I love to read. I read all sorts of books - fiction, non-fiction, biographies and commentary. One of my favorite ways to learn is through stories. I have often felt a connection to Jesus in this way, as he used stories to teach the people he spoke to. I am by no means comparing the story I am about to tell you to the devine words of Jesus; but I am suggesting that as you read the story over the next four blogs, that you have an open heart. Stories give us a chance to learn through the characters and situations that unfold. It is a chance for us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes; to feel, learn and grow with the characters in the story. Jesus knew this was a great way to reach people…I hope this story reaches you.
THE GIRL
She found herself walking by the creek, once again. Alone. Whenever she needed to think or sort things out, she came here. Her life had become somewhat of a mess and now - a decision must be made.
“How loud could I scream before anyone would hear me?” she wondered. Her soul was consumed with confusion and fire. She was so angry! This situation had gone too far. She should have ended it while she had the chance.
Tired of walking she found a spot by a tree and sat down. With a sigh she laid her head back, closed her eyes and began to go over the events of the last two weeks.
Lyda was what some would call a perfect student. She ran track, sang in choir, and got decent grades. She danced on the Drill Team and seemed to be friends with just about everybody. Standing out as extremely excellent in any one area just wasn’t her. No one would call her a “star”, like they would some of the other athletes, musicians or brainiacs. Lyda was steady. And even though she wasn’t a “stand-out” student, teachers and peers knew Lyda. And everyone liked her.
Maybe it is when someone’s life is clicking away at “normal” that one should be prepared for a shake-up. Or maybe a wake-up is a better phrase. Lyda was about to get both and it started the day He walked into City High. He walked in and His presence began to sear at her soul.
“You know, nobody can see me but you!”
“Excuse me?” Lyda replied.
“Nobody can see me but you. I have come to change your life.”
“My life is just fine, thank you very much. And honestly…I’m not really into all this sci-fi, fantasy stuff. I know other people can see you, besides me, so knock it off. Anyway, I’m not looking for a boyfriend, so if that is your pick-up line…it kinda sucks.” Lyda rolled her eyes and kept reading.
She probably wouldn’t have given the conversation a second thought except for the way He grinned at her after she spoke to Him. It was a smile of complete confidence; a smile that almost dared her to keep talking. But she wasn’t about to do that! She had a project to finish and a busy after school schedule to think about.
As she sat at the foot of the tree by the creek, she couldn’t help but smile as she recalled their first encounter. He always seemed to show up when she least expected it -yet strangely- when she most needed it.
