A man preaching the gospel in Iraq runs into the young girl he led to the Lord back in late June. He is amazed at the change in her since their last encounter.
It's me again. David McCormack, the soldier who went to Iraq to try to make a difference in suffering people's lives.
I am still here; trying to dodge bullets or bombs, praying for my (fallen) comrades, trying to keep in continuous contact with my folks back home in Tennesee, missing my church family.
I am still trying to preach the Gospel to the people; this is proving to be a most challenging task. I've never encountered people who were so stubborn-natured, so steadfast in their (false) faith.
Yet I did manage to make a difference in one small teenaged girl's life. Today I saw her when I went to the village where she resided.
The last time I saw this girl was back in late June, which was the last time I was in her village.
The change in her was nothing short of miraculous.
I already could see the difference in the way she ran up to me, embracing me in a warm hug, and her telling me in halting English that she "still loved this Jesus-Man", that she was trying to read the Big Book (the Bible) I'd given to her last time I was here. She had a big smile on her face, her dark eyes sparkled with life, and you could tell that she was no longer scared.
She told me that her family had been killed; to hear this made me sad, yet she put on a brave affront that truly marveled me. Here was a young girl who'd lost just about everything, yet she still chose to cling to the Saving Hope of Jesus Christ, who now lived in her heart. She was now a daughter of the King, and she now had her name written in gold in the Book of life. She would be going to Heaven instead of Hell.
I hugged the woman-child, and I let her cry as she sobbed out her story. It was heartbreaking, truly depressing. I don't know how she carried on, yet she did, and she was determined to go on despite of all the tragedy that happened to her in the past.
That's when I got on my knees and began to pray for this beautiful young woman-child who was on the verge of adulthood. My heart felt the need to intercede to the Lord on her behalf; that was what I did.
Her name was Faril, Faril Houdad. She was now seventeen, clearly trying her best to surive in a war-torn nation; she clearly had the hurts of life stamped in her clear, dark eyes, but on the other hand, she faced life with the tenacity of a tiger, the courage of a lion. She knew that she now had Jesus in her life, and that as long as she relied on Him, Jesus, her life would only get better as time went on.
Little did I know what miracles God had in store for this brave young woman.
Awesome! I absolutely must go to bed after this one. I would love to read them all! So inspiring. *Much Love, Jean*
*God will mend a broken heart if you give him all the pieces.*
Such a beautiful story and to know what can happen if we only have faith in our Father above the difference it can make in our lives as well as others.
Thank you for sharing.
Newfie Hugs, Rose
Reviewed by chris stienstra
9/17/2007
The highest calling any of us can reach: Witnessing for God. So easy for us stateside, but, so difficult and dangerous in lands where religous beliefs can cost someone their life. Courage in battle is one thing, but, courage in belief is the mark of a hero.
My very best
Chris
You sure have a knack of writing these stories Karen, I am only sorry that my attention ability because of dyslexia does not permit me to read you as much as I do...I reckon you would make a terrific colomist writer, you could do great series writing for a newspaper or magazine.
You and Karla both have wonderful gifts, and Here's from me to you from the arid downunder land of OZ...Hold fast to The Lord, and he will help you hone your skills, for others and ultimately his Greater Glory.
Much love to you both
Your dear friend
Ch'erie
Note: Since my husband's cancer surgery 4/25/05, this book content has been integrated into the public speaking content for audiences interested in a sassy approach to personal and/or community awareness events. Another chapbook on intimate love poet
These song lyrics and art are tales, tides and twinkling lights - tunes telling stories of warmth and sun, city and sand, paths that lead, and the coins we can keep in the Karma Bank. Spirit's been bypassed for sorrow, dreaming of a better tomorrow .
