The explosion rocked the church. Bodies. Blood. Chaos.

On the ground lay a two year old boy. The mother scooped up the lifeless body and rocked it in her arms. Looking up, she noticed a hole in the ceiling. A line of smoke lifted into the blue sky. Why? she thought. How could you let this happen?

I AM HERE. I AM BESIDE YOU.

She didn't hear. She questioned.

A fourteen year old girl knelt beside her mother's mutilated body. "Mom, get up. God will save you. Won't he?" The young girl looked beyond the fallen front doors, waiting for God to appear. He didn't arrive. "Where are you, God?" she asked, wiping  the tears from her face.

I AM HERE. I AM BESIDE YOU.

She didn't hear. She doubted.

A husband dropped to his knees. He looked at his wife who was crushed beneath a stack of pews. A battered head was all that was visible. Through a shattered window he noticed a cloud drifting away. "Please, don't take her away. I'm begging you. Don't take her away from me. She's all I got."

I AM HERE. I AM BESIDE YOU.

He didn't hear. He lost hope.

The pastor knelt before his shattered pew. Pages from his Bible littered the floor. He looked at the destruction. He saw the bodies; he saw the blood. The pastor tried to understand, but he couldn't. Tears fell from his face. He bowed his head and silently voiced a prayer, "Lord, I don't understand. Please be with me and bring me your Presence in this tragic time."

I AM HERE. I AM BESIDE YOU.

He heard. He was comforted.

Are you listening?

Keyword: He That Has Ears To Hear Let Him Hear

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Comments (10)

Posted by flossy 2008-06-28 14:15:29 .... This reminds me of the footsteps poem.I think that's what it is called.It was sweet. I remember speaking to a friend that was in Omagh when it was bombed.You would'nt believe in this sweet story then. Again enjoyed, not my cup of tea but sweet ditty. + Report this comment
Posted by JJtyler 2008-06-28 14:22:39 .... Faith in the face of tragedy is tough to grapple with. This was short and probably not going to be big who aren't into this sort of thing, but for what it was I think it was nicely done. + Report this comment
Posted by Pilgrim 2008-06-28 14:43:10 .... I was inspired by the many churches being bombed in Africa, the Middle East, India, and Asia. The films and pictures that I watched of those involved seemed to still praise the God they serve, maybe because they actually experience him. But I wanted to translate their experience into the western culture of America. What would people do if they were faced with this kind of persecution? + Report this comment
Posted by lemon 2008-06-28 18:09:58 .... yeah that was really good. However, I would have NOT used the pastor as the one who heard the voice of God, maybe the guy who lost his wife or something. Just because it might have come across as more 'real' to people that a 'regular' person heard God. know what I mean? I feel like I didnt articulate that very well :o| + Report this comment
Posted by Pilgrim 2008-06-28 18:50:26 .... You have a good point. Testimonies in other countries usually revolves around the death of the church leader, however, I wanted to put this forward in a society where somehow people believe that the pastor has power. This would be the common reaction and testimony in a "religious" America. + Report this comment
Posted by Something Indecent 2008-06-28 21:32:48 .... Nicely written. I liked how you phrased and structered this. It almost sounds poetic. Anyway, good job. + Report this comment
Posted by resistanceisfreedom 2008-06-29 12:37:43 .... this idea was interesting to me. and i enjoyed the story, although it was a bit short. i could say more, but i don't want all of these religious people on my back. so i'll just stop there. + Report this comment
Posted by Xena 2008-06-29 18:56:26 I bet they couldnt hear god because he just fucking busted a hot steamy nut of destruction in and around their faces.. no but seriousley... god just crushed some poor girls mother and mutilated some wife... in his own church... and then all the pastor had to face was a ruined bible.. you can buy more bibles anywhere.. in fact its the worlds top selling book (best marketing strategy ever?) but you cant buy a new mom...or can you? can you im not sure... no im pretty sure you cant.. so id probably be pretty pissed off.. im not saying at god directly.. but you know if youre in a church and everything.. even though it was terrorists... you might feel just a little spiteful... + Report this comment
Posted by r.e.potter 2008-06-29 19:19:59 .... Not quite sold on this. I agree with Flossy though, it reminded me of the poem Footprints. This kind of tradjedy has become part of our world unfortunately, its expected to happen. But as long as we have religious fanatics, their will never be peace. Its funny, but religion is what creates wars and hatred among people more so then anything else in my opinion. Nothing worse then a religious fanatic. But your story was good, just was to quick. Might have been better if this was more like a poem,,,but then we have that footprints thingy again. + Report this comment
Posted by Pilgrim 2008-06-29 21:37:11 .... It is too bad that many of our experiences usually have or involve negative factors. I never knew what "hot" was until I got burned. It's sad that I recieved a blister, but I am glad I was burned so I knew to stay away from fire. Many people go to church for social reasons, or out of habit, so it's good they get a wake up call to let them know where their faith really stands. Church, spiritually, is not a place a person goes, but a spiritual state that is reached. Same with Buddha, it's not a fat guy but a state of mind. + Report this comment

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