. Repentance Bridge was long and narrow, swaying dangerously in the wind. But love, peace and eternal life were waiting.
Eric saw Ross hesitate. The precious bag held what had led them here in the first place. A treasure. But Ross valued his life more at this point. Gold and jewels sailed into the ravine, never to be seen again. Ross groped for Eric’s hand, and held on as he was dragged up onto solid ground. Both young men were sweaty and breathing heavily, but had little time to recover.
The dense jungle foliage rustled with the running feet of the Tribe. “They’re still coming,” Eric warned in a whisper. “We have to get out of here.”
Ross reached for his machete, but it was gone. He’d lost it over the edge. “Which way?”
Sweat poured from Eric’s brow as he grabbed his Guidebook. It was their only hope of finding the way to Repentance Bridge. Eric found the map and ran his finger along the trail. “We have to follow Vanity Ravine. Once we get over this mountain, it’s just a few more miles until we reach the bridge.”
“Do you think we can make it?”
“We have to.” Concern laced Eric’s words. He and Ross both knew the severity of the situation. They had crossed into the Forbidden Territory, believing that wealth and adventure awaited them. The Maker had told them about the dangers and temptations. He had explained that once someone crossed over, it was difficult to return. But Eric and Ross had laughed off the warnings. They had been sure that the other side was better. They had been wrong.
Eric picked himself up and peered through the thick brush to see the Tribe’s painted faces. They wanted their treasure back. Unfortunately for all involved, it now lay at the bottom of Vanity Ravine. If Eric and Ross were captured without the jewels in hand, they most likely wouldn’t make it out alive. “Come on,” Eric whispered. “Stay low and follow me.”
The two men crept through the undergrowth, stopping every few minutes as the Tribe crossed their path. “They’re not going to give up, are they?” Ross asked quietly.
Eric wanted to laugh at the question. The closer they got to Repentance Bridge, the angrier the Evil One would become. He was the ruler on this side of the ravine, and would try everything to stop the men from leaving.
“There it is.”
Eric followed Ross’ pointing finger and spotted Repentance Bridge. A smile creased his lips. “We did it.”
Before they took another step, the ground started to shake. “What’s happening?” Ross whispered hoarsely.
Eric went for his Guidebook again, and desperately searched for instruction. “It’s the volcano.”
“Mount Hate? What do we do?”
“We have to make a run for it. The Evil One is furious. If we don’t get to the bridge quickly, the lava will cut us off.”
The path was steep, causing the men to trip and stumble. The air grew stale, and the stench of burning sulfur was suffocating. At last, Eric felt a wooden plank beneath his feet.
“Fools!”
Eric whirled around to face the Evil One, fear surging through his veins.
“You think your Maker will want you back?” the Evil One bellowed. “After you walked away from Him?”
Eric clutched his Guidebook. “He loves us.”
Fire flashed in the Evil One’s eyes. “Cross that bridge, and you’ll be throwing away your dreams.”
“All I found here were lies and deceit,” Eric stated boldly. “You trap lost souls here to live in an eternity of suffering, not give them their dreams. My Maker offers me more than you ever could, and I’m just sorry it took me this long to realize it.”
Flames from the lava raged toward them. Eric and Ross hesitated only a moment before turning their backs on the one who offered worldly pleasure. Through the smoke, they could just make out their Maker – His arms stretched wide open. Repentance Bridge was long and narrow, swaying dangerously in the wind. But love, peace and eternal life were waiting.
6/15/07
Why "Wrider?"
No, the name of my blog isn't a typo. I'm God's wrider and it's become my handle of sorts.
Growing up, my dad taught me horseback riding. We had dreams. I worked my tail off to improve my skills. We went to horse shows. He loved training me. We thought I would go far.
But...life changes. Things don't always go as planned. My horseback riding took a back seat to family matters, and my fire for competition died out. I still rode, but it was more about pleasure than goals. Disappointment was a given for my dad. He still loved and supported me, but a part of him wished I could have gone to "the top" with my riding.
Fast forward a decade. I've become a writer with two published books. I write to glorify God, for fun and as an outlet. No one dreamed I'd ever be a writer.
My dad made a comment that wiped out all of my guilt for perhaps being a disappointment to him. I finally realized he was still proud of me. He said that he had been disappointed that I hadn't become the rider he wanted. But he had still been given a rider... "God simply put a "w" in front of it." My dad was just as proud that I was a writer as he would had been if I would have become a show rider.
Regardless of also switching out the "d" and "t," the name stuck.
So, from rider to writer, I've become a wrider who loves to write and still loves to spend time with the horses.
That's me. I'm a rider who got a "w" thrown in from God to make me His writer...His wrider.
Growing up, my dad taught me horseback riding. We had dreams. I worked my tail off to improve my skills. We went to horse shows. He loved training me. We thought I would go far.
But...life changes. Things don't always go as planned. My horseback riding took a back seat to family matters, and my fire for competition died out. I still rode, but it was more about pleasure than goals. Disappointment was a given for my dad. He still loved and supported me, but a part of him wished I could have gone to "the top" with my riding.
Fast forward a decade. I've become a writer with two published books. I write to glorify God, for fun and as an outlet. No one dreamed I'd ever be a writer.
My dad made a comment that wiped out all of my guilt for perhaps being a disappointment to him. I finally realized he was still proud of me. He said that he had been disappointed that I hadn't become the rider he wanted. But he had still been given a rider... "God simply put a "w" in front of it." My dad was just as proud that I was a writer as he would had been if I would have become a show rider.
Regardless of also switching out the "d" and "t," the name stuck.
So, from rider to writer, I've become a wrider who loves to write and still loves to spend time with the horses.
That's me. I'm a rider who got a "w" thrown in from God to make me His writer...His wrider.
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