More stories for the heart : over 100 stories to warm your heart

Citation preview

me —

r

/'

fur 1

1

1

Over 100 Stories

to

Warm Your Heart Compiled by Alice Gray

Over ]00 Stories

Wa r m

Yo u

r

to

Heart

Compiled by Alice Gray

Multnomah

Publishers, Inc.

Sisters,

Oregon

This Billy Graham Evangelistic Association special edition

is

published with permission

from Multnomah Publishers, Inc.

©

More Stories for the Heart 1997 by Multnomah Publishers, Inc. Multnomah Gift Books Multnomah Publishers, Inc.

Published by a Division of

Grateful acknowledgment is made to the many authors and publishers for granting permission to reprint their stories. Please see detailed information in the note section, beginning on page 265.

Compiled by Alice Gray Cover photograph: David Bailey Printed in the United States of America.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible: New International Version, 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

©

Also quoted: The King James Version

(kjv).

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced,

stored in a

any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission. retrieval system, or transmitted, in

For information: PUBLISHERS, INC. POST OFFICE BOX 1720

MULTNOMAH SISTERS,

OREGON 97759

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Stories for the Heart/compiled by Alice Gray,

More

p.cm.

ISBN 0'913367'81'8 1.

Christian life-Miscellanea.

BV4515.2.M665

1997

I.

Gray, Alice, 1939-

97-3234

——

To my

who shared their stories To my husband, Al, who read them with me friends

We laughed

and

cried together.

Digitized by the Internet Archive in

2014

https://archive.org/details/nnorestoriesforheOOalic

—

Without the help of friends, this would be a book of empty pages. I

especially

want

to

thank

John Van Diest, Associate Publisher

who

believed in the idea for both

the original Stories for the Heart

and

this

second edition.

Casandra Lindell

who

not only

but added

made

order out of chaos

sparkling touches to

it all.

Nancy Larson and Marilyn McAuley

who

helped and encouraged and brought

me

chocolate.

Karen Jamison

who was my

cheerleader from the beginning.

Nola Bertelson, Faye Brown, Glenda Hotton, Doris Sanford, Joan Sparks, Verna Turner, Tress \4n Diest, and others from across the country

who

shared their treasured

My family who encouraged me

with tender words,

understanding and random deeds of love.

stories.

Stories Enlarge

my

and change me by

heart with a story

the characters

I

meet

Ken Gire

From Windows of the Soul

O

Contents

—

I

COMPASSION COMFORTING hy Charles Swindoll WANT THAT ONE by Charles Stanley HE NEEDED A SON

SIGNIFICANCE byR.C. Sproul INFORMATION PLEASE by Paul Villiard BEETHOVEN'S GIFT by Philip Yancey AT THE WINTER FEEDER by John Leax

LONESOME

MAKE ME LIKE JOE! by Tony Campob LADY, ARE YOU RICH? by Marion Doolan TO MY NEIGHBOR by Mother Teresa A GUY NAMED BILL by Rebecca Manley Pippert, retold by Alice

Gray

AUTUMN DANCE by Robin Jones Gunn TO MY NURSES A SECOND CHANCE by Billy Graham ETERNAL HARMONY by John MacArthur, retold by

Casandra

Lindell

ARE YOU GOD? by Charles Swindoll WORDS MUST WAIT by Ruth Bell Graham

ENCOURAGEMENT THE SECRET by MR. I

—

41

Paul Harvey

ROTH

DON'T BELIEVE A WORD OF IT by Howard Hendricks

A PERFECT POT OF TEA by Roberta Messner ENCOURAGING WORDS by Susan Maycinik THREE LETTERS FROM TEDDY by Elizabeth Silance Ballard THE COMFORT OF A COLD, WET NOSE by Barbara Baumgardner GIVING

AND RECEIVING by Billie Davis

TEACHER DAN by Marilyn McAuley THE MENDER by Ruth Bell Graham

LONG RANGE VISION by Howard Hendricks THE RED COAT by Melody Carlson THE YOUNG WIDOW by Alice Gray MICHAELS STORY BEGINS AT AGE SIX by Charlotte Elmore COME IN TOGETHER by Stu Weber FIRST THINGS

by Tony

VIKTUE

Campolo

— 79

FORGIVENESS THESE THINGS WISH FOR YOU by Paul Harvey WHY I'M A SPORTS MOM by Judy Bodmer TO WHOM SHALL LEAVE MY KINGDOM? I

I

by Donald E.

Wildmon

THE MAGNADOODLE MESSAGE by Liz Curtis Higgs BEAUTY CONTEST by Carla Muir

BOUQUET by David Seamands OLYMPIC GOLD by Catherine Swift A CANDY BAR by Doris Sanford WHAT TO LISTEN FOR by Tim Hansel GOOD TURN by Nola Bertelson BEHIND THE QUICK SKETCH by Joni Eareckson Tada ANDROCLUS AND THE LION by Autus Gellius, retold by

Casandra

GOSSIP

by Billy

Lindell

Graham

THE TOE-TAPPER by Joan Sparks TAKING SIDES by Zig Ziglar THE DRESS by Margaret Jensen

DISTANT RELATIVES

by Carla

Muir

IT'S MORE THAN A JOB by Charles Swindoll A TENDER WARRIOR by Stu Weber

lOVE

—

117

ONENESS THE PENCIL BOX by Doris Sanford SHE'S

MY PRECIOUS by Robertson McQuilkin

THE FINAL BID by Robert Strand SHOOOOPPPING! by Gary Smalley HEIRLOOM by Ann Weems, retold by Alice Gray IT HAPPENED ON THE BROOKLYN SUBWAY by Paul Deutschman

LOVE IS A GRANDPARENT by Erma Bombeck LOVE FROM THE HEART by Chad Miller EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE by ]o Ann Larsen 50 PROMISES FOR MARRIAGE by Steve Stephens THE TREASURE by Alice Gray

THAT LITTLE CHINA CHIP by Bettie B. Youngs THE DANCE by Thelda Bevens FORGET WHAT REALLY MATTERS by Paul Harvey DON'T THE LAST "I LOVE YOU" by Debbi Smoot FAMILY ^153

A MOMENT IN TIME by Matthew Norquist WHEN GROWN KIDS COME TO VISIT by Erma Bombeck RUNNING AWAY by Christopher de Vinck

WHY MY WIFE BOUGHT HANDCUFFS by Philip Gulley TOO BUSY by Ron Mehl WHEN THE MOON DOESN'T SHINE by Ruth Senter FATHER'S DAY: A TRIBUTE by Max Lucado RELEASING THE ARROW by Stu Weber LAUGHTER IN THE WALLS by Bob Benson DAD'S HELPER

by

Ron Mehl

LEGACY OF AN ADOPTED CHILD THE GIFT h^' George Parler PAPA'S

SERMON

ALONE TIME FOR MOM by Crystal Kirgiss

WORDS FOR YOUR FAMILY by Gary Snialley and John Trent GIFT OF LOVE

by James Dobson

A MOTHER'S WAY by Temple Bailey TENDER INTUITION SLIPPERY RISKS

FAMILY VACATIONS

by

Robm Jones Gunn

by Heather

Harpham Kopp

AND OTHER THREATS TO MARRIAGE by Philip Gulley

WHEN GOD CREATED FATHERS by Erma Bombeck

IM — 193 NO BOX by Kenneth Caraway A

LOOKIN' GOOD by Patsy Clmrmont STREET VENIX)R NAMED CONTENTMENT

by

Max Lucado

GROWING ROOTS by PhiUp Gulley PERSPECTIVE

by

Manlyn McAuley

SAVING THE BROKEN PIECES by Robert Schuller TRAIN TO BARCELONA by Jon Senter Stuart SANDCASTLES by Max Lucado THE CRAZY QUILT by Melody Carbon ONE MAN'S JUNK. .ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE by Ron MeU COMMENCE PRAYER by Charles Suindoll SECRET CR.\CKS AND CREVICES by Melody Carlson .

BACK ON COURSE by

REDWOOD CANYON LIFE

Sandy Snavely

Casandra

BEGINS AT

BUS STOP

80

by Patsy Clairmont

Lindell

FAITH

— 227

SEEING

GOD

CINDERELLA by Max Lucado

A NEW PERSPECTIVE by Billy Graham TREASURES

IN

HIDE AND SEEK

HEAVEN

by

Bob Welch

by Brother David SteindlRast,

retold by

Brenrum Manning

THE LAMPLIGHTER by Marilyn McAuley SOFT CRIES by Ruth Bell Graham SPIRITUAL HERO by James Dobson DRIFTING by Tony Evans ONLY GLIMPSES by Alice Gray THE CASTLE OF GOD'S LOVE by Larry Libby A VISION OF FORGIVENESS by Gigi Tchividjian

A MEETING OF THE MINDS by Kevin Keller RUNNING FOR DADDY!

by

Kay Arthur

REAL TREASURE by Robin Jones Gunn CALM IN THE STORM by Ron Mehl A PARABLE OF GOD'S PERSPECTIVE by Robin Jones, retold by

Casandra

Lindell

WORSHIP AND WORRY by Ruth Bell Graham ARE ALL THE CHILDREN IN? MAKING ADJUSTMENTS by Ron Mehl THE ARTIST THE BELLS ARE RINGING by James Dobson HEAVEN

NOTES

— 263

I

COMPASSION

/

15

Want That One Charles Stanley

I

heard a story once about a farmer

He made

for sale. to a post

to the post,

a

little

a sign advertising the pups and nailed

on the edge of

he

felt

who had some puppies

his yard.

As

it

he was nailing the sign

He

a tug on his overalls.

boy with a big grin and something

down

looked

in his

to see

hand.

"Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies."

"Well," said the farmer, "these puppies come from fine par-

and

ents

good deal."

cost a

The boy dropped up

at the

enough

his

head

for a

moment, then looked back

farmer and said, "I've got thirty-nine cents.

to take

Is

that

that he whistled

and

a look?"

"Sure," said the farmer, called out, "Dolly.

and with

Here, Dolly."

Out from

the

doghouse and

down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four litde balls of fur. The litde boy's eyes danced with delight. Then out from the doghouse peeked another little ball; this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid and began hobbling in an unrewarded attempt to catch

up with

The pup was clearly the runt of the litter. The litde boy pressed his face to the fence and want

the others.

cried out, "I

that one," pointing to the runt.

The

farmer knelt

that puppy.

He

will

down and

said,

"Son, you don't want

never be able to run and play with you the

way you would like." With that the boy reached dovm and

slowly pulled

up one

leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running

down both shoe.

sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially

Looking up

too well myself,

at the farmer,

and he

will

he said, "\bu

need someone

who

see,

sir, I

made

don't run

understands."

"

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

16

He Needed a Son Author Unknown nurse escorted a tired, anxious young

The

side of

pered

an elderly man. "Your son

to the patient.

She had

is

man

He

bed-

here," she whis-

to repeat the

times before the patient's eyes opened.

to the

was

words

several

heavily sedated

because of the pain of his heart attack and he dimly saw the

young man standing outside

He

the oxygen tent.

man

reached out his hand and the young

v^apped

his fingers

agement.

The

around

it,

squeezing a message of encour-

nurse brought a chair next to the bedside. All

through the night the young

hand and

tightly

offering

man

sat holding the old

gende words of hope.

The

dying

man's

man

said

nothing as he held tightly to his son.

As dawn

approached, the patient died.

placed on the bed the

lifeless

The young man

hand he had been holding, then

he went to notify the nurse. While the nurse did what was necessary, the

the nurse

young man waited.

began

to offer

But he interrupted

"Who was The

When

words of sympathy

man?" he

"No, he was not my

my

to the

young man.

her.

that

asked.

startled nurse replied, "I

before in

she had finished her task,

thought he was your father."

father," he answered. "I never

saw him

life."

"Then why

didn't you say something

when

I

took you to

him?" asked the nurse.

He or not

I

knew he needed

replied, "I also

just wasn't here.

was

When

his son,

I

I

realized he

his son,

was too

sick to

and tell

knew how much he needed me.

his

son

whether

COMPASSION

17

Significance R. C. Sproul had a

I He

college student

was able

to walk,

and arms would

who was

a victim of cerebral palsy.

but with great difficulty as his legs

fly in all directions,

out of control of the

motor impulses which make walking a normally simple

His speech was

slurred, slow

task.

and agonizing, demanding great

concentration on the part of the listener to understand. There

was nothing wrong with personality

his

mind, however, and

and spontaneous smile were an inspiration

who encountered One day he came to me vexed by

classmates and to

to

all

words

like,

"Oh, God,

wresdes with his problem."

When

I

to his

him. a problem and asked

pray for him. In the course of the prayer,

routine, with

was

his sparkling

I

said something

please help this

opened

my

me

man

as he

eyes the student

quietly weeping. I

"You

asked him what was wrong and he stammered his reply, called

before.

me

a

man

—no one

has ever called

me

a

man

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

18

Information Please PaulVilliard

hen

I

was

quite young,

my

family

telephones in our neighborhood.

I

had one of the

remember

first

well the

polished oak case fastened to the wall on the lower stair landing.

The

shiny receiver

—

even remember the number

hung on

105.

I

the side of the box.

was too

little

I

to reach the

when my mother speak to my father, who

telephone, but used to listen with fascination talked to

Once

it.

was away on

Then

she

me up

lifted

to

business. Magic!

discovered that somewhere inside that wonderful

I

device lived an amazing person

—

her

name was "Information

Please" and there was nothing she did not know. could ask her for anybody's number;

when our

My

mother

clock ran dovm.

Information Please immediately supplied the right time.

My

first

personal experience with this genie-in-the-receiver

came one day while my mother was visiting a neighbor. Amusing myself at the toolbench in the basement, I whacked my finger with a hammer. The pain was terrible, but there didn't seem to be much use crying because there was no one home to walked around the house sucking

offer

sympathy.

bing

finger, finally arriving at the stairway.

Quickly

I

my

ear.

above

my

Climbing up,

throb-

telephone!

unhooked

I

"Information Please,"

I

the receiver

it

and held

to it

said into the mouthpiece just

head.

A click or two,

and a

"Information." "I hurt

came

The

my

ran for the footstool in the parlor and dragged

the landing. to

I

my

fingerrr

readily enough,

—

now

small, clear voice spoke into

"

I

wailed into the phone.

that

I

had an audience.

Reprinted by permission of Reader's Digest.

my

The

ear.

tears

— COMPASSION

"Isn't

19

your mother home?" came the question.

"Nobody's home but me,"

I

blubbered.

"

"Are you bleeding?

"No,"

I

replied. "I hit

it

with the

hammer and

it

hurts."

"Can you open your ice box?" she asked. I said I could. "Then chip off a litde piece of ice and hold it to your finger. That will stop the hurt. Be careful when you use the ice pick," she admonished. "And don't cry. \ou'll be all right." After

that,

called Information Please for everything.

I

asked for help with

my geography and

Philadelphia was, and the Orinoco

going to explore metic, in the

and she

when

told

me

was

there

me where

the romantic river

that a pet

—

—

chipmunk

I

I

my

grew up. She helped me with

I

park just the day before

And

—

she told

was

arith-

had caught him

^would eat fruit and nuts.

the time that Petey, our pet canary, died.

called Information Please

and

I

told her the sad story.

She

I

lis-

tened, then said the usual things grown-ups say to soothe a child.

But

I

was unconsoled:

so beautifully

and bring joy

Why was

to

whole

it

that birds should sing

families, only to

end up as

a heap of feathers feet up, on the bottom of a cage?

She must have sensed my deep concern, "Paul, always

Somehow

remember

now

that there are other worlds to sing in."

felt better.

I

Another day the

for she said quiedy,

I

was

at the telephone. "Information," said

familiar voice.

"How do you

spell fix?"

I

asked.

"Fix something? F-I-X."

At that instant my sister, who took unholy joy in scaring me, jumped off the stairs at me with a banshee shriek "Yaaaaaaaaaa!" the

box by the

I

fell

roots.

off the stool, pulling the receiver out of

We

were both

Please was no longer there, and hurt her

when

I

I

terrified

was not

pulled the receiver out.

— Information

at all sure that

I

hadn't

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

20

Minutes

was a man on

later there

phone repairman.. I was working down reached for the receiver

my

in

hand.

and the opera-

the street

might be some trouble

tor said there

I

the porch. "I'm a tele-

He

number."

at this

"What happened?"

told him.

we can

"Well,

a minute or two."

fix that in

telephone box, exposing a maze of wires and

He

opened the

and fiddled

coils,

end of the receiver cord, tightening things

for a while with the

He

with a small screwdriver.

hook up and down a

jiggled the

few times, then spoke into the phone. "Hi, Everything's under control at 105.

The

this is Pete.

him

kid's sister scared

and he pulled the cord out of the box."

He hung up,

smiled, gave

me

a pat on the head and walked

out the door.

All

this

took place in a small town in the Pacific Northwest.

Then, when to

Boston

I

was nine years

— and

missed

I

old,

we moved

my mentor

across the country

acutely. Information

Please belonged in that old wooden box back home, and

somehow never thought that sat

on a small table

Yet as

grew

I

of trying the

hood conversations never doubt and perplexity I

had when

I

knew

the right answer.

that

I

teens, the really left

would

I

skinny

new phone

in the hall.

my

into

tall,

I

I

memories of those me; often

in

child-

moments of

recall the serene sense of security

could

appreciate

call

Information Please and get

now how

very patient, under-

standing and kind she was to have wasted her time on a

litde

boy.

A few years down

in

nections, sister

later,

Seatde.

and

who

I

I

my way west

had about

spent

lived there

motherhood. Then, dialed

on

1

plane put

half an hour between plane con-

5 minutes or so on the phone with

my

now, happily mellowed by marriage and

really without thinking

my hometown

my

to college,

what

I

was doing,

operator and said, "Information Please."

I

COMPASSION

Miraculously,

heard again the small, clear voice

I

21

knew

I

so

well: "Information."

hadn't planned

I

you

tell

me, please,

but

this,

how

I

heard myself saying, "Could

to spell the

word

Tix'?"

There was a long pause. Then came

the softly spoken

answer. "I guess," said Information Please, "that your finger

must have healed by now." laughed.

I

really

your

how

didn't

often

could

me "if

you.

call

I

I

during

wonder

if

you have any "

all

that time

you know how much you meant

never had any children, and

I

I

used

forward

to look

to

wasn't it?"

calls. Silly,

It

still

to

wonder," she replied,

"I

me?

first

it's

how much you meant

idea

to

"So

seem

silly,

but

I

didn't say so. Instead

had thought of her over

her again

when

I

the years,

came back

and

my

to visit

I

I

told her

asked

if I

sister after the

semester was over.

"Please do. Just ask for Sally."

"Good-bye, Sally."

sounded strange

It

Please to have a name. "If

them

run into any chipmunks,

I'll

tell

and nuts."

to eat fruit

"Do

I

for Information

that," she said.

"And

I

expect one of these days you'll

be off for the Orinoco. Well, good-bye." Just three months later port.

A

I

was back again

at the

different voice answered, "Information,"

SeatUe

and

I

air-

asked

for Sally.

"Are you a friend?" "\es,"

I

said.

"Then I'm

"An

old firiend."

sorry to have to

working part-time

in the last

tell

you. Sally had only been

few years because she was

died five weeks ago." But before

I

ill.

could hang up, she said,

"Wait a minute. Did you say your name was Villiard?" "Yes." "Well, Sally

left

She

a message for you. She wrote

it

down."

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

22

"What was would

I

asked, almost knowing in advance what

be.

"Here

it is,

worlds to sing I

it?"

I'll

in.

read

He'll

it

—

him

'Tell

know what

thanked her and hung up.

I

I

I

still

say there are other

mean.'"

did

know what

Sally meant.

FRAGRANCE Happiness

is

a perfume you cannot pour on others

without getting a few drops on yourself

George Bernard

Shaw

it

COMPASSION

Beethoven

A

23

s Gift Philip Yancey

story

is

told about Beethoven, a

social grace.

Because of

sation difficult

and

man

his deafness,

humiliating.

not

known

for

he found conver-

When

he heard of the

death of a friend's son, Beethoven hurried to the house, over-

come with

grief.

saw a piano

He

in the

had no words of comfort

to offer.

room. For the next half hour he played the

piano, pouring out his emotions in the most eloquent

could.

When

he finished playing, he

remarked that no one

Fm

But he

else's visit

left.

The

had meant so much.

not so concerned you have fallen

but that you

rise.

Abraham Lincoln

way he

friend later

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

24

At

the Winter Feeder John Leax

His feather flame doused by

ice

and

dull

cold,

the cardinal

hunched

into the rough, green feeder

but ate no seed.

Through

binoculars

and

festered

his beak,

I

saw

useless

broken

at the root.

Then

two: one blazing, one gray,

rode the swirling weather into

my vision

and

lighted at his side.

Unhurried, as

if

the patience of

God,

possessing

they cracked sunflowers

and fed him beak

to

wounded beak

choice meats.

Each morning and afternoon the winter long, that

odd

triumvirate,

that trinity of need,

returned and ate their

sacrament

of broken seed.

COMPASSION

25

Lonesome Author Unknown

1904 huddled so close

boy Theeverybody sat

to the

woman

in gray that

sure he belonged to her; so

felt

unconsciously dug his

muddy

when he

shoes into the broadcloth

skirt of his left-hand

neighbor she leaned over and said:

"Pardon me, madam,

will

square himself around?

He

you kindly make your is

soiling

my

skirt

little

boy

muddy

with his

shoes."

The woman

in gray

blushed a

and nudged the boy

little

away.

"My boy?"

"My goodness, he isn't mine." uneasily. He was such a litde fellow

she said.

The boy squirmed

he could not touch his feet to the straight in front of at

like

so he stuck

that

them out

pegs to hang things on, and looked

them deprecatingly.

am

"I

on

him

floor,

sorry

his left. "I

"Oh,

it

it

wall

brush

off."

doesn't matter," she said. Then, as his eyes were

fastened on hers, she added: "Are you going

still

woman

got your dress dirty," he said to the

I

hope

uptown

alone?" "\es, ma'am," he said. "I always go alone.

body

to

go with me. Father

Aunt Clara

wdth

to help

me

and wants

be

and

I

at

is

any-

isn't

dead.

I

live

Aunt Anna ought twice a week, when she

for to

me, so once or

go some place

to get rested up, she

Aunt Anna. I am going up there find Aunt Anna home, but I hope she

over to stay with

now. Sometimes will

There

dead and mother

Brooklyn, but she says

do something

gets tired

sends

in

is

home

I

don't

today, because

it

looks as

if it is

going to rain,

don't like to hang around in the street in the rain."

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

26

The woman and she this

said:

something uncomfortable

felt

"\ou

are a very

little

to

be knocked about

way," rather unsteadily.

"Oh,

I

don't mind," he said. "I never get

lonesome sometimes on the long that

boy

in her throat,

I

think

I

would

like to

I

can make believe that

I

was playing

me, and

I

that

forgot

I

all

I

belonged about

my

and when

trips,

belong

really

to

I

I

But

see

I

get

anybody

scrooge up close to her so

do belong

That

This morning

to her.

to that lady feet.

lost.

is

on the other side of

why

I

got your dress

dirty."

The woman

put her arm around the tiny chap and

"scrooged" him up so close that she almost hurt him, and every other

woman who had

she would not only

would rather he did

him wipe

let it

heard his

artless

confidence looked as

his shoes

on her best gown, but

than not.

MIND AND MEART 'And what

" is

as important as kpowledge?

asked the mind ''Caringy

—

and seeing with

" the hearty

answered the soul

Author Unknown

if

COMPASSION

27

"Make Me Like Joe!" Tony Campolo

was a drunk who was miraculously converted

Joe Bowery mission. Prior

to his conversion,

reputation of being a dirty wino for

at a

he had gained the

whom

was no

there

hope, only a miserable existence in the ghetto. But following his

conversion to a

became

new

life

with God, everything changed. Joe

the most caring person that

anyone associated with the

mission had ever known. Joe spent his days and nights hanging out at the mission, doing whatever needed to be done. There

was never anything

was asked

that he

beneath him. Whether

to

was cleaning up

it

do

that he considered

the vomit

by some

left

violently sick alcoholic or scrubbing toilets after careless

the men's

left

on

room

filthy,

Joe did what was asked wdth a smile

and a seeming gratitude

his face

could be counted on to feed feeble street

and

into the mission,

men who were

One

too out of

evening,

when

it

and

for the

chance

sullen

men

to help.

men who wandered

to undress

and tuck

the director of the mission

down

into

was

bed

the aisle to the altar,

and

deliver-

crowd of

with drooped heads, there was one

looked up, came

He

off the

to take care of themselves.

ing his evening evangelistic message to the usual

and

men

still

man who

knelt to pray,

God to help him to change. The repentant drunk "Oh God! Make me like Joe! Make me like Joe! Make me like Joe! Make me like Joe!"

crying out for

kept shouting,

The

director of the mission leaned over

man, "Son,

I

think

it

would be

better

if

and said

to the

you prayed, 'Make

me

like Jesus.

The man

looked up at the director with a quizzical expres-

sion on his face

and asked,

"Is

he

like

Joe?"

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

28

Lady, Are You Rich? Marion Doolan huddled inside They ragged outgrown

the storm door

— two

children in

coats.

"Any I

old papers, lady?"

was busy.

wanted

I

no

to say

—

until

down at "Come in and

looked

I

Thin little sandals, sopped with sleet. make you a cup of hot cocoa." There was no

their feet. I'll

Their soggy sandals I

Then

my household The silence

looked

went back

I

"Am The

in the front

girl

and

started again

room struck through

me.

to

held the empty cup in her hands, looking at

asked in a I

rich?

girl

flat voice,

Mercy, no!"

"Lady. I

.

I

Her

its

voice

it.

you rich?"

.are

looked at

put her cup back in

cups match your saucers."

my

shabby

saucer

was

—

slip covers.

"\our

carefully.

old, with a

hunger

was not of the stomach.

They left then, wind. They hadn't

holding their bundles of papers against the said thank you.

had done more than

But they matched. Potatoes and

I

room.

moved

—

I

tested the potatoes

let

how very

didn't need

and

to.

They

stirred the gravy.

gravy, a roof over our heads,

my man

with

these things matched, too.

the chairs back from the

The muddy

hearth.

cigain

They

Plain blue pottery cups and saucers.

that.

I

brown

a good steady job

my

to the kitchen

budget

in.

The The boy

that

conversation.

marks upon the hearthstone.

served them cocoa and toast with jam to fortify against the

chill outside.

on

left

fire

and

prints of small sandals

them

be.

rich

am.

I

I

want them there

tidied the living

were

still

in case

I

wet upon ever forget

COMPASSION

To

My Neighbor Mother

One

night a

"There

is

man came

little

finally

I

came

took some food with

to that family,

and went

mother.

rice to the

I

saw

They have not me and went.

the faces of those

There was no sorrow or

deep pain of hunger.

in their faces, just the

gave the

She divided

out, carrying half the rice.

When

the rice in two,

she

came back,

"Where did you go?" She gave me "To my neighbors they are hungry also!"

asked her, answer, ...I

Teresa

our house and told me,

children disfigured by hunger.

sadness I

I

to

a family with eight children.

eaten for days."

When

29

this

I

simple

—

was not surprised

are really very generous.

were hungry.

As

But

a rule,

focused on ourselves

that she gave, because I

was surprised

when we

we have no

Real friends

poor people

that she

are suffering,

time for others.

are those who,

when you 've made a fool of yourself dont feel that you've done a permanent job. Erwin

T

Randall

knew

we

they

are so

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

30

A Guy Named Bill Rebecca Manley Pippert Retold by Alice Gray

1

name

is

holes in

is

has wild

Kinda

esoteric

became a Christian while attending from the campus

is

and wild

down

Bill starts

very, very bright.

college.

Across the

He

street

ministry to the students, but are not

Bill decides to

jeans, his T-shirt,

and

a well-dressed, very conservative church.

They want to develop a sure how to go about it.

and so

wears a T-shirt with

for his entire four years of college.

brilliant.

One day

hair,

jeans and no shoes. This was literally his

it,

wardrobe

He

He

is Bill.

go

there.

hair.

He walks

The

in

with no shoes,

service has already started

The church is By now people are

the aisle looking for a seat.

completely packed and he can't find a seat.

looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anj^hing. Bill gets closer

and

closer

he realizes there are no

seats,

and

closer to the pulpit

he just squats

down

(Although perfectly acceptable behavior

carpet.

and when

right

on the

at a college fel-

lowship, trust me, this had never happened in this church before!) in the air

By now is

About

the people are really uptight,

Now

the deacon

three-piece suit,

is

is

slowly making his

in his eighties,

and a pocket watch.

gant, very dignified, very courtly.

he

starts

selves.

way at the way toward

this time, the minister realizes that fi:*om

back of the church, a deacon Bill.

and the tension

thick.

walking toward

this

He

has silver-gray hair, a

A godly man—very

walks with a cane and as

boy, everyone

You cant blame him for what

ele-

is

saying to them-

he's going to do.

you expect a man of his age and of his background some college kid on the floor?

to

How

can

understand

COMPASSION

It

church

takes a long time for the is

man

to reach the boy.

utterly silent except for the clicking of the

31

The

man's cane.

All eyes are focused on him; you can't even hear anyone breathing.

The

people are thinking, The minister cant even

preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has

And now floor.

With

to Bill

they see this elderly

man drop

great difficulty he lowers himself

his

and

to do.

cane on the

sits

down

next

and worships with him so he won't be alone. Everyone

chokes up with the emotion.

When

the minister gains control he

says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget."

a

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

32

Autumn Dance *

Robin Jones Gunn stood a short distance from her guardian at the park

She

this afternoon,

her distinctive features revealing that

although her body blossomed into young adulthood, her

mind would always remain jumped and Caught up

sifted

I

Time

amber

children ran and

to go.

Mom

tall,

A

did.

still

has

lots to

do

today.

my

My

daughter.

rosy-cheeked

watching with wide-eyed fascination the gyrating girl as

she scooped up leaves

herself with a twirling rain of

With each

the

wild autumn wind spinning

boisterous son and jostled

dance of the Down's syndrome

and showered

fingers.

when

flurries.

my

called to

boy stood

My

in fighting over a shovel, they didn't notice

wind changed. But she leaves into

a child's.

sand through perfect, coordinated

twist

jubilation.

and hop she sang deep, earthy grunts

meant only

canticle of praise

autumn

for the

One whose

—

breath causes

the leaves to tremble from the trees.

Hurry

up. Let's go. Seat belts on?

rearview mirror

And

then the tears come.

are for me. For praises to I

I

start the

In the

ceu*.

I

am

Not

tears of pity for her.

The

far too sophisticated to publicly

tears

shout

Creator.

am whole and

because child

my

I

study her one more time through misty eyes.

I

will never

intelligent

know

and normal, and

the severe

and bids her come dance

in the

mercy

autumn

so

I

weep

that frees such a leaves.

— COMPASSION

33

My Nurses

To

Author Unknown

What do you see, nurse, what do you see? Maybe you are thinking when you look at me:

A crabbed old woman, not very wise. Uncertain of habit with faraway eyes.

Who dribbles When you

her food and makes no reply

say in a loud voice,

do wish you'd try"?

"I

Who seems

not to notice the things that you do

And

forever

Who

resisting or not, lets

is

losing a stocking or shoes.

With bathing and Is

that

you do as you

day

feeding, the long

what you're

thinking,

that

is

at

your bidding, eat

at

to

fill.

what you see?

Then open your eyes, nurse. You're I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so

As I move

will

not looking at me. still.

your

will,

I'm a small child of ten with father and mother.

who

Brothers and

sisters

A young

of sixteen with wings on her feet.

girl

Dreaming

love

one another;

that soon a love she'll meet;

A bride at twenty, my heart gives a leap. Remembering

the

At

now

twenty-five

vows I

Who need me to build

A woman of Bound

At

thirty,

that

my young

my young now grow

fast.

last.

sons have grown up and gone. to see

I

don't mourn.

once more babies play round

Again we know

to keep;

my own

together wdth ties that should

forty,

fifty

promised

a secure, happy home.

But my man's beside me

At

I

have young of

children,

my

my

knee

loved one and me.

MORE STORIES EOR THE

Dark I

my young

And

m

It is

I

thmk

an old her

There But

is

are

and

woman now and make

dead.

young

of their own.

the love that I've

nature

is

known.

cruel.

old age look like a fool.

crumbles, grace and \igor depart.

a stone where

again

remember

my

I

once had a heart.

think of the years,

I

remember

li\ing all

.And accept the stark

girl still

dwells.

life

the pain

over again.

too few. gone too fast,

fact that

So open Not a crabbed old woman, Look closer see mel your eyes, nurse,

—

young

bittered heart swells.

the joys.

.And I'm loMng and I

rearing

all

inside this old carcass a

And now

is

shudder with dread.

I

of the years

jest to

The body

I

upon me. my husband

look to the future.

For

I

da)*? are

HE.\RT

nothing can

open and see

last.

COMPASSION

35

A Second Chance Graham

Billy

eorgia Tech played the University of Cahfornia in the

A

]929 Rose Bowl. In the game a player recovered a fumble, but became confused and ran the wrong way. teammate tackled him just before he would have scored a

touchdown against went

his

into the dressing

coach would

say.

own

team.

room and

At

sat

man

This young

halftime

all

of the players

down, wondering what the sat

by himself; put a towel

over his head, and cried.

When second that the

the team

half, the

was ready

the second. All of the players

He

called

The

field for the

coach stunned the team when he announced

same players who had

young man.

go back onto the

to

started the

left

half

first

the dressing

would

start

room except

this

would not budge. The coach looked back as he

him again, and saw

player said, "Coach,

that his cheeks

can't

I

do

it.

graced the University of California.

I

were wet with

tears.

IVe ruined you. IVe can't face that

dis-

crowd

in

the stadium again."

Then said,

the coach put his

"Get up and go back

hand on

in.

the player's shoulder

The game

is

When think of that story, deep inside coach!" When read the story of Jonah [in the I

I

stories of

give

me

thousands

like

another chance!"

him,

I

say,

"To

and

only half over." I

say,

"What

Bible],

think that

and

a

the

God would

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

36

Harmony

Eternal

John MacArthur Retold by Casandra Lindell

Centuries

ago,

tribal leader

it

was known

was

and wide

far

the greatest in

that a certain

the tribes.

all

\K^en

power was measured by proving superior physical strength, the

most powerful

tribe of all

was

had the

the one that

strongest leader.

But

leader

this tribal

order to help his people

was

known

also

live safely

and

for his

wisdom. In

peacefully, he carefully

put laws into place guiding every aspect of tribal leader enforced those laws

strictly

life.

The

and had long ago acquired a

reputation for uncompromising justice. In spite of the laws, there were problems. to the leader's attention that

He

someone

One

in the tribe

day

was

it

came

stealing.

called the people together.

"You know you

live safely

that the laws are for

and

in

your protection,

to help

peace," he reminded them, his eyes heavy

with sadness because of his love for them. "This stealing must stop.

We

all

have what we need.

The

penalty has been

whip

increased from ten to twenty lashes from the

for the per-

son caught stealing."

But

the thief continued to take things that didn't belong to

him, so the leader called

all

the people together again.

"Please hear me," he pled with them. "This must stop. hurts us

all

and makes us

feel

bad about each

other.

The

It

penalty

has been increased to thirty lashes." Still,

the stealing continued.

The

leader gathered the people

together once more.

"Please, I'm begging you. For your sake, this has to stop.

The

pain

it is

causing

among

us

is

too great.

The

penalty has

COMPASSION

been increased

to forty lashes

from the whip."

The

37

people knew

of their leader's great love for them, but only those closest to

him saw the

single tear

make

its

way

slowly

down

his face as

he

dismissed the gathering. Finally, a

man came

to say the thief

had been caught. The

word had spread. Everyone had gathered to see who it was. single gasp raced through the crowd as the thief emerged

A

between two guards.

The

tribal leader's face fell in

shock and

grief.

The thief was his very own mother, old and frail. What will he do? the people wondered aloud, a hushed murmur fanning out. Would he uphold the law or would his love for his mother v^n over it? The people waited, talking quietly collectively

holding their breath.

Finally their leader spoke.

broke. In litde safety

"My

beloved people." His voice

more than a whisper he continued,

and our peace. There must be

crime has caused

mother forward.

is

too great."

With

One gendy removed

"It

is

for

our

forty lashes; the pain this

his

nod, the guards led his

her robe to expose a bony

and crooked back. The appointed man stepped forward and began

to

At

unwind

the

removed

the whip.

same moment,

his robe as well,

soned and

the leader stepped forward

exposing his broad shoulders, sea-

solid. Tenderly,

he wrapped his arms around his

dear mother, shielding her v^th his

He

own

body.

whispered gently against her cheek as

with hers.

He nodded

and

his tears

blended

once more, and the whip came

down

again and again.

A single moment, yet in harmony.

it

love

and

justice

found an eternal

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

38

Are You God? Charles Swindoll

Shortly

after

World War

picking up the pieces.

II

came

Much

been ravaged by war and was dest sight of

all

was

that of litde

the streets of those war- torn

to

a close, Europe began

of the

Old Country had

in ruins.

Perhaps the sad-

orphaned children starving

in

cities.

Early one chilly morning, an American soldier was making his

way back

to the barracks in

ner in his jeep, he spotted a the

window

dough

fellow

he turned the cor-

The

and walked

was standing. Through

was kneading

The hungry boy

doughnuts.

watching every move.

curb, stopped, got out, tle

As

lad with his nose pressed to

of a pastry shop. Inside, the cook

for a fresh batch of

silence,

London.

little

stared in

soldier pulled his jeep to the

quietly over to

where the

the steamed-up

lit-

window he

could see the mouth-watering morsels as they were being pulled

from the oven, piping hot. slight

The boy

salivated

and released a

groan as he watched the cook place them onto the glass

enclosed counter ever so carefully.

The

soldier's heart

went out

to the

nameless orphan as he

stood beside him.

"Son. .would you .

The boy was "Oh, in

stepped inside and bought a dozen, put

a bag, and walked back to where the lad was standing

in the foggy cold of the

the bag,

As

some of those?"

yeah... I would!"

The American them

like

startled.

London morning. He

and said simply: "Here you he turned to walk away, he

smiled, held out

are." felt

a tug on his coat.

He

looked back and heard the child ask quietly, ''Mister. .are you .

God?''

COMPASSION

39

Words Must Wait Ruth Bell Graham Don't the

talk to

wound

is

me

yet;

fresh,

the nauseous pain I

can't forget

fades into

numbness

hke a wave, then comes again.

\bur But It

tears

grief

I

is

understand, deaf;

cannot hear the words

you gently planned

and

tried to say.

But... pray....

Encouragement

TIE SECRET Someday

I hope to enjoy enough of

success so that secret fall

of

" it? "

somebody

what

will ask

the world calls

''What's the

/ shall say simply this: "/ get

up when I

down.

Paul Harvey

I

ENCOURAGEMENT

43

Mr. Roth Author Unknown

An

old

man showed up

at the

back door of the house we

were renting. Opening the door a few cautious inches,

we saw

his eyes

tened with silver stubble.

were glassy and

He

his

furrowed face

glis-

clutched a wicker basket holding a

He bid us good morning and We were uneasy enough to make a

few unappealing vegetables. offered his produce for sale.

quick purchase to alleviate both our pity and our

To our

fear.

chagrin, he returned the next week, introducing

man who lived in the shack down the subsided, we got close enough to realize that

himself as Mr. Roth, the road. it

As

our fears

On

wasn't alcohol, but cataracts, that marbleized his eyes.

subsequent

visits,

right shoes,

and

he would shuffle

in,

pull out a harmonica.

wearing two mismatched

With glazed

eyes set on

a future glory, he'd puff out old gospel tunes between conversations

about vegetables and religion.

On out of

one

my

clothing

visit,

shack

on

my

he exclaimed,

this

"The Lord

is

morning and found a bag

so good! full

I

came

of shoes and

porch."

"That's wonderful, Mr. Roth,"

we

said.

"We're happy

for

you.

"Ybu know what's even more wonderful?" he asked. yesterday I met some people that could use them."

"Just

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

44

Dont Believe

/

a Word of It Howard Hendricks

T]\

y the

1-*^

fifth

grade,

-AJ/

I

was bearing

all

the

firuit

unloved, and pretty angry at

feels insecure,

of a kid life.

who

In other

was tearing the place apart. However, my teacher Miss Simon apparently thought that I was blind to this words,

I

problem, because she regularly reminded me, "Howard, you are the worst behaved child in this school!"

So

me something

tell

myself, as

I

proceeded

I

dont already know! I thought to up (or down) to her opinion of

to live

me....

Needless of

my

left

to say, the fifth

Finally

life.

grade was probably the worst year

was graduated

I

—

But

for obvious reasons.

with Miss Simon's words ringing in

my

I

"Howard, you

ears:

are the worst behaved child in this school!"

\ou can imagine what my

The

the sixth grade.

went down the her to

list

where

to

I

day of

first

roll call,

my name. "Howard

and

sitting

go into action. She looked

I

I

you, that

my

in

assignments.

She gave me

me

Miss Noe,

little

folded, just waiting

Then

she smiled and added,

a fundamental turning point,

in

potential in me.

in after school to

challenged I

moment was

my arms

education, but in

someone believed

someone saw

teacher.

over for a moment, and then

word of it!"

unexpectedly,

come

me

don't believe a

not only

life,

v^th

about you."

tell

my

wasn't long before she came to

lot

said, "I've

"But

it

class,

upon entering

Hendricks," she called out, glancing from

was

heard a

expectations were

my

life.

me. For the

first

Suddenly,

Miss Noe put me on

jobs to do.

She

work on my reading and

my

time in

invited

special

me

to

She

arithmetic.

with higher standards.

had a hard time

letting

her down. In

fact,

one time

I

got

ENCOURAGEMENT

45

homework assignments that I stayed morning working on it! Eventually my

so involved in one of her

up

until 1:30 in the

father

came down

Are you

the hall

and

sick?

"No, I'm doing my homework,"

He

"What's the matter son?

said,

I

replied.

kind of blinked and rubbed his eyes, not quite sure

whether he was awake. He'd never heard

me

say anything like

that before....

What made the difference between fifth grade and sixth? The fact that someone was willing to give me a chance. Someone was willing to believe in me while challenging me with higher expectations. antee that

I

it

risky,

would honor Miss Noe's

Everyone

when

That was

likes the

yields a

because there was no guartrust.

end product of mentoring, especially

peak performer

—

the star athlete, the successful

businessperson, the brilliant lawyer, the impressive communicator.

But how many of us want

fi'ont

end of the process?

to deal with the

person at the

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

46

A Perfect Pot of Tea Roberta Messner

An

way

hunters shoved their

The

temperature didn't deter a single one, sale find of the

The this for

pursuit of the estate

summer.

lady conducting the sale, a long-time acquaintance, as

we watched

morning scavengers. "How's

the early

bedlam?" she chuckled. than an hour,"

at the airport in less

when

And

sweltering 90-degree

all in

smiled in agreement. "I shouldn't even be here.

I

be

huge hving room of

into the

the old Withers' homestead.

nodded

200 diehard bargain

impatient crowd of nearly

I

was a

teenager,

I

Hillary Withers was

"Then run and check are plenty of old cosmetics

Quickly,

climbed the

I

my

have

to

"But

favorite customer."

out the attic," she suggested. "There

up

there."

squeezed through the ever-growing throng and

woman

loaded with yellowed bags of

popped

I

her.

sold cosmetics in this neighborhood.

The

stairs to the third floor.

except for a petite elderly

"What

admitted to

I

brings you

all

was deserted

presiding over several tables

all sizes.

the

the stopper out of a

attic

way up here?" perfume

bottle.

up here except old Avon, Tupperware, and

she asked as she

"There's nothing

Fuller

Brush prod-

ucts." I

drew

in a long, cautious breath.

grance of "Here's

My

The

unmistakable

fra-

Heart" perfume transported me back

20 years. "Why, this is my own handwriting!"

nearly

fell

upon an

I

exclaimed as

invoice stapled to one of the bags.

sack held more than a hundred colognes. This

had been

my very

dollars' first

my

eyes

The untouched

worth of creams and

sale to

Mrs. Withers.

ENCOURAGEMENT

On

that long-ago

Hned avenue

I

I'd

canvassed the wide,

for nearly four hours, but not

me

house had invited house,

June day,

As

inside.

47

I

tree-

one lady-of-the-

rang the bell at the

last

braced myself for the now-familiar rejection.

Ma'am, I'm your new Avon representative," I stammered, when the carved-oak door swung open. "I have "Hello,

some

great products I'd like to

found the courage

someday

wear

I'd

me

"Why, Roberta,

my

unzipped

I

dear,

dreaming that

two months before,

come

come and one

in,"

in,

Mrs. Withers'

things. I'm so glad

me." eased myself onto the spotless white sofa and

tweed satchel

brochure, suddenly

I

filled

When

could buy.

five dollars

it

with the most beautiful cards.

voice sang out. "I need a million

Gingerly,

realized

I

a distant city to have brain surgery, Mrs.

Withers had showered

to see

hats,

stylish clothes, too. Just

I'd traveled to

you came

eyes finally

the bubbly, matronly soprano in our church

admired her lovely dresses and

choir. I'd

when

doorway,

to face the lady in the

was Mrs. Withers,

When my

show you."

felt like

I

v^th

the cosmetic samples

all

handed Mrs. Withers a

sales

the most important girl in the

world.

"Mrs. Withers, we have two types of creams, one

and another

skin tones

found confidence.

"Oh

for sallow skin,"

"And

I

for

ruddy

explained with new-

they're great for wrinkles, too."

good, good," she chirped.

"Which one would you v^g hiding

"Oh,

my I'll

I

asked, adjusting the

stubbly surgery-scarred scalp.

"Here, try it

try?"

surely need one of each," she answered.

what do you have you place

like to

in the

way

this one,

"And

of fragrances?"

Mrs. Withers. They recommend that

on the pulse point

for the best effect,"

I

instructed,

pointing to her diamond-and-gold clad wrist.

"Why, Roberta,

you're so knowledgeable about

all

of

this.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

48

You must have

woman you "\ou

I

an intelHgent young

arel"

really think so,

"Oh,

What

studied for days.

know

Mrs. Withers?"

And

so.

just

what do you plan

do with

to

your earnings?" "I'm saving for college to be a registered nurse," surprised at

my own

my mother

buying

travel

on the

a cardigan sweater for her birthday. She

me

always goes with train,

for

my

item

I

when we

medical treatments, and

a sweater would be nice for her."

Now

"Wonderful, Roberta, and so considerate.

you have

replied,

I

words. "But today, I'm thinking more of

in the gift line?"

what do

she asked, requesting two of each

recommended.

Her order so

extravagant order totaled $1

much?

I

1

7.42.

Had

she meant to

wondered. But she smiled back and

be looking forward

to receiving

my

said, "I'll

Did you

delivery, Roberta.

say next Tuesday?" I

was preparing

look absolutely famished.

go?

At I

our house,

we

when Mrs. Withers said, "\bu Would you like some tea before you

to leave

"

think of tea as 'liquid sunshine.

nodded, then followed Mrs. Withers

kitchen, filled with

all

manner of

curiosities.

bound, as she orchestrated a tea party

—

movies

just for

water, brought

it

me. She carefully

—

to I

^like

her pristine

watched,

spell-

I'd seen in the

filled the tea kettle

with cold

to a "true" boil, then let the tea leaves steep

for exactly five long minutes.

"So

the flavor will blossom," she

explained.

Then

she arranged a silver tray with a delicate china tea

set,

a chintz tea cozy, tempting strawberry scones, and other small splendors.

At home, we

but never had

I

felt like

sometimes drank iced tea

a princess invited to afternoon

"Excuse me, Mrs. Withers, but fix

tea?"

I

in jelly glasses,

asked. "At home,

we

isn't there

use tea bags."

tea.

a faster

way

to

ENCOURAGEMENT

Mrs. Withers wrapped her arm around "There are some

my

49

shoulder.

things in Hfe that shouldn't be hurried," she

confided. "I've learned that brewing a proper pot of tea like living

worth

a proper

life.

It

takes extra effort, but

it's

a

is

lot

always

it.

"Take you,

for instance, with all of

your health problems.

you're steeped with determination and ambition, just like

Why,

a perfect pot of tea.

but not you.

Many

people in your shoes would give up,

You can accomplish anything you

set

your mind

to,

Roberta."

my journey

Abruptly,

the hot, sticky attic asked,

in time

ended when the lady

fi*om

my

once sold her some of these cosmetics. But

why

in

"\ou knew Hillary Withers, too?"

wiped a stream of perspiration

I

I

back

forehead. "\es... I

can't understand

she never used them or gave them away."

"She did

give a lot of

them away," the lady replied matter-

"But somehow, some of them got missed and ended

of-factly.

up here."

"But why did she buy them and not use them?"

"Oh, she purchased a

own

use."

had a

The

special

So

I

share

brand of cosmetics

She used

to tell

me,

them money, but money alone doesn't buy

my

them a love

for her

her heart for door-to-door salespeople.

soft spot in

give

asked.

lady spoke in a confidential whisper. "Hillary

never turned any of them away. just give

I

little

of

my

She

could

self-respect.

money, lend a listening

and prayers. You never know how

*I

ear,

and

far a litUe

encouragement can take someone.'" I

paused, remembering

how my

cosmetic sales had soared

Mrs. Withers. I bought my mother the new my commission on the sale, and I still had enough my college fund. I even went on to win several dis-

after I'd first visited

sweater fi-om

money for trict and national

cosmetics-sales awards. Eventually,

myself through college with

my own

I

earnings and realized

put

my

— MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

50

dream of becoming a ter's

I

registered nurse. Later,

I

earned a mas-

degree and a Ph.D.

"Mrs. Withers

really cared for all of these

people?"

I

asked, pointing to the dozens of time-worn delivery bags on the table.

"Oh,

yes," she assured me.

my

paid the cashier for

purchases

Mrs. Withers, and a

I'd sold to

tiny,

I

headed

When

— I

wore around

my

to the speaker's

podium and scanned

health-care specialists from

all

neck.

was

I

I

my

found

the sea of faces

over the country. Suddenly,

on that long-ago day, peddling cosmetics

as insecure as

I

New \brk.

arrived in the elegant hotel ballroom,

I

slight-

the sack of cosmetics

for the airport; later that afternoon

addressing a medical convention in

way

without the

heart-shaped gold locket.

threaded the locket onto the gold chain

Then

it

anyone would ever know."

est desire that I

"She did

I

felt

in that

unfamiliar, affluent neighborhood.

my mind

Can

I

My

trembling fingers reached upward to the locket.

do

it?

questioned.

opened, revealing a picture of Mrs. Withers inside. heard her

soft

me

to

It

again

but emphatic words: "\ou can accomplish any-

thing you set your

"Good

I

mind

afternoon,"

to, I

Roberta."

began

slowly.

"Thank you

speak about putting the care back

often said that nursing

is

love

made

visible.

in health care. It's

But

this

learned an unexpected lesson about the power

The

expressed in secret.

but for the good

it

for inviting

morning

I

of quiet love

kind of love expressed not for show,

can do

in the lives of others.

Some

of our

most important acts of love often go unnoticed. Until they've

had some time

to steep

Then

my

Much think,

to

I

told

my

it all

—

for their flavor to blossom."

colleagues the story of Hillary Withers.

surprise, there

was thunderous applause.

began with a perfect pot of

tea!

And

to

ENCOURAGEMENT

51

Encouraging Words Susan Maycinik

Could My

I

speak

friend's

Our

to the

manager?"

sudden query

to

our waitress startled me.

dinner at a popular pizza restaurant had seemed

uneventful,

and

I

wondered what Eileen was up

The manager appeared at "What can I do for you?" she

to.

our table a few minutes asked hesitantly, as

if

later.

she were

expecting yet another reprimand from an angry customer.

wanted you

"I just really

know

to

that our waitress tonight has

been exceptional," Eileen began.

Then

our server had done that impressed

eral things

she described sevher.

—

The manager was obviously relieved and delighted. So was the waitress, who was standing nearby. The four of us laughed and chatted for a few minutes. Eileen had made the day of two hard-working women... and sion

on me of the power of

When we ones we'd

left

an indelible impres-

positive words.

think about our words,

like to retrieve. Fortunately,

it's

easy to focus on the

however, there are certain

phrases that are aJmost eJways the right thing to say

—

communicate love and encouragement. Here are a few:

"Y)u do

"May

I

that really well."

pray for you right now?"

"How are you, "What you "I

really?"

said helped me."

was wrong."

"Thanks

"Have

I

for leading/serving."

offended you?"

"I appreciate the

."

way you

"What can do to help?" "Tell me about your day, job, I

kids. ..."

^words that

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

52

"Please forgive me." "I

love you."

still

"God

big enough to

is

"I'm proud of you."

"\buVe

really

growing."

"Please come over for dinner." "I

missed you."

"I'm so happy for you." "I

prayed for you today."

"That must be very "I'll

In short,

bet they

difficult."

be glad to!" if

there are v^ords you'd like to hear,

would encourage

it's

a good

others, too.

!

GOD'S PLANS "For /

Lord,

k^ow

the plans I

''plans to prosper

plans to give you hope

have for you,

you and not

You

will seek " with all your heart.

to

harm you,

and a future. Then you

upon me and come and pray you.

" declares the

to

me, and I will

will call listen to

and find me when you seek

Jeremiah

29:1 1-13

ENCOURAGEMENT

53

Three Letters From Teddy Elizabeth Silance Ballard letter

Teddy's place

it

my cedar to my life.

in

important "I

wanted you

smiled as

I

came today and now

to

be the

I

I

first to

will

know."

had no

my

heart

right to feel.

have not seen Teddy Stallard since he was a student in grade class

fifth

I

it,

chest with the other things that are

read the words he had written and

I

swelled with a pride that I

that I've read

was

fifteen years ago. It

early in

my

career,

my and

had only been teaching for two years.

From

the

day he stepped

first

my

into

classroom,

I

disliked

Teddy. Teachers (although everyone knows differently) are not

supposed they not to

to

have favorites

show

in

a class, but most especially are

dislike for a child,

any

child.

Nevertheless, every year there are one or two children that

one cannot help but be attached it

human

is

to, for

teachers are

human, and

nature to like bright, pretty, intelligent people,

And

whether they are ten years old or twenty-five.

sometimes,

not too often, fortunately, there will be one or two students to

whom I

the teacher just can't

seem

my personal my life. There

had thought myself quite capable of handling

feelings along that line until

wasn't a child

I

He

was

Teddy walked

I

dirty.

hung low over

was fashionable I

to

Teddy was most

disliked.

Not

just occasionally, but all the time.

his ears,

and he

actually

of his eyes as he wrote papers in class.

him which

into

particularly liked that year, but

assuredly the one

hair

to relate.

do

so!)

(And

had this

to

hold

it

His out

was before

it

Too, he had a peculiar odor about

could never identify.

His physical

faults

were many, and

his intellect left a lot to

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

54

be desired,

By

also.

week I knew he was Not only was he behind; he was withdraw firom him immediately.

end of the

the

first

hopelessly behind the others. just plain slow!

Any

I

began

teacher will

teach a bright child.

to

It is

the bright child, keeping

it's

definitely

But any teacher worth her

ego.

more of a pleasure to more rewarding for one's

you that

tell

credentials can channel

him challenged and

Most

this.

In fact,

teachers

do

it,

but

my

concentrated on

I

I

follow along as best they could.

came

to

teacher can

didn't, not that year.

best students

Ashamed

took perverse pleasure in using

to

learning, while

Any

she puts her major effort on the slower ones.

do

work

my

as

and

let

am

to

I

^

the others

admit

it,

I

red pen; and each time

I

Teddy's paper, the cross marks (and there were many)

were always a

little

"Poor work!"

While

I

larger

I

and a

little

redder than necessary.

would write with a

flourish.

did not actually ridicule the boy,

!

my

attitude

was

obviously quite apparent to the class, for he quickly became the class "goat," the outcast: the unlovable

He knew

I

and the unloved.

didn't like him, but he didn't

—

know why. Nor

—

then or now why I felt such an intense dislike for know is that he was a little boy no one cared about, and I made no effort on his behalf. The days rolled by. We made it through the Fall Festival did

I

know

him. All

and

I

the Thanksgiving holidays,

my red pen. As the Christmas

and

I

continued marking happily

with

holidays approached,

I

knew

that

Teddy

I

would never catch up in time to be promoted to the sixth grade level.

He would

To

justify myself,

to time.

grade

mind

be a repeater.

He

I

went

to his cumulative folder

had very low grades

failure.

How

he had made

for the it,

I

first

from time

four years, but no

didn't know.

closed

my

attitude,

but

I

to the personal remarks.

First grade:

Teddy shows promise by work and

|

ENCOURAGEMENT

has poor

home

situation.

55

Second grade: Teddy could do better. receives litde help at home. Third

He

Mother terminally Teddy is a pleasant boy. Helpful, but too serious. Slow learner. Mother passed away end of the year. Fourth grade: ill.

grade:

Vfery slow, but well behaved. Father

shows no

interest.

Well, they had passed him four times, but he will certainly repeat

grade!

Do

him good!

then the

last

day before the holiday

fifth

And

I

said to myself. arrived.

Our

litde

on the reading table sported paper and popcorn chains.

tree

Many

were heaped underneath, waiting

gifts

for the big

moment. Teachers always get several that year

Christmas, but mine

gifts at

seemed bigger and more elaborate than

There

ever.

was not a student who had not brought me one. Each unwrapping brought squeals of delight, and the proud giver would receive effusive thank-yous.

His

gift

wasn't the

middle of the

pile. Its

last

one

I

picked up; in fact

it

was

in the

wrapping was a brown paper bag, and he

had colored Christmas

trees

and red

bells all over

was

It

it.

stuck together with masking tape.

"For Miss Thompson, from Teddy

The group was

'

As my

the I

all

last bit

I

felt

me

first

of masking tape, two items

gaudy rhinestone bracelet with

ing and a small bottle of dime-store cologne I

time

stood watching

gift.

removed the

desk: a

read.

completely silent and for the

conspicuous, embarrassed because they

unwrap

it

fell

to

several stones miss-

—

half empty.

could hear the snickers and whispers, and

wasn't sure

I

I

could look at Teddy. "Isn't this lovely?"

I

asked, placing the bracelet on

wnst. "Teddy, would you help

He wrist for

me

smiled shyly as he fixed the clasp, and all

of them to admire.

my

fasten it?" I

held

up my

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

56

There were a few behind I

ears, all the

and

ahh's, but as

little girls

continued to open ate

The

gifts until

I

for a

dab

bell rang.

children filed out with shouts of "See you next year!"

When

they had

and books

"\ou

at his desk.

he walked up to me, clutching his

all left,

to his chest.

smell just like

my mom,"

he said

He

left

quickly.

I

locked the door, sat

—a teacher who

worked

together.

at

my

desk,

and

had deliberately

cared.

stayed every afternoon with

Christmas holidays

I

bracelet

it."

down

wept, resolving to make up to Teddy what deprived him of

"Her

softly.

looks real pretty on you too. I'm glad you liked

I

dabbed

reached the bottom of the

our refreshments, and the

and "Merry Christmas!" but Teddy waited

gift

I

up

lined

their ears.

We

pile.

hesitant ooh's

my

the cologne behind

until the last

Teddy from

the end of

day of school. Sometimes we

Sometimes he worked alone while

drew up

I

lesson plans or graded papers.

Slowly but surely he caught up with the

rest of the class. In

averages were among the highest in the class, and knew he would be moving out of the state when was out, I was not worried for him. Teddy had reached a

fact, his final

although school

level that

I

would stand him

matter where he went.

and

as

we were

in

He

good stead the following

had enjoyed a measure of

year,

no

success,

taught in our teacher training courses, "Success

builds success." I

did not hear from Teddy until seven years

first letter

appeared

in

my

later,

when

his

mailbox.

Dear Miss Thompson. I just

wanted you

ating second in

my

to

class next

be the first to k.now, I will he gradu-

month. Very Truly Yours,

Teddy Stallard

ENCOURAGEMENT

57

him a card of congratulations and a small package, a pen and pencil gift set. I wondered what he would do after I

sent

graduation.

Four years

later,

Teddy 's second

Dear Miss Thompson, I wanted you to be the first he graduating first in but I liked

my

to

letter

came.

know. I was just informed

The

class.

that Vll

university has not been easy,

it.

Very Truly Yours,

Teddy Stallard I

links

sent

him a good pair of

and a card, so proud of him

And now today

monogrammed

sterling silver

—Teddy's

cuff

could burst!

I

third letter.

Dear Miss Thompson, I

wanted you

Theodore Stallard,

Vm wanted

to

going

be the

to

first to

MD. How about to

know. As of today I

am

that!!??

be married in July, the 27th, to be exact. I

ask if you could come and

sit

where

she were here. Til have no family there as

Mom

would

sit if

Dad died last year. Very Truly Yours,

Teddy Stallard I'm not sure what kind of pletion of medical school

and take a wedding

Dear

gift,

and

gift

one sends

state boards.

to

a doctor on com-

Maybe

I'll

just wait

but a note can't wait.

Ted,

Congratulations! You In spite of those like

me and

made

it,

and you did

it

yourself!!

not because of us, this day has

for you.

Cod bless

you. Til be at the wedding with

bells

on!

come

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

58

The Comfort of a Cold, Wet Nose Barbara Baumgardner

I

hadn't even wanted the dog in the insisted

get

I

him

to replace the

Soon, he was "my dog," a not asking for any more than

warm

meal, a kind word, a

was

I

place!

My

had died

that

and

fi-iend

husband recently.

companion;

faithful

willing to give

—

a daily

bed.

But not my bed!

No

The

my husband

night after

first

dog

dogs allowed on died,

I

my bed. lay there, staring into

my pillow soppy wet with the unending flow of The bed seemed so big all by myself and I was wonderhow long it takes for a good case of "loneliness" to heal

the darkness, tears.

ing

when at

first felt it

I

move.

a very slow pace into

solidified jelly-like

before

I

was cold and clammy and creeping

It

my open hand

outside the covers.

mass was followed by prickly

hairs

The

and

just

screamed, a muffled but familiar whine came from the

creature that

was

forcing

its

cold,

wet nose into

my

trembling

hand.

"Oh, Shawn! What arms around

In the days

dog

I

warm ing,

you doing on

are

his thick hairy

and months

hadn't wanted was a fuzzy on

my bed

to follow, gift

to

get out of the house. Tvice, he control, as

if

I

my

threw

I

came

to realize that this

of love from

He

God.

was a

every night; a companion always will-

wagging, and available

and out of

my bed?"

neck and hugged and hugged.

to

go for a walk when

snapped

reprimand

at

me

me

to

as

I

I

needed

to

wailed loudly

be strong and of

good courage.

Shawn giveness.

taught

me

all

That crazy dog

learned to be a

warm

about love and acceptance and loves

me

just as

fuzzy to those around

I

am.

And

me who

for-

so IVe

are hurting

ENCOURAGEMENT

and

to

approach them

my dog

curled

up by

case I'm needed. alone,

and

I

gently, loving

the

thank

warm

God

them

fire, I

just as they are.

just

want

to

for providing a firiend

for the comfort of a cold,

59

Like

be there

when

I

wet nose.

ANDTMISJOO... // is

said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise

to invent

him a sentence,

and which should be and

to

true

and appropriate

in all times

situations.

They presented him away.

How

the words: ''And this, too, shall pass

"

much

—

it

expresses!

How

chastening in the hour of

pride

how

men

be ever in view,

consoling in the depth of affliction!

Abraham

Lincoln

in

felt

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

60

Giving and Receiving Billie

A the

made

public school teacher

in

me

to a clinic; she took

one day

She

my

me

bought glasses

at school she I

can't

a story:

gave

pay

were paid

"When

me. She said

for

by getting glasses

for

to

I

oculist,

was so intrigued

me

for

the glasses.

them,"

I

said,

embar-

for before

I

was a

child, a

neighbor

should pay for them someday

some other

So, you see, the

little girl.

you were born."

the teacher said the

had ever said

I

own

family's poverty.

told

Then

held

did not realize exactly what had hap-

I

them.

"I can't take

rassed by

her

to

not as a charity case but as a friend. Indeed,

until

I

reading class and arranged for an eye examination.

with the activity that

other

complex

way

Evidently she noticed something about the

She did not send me

glasses

the

ideas of giving and receiving.

book

pened

me

clear to

Davis

most welcome words that anyone

me: "Someday you

will

buy

glasses for

some

little girl."

She saw me believed

accepted

I

as a giver.

She made me

might have something

me

as a

member

to offer to

of the

same world she

walked out of that room, clutching the of charity, but as a trusted courier.

responsible.

someone

else.

She She

lived in.

I

glasses, not as a recipient

ENCOURAGEMENT

Teacher

61

Dan Marilyn McAuley

Dan!" chorus a roomful of preschoolers.

teacher

Mi,Dan nature. its

a grandfatherly figure with his silver hair, a

is

and blue eyes

round smiling

face,

He

greets the children.

smiles

and

their school briefly

He

on

his

way

to

that reveal a gentle

Twice a week he

another classroom.

walks through the garage-turned-preschool into the

house and

down

He

the hall.

room without blackboards or

stops at an brightly

open door.

trimmed

There are no rows of desks and no school spare

bedroom with a

two chairs, and a

large

It's

a class-

bulletin boards.

bell. Instead, it's

a

computer desk, a new computer,

sofa.

His student, Jason,

wavy

vis-

is

seated at his computer.

The dark

body impersonates the Long fingers pound an imagi-

hair bounces as Jason's whole

gyrations of a favorite rock

nary piano as he

Dan

star.

listens to his

music.

waits.

Jason

is

Many would

a neat kid.

say

life

hasn't been fair to

him. For most of his eighteen years, Jason has been afflicted with seizures.

and

As

puberty

his

must be tutored

intensity that he

slow and measured.

set in, they increased so in firequency

He

thoughts into words

at

home. His speech

is

walks unsteadily. His ability to move is

slowed by the ailment gripping his

brain.

A retired

special education teacher,

days a week tutoring Jason,

and

taller

and

He

is

now

still

spends two

a junior in high school

than his six-foot teacher. Jason's strong angular jaw

line firames

jokes.

who

Dan

a handsome face. He's a tease and enjoys telling

also has a clear understanding of right

his faith in

God

is

strong.

and wrong,

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

62

Jason's movements are a bit jerky as he turns to see Dan.

They both

have* an

unspoken hope that Jason

will get

through

the ninety-minute class without a seizure. In his deep, quiet voice he greets his teacher. "Hi, D-an."

"How are you "Gr-eat.

doing today?"

Dan

asks.

mi-ss-ed you la-st ti-me.

I

Tm

g-lad you are w-ell

now." "I

would rather have been here than home nursing a cold."

"C-olds are a-ppall-ing." "Great, Jason. lary words.

Tm

think 'appalling'

I

Jason grinned. "I "Well, shall

As

glad to see you are using your vocabu-

we

one of your

is

like a-ppall-ing."

get started?"

any teenager would do, Jason

kn-ow they

favorites, isn't it?"

are-n't ma-k-ing ba-na-nas

"Aw Jason, what do

stalls for time.

"Did you

any long-er?"

you mean they aren't making bananas

—why not?"

any longer

Jason laughs and slaps the e-nough."

He

table. "Be-cau-se, they are 1-ong

grabs his small towel and v^pes a drool from his

mouth. His eyes are bright as he watches

"\bu did

it

again, Jason.

I

so proud of Jason being able to

Dan

enjoy the joke.

really fell for that one." tell

Dan

is

and get the punch

the joke

line right.

After reviewing current events, Jason must write three

ments about

their discussion.

Time

state-

passes... five minutes... ten.

Nothing happens.

Dan

waits.

Looking

at Jason's

bowed head he

thinking about what you want to write?" raises his

head and looks

says, "Jason, are

He

at the keyboard.

Slowly he begins a

word. After twenty-five minutes, he has typed tences.

Not compound

ten words.

sentences

—

you

doesn't answer but

just simple

his three sen-

ones of

five to

ENCOURAGEMENT

Dan

listens as

Jason reads them back

to

They

him.

about the changes that could be made. Jason doesn't

make

errors.

just takes

He

tries

him time

Only one word

is

be perfect. His mind

so hard to

talk

like to

is alert, it

thoughts and words together.

to pull his

They

corrected.

63

give a high-five.

It's

a good

day.

"Let's look at your homework."

"Ho-me-wor-k

is

a-ppall-ing!"

"I think you've got that

word down

After lessons, Jason gets

to pick

perfect."

an educational computer

challenge Dan. Again, Jason wins.

game to "D-an, you h-ave bee-n tea-ching me

for al-mo-st

two

yea-rs."

This

is

into Jason's ers

significant for Jason. life

—something

come and go

The

in

one

he needed

for

picks

up

having four teach-

Dan

asks,

"What

is

your home-

Thursday?"

"A-ppall-ing math."

Dan

has brought solidarity after

year.

ninety minutes are up.

work assignment

Dan

They

laugh.

his briefcase

and Jason follows him

to the

door.

see

"I'll

you Thursday."

"B-ye D-an." Jason stands at the door and waves.

Dan

enjoys his time v^th

because he's treated with dignity and respect.

Dan

puts the briefcase in the back seat.

around, Jason

dampens

is

— broken jaw—

"Take

it

he turns

coming toward him. The cold misty

slow

don't

Dan

fall."

rain

cautions with deliberate calm.

Jason has just healed from surgery

the result of a

Jason keeps coming so

He

As

his T-shirt.

"Jason, be careful,"

for a

He

Dan

throws his arms around

fall.

walks toward him.

Dan and

gives

him a big hug.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

64

Jason has never shown such deep feeHngs.

Dan

and gently guides him back

Heading back

car

Dan

hears, "1 1-ove you,

Teacher

Dan

eyes. If Jason

becoming a

to the house.

returns the

hug

to the

D-an!"

drives away. Tears moisten the corners of his

had been

his only student,

teacher.

Faith

is...

Remembering I

am

God's

priceless treasure

when

I feel

utterly worthless.

Pamela Reeve

it

was well worth

ENCOURAGEMENT

65

The Mender Ruth Bell Graham e

had

built for himself a great

Caribbean

islands.

It is

house on one of the

a thing to behold. Tall rusty

JJ_J_L iron columns, collected and resurrected with an ingenious

homemade

device.

This Great House

is

a masterpiece of

salvaged materials.

A collector and seller of scrap metal as was

also fascinated with broken bits

from

his front yard.

remarked

it

was

His

the

friends,

first

and pieces of china dug

time they had heard of a yard sale

glued the pieces together.

Few

itself.

ever

remained simply a collection of one I

antiques, he

John and June Cash, laughingly

where the man had sold the yard

When

w^ell as

Carefully he fitted and

came out whole. They

who

cared.

expressed interest, he gave

—

plate, carefully glued together

me

a blue-and-white

pieces missing.

"You remind me of God," I said. By the look on knew I shocked him, and I hurriedly explained.

"God is

pieces back broken lives lovingly.

irretrievably lost.

restores us."

But

still

He

his face,

I

Sometimes a piece

gathers what

He

can and

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

66

Long Range

Vision Howard Hendricks

As

a boy

I

loved to

wander over

a nearby park and

to

watch the older men play checkers.

them

me

invited

to play.

At

day one of

looked easy.

first it

tured one, then another of his checkers.

One

But

I

cap-

then, suddenly, he

took one checker and hopped and skipped right across the

board

border and yelled, "King me!" With that king, he

to the

proceeded

wipe me

to

That day

I

off the board.

learned about long-range vision.

losing a few checkers

if

he's

headed

men who have grown

one minds

for king territory.

There are no hopeless situations only

No

in

life...

hopeless about them.

A Barclay Comment

ENCOURAGEMENT

67

The Red Coat Melody Carlson

The

colors of the quilt squares

and

triangles are

poured

across her lap like jewels. Patches of golds, greens, reds.

and

and

She runs her hand over a block of garnet-red wool,

smiles. That's exactly the color of faith.

* * * It

was a cold windy

day, with winter nipping at the heels of

fall.

She picked up Abby from grade school and they rode the city bus downtown. Abby was bundled in a hand-me-down coat from her cousin, Linda Sue. It was in perfect shape with a rabbit fur collar, and hardly worn. They hopped off the bus and she held Abby's hand as they dashed across the street.

wind whipped up a piece of newspaper and cut

—

her thin brown coat

the

same coat she'd gotten

war. Styles had changed a

up and down coat

like

it

elevator.

Now

a dust

like

right through just before the

with hemlines going

there wasn't

one more time and her

left to alter

from beneath

an

lot since then,

The

enough of the

full skirt

peeked out

ruffle.

John had been home since September and the only job he'd been able

to secure

was

to start night school in

to a better job.

as a janitor at the hospital.

hoped

January, education seemed to be the ticket

Lately he'd scrimped and saved, and just that

morning handed over twelve to

He

dollars saying,

"Now, you go over

Harricks and find yourself a good winter coat." She'd

agreed, thinking

it

would be a challenge

for twelve dollars.

She knew he meant

better to put the

money under

to find

well, but

much it

of a coat

might've been

the mattress for a rainy day.

Lord knew they'd had plenty of those.

She and Abby entered Harricks and suddenly she remembered

how

she used to shop there with her mother, back

when

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

68

money flowed

freely,

Now

wishes of her family.

and she

felt like

"May gloves

upon

"No telling

I

before she'd married John against the

help you?" asked a

a foreign land,

like

plump woman

straightening

the counter.

thank you,

I

just

want

to look

around a

bit."

No

use

her she was looking for a coat, with only twelve dollars in

The woman might

her purse.

She walked through

many

seemed

the shop

an intruder.

pretty things.

laugh.

the store, pretending to observe the

Abby

pointed out a bright peacock blue

Mommy." She

evening dress. "That would look nice on you, stroked her daughter's sleek

brown

same color

hair, the

own, and smiled. Finally they reached the back of the

as her

store

and

she turned around, ready to give up. Relief mixed with disap-

pointment. But there nestled in the corner was a rack with vari-

ous items and a sign that proclaimed, "sale." She glanced at the rack

and something red caught her

wool coat

in

eye.

It

turned out to be a

a lovely shade of red, just the color of garnets. She

removed the hanger from the rack and searched the

carefully

coat for a price tag.

But

even on

surely,

sale,

would

it

cost too

much.

"Mommy,

the tag says twelve dollars!"

Abby

held up the sleeve with the bright yellow tag.

Mommy,

triumphantly

"\ou can

get

it.

that's just the right price."

"Oh,

that can't possibly be right.

It's

much

too nice.

There

must be some mistake."

"Try

it

on.

Mommy. See

if it fits."

Abby

tugged at the

But

in the

same moment,

sleeve of her old coat. "It's

she laid

probably not even

dovm

size."

her old coat and slipped into the red coat. She

couldn't explain why, but "It's perfect.

princess."

my

it

felt like

Mommy. And

Abby pushed

honey.

it's

It

was

beautiful!

delicious.

You

her toward the mirror.

It

look like a

looked

fine.

ENCOURAGEMENT

probably too

fine.

woman

bright for a

hanger, then held nice design with

Even

And

the lining

perhaps the red, though

almost

thirty.

She hung

bound button

holes

was smooth heavy

and

satin

was too

lovely,

on the

the coat back

at arm's length to study

it

69

it

again.

It

was a

large abalone buttons.

—

that's

why

it felt

like

honey.

"Are you going

"Oh,

I

buy

to

Mommy?"

it.

don't know, Abby.

The

a very well-made coat.

I

think there's a mistake. This

Coats

price tag can't be right.

is

like

don't end up on the clearance rack, especially in

this

November." "It says twelve dollars,

arms and tapped her

size

it

must be

and headed on.

The

at

Now you

Abby, then

for the counter.

folded her

An

better get

it."

laid the coat over her

woman was

elderly

sales clerk carefully placed a

brovm

felt

arm

being waited

hat with a long

The

cash

"That'll be thirty-two dollars," announced the clerk,

and

black feather into a hat box and rang register jingled as the tray

the

Abby

two shoe v^th impatience. "Daddy

said you're supposed to get a coat.

She smiled down

right."

woman

up her

the price.

popped open.

wrote out a check without even blinking. She picked

pretty

"Can

up

box and bid the

clerk

good day.

help you?" asked the clerk sweetly.

I

Her hand was

extended as she reached expectantly for the coat.

"No,

I

uh,

I

think I'd like to look around just a

little

more."

She stepped back and studied the coat again. The price tag was a mistake. If a silly hat sold for thirty-two dollars, how could

this beautiful coat

"What

be twelve?

are you doing.

Mommy?"

complained

Abby

as she

followed her back to the sales rack.

"Honey, like this for

I

just

know

it's

a mistake.

You

can't

buy a coat

twelve dollars. There's no point in even asking.

We'll just look

silly."

"

"

"

"

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

70

"But

the tag says

—

"Shhh, honey^ don't make a scene." She looked around.

She recognized Lily

Several other shoppers were close by now.

Andrews from church. She was new in town and her husband was a doctor. Mrs. Andrews smiled their way, and moved toward the off

sales rack.

would be

Her hand paused on

from the rack.

And

a lovely coat.

"That's if

it

someone so well

help you?" asked the clerk.

I

July

that

interested in clearance items.

and she pulled

the red coat

"May "What

seemed strange

It

right. It

was from

you can believe

never wore

it.

just

wanted

new

line

up

only twelve dollars?" last year;

A woman

that.

She never even took

kept

the tags

—

to get rid of this coat since in front. It's quite

someone returned

a bargain

it

off.

it

all

The

doesn't

it

in

winter and store fit

owner

with the

She couldn't hear any more. She took Abby's hand and quickly led her out.

"But

Mommy,

"Shh, honey

—

that's

your coa

—

Tears stung her eyes as the wand blew even colder outside. It

was

still

too early for the return bus, but they setded

the bus stop

bench

to wait

anyway.

They huddled

down on

together for

warmth.

"Why was

didn't you get your coat,

Mommy?" Abby's

voice

sad. "I don't

How And

know, honey. ..."

could she

tell

her

it

was because she was

foolish?

not only was she foolish, she was too proud to ask.

How

could she explain to John that their eight-year-old daughter had

more sense than she winter in her old

did.

worn out

She coat.

"Excuse me," called a

Andrews.

shivered.

She deserved another

That would teach her a

voice.

She looked up

lesson!

to see Lily

"

"

ENCOURAGEMENT

71

"Yes?" "I I

know

this is

And

going to sound very strange.

don't usually do things like

impression to give you

this.

but

this,

—

me

just got the strongest

I

have no idea w^hy

I

believe

"

She

thrust

the package toward them.

understand

"I don't

"Neither do it's

I.

But

— it's

as

if

God

told

me

— do to

this.

I

know

very strange, you probably think I'm crazy

She peeked

"It is strange." this coat just

a few minutes ago. Please

She grabbed

eagerly for her purse.

"No,

that's just

it.

me pay you

let

got the impression

I

almost bought

in the bag. "I

I

was

for it."

to give

it

to

You cannot pay me for it. I'm sorry. I must sound like a mad woman.. ." Her face was red, and tears were in her eyes.

you.

.

"But

can't take this,

I

"No,

it's

it if

give this to you. I'm sorry it's

the

first

time

something.

You have

God. Like

faith."

I

like charity."

Go

not charity.

someone who needs but

it's

you if I

ahead and give your money

to

know I'm supposed

to

like.

But

sound

nutty,

ever thought

to let

me do

I

it.

I

maybe I'm

heard

God

Think of

it

just lonely,

tell

me

to

do

as a gift from

* * *

That was over

four decades ago. She'd

worn

the coat for

Abby

many

winters. Finally

it

was so out of

vsath

her to give

it

up, but she could never bring herself to part

with

it.

It

had been packed it

do something

was

pleaded

a trunk for ages, and she'd only

special for her firiend Lily.

Now

carefully cutting the pieces into a lap quilt for her

fiiend.

faith

last

even

week when Dr. Andrews passed away and she

thought of

wanted

to

in

style that

She hoped

can be found

it

she

good

might be a comfort and a reminder that

in small things like red

friendships that endure throughout time.

wool coats, and

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

72

The Young Widow Alice Gray

Mer

husband died suddenly

left to raise

in

an accident and she was

her two sons alone.

At

first

rounded by compassionate and caring brought meals, sent cards, made phone the

weeks turned

had

forgotten.

into months,

She longed

to

and

it

she was sur-

friends.

prayed.

calls,

seemed

like all the

hear her husband's

They

And

then

world

name men-

tioned in conversation, she longed to talk about the wide stride of his walk, the

had

felt

warmth

She wanted

so strong in hers.

and borrow

hand

the neighbors to

come

man

have a grown

his tools or

how

his

of his easy laugh, and

shoot basketballs

with her sons.

was

It

death.

early

on the morning of the

The dew was

the cemetery lawn. gravestone.

still

first

anniversary of his

wet on the grass as she walked across

And

then she saw

Someone had been

it,

laying next to his

there even before her

small bouquet of fresh cut flowers, tied with a ribbon.

and

left

a

A gentle

caring act that reached out to her lonely heart like a tender hug.

With note.

tears streaming

The

three

down

her cheeks, she read the unsigned

words said simply,

"I

remember, too."

ENCOURAGEMENT

73

MichaeVs Story Begins

Age Six

at

Charlotte

desperation,

I

asked

if

Elmore

he could be retested. She shook

In

her head and said no. In an attempt to show her just

"normal" Michael the things that

was,

really

Michael did

I

well.

began

telling

how

her about

all

But she brushed my com-

ments aside and stood up, dismissing me. "Michael

will

be

all

right," she said.

Later that evening, after Michael and his three-year-old

Linda, were

ter,

in

bed,

tearfully told

I

learned that day. After talking

our son

much

it

better than an

over,

IQ

Frank what

we agreed test.

We

that

I

sis-

had

we knew

decided that

Michael's low score must have been a mistake.

Like me, Frank could not believe that our son was "nearly retarded." Instead, he told

recendy had done that he

He

me felt

about some of the things Michael

proved Michael was

said that one night Michael

print sketches he

showed an

intelligent

interest in the blue-

was working on, so he found Michael's

set of

odd-shaped blocks and quickly sketched two-dimensional drawings of each of them.

block with vsdth

sets

how

its

Frank then asked Michael

easily

Michael made things with

toys.

We

in

moved

to Fort

Wayne, Indiana,

entered Concordia Lutheran his selecting college

and algebra

was back

match each

his toy construction

from the diagrams diat came with the

Latin,

to

corresponding drawing. Frank said he was pleased

1962, and Michael

High School. His grades warranted

preparatory courses, including biology,

—

the subject

in first grade,

we had been

told,

when he

he would never be able to handle.

Biology soon became his favorite subject. everyone he was going to be a doctor.

He

started telling

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

74

Michael entered Indiana University

1965

By

as a premedical student.

made

point average, he had

at

Bloomington

in

midyear, with a 3.47 grade

the dean's Hst,

and

his faculty

counselor gave him special permission to take more than the

recommended number

of course hours.

He

earned enough

credits to

be accepted into the Indiana University School of

Medicine

in Indianapolis at the

end of

his junior year in col-

lege.

During

IQ

his first year at

medical school, Michael took another

and scored 126, an increase of 36

test

like that w^as

On

supposed

to

graduation day.

points.

An

increase

be impossible.

May

21, 1972, Frank, Linda, and

I

attended the ceremony and hugged our Dr. Mike! After the

we

ceremony,

told

do

all

along.

At

first,

both of

"My

—

tor

that

It's his It

is,

way

I

six

that

We

often

tell

I

and say with

couldn't be a doc-

graduated from medical school!"

of thanking us for the faith

—

we had

a child he

is

live

in

up

him. to

what adults

"dumb" and he may

wonder what would have happened

if

treated Michael as "nearly retarded" and imposed a his

dreams.

score

as

will look at us

me

has been said that children often

expect of them part.

parents never told

not until after

—

we had planned to them thought we were joking.

Since that day, Michael sometimes a big grin,

IQ

Michael and Linda about the low

Michael had received when he was

play the

we had limit

on

ENCOURAGEMENT

Come

75

in Together Stu Weber

e'd been running every day, but this else.

We'd been sweating from

ing stage of

our bodies. Sure,

Army Ranger

Even exhaustion. But

tion.

run

in

U.S.

rolled out

moisture drained

the physical train-

and we expected

was no morning

PT

exer-

rah-rah

in T-shirts.

We

ran in

full field

go out together, you

come

in together. If

uniform.

As

stick together,

usual, the

word was "\ou

you work as a

you don't come

come in!" Somewhere along and

this

now was

this

school,

we

the time

of the rack before daybreak, but

from every pore

was something

unit,

in together, don't

and you bother to

the way, through a fog of pain, thirst,

my brain registered something strange about our Two rows ahead of me, I noticed one of the guys out

fatigue,

formation. of sync.

A big, rawboned redhead named Sanderson. His legs were pumping, but he was out of step with the head began

to loll fi:*om side to side.

Close to losing

rest of us.

Then

his

This guy was struggling.

it.

Without missing a

step, the

Ranger on Sanderson's

reached over and took the distressed man's

rifle.

Now

right

one of

Rangers was packing two weapons. His own and Sanderson's. The big redhead did better for a time. But then,

the

while the platoon kept moving. His jaw became slack, his eyes glazed and his legs pushed like pistons.

Soon

his

head began

to

sway again. This time, the Ranger on the Sanderson's helmet, tucked

ued

to run.

All systems go.

it

left

under

Our

his

reached over, removed

own arm, and

contin-

boots thudded along the dirt

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

76

trail in

heavy unison. Tromp-tromp-tromp-tromp-tromp-tromp.

He

Sanderson was hurting. Really hurting.

Two

going down. But no.

Sanderson gathered ders.

And

soldiers

behind him

each taking a shoulder strap

off his back,

his

was buckling, lifted the

in his free

pack

hand.

remaining strength. Squared his shoul-

the platoon continued to run. All the

way

to the fin-

all

of us were

ish line.

We

left

together.

the stronger for

Together

is

Life

But

returned together.

And

it.

better.

is

it is

You may have

We

teaching you

some painful

lessons.

from adversity that strength

lost the inning,

is

born.

hut I kj^ow you 7/ win the game.

from P.S.I Love You

ENCOURAGEMENT

77

First Things Tony Campolo

hen

I

knew a man who me. His name was Edwin

was a kid growing up,

loomed bigger than

Hfe to

I

E. Bailey, and he ran the astronomical observatory at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

I

would go

to the

Franklin Institute most Saturdays just to spend time with him.

He

His encyclopedic mind fascinated me.

seemed

to

know

something about everything. I

was

years ago.

went

When I

he was

Bailey right up until he died several

in the hospital, after

him. In an effort to

to visit

the places

Ed

friends with

had been

to

make

small talk,

how

speak and

a serious stroke,

I

I

about

told

had come

to his

I

all

bed-

side right from the airport.

He

heard

me

manner, "\bu go

out and then said with a slightly sarcastic all

over the world to people who, ten years

from now, won't remember your name. But you haven't time for the people

who

really care

That simple sentence have decided not to I

make no

let

me

hit

my

difference, while

left

about you."

hard and changed

my

life.

I

whom am irre-

time be used up by people to I

neglect those for

whom

I

placeable.

A friend of mine recently got a

call

from the White House

asking him to consult with the President of the United States.

He

said

no because

spend with

his

it

was

to

granddaughter

be on a day he had promised to at the seashore.

The

nation sur-

vived without him, the President didn't miss him,

and

his

granddaughter had some precious time with her "Pop-Pop." First things

ought to be put

first.

Virtue

FORGIVENESS Forgiveness

is

Sending forth

like the violet its

pure fragrance

On the heel of the boot Of the one who crushed

it.

Author Unknown

i

II

VIRTUE

81

These Things I Wish for You Paul Harvey

make

e tried so hard to

we made them

my

For

worse.

grandchildren, I'd

them

I'd really like for

clothes

things better for our kids that

and homemade

to

know better. know about hand-me-down

cream and

ice

leftover

meat

loaf.

really

I

would.

My cherished

grandson,

I

hope you learn humility by being

humiliated and that you learn honesty by being cheated. I

wash

hope you learn

—and

the car

when you

And It

are I

will

]

make your bed and mow the lawn and hope nobody gives you a brand-new car

to

I

6.

hope you have a job by then. be good

one time you can see a baby

at least

if

born and see your old dog put I

calf

to sleep.

hope you get a black eye fighting

for

something you

believe in. I

hope you have

brother.

And

it

right to

is all

—when

the room, but

he wants

you because he's scared

And when

—

you want

brother wants to tag along I

you

hope you have

live in

And

bedroom with your younger draw a line down the middle of

to share a

to

I

hope

to see I

to

crawl under the covers with

you'll let him.

a Disney movie and your kid

hope you take him.

walk uphill with your friends and that

a town where you can do

rainy days

when you have

driver doesn't have to

it

safely.

to hitch a ride

to

you want a slingshot

make one

hope

j^our

drop you two blocks away so you won't

be seen riding with somebody as uncool as your If

I

instead of

I

mom.

hope your father teaches you how

buy one.

I

hope you learn

to dig in the

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

82

dirt

and read books, and when you learn

fangled computers; you also learn

how

to

to use those

add and

new-

subtract in

your head. I

hope you get razzed by

crush on a

girl,

and

friends

when you

that

hope you learn what Ivory soap

May hand on I

cigar

the stove

and

hope you get smoke

I

talk

back

to

first

your mother

I

tastes like.

you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your

in

your

hope you won't

dope

when you have your

like

stick

sick face. it.

your tongue on a frozen flagpole.

when some I

don't care

And

if

stupid old person blows if

you

try beer once, but

I

a friend offers you a joint or any

hope you are smart enough

to realize

he

is

not your

friend. I

sure hope you

grandpa or go funeral I

ball

and

make time

to sit

fishing with your uncle.

on a porch with your

May you

feel

sorrow at a

the joy of holidays.

hope your mother punishes you when you throw a base-

window and that she hugs you and Christmas time, when you give her a plaster of

through a neighbor's

kisses

Paris

you

at

mold of your hand.

These

things

I

wish for you

ment, hard work and happiness.

—

tough times and disappoint-

VIRTUE

Why Fm

83

Mom

a Sports

Judy Bodmer a Saturday in May.

It's couch

could be home, curled up on the

I

with a good mystery. Instead I'm sitting on a cold

An

metal bench in the stands of a baseball park.

my

creeps through I'd

brought

winter jacket.

my woolen

"Mrs. Bodmer?" to

worked hard

"Thanks,"

man and to start.

this

my

We

hard work

Suddenly I'm nervous hands blowing the steam

into

who has given this know how bad he wants

I

son

I

my

in

my

go

to the concession

seat

face for

I

hold

They

field.

son's number.

It isn't

all

player on the team.

there. Instead,

going on, but

I

it's

How can

he's absorbed in the

much

look so

look again, unbelieving. \es,

game.

my

I

My son

want

game

to

is

and

yells

try to read his nonverbals,

I

to hide his feelings

My heart breaks.

I

right field.

I

glance at the coach, but

run over and ask what's like that.

Over

the last

moms, and

talk-

which protects the bench

encouragement but

my

definitely not acceptable.

grips the chain link fence,

fi*om stray balls,

search for

Eddie, the most inexperienced

that be?

I

alike.

Eddie takes

know my son wouldn't

ing to the coach during the

I

between

it

warmth.

eight years I've learned the proper etiquette for

ment.

stand

team, in their white and blue pinstripe uniforms, struts

onto the

men,

He's

in right field.

being rewarded.

is

for him.

and buy hot chocolate. Back

The

my

team everything he has.

I'm glad his

wishing

think he deserves the opportunity."

say feeling proud of

I

my hands

son's coach. "I thought you'd like

your son today

to start

this year.

blow on

mittens.

It's

know. We're going

I

wind

icy

to his

know he has

teammates.

I

learned, like most

from the world.

So much hard work,

so

much

disappoint-

don't understand what drives young boys to put them-

selves through this.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

84

"Atta boy, Eddie," yells someone nearby. father.

can see him smiling, proud his son

I

my head

because

when

son dropped a ball or

his

His son

he's proud.

By

my

numb, but

game and

He

dugout.

my

starting.

man walk

I

shake

out of games

a bad throw. But for now,

My son

is

on the bench.

fingers are stiff fi^om the cold,

My son

don't care.

I

come up

he's about to

him

pray, let

I

to bat.

struts to the batter's box.

get a

and

has been called into I

glance at the

and

stands, sorts through the batting helmets

chooses one. Please,

and

made

starting.

is

the fourth inning

feet are

the

seen this same

I've

is

Eddie's

It's

hit.

He

picks a bat

grip the metal seat as he takes a

I

couple of practice swings, adjusts his batting glove and steps up to the plate.

The

pitcher looks like an adult.

has checked his birth

next pitch

if

anyone

certificate.

Strike one. "Nice swing!"

The

wonder

I

a

is

ball.

I

yell.

"Good

eye!

Good

eye!"

Strike two.

The back

up

pitcher winds

Strike three. to the

My

dugout.

for the throw.

look

I

I

son's head hangs

away knowing

hold

my breath.

and he slowly walks there's nothing

I

can

do.

For eight years

been

I've

terrible coffee, eaten

my

sitting here. I've

drunk gallons of

share of green hot-dogs and salty pop-

corn. I've suffered from the cold

and the

heat, eaten dust,

and

sat in the rain.

Some this. It's

people wonder

not because

sports through

my

one or the other of

home runs

ketball. I've

want

I

children.

the emotional highs.

hit

Oh

my

But mostly

a sane person would go through

to fulfill

And

I

my dreams

also don't

yes, there

do

of excelling at this

because of

have been a few.

I've

seen

sons score the winning goal in soccer and

in baseball

waited at

why

I've

home

and spark a come-from-behind

in bas-

seen heartache. vsath

them

for a

phone

call telling

them

VIRTUE

they'd

them

made

sit

the team.

strike out. I've sat in

were

set

Phone

on the bench game

calls that

after

never came. IVe seen

game and

emergency rooms as

and swollen ankles x-rayed.

I've

85

up

get

their

to bat only to

broken bones

watched coaches

them. I've sat here year after year observing

it all

yell at

and wonder-

ing why.

The game is over. I stretch my back into my frozen feet. The coach some

yell

rallying cry

notice Eddie's

on

dad

My

his face.

is

legs

and

try to

stomp

meets with the team.

and then descend on

life

They

their parents.

I

slapping him on the back with a big grin

son wants money for a hamburger. While

wait, the coach approaches

me.

I

I

can't bring myself to look at

him.

"Mrs. Bodmer,

I

wanted you

man you have there." "Why?" I ask, waiting

for

him

to

know

that's

to explain

a fine young

why he broke my

son's heart.

"When then turned

meant more I

your son he could

me down. He to

told

me

start,

to let

he thanked

Eddie

me and

start, that

it

him."

turn to watch

my

why I sit grow into a man?

realize then

son

told

I

son stuffing a burger into his mouth.

in the stands.

Where

else

can

I

watch

I

my

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

86

Whom

To

Shall I Leave

My Kingdom? Donald E. Wildmon

Once

the

King of a

decided that

it

large

kingdom was growing

was time

to select

old.

an heir from among

he called them in one at a time to

his four sons, so

He dis-

cuss the inheritance of his kingdom.

When

the

son entered the chamber of the King and sat

first

down, the King spoke not

live

much

longer.

best suited to receive

what

will

Now

you give this

he replied: "I

wish Tell

it.

am

I

kingdom

in all the

a

will give

"Thank you,

man it

"My

I am very old and will my kingdom to the son leave my kingdom to you

son,

to entrust

me,

if I

kingdom?"

to the

son was very

kingdom

When

to him. I

all

So when asked

rich.

of vast wealth. of

my

If

wealth and

the question,

you leave me your

it

will

be the richest

world."

son," the

King

said as he dismissed the son.

the second son entered, the

King spoke

him.

to

"My

am very old and will not live much longer. I wish to entrust my kingdom to the son best suited to receive it. Tell me, if I leave my kingdom to you what will you give to the kingson,

I

dom?"

Now this

son was very

he replied:

tion,

"I

me your kingdom be the most

son,

I

am

a

man

will give

intelligent

"Thank you,

When

I

intelligent.

of vast intelligence. all

it

kingdom

son," the

So when asked

of

my

in all the

King

If

intelligence

the ques-

you leave

and

it

world."

said as he dismissed the son.

the third son entered, the King spoke to him.

am very old and

will

not

will

live

much

longer.

I

wish to entrust

my kingdom to the son best suited to receive Tell me, my kingdom to you what will you give to the kingdom?" it.

"My

if

I

leave

VIRTUE

Now this

son was very strong.

he rephed: "I

kingdom strongest

am

man

a

will give

I

kingdom

it

So when asked

of great strength.

of

all

in all the

my

the question,

you leave me your

If

and

strength

87

it

will

be the

world."

"Thank you, son," the King said as he dismissed the son. The fourth son entered and was greeted by the King in the same fashion not

will

as the other three.

much

live

longer.

son best suited to receive

I

it.

wish Tell

"My

am very old and to entrust my kingdom to the me, if I leave my kingdom to

will

you give

Now

this

son wasn't especially

he replied,

"My

gaining these attributes, in

your kingdom.

sorrow.

And

only thing people.

I

therefore heir.

I

I

I

will

When as to their

have spent

brothers are

my

time

among

the people

have shared with them in their sickness and

have learned to love them. I'm afraid that the

that

will not

my

brothers have

be disappointed

simply go on doing what

I

more

in not

is

my

love of the

to offer than

being

new

ruler.

And

I

do,

named your

have always done."

the king died the people anxiously awaited the

knew took place when King as his successor.

ever

my

While they have spent years

have to give to your kingdom

know I

I

I

I.

So much

rich, or smart, or strong.

you know that

father,

smarter and stronger than

richer,

I

kingdom?"

you what

to the

son,

the greatest rejoicing the

the fourth son

news

kingdom

was named by

the

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

88

The MagnaDoodle Message Liz Curtis Higgs seat was as we waited in the county clerk's Every office to get my driver's license renewed. Children of filled

all

ages wandered about exploring their temporary environ-

my own wee

ment, as did

ones.

was a lap baby

Lillian

stayed there), and

at the time (although she never

Matthew was

write recognizable words.

MagnaDoodle drawing

He

toy,

four and already beginning to

never went anywhere without his

and

that

morning was no excep-

tion. I

encouraged

center of the

my

sometimes-shy son to venture out to the

room where

several kids

were playing with a stack

and games. Matthew went, dragging MagnaDoodle behind him. A younger child was turning of books

p2iges of a colorful book, in too.

A

minute

all

by

my

unfold;

now

it

was time

son wresded the book out of the

was enjoying

himself, leaving the

Until that moment,

the

which Matthew soon became interested

later,

other child's fingers and

his

I

little

the brightly colored pages

boy out of the

fun.

had merely watched

to enter the scene.

this little

"Matthew!"

drama I

whis-

pered sharply. "That was not nice. Please apologize and give

him back

his

book

right

away."

Looking miserable, Matthew extended the much-prized book

in the tot's direction, to

which the

little

boy responded

v^th the toddler version of "Harrumph!" and tottered away.

Now

Matthew was really miserable; he'd upset his mother, and now some kid was unhappy with him too. Matthew sat for a moment, staring into space while the wheels turned inside. Then slowly picking up his MagnaDoodle, he v^ote something down and without a word, held it up for the other child to see.

VIRTUE

The

89

toddler ignored him, of course, because he couldn't

read the words.

But

could. "I'm sorry,"

I

Matthew

said.

So

simple, so profound.

couldn't bring himself to speak the words, but he

could put

it

in writing.

When

Matthew hoped, he held up ther,

it

the

boy didn't respond as

the sign again, holding

Around

out

far-

the room, other mothers were beginning to notice

the quiet four-year-old with wheat-colored hair that read, "I'm sorry."

back

it

with a pleading expression on his face, but to no avail.

I

wasn't the only one

and a

litde sign

who had

to blink

tears.

A man never discloses his own character so clearly as

when he

describes another's.

Jean Paul Richter 1763-1825

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

90

Beauty Contest Carla Muir

A

successful beauty product

company asked

the people in

a large city to send pictures along with brief letters

about the most beautiful

few weeks thousands of

One

they knew. Within a

were delivered

letters

letter in particular

women

to the

company.

caught the attention of the employ-

company president. The letter was written by a young boy who was obviously from a broken home, living in a run-down neighborhood. With spelling

ees

and soon

dov^

me

feel like the

and she I

to the

I

visit

most important kid

listens to

my

"A beautiful woman

his letter read:

the street from me.

ers

when

was handed

an excerpt from

corrections, lives

it

her every day. She makes

in the world.

We

play check-

problems. She understands

leave she always yells out the door that she's

me and proud of

»»

me.

The boy ended that she

is

his letter saying,

the most beautiful

woman.

"This picture shows you I

hope

I

have a wife as

pretty as her."

Intrigued by the

woman's

picture.

smiling, toothless

letter,

the president asked to see this

His secretary handed him a photograph of a

woman, well-advanced

in years, sitting in a

bun and were somehow

wheelchair. Sparse gray hair was pulled back in a wrinkles that formed deep furrows on her face

diminished by the twinkle in her eyes.

"We ing.

can't use this

"She would show

sary to be beautiful."

woman," explained

the president, smil-

the world that our products aren't neces-

VIRTUE

91

Bouquet David Seamands

Someone once asked handle

sibly

all

then put retiring,

God ers;

upon

said she looked at each

stemmed flower given it

to her.

her,

she could pos-

and praise

all

were

without becoming proud.

She smelled

for a

it

Each

moment and

night, just before

she took the beautiful bouquet and handed

"Thank

that

compliment as a beautiful long-

into a vase with the others.

saying,

they

Boom how

the compliments

constantly heaped

She

Corrie ten

you. Lord, for letting

me

it

over to

smell the flow-

belong to you." She had discovered the secret to

genuine humility.

If you're headed in the

God allows

wrong

direction,

U-Turns,

From a bumper

sticker

.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

92

Olympic Gold Catherine Swift

Saturday, July

5,

1

modern times

of

were played

924, was the day

Greece

in

Baron who revived them,

Compared

to the first

in

the

1

896, as a

first

tribute to the

Olympics were staged

Olympics when

were

part, this time there

was

After the

to begin.

Olympiad modern games

for the 8th

French

in Paris.

thirteen countries took

forty-five countries

and

the stadium

with 60,000 spectators.

filled

Amid

the

waving and cheering there came the

skirl

of the

and the Queen's Cameron Highlanders emerged

pipes,

the gateway.

They were an

fi^om

impressive sight in their sv^nging

and bearskin headdresses. For a moment the crowd seemed

kilts

mesmerized

at the sight

and sound, but when

Great Britain came marching rang out even louder.

The Olympic

in

team from

the

behind the band, the cheers

. .

relay torch wasn't a part of the

ceremony

in

those days, but thousands of pigeons were released to wing their

way

over the entire country with the good news.

After

this the

Olympic Oath was

thousand competitors

filed

cheering and waving.

The

recited,

1

the four

out of the arena again to more wild

8th Olympiad had begun. All

while Eric Liddell was coming under a the

and then

lot

this

of pressure to run in

00 meters. Really it hadn't stopped from that day months when he said he wouldn't run on a Sunday. But once in

earlier

Paris the criticism began to hurt more.

Eric went to see Harold Abrahams, Britain's remaining

hope

As

for a

medal

in the

100 meters, and he wished him

well.

a Jew, Harold's Sabbath was Saturday and Eric respected

this.

He

Sunday

understood that as

it

it

was

as right for

would have been v^ong

Harold

for himself.

to

run on a

VIRTUE

93

Sunday, July 6, saw the young Cambridge University student Abrahams hned up for the 00-meter prehminary heat. 1

At in

same

the

was addressing a congregation

time, Eric Liddell

the Scots Kirk (church) on the other side of Paris.

Harold came through both all set

and among

for the semi-final,

The had ever won seconds.

stadium erupted

in

won

one

inside, Eric

it

was Eric

the final

and

to

was a

it

reached the tape in 10.6

loud applause.

a gold medal in that event, and

six years before

Deep

He

Harold.

for

was

following day he

the spectators

Then came

cheer him on to victory.

tremendous victory

The

heats.

it

No

European

would be

fifty-

again.

must have

a tinge of regret

felt

there wasn't an element of envy in him.

—but

He was

elated for

was able

to

Harold's success.

Now he trate

on

his

felt firee

of the criticism too and

own two

events.

The

concen-

heats for the 200-meter race

were held on Tuesday. Both Eric and Harold qualified

in

each

for a place in the final the next day.

Wednesday was another

searingly hot day. Eric

to

a good

start,

but

first

one and then the other

fell

was

men

up with Harold and four Americans. Both British

lined

got off

behind.

Tvo

of the

Americans reached

silver

medals. Eric placed third, and Harold came in sixth and

the tape

first,

and

taking the gold

the

last place.

This may seem disastrous, but

it

was

Eric.

Scodand had never won a bronze

And

the

really a success for

for the

200-meter

race.

whole of Britain had never achieved anything better

than third place and a bronze medal.

But when Thursday came and the 400-meter didn't

do too badly.

He

didn't shine, either, even though his

time improved in each heat. the semi-final. Still, he only

ous day,

in

heats, Eric

It

was

better

managed

still

the next

to qualify.

On

day

in

the previ-

one heat, Imbach of Switzerland actually broke the

—

.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

94

world record when he ran the distance

There were and

six finahsts:

the two Britishers,

As

usual, Eric

Guy

international

thought

it

48

seconds.

two Americans, one Canadian,

Butler and Eric Liddell....

went along the

hands and giving them

in

line

shaking the competitors'

his best wishes.

crown had begun

This was a

ritual the

although they

to look for

still

strange to see one sportsman wishing his rival well

but they didn't

know Eric the man.. moments before the gun .

In the last few

as the athletes

were

warming up, without any warning, a mighty sound filled the enormous arena. The pipes and drums of the Queen's Cameron Highlanders had struck up with "The Campbells are Coming."

The

British

team organizer, Sir Philip Christison, sensed

some despondency among

the British supporters

some rousing music would cheer them up. Maybe Eric Liddell too. After

all,

and thought it

he was a Scot and the

would spur skirl

of the

pipes would surely send the blood racing through his veins just at a time

when

it

was most needed.

...Eventually, the music faded.

A

tense silence returned

only to be shattered by the sharp crack of the starting cuid Eric

No start

was

off.

one could believe what they were seeing. Right from the

he leapt into a three-meter lead.

running

style of his.

depth cmd struggling

He for

On

he went with that awful

resembled a feeble swimmer, out of

on.

man

Guy

his

thrashing out with arms and legs.

eiir;

Everyone knew he couldn't keep up meter

pistol,

that pace.

couldn't do what he was doing.

Still,

A

1

00-

he pounded

Butler was running his heart out too. For a while the

crowd seemed hypnotized. Then the unexpected occurred. Fitch,

one of the Americans, overtook Butler

closer to Eric

who was

still

ed happened. Eric began

in the lead.

to

run

faster.

But

to sprint closer

and

again, the unexpect-

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Closer and closer he drew to the tape

His head was back on

up

to heaven.

and

his shoulders

From out

of nowhere,

Union Jacks appeared among

—

his

95

^without seeing

it.

eyes were looking

seemed, hosts of British

it

wave him on

the onlookers to

to

victory.

Suddenly, after what seemed

was

over. Eric Liddell

reached the tape a

Guy

of Fitch, with the injured to take

like miles, the

400-meter race

full five

meters ahead

Butler sprinting into third place

a bronze.

The

crowd's roar could be heard

boomed

brief spell of quiet, a voice

announce

that Eric

had run the race

of 47.6 seconds. This time

all

it

over Paris. Then, in a

out over the speaker to a

in

new world

record time

seemed the cheers would be heard

across the channel in Britain

was confident

Sir Philip Christison

drums had spurred

pipes and that day. all

due

But Eric knew

it

the stirring effect of the

the 22-year-old Scot to victory

was something

quite different.

It

was

a few simple words written on a scrap of paper.

to

In the days leading

up

masseur

to his races, the

assigned to care for the British team had

come

officially

know

to

Eric

very well and he liked him immensely.

To

try in

some way

to

show

the athlete

how much he

admired him, as Eric was leaving

his hotel for the

Stadium, the masseur came up

him and pressed a piece of

to

Colombes

folded paper into his hand. Later, in one of the few quiet times of that day, he unfolded the paper

me

I

and read: "In the old book

wall honor.'

For the created.

It

1

Wishing you

924 Olympic Games

was

it

says,

than to Eric Liddell.

it

that honors

a motto had been especially

"Citius, Althius, Fortius,"

Higher, Stronger" and

'He

the best of success always."

meaning

"Faster,

could apply to no competitor more

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

96

A Candy Bar Doris Sanford

There

was once a lady who worked

in

a high

rise office

building in London. Every day for her coffee break she

went down

to the first floor cafeteria

and purchased a

Kit Kat candy bar from the vending machine, and a cup of coffee.

This day was no

different.

the corner

and seating

something

in

After finding a small table

herself, she

her purse.

When

she sat up again a gentleman

had seated himself across from her

at the table.

of coffee, a doughnut and her Kit

Kat bar

didn't apologize or offer any explanation.

She was surprised and

irritated,

quickly as possible she drank her coffee.

about leave

it,

her

had a cup mouth.

simply ate

it.

but said nothing.

The more

He As

she thought

and stomped over beside him, grabbing the remnant of his stuffing

"There now.

office,

there

He

He

in his

however, the angrier she became. Finally she stood to

doughnut and said,

in

leaned over to search for

it

How

in her

mouth.

As

best she could she

does that feel?" and marched back to

where she again opened her purse. To her horror,

on top was her Kit Kat candy bar!

VIRTUE

What

97

To Listen For Tim Hansel

n Indian was

downtown

in

with his friend,

who

lived in

New York, walking along New \brk City. Suddenly

he said, "I hear a cricket."

"Oh, you're "No,

I

crazy," his ftiend replied.

hear a cricket.

I

do!

Tm

sure of

it."

noon hour. You know there are people busding

"It's the

around, cars honking, taxis squealing, noises from the sure you can't hear

"I'm sure

I

He

do."

listened attentively

the corner, across the street,

and looked

His

my

ears are

you are

change

And

no

different

from yours.

Here,

let

to

around. Finally on

cement

planter.

He

cricket.

was duly astounded. But

listening to.

He

and found a

the leaf

friend

I'm

and then walked

all

the other corner he found a shrub in a large

dug beneath

city.

it."

It

the Indian said,

"No,

simply depends on what

me show you."

reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of

—

a few quarters,

he dropped

it

some dimes,

nickels,

and pennies.

on the concrete.

Every head within a block turned.

"Y)u ing

up

see

what

I

mean?"

his coins. "It all

the Indian said as he

depends on what you are

JZV

began pick-

listening for."

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

98

Good Turn

.

Retold by Nola Bertelson

1 l4

leven-year-old Jeff, along with the rest of the boy scout

II

II

troop, did a

^

"good turn"

order to complete a project

in

for their next service badge.

The

boys gathered at Mr.

and Mrs. Meyers' house and spent some time cleaning the

snow and

ice off the older couple's

But somehow, phony.

He

talked

Jeff didn't feel satisfied.

To him,

it

felt

sort of

over with his scoutmaster. "I don't think

it

helped them much.

really

sidewalks and porch.

It

seems

like

we

did

it

more

to

it

earn

points for ourselves."

"\ou could go back on your own

to see

what you can do

help them," the discerning scoutmaster suggested. "And, don't

tell

anyone about

it,

you won't be earning

to

if

you

'poii^ts' in

any

way.

To Jeff,

that

sounded

like the perfect solution.

Several days

passed before Jeff worked up enough courage to return to the house.

When

he

finally

knocked on the door, he was nervous,

but he was determined to follow through with his good turn. It

was Mrs. Meyers who opened

carefully,

and then

the door.

She

listened

politely declined Jeff's offer of help.

Mr.

Meyers, however, overheard the conversation. "I

know something you can

help with," he said cheerfully,

and he motioned Jeff to follow him into the kitchen. Mr. Meyers had several projects there needing the aid of sturdy arms and legs. Jeff was kept busy carrying items up and down from the basement, and climbing a stepladder to reach high shelves and corners. That evening when he climbed into bed, Jeff felt very tired, but he felt more satisfied with his work than he had after shoveling snow.

After school the next day, Jeff returned

to the

Meyers'

VIRTUE

home. This time they were both wiUing

99

with

to accept his help

several tasks.

He

stopped by a third time a few days

"No

work today," Mrs. Meyers

offended, but then he

"Today we have a him

saw

A

charming

moment Jeff felt

Mr. Meyers'

the twinkle in

surprise for you."

into the small dining

later.

For a

said.

With

eyes.

that they ushered

room.

table-setting for three sat waiting, complete

with lace cloth, flowers, and a silver plate

v^th diamond-

filled

shaped cookies. Jeff was quite surprised but he remembered

manners and held a chair

for

Mrs. Meyers as she

sat

his

dovm.

"These are poor man's cookies," Mrs. Meyers said as she passed the

silver plate to Jeff.

"Why name

are they called that?" he asked, thinking

it

an odd

for cookies.

Mr. Meyers answered, "After you buy

Thus began an hour

you're a poor man!" conversation.

As

the ingredients,

all

or so of laughter and

the couple shared pictures

and

told stories

now lived far away, Jeff's heart was how lonely they were. He decided to

about their family that

soft-

ened as he realized

stop

by often and "help out." All during the years of junior and senior high, Jeff contin-

ued

There was always some way he

to find reasons to stop by.

could pitch

in.

Between mowing lawns, raking

snow, weeding gardens, and three talked

all

leaves, clearing

kinds of indoor projects, the

and laughed and grew

to

be very important in each

other's lives.

All too soon the time came serve his country. Letters

had

when

Jeff entered the

—

immensely.

to receiving

a package

always a batch of poor man's cookies.

Mr. Meyers died while his loss

to

to replace the face-to-face talks.

Every holiday season Jeff looked forward from the Meyerses

Army

When

Jeff

was

in the service,

and

Jeff felt

he returned home, he picked up his

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

100

He knew Mrs. And she

old habit of stopping in "just to help out a bit."

Meyers was

lonelier than ever without

Mr. Meyers.

continued to serve poor man's cookies on the the dining room.

It

was so touching

to see

silver platter in

her continue to set

three places at the table for their special tea times.

Then,

was

Jeff

getting married.

Mrs. Meyers would not

have missed his wedding for anything. She

day of the ceremony carrying her

gift

wove by hand, and a double batch Tucked

inside the package

turned out, that was the

Meyers died a few months For

many

would never Meyerses.

would

left

her house the

a "rag" rug that she

of poor man's cookies.

special cookie recipe.

As

it

batch of cookies she made; Mrs.

later.

years, Jeff kept his promise to himself that he

tell

He

spoil the

The

anyone about the "special project" helpmg the thought that drawing the attention to himself

"good turn."

difference between holding

or releasing is

was her

last

—

it

like the difference

head down

at night

on

to

with forgiveness

a hurt

—

between laying your

on a pillow filled with thorns

or a pillow filled with rose petals.

Loren Fischer

—

.

VIRTUE

Behind

101

Quick Sketch

the

Joni Eareckson Tada art instructor,

My

an excellent craftsman, told

me

a com-

pelling story about the benefits of diligent work.

Many

years ago there

named Hokusai, whose

was a famous Japanese

left

and the

the bird with Hokusai,

to return in

The

his prized bird.

nobleman

artist told the

a week.

master missed his beautiful bird, and was anxious to

return at the

end of the week, not only

but his painting as well.

When

to secure his favorite pet,

nobleman

the

arrived, however,

humbly requested a two-week postponement.

the artist

The two-week delay stretched

A year He

One

paintings were coveted by royalty.

day a nobleman requested a special painting of

He

artist

later,

the

into

nobleman stormed

refused to wait any longer

his painting.

Hokusai,

man, turned

to his

and then

two months into

Hokusai's studio.

and demanded both

Japanese way, bowed

in the

workshop

table,

six.

his bird

and

to the noble-

and picked up a brush and

a large sheet of rice paper. Within moments he had effortlessly painted an exact likeness of the lovely bird.

The

bird's

And a year

if

owner was stunned by

then he W2is angry.

"Why

did you keep

you could have done the painting

"\bu don't understand," Hokusai the

the painting.

nobleman

into a

paintings of the the grace

room where

same

bird.

and beauty of

None

replied.

to

escorted

the walls were covered wath

of them, however, matched

the final rendering.

.

.

lives

If

we

have something of real worth and lasting value in our

character, It

waiting for

Then he

This must also be true of the canvas of our

want

me

such a short time?"

in

it

won't come easy.

never does.

— MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

102

Androclm and

Lion

the

Retold by Casandra Lindell This

based on a true story recorded

is

in

Noctes Attica Vol.

XV

by Autus Gellius

Meart knew no other

Androclus

racing, legs aching, he reached the forest;

roots

choices

—

He

and

wondered how

was enough

that to

needed

it

Rain was trees,

might be big enough

lion. Instinct

find

caught.

mossy carpet beneath

his

jerking his head around so

and

in the air,

would soon

it

he saw an opening

in the rocks.

to sleep in just for

one night,

it.

Suddenly he stopped. Lying a

if

—

had few

for soldiers.

shelter.

Androclus veered toward

creature

He

be, living in terror of discovery.

softly to the

make him jump,

be dark. Through the

Thinking

would

it

fell

wide eyes could search

He

could survive there

he would be executed as a runaway slave

Every pine cone feet

He

safe place.

berries, avoid wild animals.

to the right of the

opening was

kicked in and Androclus ran, praying that the

had already

eaten.

Hearing no sound of

Looking back, he saw

pursuit, he slowed,

that the lion

only movement had been to

roll its

and then stopped.

had not chased. In

fact, its

head

man

to look at the

rather sorrowfully, Androclus thought.

Slowly, he retraced his steps.

Androclus spoke

softly,

stroking

The

mane and

ing for injury. Finally, he found

it

—

lion

was

in pain.

back, gently search-

a nasty gash on the

lion's

hind leg that had been bleeding for some time and showed no sign of stopping.

The man

tore cloth

and cleaned the wound. The Finally,

it

lion

from the

hem

of his tunic

shuddered and groaned.

slept.

Just then the clouds

let

go of

their rain.

Androclus crawled

VIRTUE

and

into the cave

from the

city.

fell

asleep immediately.

Minutes

he awoke

later,

the cave next to him, dragging

wheezing

its

It

103

had been a long run

as the lion crawled into

leg,

and collapsed with a

The

sigh.

cave was large, and

man and

beast lived together for

several weeks. Androclus found a fresh spring not too far away.

The two hunted and

One felt

gathered the food each needed.

day, while scooping water from the stream,

something sharp press into

Androclus

his neck.

"Don't move," a quarrelsome voice ordered. "There quite a reward for the

life

is

Now,

of a runaway slave, you know.

stand up slowly."

Forced back to the lion,

city,

Androclus thought of

He

knowing they would never meet again.

stand before the death. Soldiers

his friend the

was taken

to

Emperor in court, and was there sentenced to took him to a stone cell in the halls under the

arena until the time of execution. Finally, they led

hatred.

loosed

—

it

into the arena.

The crowd

saw

the

into fierce anger

by the

soldiers.

man, and bounded headlong toward

Androclus knew he didn't stand a chance. tensed for the fight, readied for pain.

turned out

when he befiiended a

and prodding one.

He

Instead of searing pain, he his face as

—

it

How

It

its

Still, his

roared

prey.

muscles

different things

lion in pain instead of

had

poking

knocked him

first

felt

to the

slashing blow. the tongue of the lion

wash

ground. Androclus opened his

face to face with his friend from the forest. Instead of

pouncing lion,

its

was

closed his eyes, waiting for the weight of

the animal, steeling against the

eyes

spat lion

a lion that had not been fed for several days, a lion

poked and prodded

when

him

But they began a thunderous cheer when a

to kill,

even after days of hunger and torment, the

once so gently cared

fiiendly dog.

for,

fawned over the man

like a

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

104

The crowd was

instantly silent, the

called Androclus'to him,

and Androclus

Emperor stunned.

He

told his story.

"Both Androclus and his lion are hereby freed," the Emperor announced. "Such amazing kindness and gratitude between

fierce

enemies should be greatly rewarded."

MEASURE OF A MAN The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge

Martin Luther King

and

controversy.

VIRTUE

Billy

here

is

a story of a

woman

in

be an habitual gossip

—

Graham

England who came

vicar with a troubled conscience. _IJL

105

The

vicar

to her

knew her

to

she maligned nearly everyone in

the village.

"How

can

you want

"If

to

I

make amends?" she pleaded. The

make peace with your

vicar said,

conscience, take a

bag of

goose feathers and drop one on the porch of each one you have slandered."

When

she had done so, she

said, "Is that all?"

go

now and

gather

"No,"

came back

to the vicar

said the wise old minister, "you

up every

feather

and bring them

all

and must

back

to

me.

After a long time the

woman

returned without a single

"The wind has blovm them all away." she said. "My good woman," said the vicar, "so it is with gossip. Unkind words are easily dropped, but we can never take them back feather.

agam.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

106

The Toe-Tapper Joan Sparks

One

day a wise man came

to a small

place to stay so he went to the

town.

first

He

needed a

church he found.

group of people argued about how they

Inside, a small

could best please God. help you," the

"I'll

man

you must promise

said, "but

I do to glorify God." "Oh, we will," the people assured him. "We

to use

what

He a

gave each of them

gifts

To one he gave a

flutist.

—one was

cello, to

to

be a

another a

will." pianist,

violin,

another

and

to yet

another he gave the role of toe-tapper.

The

people worked long and hard to prepare a song of praise

for the church.

One

The music became more and more

beautiful.

afternoon during practice the violinist said to the

pianist,

"I'm so glad

lin. I'd

sure hate to be only a toe-tapper."

I

have the important job of playing the vio-

The

toe-tapper was

so hurt that he went home.

The

next day,

when

together right. Finally, the

here

don't

I

met

the group

know when

to

to practice,

flutist said,

come

nothing came

"Without the toe-tapper

in for

my

part."

They

started

over time and time again, but the music sounded terrible.

was then

It

that the violinist spoke

"I'm sorry. This that

to

I

my

up

in

thought

I

didn't need the help of the toe-tapper.

I

is

all

fault.

I

a very sad voice.

was so important

was wrong!"

So he led the way to the toe-tapper's house and asked him come back with them. The toe-tapper agreed and once again

the music

was

beautiful.

Then, one Sunday, they played looked I

down and

their

music

smiled.

think he even winked at the toe-tapper.

in church.

God

VIRTUE

107

Taking Sides

A litrie

lies,

Zig Ziglar little

guy was confronted by three

whom

guy was very

that they

bright, so he

line in the dirt,

had

that plan in mind.

just step across that line." that,

and

the

little

guy

and

steps, looked

said,

"Now, you

Confidently, the big bully did exactly

just grinned

and

said,

"Now, we're both

side."

The reason a dog has so many friends is

The

backed away from the three bul-

backed up a few more

into the eyes of the biggest of the three,

on the same

any one of

could have obliterated him, and they were giving

some evidence

drew a

bullies,

because he wags his

tail

instead of his tongue.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

108

The Dress

.

Margaret Jensen

Mary

was young,

His

filled

with dreams of love for

and impatient

service. John, restless

God and

in his

new

pastorate in the farmlands of Wisconsin, longed for the libraries

and action of

New \ork City

or Chicago, where he

had attended seminary. John's brilliant mind craved books. Mary saw beauty in everything the smell of the freshly

—

plowed

fields, the

cuses and violets. birds.

Not

song of a bird, the

Mary

But she had one

the

sang

to the

first

wind and laughed with

secret longing, a

somber brovm or black,

signs of spring, cro-

new

the

dress for spring.

befitting a minister's wife, but

a soft voile, billowing dress with lace around the neck and sleeves

and a big

sash.

There was no money! Carefully she

laid plans.

put pennies into a box until there was enough

new

kerosene lamp for John and material for a

would reuse the

Someday

she would

money to buy a new dress. She

an old velvet dress

lace from

make

She would

in the trunk.

a blue velvet dress for her baby

Louise.

The day came when the treadle machine purred like music while Mary sang and sewed. Golden-haired Louise played with empty spools and clothes pins. The small house shone clean. The new lamp had a place of honor on John's reading table.

In a playful

brushed soft

it

mood, Mary pulled dovm her long brown

in the

morning sun. Then she put on her new

pink voile with violets and

and Mary swomg around was

spring!

lace.

A

hair,

dress,

sash tied at the back,

to the delightful squeals of Louise. It

She was young,

just

23, with another

her and Louise to rock and love.

The

new

life

within

wilderness church, the

VIRTUE

somber immigrants

land,

tilling the

and

109

the severe harshness of

long winter had isolated the young wife into her world of poetry

and song. But she had grown

to love the faithful

people and

shared their joys and sorrows. Today, she danced with aban-

doned joy

With

her

in

new

billowing dress.

the flash of

summer

lightning,

Mary was

whirled

around by an angry John, whose storm of frustration unleashed the fury within him.

books

—no one

ens, planting

"Money

to talk to

No

for foolishness!

libraries,

no

about an)^hing except cows and chick-

and harvest."

Like a smoldering volcano, John erupted with rage and ripped the dress to shreds. Just as suddenly the storm was over,

and the galloping hoofs of John's horse broke the quiet

As

he rode into the wind, he unleashed the remainder of his

fury on the passing fields ing chickens. of

terror.

He

—

New \brk

Huddled ded less.

dress.

and

their

wide-eyed cows and cluck-

longed to gallop from Wisconsin to the heart

his

beloved library.

in a corner,

Mary

clutched Louise and the shred-

Trembling with fear and anger she remained motion-

Too drained

to

weep, she was sick with an emptiness and

an unutterable longing for her mother. There was no one to turn to in the lonely farmland. "I all

sought the Lord, and

my

fears."

Then

He

She remembered Psalm 34:4.

heard me, and delivered

me from

she wept, long and deep, and cried unto

the Lord.

Mary make a

set

pallet

her heart to seek a

up

in the loft

way

of escape.

and take Louise

She would

to sleep

with her.

John would sleep alone. Then she folded the shredded dress a small package and hid

coming

to visit the

it

in her trunk. Pastor

near churches and

time, to quietly wait

and show

Mary

Hansen was

decided to bide her

the dress to Pastor

Hansen, then

ask for assistance to leave John and return to her mother. quiet determination she put

in

on her dark dress

With and combed her

"

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

110

She

hair into a severe knot, befitting a minister's wife. table for supper.

When John

per was in the warming oven.

Louise curled

in

returned late in the night his sup-

Mary was

asleep in the

Louise

loft

with

her arms.

Quietly John ate his supper and looked for Mary.

found her

set the

he

he ordered her back to their bed and put

in the loft,

in her crib.

When

Mary

gently tucked Louise in her crib

and

obediently went to bed. John's storm had passed, but he was

unaware of the debris

in

its

wake.

Life went on as usual, but the song steps

were weighted with

was gone and Mary's

She

bitterness.

quietly waited

and

thought out her plans.

The

arrival of Pastor

Hansen brought a new exuberance

to

John as the two ministers discussed books and theology and the

work of

Mary

the church conference.

would have guessed

No

served quietly.

one

the anguish behind her gentle face as she

worshipped wath the

faithful congregations,

but heard

litde of

the sermons.

The

final service

was drawing

to

a close and, as yet,

Mary

Hansen alone. She had to find the opening, perhaps this Sunday afternoon, when John would visit a shut-in member while Pastor Hansen would meditate on the evening message. With a quickened mind she decided to listen to the sermon and perhaps use his comments had not had the opportunity

to see Pastor

as an opening.

"The *When ye

text this

morning

is

found

in

Mark

stand praying, forgive.' Forgiveness

is

1

1:25 (KJV). not optional,

but a definite act of the will to forgive, in obedience to God's

command. The feeling comes later, the feeling of peace. When we offer to God our hurts and despair, God will pour His love and compassion

Oh, forget.

no,

into the

Mary

wounds, and His healing

cried inside.

I

can't forgive,

will

and

I

come. can never

VIRTUE

The sermon

111

"Someone may be thinking, I can could forgive. You are right, you can't for-

continued,

never forget, even

if I

get,

but you needn't be devastated by the remembering. God's

love

and His forgiveness can and

When

gone.

the imprint

is

dence, and

remember only

you

memory

cushion the

will

forgive

until

you must destroy the

evi-

to love."

John and Pastor Hansen rode home with Deacon Olsen. Mary stepped into her buggy, tied her wide black hat vsdth a

and

scarf

Louise around her waist.

carefully secured

horse, Dolly, trotted briskly

down

the country road,

As

the

Mary's

scalding tears poured forth.

She knew what she must do. She would obey God. Without waiting

to unhitch Dolly, she fled

placed Louise in her crib.

from the buggy and

With trembling hands, Mary took

out of the trunk the package with the torn dress, but she couldn't let

go.

The Sunday the fire

dinner was in the warming oven;

Mary poked

and added more wood. Automatically she put on the

coffee pot

and

set the table.

"The

evidence must go," rang in

her memory. "I forgive you, John." tattered dress with

She

finally

one hand and the stove

Tears splashed on the

fire

as she

lid

picked up the with the other.

watched the dress burn

slowly.

"True forgiveness destroys the evidence," pounded so loudly in her heart that she failed to

hear John's footsteps. "Mary,

what are you doing?" Trembling with sobs, she

said, "I

am

destroying the evidence."

To

herself she said,

"My offering to God."

Then John remembered!

Pale and shaken he murmured,

"Please forgive me." Fifty-eight years later,

and she missed him appeared

Over

the

to her

and

when John had gone home

terribly,

said,

Mary had

"Come, we

to the

Lord

a dream. Three angels

are going to a celebration."

arm of one angel was draped a

beautifiil dress.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

112

Distant Relatives Carla Muir

A

certain old recluse lived

Colorado.

When

deep

he died, distant

the city to collect his valuables.

saw

mountains of

in the

Upon

arriving, all they

an old shack with an outhouse beside

w^as

shack, next to the rock fireplace,

mining equipment.

A

came from

relatives

it.

Inside the

was an old cooking pot and

his

cracked table with a three-legged chair

stood guard by a tiny window, and a kerosene lamp served as the centerpiece for the table. In a dark corner of the

was a dilapidated

They

As

on

cot with a threadbare bedroll

picked up some of the old

relics

and

little

room

it.

started to leave.

they were driving away, an old friend of the recluse, on his

mule, flagged them down. what's

left in

my

"Do you mind

friend's cabin?" he asked.

they replied. After

all,

if

I

help myself to

"Go

right

ahead,"

they thought, what inside that shack

could be worth anything?

The

old friend entered the shack and walked directly over

to the table.

boards.

He

He

reached under

it

and

then proceeded to take out

had discovered over the past 53 years palace.

The

worth.

As

lifted all

one of the

the gold his friend

—enough

recluse died with only his friend

the friend looked out of the

floor

to

have built a

knowing

little

his true

window and

watched the cloud of dust behind the relative's car disappear, he said, "They shoulda got to know him better."

VIRTUE

113

More Than a Job

It's

Charles Swindoll

A

young

rushed into a service station and asked the

fella

manager

if

coins, dialed,

and waited

"Uh,

The manager nodded, The boy pushed in a couple of

he had a pay phone.

"Sure, over there." for

an answer.

Finally,

he said

in a

deep

an honest, hardworking young

man

to

on the

line.

sir,"

someone came you use

voice, "could

work

for

you?" The

sta-

tion manager couldn't help overhearing the question. After a

moment

or two the boy said,

"Oh, you already have an

hardworking young man? Well, okay. Thanks

With a broad the

phone and

elated.

"Hey,

just the

happy?

I

hung up

humming and

obviously

started

just a

back

to his car,

minute!" the station manager called after

my job!"

Why

are you

thought the guy said he already had somebody and

didn't need you?" the honest,

same."

smile stretched across his face, he

him. "I couldn't help but hear your conversation. so

honest,

The young man

smiled. "Well, you see,

hardworking young man.

I

was

just

I

am

checking up on

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

114

A Tender Warrior Stu Weber

man

hat does a healthy

a statement from a young

recall

us

—

look like?

can't help but

I

man who

near

lives

a sixteen-year-old high school sophomore. His

when he was

parents divorced

His

eight years old.

father

left

and has never returned. His stepdad, a tyrannical and poor excuse for a man, treats him poorly. Tells him to "shut up"

him

the time. Tells

amount

lives.

W21S.

is

what

And And

the

I'd like to

—

boy about

he'll tell

move

maybe

it

and

his dresun

you: "I'd

like to find

in next

I'd like to just

his friend, then

all

will never

become

would be

was asked

to write

man?" The foUov^ng

is

his eyes will light up.

out where

my

real

door without him knowing his friend.

Once

I

dad

who

I

had become

OK for me to move on."

This same young man who has had his life

and

to anything.

But just ask This

he's worthless, stupid,

all

kinds of difficulty in

an essay on the subject,

—

his brief essay

^written

"What

is

a

by a boy who

has never really been around a man, never really seen one. But I

think there

is

something so inherent, so ingrained, so

so fundamental, that even a

modeled can put

it

intrinsic,

young boy who has never seen

into words. Here's

what he wrote:

A real man kind. A real man caring. macho A real man walks away from A real man helps his wife. A real man helps his kids when they are A real man doesn't run from his problems. A real man sticks to his word and keeps his promises. A real man honest. A real man not in trouble with the law. is is

silly

fights.

sick.

is

is

it

VIRTUE

It's is

one lonely boy's vision of a

man who

stays.

both an authority and under authority. It's

a vision of a Tender Warrior.

Character

is

what you are

in the dark,.

Dwight L. Moody

115

A man who

Love

ONMKSS Henceforth there will he such

a oneness between us that

—

when one weeps

the other will taste salt.

Author Unknown

LOVE

119

The Pencil Box Doris Sanford

was deep

I

in

my

thought at

office,

preparing a lecture to be

when

given that evening at a college across town,

phone rang.

A woman

I

had never met introduced

the

herself

and said that she was the mother of a seven-year-old and that

was dying. She said

she

that her therapist

had advised her

discussing her pending death with her son

matic for him, but

Knowing

my

advice.

I

somehow

that

would be too

that didn't feel right to her.

our heart

is

often smarter than our

thought she knew what would be best for her

brain

and

son.

also invited her to attend the lecture that night since

I

I

speaking about

would be I

my

trau-

worked with grieving children, she asked

I

told her that

that

how

children cope with death.

She

I

was

said she

there.

wondered

later if

I

would recognize her

question was answered

carried into the

when

room by two

I

saw a

adults.

I

frail

at the lecture,

woman

talked about the fact that

that they often wait until they feel adults are ready to talk

before sharing their concerns

but

being half

children usually sense the truth long before they are told

it

that

and questions.

I

and

about

said that chil-

dren usually can handle truth better than denial, even though the denial

is

intended to protect them from pain.

respecting children

meant including them

I

said that

in the family sadness,

not shutting them out.

She had heard enough. At the break, she hobbled podium and through her tears she said, "I knew it in my I

just

knew

I

should

him." She said that she would

tell

to the

heart.

tell

him

from

her.

that night.

The

next morning

I

received another

phone

call

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

120

She could hardly her choked voice.

managed to hear the She awakened him when they

talk but

I

night before and quietly said, "Derek,

you."

He

now

that

him

close

you are going

to tell

had something

box was a I

know.

I

his

little

for her that

home

the

to tell

"Oh, Mommy,

is

it

you are dying?" She held said, "\es."

boy wanted down.

He

said

he had been saving. In the

drawers was a dirty pencil box. Inside the

letter written in

will

How

that

and they both sobbed while she

back of one of

Mom.

me

got

have something

quickly interrupted her saying,

After a few minutes the that he

I

story through

simple scrawl.

It

said,

"Good-bye,

always love you."

long he had been waiting to hear the truth,

do know

was placed a

that

two days

dirty pencil

later

box and a

Measure wealth not by

Mom

you have,

hut by the things you have for which you

would not take money.

Anonymous

don't

died. In her casket

letter.

the things

I

LOVE

She

121

My Precious

s

Robertson McQuilkin (condensed) Written six years after stepping

and Seminary

Bible College suffers

down

to care for his wife,

summers ago, Muriel and

into the twilight.

sometimes

It's

wonder when dawn

I

tent, so lovable. If

isn't

my

Once, though,

I

helping.

completely

up

I

got I

so con-

is

how I would times when I get

miss her irritated,

lost

In the days

it.

we had

not resorted to diapers,

was on

I

when Muriel

my

knees beside

the mess as she stood, confused,

would have been

still,

the

to attack so early

spirit.

stand and walk and

her, trying to clean

stand

Even

will break.

make much sense to get angry. And Lord has been answering the prayer of my

sometimes there were "accidents."

It

and

doesn't

It

mellow

still

least for her,

Jesus took her home,

besides, perhaps the to

began our journey

supposed

gentle, sweet presence. \es, there are

toilet.

Muriel who

long. \et, in her silent world, Muriel

and torment so

but not often.

I

midnight now, at

dread of Alzheimer's disease

could

Columbia

from Alzheimer's.

Seventeen

youth

as president of

easier

more and more

she weren't so insistent on

frustrated.

—

slapped her calf

if

as

if

that

Suddenly, to make her

would do any good.

wasn't a hard slap, but she was startled.

our forty-four years of marriage had

by the

I

I

It

was, too. Never in

ever so

much

as touched

her in anger or in rebuke of any kind. Never; wasn't even tempted, in

fact.

Sobbing,

I

But, now,

I

she needed

pled with her to forgive

didn't understand

So

when

me

me most

—no

matter that she

words any better than she could speak them.

turned to the Lord to

tell

Him how sorry

I

was.

It

took

me

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

122

days to get over

Maybe God

it.

some

the fires that might ignite again

quench

bottled those tears to day.

Recently, a student wife asked me, "Don't you ever get tired?"

"Tired? Every night. That's why

I

go

to

bed."

mean tired of..." and she tilted her head toward Muriel, who sat silently in her wheelchair, her vacant eyes saying, "No one at home just now." I responded to Cindi's ques"No,

I

"Why

tion,

no,

I

don't get tired.

I

love to care for her. She's

my

"

precious

Love it's

is

said to evaporate

not physical,

if

not mutual,

if

the other person doesn't communicate, or

if

When

I

one party doesn't carry

the relationship

if

is

his or her share of the load.

hear the litany of essentials for a happy marriage,

my

what

I

beloved can no longer contribute, and then

count off I

contem-

how truly mysterious love is. What some people find so hard to understand is that loving Muriel isn't hard. They wonder about my former loves like my work. "Do you miss being president?" a student asked as we sat in our litde garden. I told him I'd never thought about it, plate

—

on

but,

reflection, no.

As

exhilarating as

my work had

been,

I

enjoyed learning to cook and keep house. No, I'd never looked back.

But

that night

I

did reflect on his question and turned

the Lord. "Father,

I

like this

But

if

a coach puts a

man on

game. You needn't

in the

—

know

assignment, and

^why didn't you keep

the bench, he

tell

me

puzzle. Muriel

was

still

have no

in the

it

to

regrets.

must not want him

me, of course, but

didn't sleep well that night

I

I

I'd like to

game?"

and awoke contemplating the

mobile at that time, so

we

set

out on

our morning walk around the block. She wasn't too sure on her feet,

day

so I

we went

slowly and held hands as

heard footsteps behind

me and

we

always do. This

looked back to see the

LOVE

familiar

form of a

local derelict

us.

He

staggered past

then turned and looked us up and down. "Tha's good.

us,

like 'at,"

he said. "Tha's real good.

headed back down the over,

"Tha's good.

When his

behind

123

I

street,

I

is

whispering to

may be on

good, that's I

think

mumbling

reached our

to

me.

Lord had spoken through an aloud. "I

likes it."

He

turned and

and

to himself over

likes it."

Muriel and

words came back

who

I

I

my

Then

litde

garden and sat down,

the realization hit me; the

inebriated old derelict. "It

spirit,

'I

likes

the bench, but

if

it,

tha's good,'"

you

is

you

I

said

and say

it's

95 percent of

the

like

it

" all

my

that counts life is

happier than the

people on planet Earth.

lives

of

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

124

The Final Bid Robert Strand very wealthy Enghsh Baron Fitzgerald had only one

The

child, a son,

who understandably was

the apple of his

an only

eye, the center of his affections,

child, the focus

of this litde family's attention.

The

son grew up, but in his early teens his mother died,

him and

leaving

his wife but

his father. Fitzgerald grieved over the loss of

devoted himself

to fathering their son. In the pass-

became very

ing of time, the son

ill

and died

in his late teens. In

the meantime, the Fitzgerald financial holdings greatly

The

increased. art

father

had used much of

his

wealth to acquire

works of the "masters."

And became

with the passing of more time, Fitzgerald himself

and died. Previous

ill

pared his

will

which

death he had carefully pre-

with explicit instructions as to

would be setded. tion in

to his

He

had directed

that there

his entire collection of art

of the quantity

and quality of the

which was valued

works

sold.

English pounds, a huge

were many museum curators and private

The

art

attention. artist. It

works were displayed

Among It

viewing before the auction

and done by an unknown

local

was of poor to

the time

quality

be a portrait of Fitzgerald's only son.

came

began, the attorney read instructed that the

"my

collectors eager to bid.

little

for the auction to begin, the auction-

eer gaveled the crowd to attention

ing of

Among them

them was one painting which received

happened

When

for

Because

in his collection

crowd of prospective buyers gathered, expectantly.

began.

his estate

would be an auc-

would be

art

in the millions of

how

first

first

and before the bidding

from the

will of Fitzgerald

painting to be auctioned

beloved son."

was

which

the paint-

LOVE

The poor

quality

bidders. .except one! .

The

painting

didn't

receive

only bidder was the old servant

had knovs^ the son and loved him and served him and mental reasons offered the only bid. For

pound he bought

The to

125

less

any who

for senti-

than an English

the painting.

auctioneer stopped the bidding and asked the attorney

read again from the

will.

The crowd was

hushed,

it

was

quite

unusual, and the attorney read from the Fitzgerald will:

"Whoever buys tion.

The

the painting of

auction

is

my

son gets

all

over!"

The first duty of love Paul

is

Tillich

to listen.

my

art collec-

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

126

Shoooopppingll Gary Smalley

my wife,

her a tearful session with

decided

I

to

commit

myself wholeheartedly to understanding and relating to

for

know where to start. had an idea that I knew would

But

her.

I

didn't

Suddenly,

I

Husband

of the \ear.

with

Norma

—

shop. Since

like

me nominated

Of course! My wife

going shopping!

had never volunteered

I

get

could do something adventurous

I

would demonstrate how much

to

go with her before,

really cared.

I

loves to

I

this

could arrange for

a baby-sitter and then take her to one of her favorite places in the world: the mall!

I'm not sure what emotional and physiological changes

my wife upon hearing the words "the mall," but when I told her my idea, it was obvious something dramatic was happening. Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, and she ignite inside

trembled with excitement

someone gave me two

I

same reaction

the

tickets to

That next Saturday shopping together,

—

an

when Norma and

I

went

major barrier that bars

into a

first

had when

NFL play-off game.

afternoon,

ran face

I'd

many men and women from meaningful communication. What I

discovered blew open the door to understanding and relating

to

Norma As we

look for a

Here's what happened: drove up to the mall.

new

blouse.

So

after

Norma we

into the nearest clothing store, she held

"What do you "Great,"

I

in plenty

me

she needed to

up a blouse and asked,

think?" said. "Let's get it."

Great! If she hurries up and gets

home

told

parked the car and walked

of time

to

But

really,

this blouse,

I

we

was

thinking.

will he

watch the college game on TV.

back

LOVE

you think about "It's great,

But

"What do

she picked up another blouse and said,

Then

127

one?"

this

too!"

"Get

said.

I

number

after looking at a

No,

either one.

get both!"

we

of blouses on the rack,

walked out of the store empty-handed. Then we went into another store, and she did the same thing.

And As we

store.

another.

And

went

and out of

ingly anxious.

in

The

could I

tell I

the shops,

all

I

became

increas-

thought even struck me, not only will

at

I

will also

what seemed

was beginning

would miss the

then into another

another!

the half-time highlights, but

After looking

And

to lose

entire season!

And

up a blouse

Instead of picking

she held up a dress that

miss

hundreds of blouses,

like

it.

I

miss the entire game!

At

the rate

that's

we were

when

it

I

going,

happened.

we entered, "What do you

at the next store

was our daughter's

size.

think about this for Kari?" she asked.

Taxed beyond any mortal's and

I

blurted out,

my

limits,

willpower cracked,

"What do you mean, *What do

I

think about

a dress for Kari?' We're here shopping for blouses for you, not dresses for Kari!"

As

if

bad enough, we

that wasn't

buying anything, and then she asked coffee! utes, I

We'd

left

that store without

we could

stop and have

already been at the mall for sixty-seven entire min-

which beat

my

couldn't believe

it

previous endurance record by half an hour.

—

she actually had the nerve to want to

around and discuss the

That

if

night,

I

kids' lives!

began

to

between men and women. hunting for blouses!

then get back

I

sit

I

wanted

understand a

was shopping to

common

difference

for blouses... I

conquer the blouse, bag

home where important

it,

things were, like

was and

my

Saturday-afternoon football game!

My

wife, however, looked at

extremes.

For

her,

it

shopping from opposite

meant more than simply buying a blouse.

1 28

It

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

was a way

to

spend time talking together as we enjoyed severed

hours away from the children and Saturday afternoon football.

Like most men, shopping. But to

I

thought a

my wife

it

trip to the

mall meant going

meant shoooopppingi

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.

Mignon McLaughlin

LOVE

129

Heirloom Ann Weems Retold by Alice Gray t

had belonged

must be very treasures.

The

Great-grandmother and he knew he

to

The

careful.

She had

litrie

if

the tiny

little

him

told

so.

on the mande, was out of the reach

vase, placed high

somehow he managed. He

hands, but

of

vase was one of mother's dearest

rosebud border went

all

just

wanted

to see

around the back.

He

didn't realize that a boy's five-year-old hands are sometimes

clumsy and not meant

when

shattered

hold delicate porcelain treasures.

to

hit the floor,

it

and he began

to cry.

It

That cry

soon became a sobbing wail, growing louder and louder. From the kitchen his mother heard her son crying ning.

Her

corner.

dovm

footsteps hurried

She stopped

the hall

then, looked at him,

and she came run-

and came around the

and saw what he had

done.

Between

he could hardly speak the words, "I

his sobs,

broke... the vase."

And

then his mother gave him a

With a look

of

relief, his

thought you were hurt!" his

gift.

mother said "Oh, thank heavens,

And

I

then she held him tenderly until

sobbing stopped.

She made a grown man,

it

—he was

very clear

it is

a

gift

he

still

the treasure.

carries in his heart.

Though now

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

130

It

the

Hamened on

Brooklyn Subway Paul Deutschman

The

was crowded, and

car

of a seat. But as

there

entered, a

I

seemed

man

denly jumped up to leave, and

be no chance

to

by the door sud-

sitting

slipped into the empty

I

seat. I've

been

living in

New

\brk long enough not

to start con-

versations with strangers. But, being a photographer,

and

peculiar habit of analyzing people's faces, the features of the passenger

my

when he glanced

30s, and

late

on

hope you don't mind

The man seemed

if I

have time

later

me

tion.

He

said his

battalion

II

Russians and put

Hungarian,

"\bu may read

it

now.

on." ride to town,

name was Bela

started,

and sent

to say in

surprised to be addressed in his native

During the half-hour

World War

in his

glance at your paper."

language. But he only answered politely, I'll

was struck by

I

was probably

reading a Hungarian-language

newspaper, and something prompted "I

He

have the

up, his eyes seemed to have a

He was

hurt expression in them.

left.

I

Paskin.

quite a conversa-

A law student when

he had been put into a

to the

to

we had

German

labor

Ukraine. Later he was captured by the

work burying

the

German

dead. After the

war, he covered hundreds of miles on foot until he reached his

home I

in

Debrecen, a large

myself

city in eastern

knew Debrecen

quite well,

me

Hungary.

and we talked about

for a while.

Then he

went

apartment once occupied by

to the

brothers,

and

went upstairs

sisters,

told

the rest of his story.

and

it

he

his father, mother,

he found strangers living there.

to the apartment that he

When

his wife

Then

once had.

he It

LOVE

was

131

by strangers. None of them had ever heard of

also occupied

his family.

As

he was leaving,

full

of sadness, a boy ran after him, call-

ing, "Paskin bacsi! Paskin bacsi!" That means "Uncle Paskin." The child was the son of some old neighbors of his. He went to the boy's home and talked to his parents. "\our

whole family

is

dead," they told him.

and your wife

to

Auschwitz,"

"The Nazis

took them

Auschv^tz was one of the worst Nazi concentration camps. Paskin gave up

hope.

all

remain any longer

A

few days

Hungary, he

in

later,

too heartsick to

on

foot again, steal-

set out

He

ing across border after border until he reached Paris.

immigrate to the United States in October

aged

to

three

months before

seemed

his story

home

recently at the

947,

1

just

met him.

I

All the time he had been talking,

how

man-

familiar.

of friends

I

kept thinking that some-

A young woman had

whom

I

met

been from Debrecen;

also

she had been sent to Auschv^tz; from there she had been trans-

work

ferred to

had been

in

a

German

killed in the gas

munitions factory.

by the Americans and was brought here displaced persons in

Her

story

1

Her

relatives

chambers. Later, she was liberated in the first

boadoad of

946.

had moved me so much

that

I

had written down

her address and phone number, intending to invite her to meet

my

family and thus help relieve the terrible emptiness in her

life.

It

seemed impossible

between these two people, but as

I

neared

my station,

anxiously in

my

casual voice,

"Was your vote's name Marya?"

He

address book.

I

asked in what

turned pale. "Yes!" he answered.

know?"

He

looked as

if

any connection

that there could be

he were about

to faint.

I

I

fumbled

hoped was a

"How

did you

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

132

said, "Let's get off the train."

I

a

man It

a trance while

in

arm

took him by the

I

He

next station and led him to a phone booth.

at the

stood there hke

dialed her phone number.

I

seemed hours before Marya Paskin answered. Later

I

learned her room was alongside the telephone, but she was in the habit of never answering

and the

were always

calls

was no one

there

for

it

because she had so few friends

someone

home and,

else at

This time, however,

else.

after letting

ring for a

it

while, she responded.

When

I

heard her voice at

last,

I

told her

who

I

was and

asked her to describe her husband. She seemed surprised at the question, but gave

me

she had lived in Debrecen, and she

Asking her

to

Then I asked her where told me the address.

a description.

hold the

"Did you and your wife

live

"\es!" Bela exclaimed.

line,

I

turned to Paskin and said,

on such-and-such a

He

was white

street?"

as a sheet

and trem-

bling.

"Try about

to

be calm,"

happen

to

I

to you.

urged him. "Something miraculous

Here, take

this

is

telephone and talk to

your wife!"

He

nodded

with tears.

He

his

head

in

took the receiver, listened a

"This

voice, then cried suddenly,

he began to

was

mute bewilderment,

mumble

hysterically.

is

moment

Bela! This

his

to his wife's

is

Bela!" and

Seeing that the poor fellow

so excited he couldn't talk coherently,

from

his eyes bright

I

took the receiver

shaking hands.

"Stay where you are," terical. "I

am

I

told

Marya, who

sending your husband to you.

also

We

sounded hys-

will

be there

in

a few minutes."

Bela was crying

like

a baby and saying over and over again,

my wife. go to my wife!" At first I thought had better accompany Paskin, lest the man should faint from excitement, but I decided that this was a "It

is

I

I

LOVE

moment

in

133

which no strangers should intrude. Putting Paskin

into a taxicab,

I

him

directed the driver to take

to

Marya's

and said good-bye.

address, paid the fare,

Bela Paskin's reunion with

his wife

was a moment so

poignant, so electric with suddenly released emotion, that after-

ward neither he nor Marya could "I

that

when

dream

to see

remember only

the mirror like in a

"The

gray," she said later. front of the house,

Details

I

and

it is

"Even now

it

many

left

much about

it.

the phone,

I

maybe my I

know, a

this

I

know

—

that

walked

to

had turned

taxi stops in

I

toward me.

was happy

years

difficult to believe that

is

hair

my husband who comes

have both suffered so much; not be afraid.

I

if

next thing

cannot remember; only

for the first time in

recall

I

have almost

it

happened.

We

lost the capability to

Each time my husband goes from the house, I say anything happen to take him firom me again?'"

to myself, *Will

Her husband

is

confident that no horrible misfortune will

ever befall them. "Providence has brought us together," he says simply. "It

was meant

to be."

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

134

Love

a Grandparent

is

Erma Bombeck

A nation, to

preschooler

lives

grandparents appear

It

down

the street

occurred to

like

me

was curious

that, to a child,

an apparition with no expla-

no job description and few

go with the

They

credentials.

just

seem

territory.

This, then, parent

who

about grandparents.

is

for the litde folks

who wonder what

a grand-

is.

A

grandparent can always be counted on

to

buy

all

your

cookies, flower seeds, all-purpose greeting cards, transparent tape, paring knives, peanut brittle

(Also a box of

A

taffy

when

and ten chances on a pony.

they have dentures.)

grandparent helps you with the dishes when

it

is

your

night.

A more

grandparent

after

A

midnight

is

—

the only baby-sitter

who

doesn't charge

or anything before midnight.

grandparent buys you

gifts

your mother says you don't

need.

A grandparent

arrives three hours early for

your baptism,

your graduation and your wedding because he or she wants a seat

where he or she can see everything.

A grandparent loves you from when you're a bald baby to a bald father and

all

the hair in between.

A grandparent will put a sweater on you when she feed you

when she

is

hungry and put you

to

is

cold,

bed when she

is

tired.

A grandparent will brag on you when you get a typing pin that

80

other

girls got.

A grandparent will traced

and put

it

in

frame a picture of your hand that you

her Mediterranean living room.

LOVE

A

grandparent

will slip

grandparent

will

you money

just before

135

Mother's

Day.

A pers

help you with your buttons, your zip-

and your shoelaces and not be

in

any hurry

for

you

to

grow up.

When are crying

When

you're a baby, a grandparent will check to see

when you

are

if

you

sound asleep.

a grandchild says, "Grandma,

how come you

have any children?" a grandparent holds back the

tears.

didn't

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

136

Love from

Heart

the

*

Chad Miller T|

ove

not particularly surprising

I

II

not unusual for young teenagers today.

affairs are

^ ken

for

some reason or

when such

It's

love affairs are bro-

another. Normally, teens get over

and discover

the hurt they feel for a broken relationship

that

there are other "fish in the sea."

This very typical pattern of teen love began as Felipe Garza Jr. began dating Donna Ashlock. Felipe and Donna dated until

Donna

cooled the romance and began dating other

boys.

One

Donna doubled over in pain. Doctors soon disDonna w^as dying of a degenerative heart disease

day,

covered that

and desperately needed a heart

Donna's condition and I'm going to give

my

told his mother, "I'm going to die

heart to

irrational things like this

appeared

mom

to his

Three weeks on the

left

to

later,

side of his

couldn't walk.

He

transplant. Felipe heard about

be

my

girlfiriend."

from time

to time.

and

Boys say some

After

all,

Felipe

in perfect health.

woke up and complained of pain head. He began losing his breath and

Felipe

was taken

to the hospital

where

it

was

dis-

left

him

covered that a blood vessel in his brain had burst and

brain dead. Felipe's sudden death mystified his doctors! While

he remained on a respirator,

remove in

his heart for

his family

Donna and

decided to

his kidneys

let

and eyes

physicians for others

need of those organs.

Donna Donna's

received Felipe's heart! After the transplant.

father told her that Felipe

about three months before he died.

had evidently been

He

kidneys and eyes." There was a pause

have his heart."

sick for

"He donated his and Donna said, "And I said,

LOVE

Her

137

was what he and his family wished." Her expression changed just a httle. She then asked father said, "Yes, that

her father

was

who

knew.

He

told her,

else

said.

Several days

later,

a funeral procession seemed to

forever through the orchards

The but

"Everybody." Nothing

procession was so long it

heart.

was It's

Felipe.

and it

when

someone he loved could

live.

on

fields of Patterson, California.

might have been that of a prince,

His only claim

unforgettable

roll

to

fame was

a person gives It

his love

up

and

his

his life so that

would be unforgettable

if

you

had received a new and healthy heart from someone who loved you more than you could appreciate. Every moment you

would be a

tribute to the

gave his

for

life

one

who

you

j2*

loved you so

much

lived

that he

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

138

Extraordinary People Jo

IT I II

arry and Jo

Ann

were an ordinary couple. They

an ordinary house on an ordinary nary couples, they struggle

^

Ann

to

Larsen lived in

Like other ordi-

street.

make ends meet and

to

do

the right things for their children.

They were ordinary

Much

squabbles.

wrong

in their

in yet

another way; they had their

of their conversation concerned what

marriage and

when

Until one day,

who was

to

was

blame.

the most extraordinary event took

place.

"\ou know, Jo Ann, time

I've got

open them, they're

I

said. "I

Jo

want

Ann

thank you for

to

stared at her

"What do you "Nothing.

full

a magic chest of drawers. Every

of socks and underwear," Larry

filling

them

all

these years."

husband over the top of her

spectacles.

want, Larry?" I

just

want you

to

know

I

appreciate those magic

drawers."

This wasn't the so Jo

Ann

first

time Larry had done something odd,

pushed the incident out of her mind

until a

few days

later.

"Jo

Ann, thank you

numbers

in the ledger this

for recording so

many

correct check

month. \ou put down the

right

num-

ber fifteen out of sixteen times. That's a record." Disbelieving what she heard, Jo

Ann

looked up firom her

mending: "Larry, you're always complaining about ing the

wrong check numbers.

"No effort

reason.

I

just

Why stop

wanted you

to

my

record-

now?"

know

I

appreciate the

you're making."

Jo

Ann

shook her head and went back

"What's gotten

into

him?" she mumbled.

to her

mending.

LOVE

139

when Jo Ann wrote a check

Nevertheless, the next day

at

the grocery store, she glanced at her checkbook to confirm that

she had put

down

dumb numbers?"

care about those

She

the right check number.

"Why

do

I

suddenly

she asked herself.

tried to disregard the incident,

but Larry's strange

behavior intensified.

Ann,

"Jo

appreciate

youVe

all

was a great dinner," he

that

your

fixed over

effort.

Why,

14,000 meals

in the past fifteen years

me and

for

"Gee, Jo Ann, the house looks hard

to get

looking so good."

being you.

for just

Jo

it

Ann

nice. it.

even, "Thanks, Jo

"Dad's gone bonkers.

makeup and

all this

That's not Dad,

1

occasionally even gave herself in taking

"I

to her

who comme I looked

Mom. He

just told

these sloppy clothes, he

still

said

Mom. What's wrong with him?"

grew more used

peculiar

the sarcasm, the

6-year-old Shelly,

day out he continued focusing on the

Ann

Ann,

your company."

Whatever was wrong, Larry didn't

Jo

worked

really

something peculiar was happening

fears that

With

And

\ouVe

wondered.

husband were confirmed by plained,

spiffy.

bet

I'll

the kids."

was growing worried. "Where's

criticism?" she

Her

really enjoy

I

said one evening. "I

it

get over

positive.

to her mate's

it.

Day

Over

and

in

the weeks,

unusual behavior, and

him a grudging "thank you." She prided

all in stride,

until

one day something so

happened she became completely discombobulated:

want you

the dishes.

So

to take

a break," Larry said. "I

am

going to do

please take your hands off that frying

pan and

leave the kitchen."

(Long, long pause.) "Thank you, Larry.

Thank you

very

much!" Jo Ann's step was higher,

and once

in

now

a litde

a while she

lighter,

her self-confidence

hummed. She

didn't

seem

to

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

140

moods much anymore.

experience blue

new

"I rather

hke Larry's

behavior," she. thought.

That would have been

the

end of the story except one day,

another most extraordinary event took place. This time

Jo

Ann who

it

was

spoke.

"Larry," she said, "I want to thank you for going to work

and providing

for us all these years.

you how much

appreciate

I

I

don't think I've ever told

it."

Larry has never revealed the reason of behavior no matter

answer, and so it's

it

will likely

one I'm thankful

You

see,

I

for his

how hard Jo Ann remain one of

to live with.

am Jo Ann.

dramatic change

has pushed for an life's

mysteries.

But

LOVE

141

50 Promises for Marriage Steve Stephens 1

.

Start each

times. 3. 6.

Be

day with a

Date once a week.

gentle. 7.

about dreams. 12.

1

1.

4.

gifts. 8.

Accept

no reason.

1

5.

Know

Be

differences. 5.

all

polite.

Select a song that can be "our song."

Do what

16. Listen.

ring at

Smile often. 9. Touch. 10. Talk

Give back rubs. 13. Laugh

asks. 19.

Give

Wear your wedding

kiss. 2.

17.

together. 14.

Send a card

for

the other person wants before he or she

Do

Encourage. 18.

his or her needs.

it

his or her

way.

20. Fix the other person's break-

21. Compliment twice a day. 22. Call during the day.

fast.

Ask

23. Slow down. 24. Hold hands. 25. Cuddle. 26. each other's opinion. 27.

person home. 29.

Show

Look your

31. Celebrate birthdays

respect. 28.

best. 30.

Welcome

Wink

at

for

the other

each other.

big way. 32. Apologize.

in a

33. Forgive. 34. Set up a romantic getaway. 35. Ask,

"What

make you happier?" 36. Be positive. 37. Be kind. 38. Be vulnerable. 39. Respond quickly to the other person's can

I

do

to

requests. 40. Talk about your love. favorite times together. tives

with courtesy. 43.

anniversary. 44.

4

1

.

Reminisce about your

42. Treat each other's friends and

Send

flowers every Valentine's

Admit when wrong. 45. Be

other's sexual desires. 46.

sunsets together. 48.

Say

Pray

for

"I love

each other

you"

Day and

sensitive to daily.

each

47. Watch

frequently. 49.

day with a hug. 50. Seek outside help when needed.

rela-

End

the

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

142

The Treasure «

Alice Gray cheerful

The

girl

with bouncy golden curls was almost

Waiting with her mother them: a

"Oh

circle of glistening

Mommy. Can

please,

white pearls in a pink

have them? Please,

I

five.

checkout stand, she saw

at the

box.

foil

Mommy,

please!"

Quickly the mother checked the back of the

and then looked back girl's

upturned

"A them,

some

think of

extra chores for

can save enough money day's only a bill

box

face.

dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2. If

I'll

litde foil

into the pleading blue eyes of her litde

to

buy them

you

you and

in

for yourself.

week away and you might

want

really

no time you

Your

birth-

get another crisp dollar

from Grandma."

As

soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank

and counted out

1

7 pennies.

After dinner, she did more than

her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked

Mrs. Mcjames her birthday,

if

Grandma

did give her another

had enough money

at last she

Jenny loved her pearls.

to

buy

garten, even to bed.

swimming

The

new

dollar

bill

and

the necklace.

They made

grown up. She wore them everywhere she went

On

she could pick dandelions for ten cents.

her

feel

—Sunday

dressed up and school, kinder-

only time she took them off was

or had a bubble bath.

Mother

said

when

if

they

got wet, they might turn her neck green.

Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she

was ready

come

for bed,

he would stop whatever he was doing and

upstairs to read her a story.

the story, he asked Jenny,

"Oh,

yes.

"Do you

Daddy. You know

One love

that

I

night

when he

me?" love you."

finished

— LOVE

143

me your pearls." "Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite." "That's okay. Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And "Then

give

he brushed her cheek with a

About a week asked again,

kiss.

the story time, Jenny's

later, after

"Do you

love

"Daddy, you know

I

daddy

me?"

love you."

me your pearls." "Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and "Then

give

that matches her sleeper."

you can have the yellow blanket

God

"That's okay. Sleep well. loves you."

And

bless you, litde one.

Daddy

as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle

kiss.

A few nights later when her daddy came on her bed with her

ting

close,

in,

Jenny was

legs crossed Indian-style.

As

sit-

he came

he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear

down her cheek. "What is it, Jenny? What's

rolled

the matter?"

Jenny didn't say anything but daddy. lace.

And when

With a

she opened

litde quiver,

it,

lifted

there

her litde hand up to her

was her

litde pearl

neck-

she finally said, "Here, Daddy.

It's

for you."

With

tears gathering in his

own

eyes, Jenny's kind

daddy

reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.

He

for her to give

had had them

up

all

like

He

was

just waiting

the dime-store stuff so he could give her gen-

uine treasure.

So

the time.

our heavenly Father.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

144

That

China Chip

Little

Bettie

One

day when

was about nine years

I

me

took a trip into town and put

brothers and

bedroom and opened There

As

sisters.

my

old,

in

B. Youngs

charge of

she drove away,

in the top drawer,

its

beneath

treasures

—

soft,

the ruby ring

favorite aunt; pearl earrings that

mother;

my

mother's

ran into her

I

wonderful-smelhng

what and red

tried it

them

must be

all

my

my

was

fas-

to

my

grand-

she took off to

father.

on, filling

like to

I

mother by her

once belonged

my mind

with glorious images of

woman

be a beautiful

to own such exquisite things. Then I saw there was something felt

left to

ovm wedding band, which

do farm chores alongside I

my

the dresser to snoop.

grown-up garments, was a small wooden jewelry box. cinated by

mother

like

my mother

tucked behind the piece of

lining the lid. Lifting the cloth,

I

found a

little

white

chip of china. I

picked

it

up.

Why in the world did my mother keep this bro-

ken thing? Glinting

Some months

slightly in the light,

later,

was

I

it

come

in.

Glancing

"Oh, you're expecting company. "No, come on

in,"

no answers.

setting the dinner table

neighbor Marge knocked at the door. called to her to

offered

Mom

I'll

Mom,

busy

at the table.

when our

at the stove,

Marge

said,

stop by another time."

replied.

"We're not expecting

anyone."

"But

isn't that

trust kids to handle

Mom set

your good china?" Marge asked. "I'd never

my good

dishes!"

laughed. "Tonight's

my

family's favorite meal. If

your best table for a special meal with special guests,

not for your family?"

you

why

LOVE

"But your

"Oh,

pay

price to

Marge.

beautiful china!" responded

well," said

Mom,

for the joy

we

"a few broken plates are a small

get using them."

"Besides, every chip and crack has a story to

Reaching

Mom

cupboard.

into the

145

Then

she added,

tell."

pulled out an old,

pieced-together plate. "This one shattered the day

we brought

"What

a cold and

Mark

home from the hospital," she said. Judy was only

blustery afternoon that was! to

be helpful. She dropped the plate carrying

"At

first

I

was

upset, but then

broken plate change the happiness baby.' Besides,

we

Marge looked

Mom plate.

here?

went

Holding

Her

to the sink.

told myself,

we

feel

*I

won't

a

let

welcoming our new

of fun gluing

it

together!"

cupboard again and took down another

up, she said, "See this break on the edge

voice softened.

up

lot

it

doubtful.

to the it

had a

happened when

It

putting

all

I

but she wanted

six,

I

was 17."

"One

the last of the

fall

fall

day

my

brothers needed help

young man

hay, so they hired a

to

He was slim, with powerful arms and thick blond He had an incredible smile. "My brothers took a liking to him and invited him to dinner. When my older brother sat the young man next to me, it help out.

hair.

flustered

me

so,

I

nearly fainted."

Suddenly remembering

that she

Mom

young daughter and a neighbor. "Well, he handed

me

his plate

was so nervous that when

I

was

telling the story to

her

blushed and hurried on.

and asked

for a helping.

took the plate,

it

But

I

slipped and

knocked against the casserole dish."

"That sounds

like

a

memory

I'd try to forget," said

"Oh, no," countered my mother. "As leaving, he

walked

broken china that smile.

in

over, took

my

palm.

He

my hand

the

in his

Marge.

young man was

and

didn't say a word.

laid a piece of

He just

smiled

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

146

"One this plate,

year later I

Seeing

I

married him.

fondly recall the

me

staring.

And

to this day,

moment I met him." gave me a wink. Then,

Mom

she put the plate back, behind the others, in a place I

the tle

when

I

see

carefully,

all its

own.

At

couldn't forget about that plate with the missing chip.

chance,

first

I

went up

wooden jewelry box

to

Mom's room and

again.

There was

took out the

lit-

the small shard of

china. I

examined

it

carefully, then

pulled over a chair, climbed

I

ran to the kitchen cupboard,

up and took dovm a

had guessed, the chip my mother had so belonged

to the plate she

its

The year.

place

among

love story that

Recently one of

respect,

Grandmother's pearl

As

for

memento

me,

my

father.

cautiously returned the

the jewels.

began with that chip

my

sisters

antique ruby ring could be hers. to

I

I

carefully saved

broke on the day she met

Wiser now, and v^th more chip to

plate. Just as

asked

My

is

Mom

now if

in

its

54th

someday

the

other sister has laid claim

earrings.

I'd like

Mom's most

of an extraordinary

life

precious keepsake, a

of loving; that

little

china chip.

LOVE

147

The Dance Thelda Bevens

Dar

and

we

I

loved to dance.

It

v^as probably the first thing

we would share our lives. Oregon mountain community

did together, long before

We

grew up

in

a small

where dances were held almost every Saturday night, some-

Grange Hall, some-

times in the school gym, sometimes at the

home

times at the

and

of Nelson Nye. Nelson

his family loved

music and dancing so much that they added a special room to their

house large enough

square dancers.

community ter,

Once

to a dance.

Hope, played

to

accommodate

Nelson played the

In those days, the entire family

ones

like

We

store owner.

"Red

and

danced

"Red Wing,"

Slippers" and

and

fiddle

his

daugh-

the piano while the rest of us danced.

the grandparents, the farmers

and the

at least three sets of

a month or more, they invited the entire

went together

—

including

loggers, the school teachers to

songs such as "Golden

side-by-side with contemporary

Sails in the Sunset"

and

a Sin to Tell a

"It's

Lie."

Smaller children always had a place hand, when they

coats, close at

tired. It

to sleep

among

was a family

of the few entertainments in a small mountain

affair,

the

one

town climbing

slowly out of the Great Depression.

Dar was

1

7 and

I

was

1

2 when we

first

one of the best dancers on the floor and so was terbugged.

Our

No

fathers

weren't

I.

We

He

was

always

jit-

slow dancing for us, nothing remotely romantic.

would stand along the wall and watch. They They didn't talk to each other, not even a casual

firiends.

conversation.

Both good dancers themselves, they were proud

of their kids. Every once in a while, Dar's little,

danced.

shake his head and

say, to

no one

dad would smile a

in particular,

but so

my

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

148

dad could

My But a

my

hear, "Boy,

kid can sure dance."

dad never blinked an

w\ii\e later

he would

of mine can sure dance."

girl

we were

never told us

that

eye; acted like he'd never heard.

no one

say, to

And

in particular,

"That

being of the old school, they

good or had

stirred that tiny bit of

boastful rivalry along the wall.

Our in the

dancing together stopped

South

1

8.

Pacific in

When we

grew up.

We began

as

it

good together

slow dancing

—and dance

was

rhythms

—

as

During those

II.

met again, Dar was 22 and

to date

This time turns, our

World War

for five years while

I

Dar was

five years,

I

was almost

again.

for ourselves

—

finding our moves, our

adjusting, anticipating, enjoying.

we remembered, and

this

time

We

were

we added

our repertoire.

to

For us, the metaphor

fits.

Life

is

a dance, a movement of

rhythms, directions, stumbles, missteps, at times slow and precise,

or fast and wild and joyous.

Two

nights before

had been

Dar

with us.

enjoyed

He it

all

did

all

the steps.

was with us

as they

—two

sons and their wives and four of

We

ate dinner together

for several days

our eight grandchildren.

We

died, the family

all

and Dar

sat

hadn't been able to eat for several weeks, but he

—

told jokes,

kidded the boys about their cribbage

playing, played with two-year-old Jacob.

Afterward, while the

girls

were cleaning up the kitchen,

I

his

Nat King Cole tape, "Unforgettable." Dar took me arms, weak as he was, and we danced.

us.

We held each other and danced and smiled. No tears for We were doing what we had loved to do for more than fifty

put on a

years,

and

for fifty

if

fate

more.

It

in

had so ordained, would have gone on doing

was our

wouldn't have missed

it

last

dance

for the world.

—

forever unforgettable.

I

LOVE

149

Dont Forset What Really Matters adapted from Paul Harvey

work one morning when he Coleman was driving Carl bumped fenders with another motorist. to

Both

cars stopped,

and

woman

the

driving the other car

got out to survey the damage.

She was was a new

distraught.

car, less

It

was her

fault,

she admitted, and hers

than two days from the showroom. She

dreaded facing her husband.

Coleman was sympathetic; but he had

to

pursue the

exchange of license and registration data.

She reached uments

in

On

the

distinctive

into her glove

compartment

to retrieve the doc-

an envelope. first

paper

to

tumble out, written

in

her husband's

hand, were these words:

"/n case of accident^ remember, "

the car.

j2W

Honey,

it's

you I

love, not

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

150

The Last

Love You

"I

Debbi Smoot

Carol's

husband was

an accident

killed in

only 52, was driving

last year.

home from work. The

other driver

was a teenager with a very high blood-alcohol died instantly.

The

Jim,

level.

Jim

teenager was in the emergency room for

less

than two hours.

There were other

ironic twists:

and Jim had two plane

day,

was going

was Carol's

It

Hawaii

tickets to

he was

to surprise her. Instead,

fiftieth birth-

in his pocket.

He

by a drunk

dri-

killed

ver.

"How have you

survived this?"

finally

I

asked Carol, a year

later.

Her wrong right,

eyes welled

tears.

I

want

him

I

to tell you.

I

The day

loved him.

He made

ing

'I

I

said, "It's all

the

I

promised

same promise.

remember running down

love you' through teeth clenched

ving to the office to put a note in his

when car. It

I

morning without

in the

a joke between us, and as babies came along

promise to keep.

had said the

I

married Jim,

I

him leave the house

let

thought

my hand and

thing, but she gently took

would never telling

up with

it

It

got to be

got to be a hard

the driveway, sayI

was mad, or

was a funny

dri-

chal-

lenge.

"We made before

a lot of memories trying to say

noon every day of our married

"The morning Jim kitchen

and slipped out

O/i, no,

you dont

the car

window

birthday,

busier,

until

died, he

I

he rolled

Mr. James E. Garret,

record as saying

I

love you!'

it I,

a birthday card in the

heard the engine

I

thought.

love you'

life.

left

to the car.

'I

I

starting.

raced out and banged on

down. *Here on my Carol Garret, want

to

fiftieth

go on

LOVE

"That's

how IVe

said to Jim were,

'I

survived.

Knowing

that the last

LOVE YOU!'"

how much must I do, how much can I do.

Love never but

asks

Frederick

A. Agar

151

words

I

Family

A MOMENT IN TIME He

climbed onto the seat and positioned his feet on the

pedals, his hands on the handle bars.

"Dont

go, " he ordered.

let

'Til be right next to you, " / assured him. "/ let

you fall....

—of

/ thought of the days ahead

show my son

when have

I

balance,

would be

to let

wont

"

when

I

times

when

I

would

would run alongside him,

there to hold him,

and when

I

would

go again and again.

Matthew Norquist

FAMILY

155

When Grown Kids Come to Visit Erma Bombeck earlier days,

In

I

the utility room. I

I

up

own snacks and put their laundry in when they come home, I put the rules

am

like

Now

a concierge looking for a big

around asking, "Are you hungry? Can

Do you

kids pick

rooms, make their

their

aside.

was a mother who made her

I

tip.

get

I

follow them

you something?

have laundry?"

eat

when

before they

tell

they want to eat, cook their favorite foods just

me

they are going out with friends and watch

helplessly as they eat their

way through

a

pound

of baked

ham

at three in the afternoon.

On

their visit,

my

set at extra-large load

life

changes.

I

have no

car.

My washer

and has two socks and a T-shirt

in

is it.

The phone rings constantly and is never for me. At the end of their visits, we set aside a day, pack a lunch and head for the airport. It isn't until I return home that I sense how orderly my life has become. I enjoy the quiet. The TV tuner

is

rescued from the clothes

hamper and

is

returned to

The empty milk and juice cartons refrigerator. The wet towels are put in

its

place on the coffee table.

are

removed from the

the

The bathroom is returned to is my world again. So why am

washer. It

health standards. I

crying?

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

156

Running Away Christopher de Vinck

I

had

sible.

up.

had

finally

was

I

The

it.

I

have a day just for me. have a day to live

it

in

which

I

up and be

My

and fed up.

tired

decided that

I

children were loud, cranky, impos-

was going I

wanted

was

wife

tired

run away from

to spoil myself.

did just what

as greedy as

to

I

wanted

to do.

pleased.

I

I

I

I

it

and fed all

and

wanted

to

was going

wasn't going to

tend to anyone except myself. I I

zoomed out

of the house with

said to myself as

Well,

I

I

There! I did

fifty dollars.

it!

drove to the highway and headed north.

drove to a mall and had a wild time in a bookstore

and bought the

collected

poems of Walt Whitman. After

that

I

drove and drove to a McDonald's and ordered two hamburgers,

my own

large fries,

and my own

large soda.

without being interrupted, vsathout giving

my

without waping someone's mouth, nose, lap. biggest chocolate ice I

was

free.

cream

I

ate everything

pickle to anyone,

Then

I

bought the

could find.

was out of town, so

I

I

I

drove to a movie theater

and watched a movie without buying popcorn, without someone sitting

on

was a

free

By I

my

without escorting someone to the bathroom.

lap,

man.

I

the time

was

too,"

I

it

up.

And

I

was miserable.

had returned home, everyone was

I

slipped into bed,

"Me,

living

my wife

answered.

whispered, I

I

"We

asleep.

As

missed you."

never ran away from

home

again.

FAMILY

157

Why My

Wife Bought Handcuffs Philip Gulley

hen

was twenty-three years

I

my

decision of to

be

my

wife,

Hfe.

I

old,

made

I

the best

asked a beautiful, witty

and she accepted, against

woman

the advice of

her friends, her family, and a goodly portion of the Western

On our wedding day,

world.

For eight years, hard.

I

was

I

dried the dishes.

became pregnant.

I

I

the bridesmaids

the

model of

lowered the

wore

to feed him.

I

worked

Then my

toilet seat.

wife

attended birthing classes and learned to

When we brought Spencer home, And when he regurgitated on me,

commiserate.

black.

responsibility.

rose with her

I

I

bore

it

with

good humor.

Three months

On

work.

after his birth,

to part-time

morning of her departure, she cautioned me

the

My

keep a close eye on our son. as

Joan returned

feelings

were

hurt,

and

I

to

said

much. "Please, honey, haven't

can only think

my

forget I

son

it

was

when

I

ing,

and

talk.

So

and new

I

proven myself reliable?" Thus,

which caused me

the pain of mistrust

went

was on my way

was missing!

I

raced

I

to

to the grocery store that afternoon.

there

and turned around

home and found him

to see him.

He

in his crib, glower-

when he

I

knew what he was going

I

confessed to Joan myself, over a candlelight dinner

to say

learned to

silver bracelet.

Being a Christian woman, Joan forgave me and offered me another chance. cuffed

me

to

And

the very next morning, after she hand-

Spencer, she said, "Honey,

I

trust

Reflection on this experience has taught first,

you."

me two

things:

having children causes irreparable damage to those areas

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

158

memory; and second, uh, what's

of the brain having to do with the second point?

Oh,

yeah, the second point

is this:

we

all feel

forgotten sometimes.

Actually, I'd learned that second lesson at an early age.

me

family drove off and forgot tion

—

five kids.

Stuckey's. car

I

was

and headed

Mom, and Dad

for

me.

It

We

My

were on vaca-

— and stopped

to eat at a

bathroom when they climbed back in the They went twenty miles before discovering

in the

out.

they were short a kid.

back

once, too.

Took a quick

was almost a

tie,

vote

to

come

minute

Mom

and decided

but at the

last

changed her mind.

So sometimes each of us feels forgotten. Saddest line in the Bible is when Christ asks God why he forsook him. If Christ felt left behind, how then can we avoid feeling forgotten and forsaken?

Some

Bible scholars say that

he cried from the cross.

They

Psalm 22, because

quote the

to

psalm's victorious conclusion.

Bible scholars, but they're Jesus

felt

I

full

what Jesus meant when

first line

was

first line

of

to affirm that

have a great deal of respect for of baloney on this one.

I

think

forgotten.

However, the empty tomb

And

isn't

say he was quoting the

so are

as soon as

I

we

all,

which

is

remember where

tells

us he was remembered.

what I'm going I

left

him.

to tell

my

son, just

FAMILY

159

Busy

Too

Ron Mehl never forget the day

I'll saw

Mark was

to ride his bike to his

and

I

happened

was

I

way through

drenched and

be home from the church early that day,

to

and saw my boy

I

looked out-

in the distance, trudg-

His clothing was absolutely

the downnpour.

his hair

the door for him,

and he was allowed

in third grade,

an easy chair by the window.

sitting in

in the

grade school, located right within our sub-

side at the pouring rain

ing his

looked out of our living room and

Mark, our youngest, walking home from school

driving rain.

division.

I

was plastered against

and he looked up

me

at

his head.

with a

opened

I

litde smile, his

face red from the cold.

"Hi, Dad!" he said. "\bu're home early." "Hi, Son," "\eah,

"Umm, home

faster.

He

I

I

replied. "\bu're

Mark, you know,

\ou wouldn't

me

looked at

streamed from his hair I

you do

me

to the skin."

you'd ride your bike you'd get

get so wet."

rather sheepishly as rivulets of rain

down

across his face. "I know. if

you kpoWy why

in the

his

head, just a

bit,

and

it

hit

several times before that his bike fix

it

had a

As

He He

for

flat tire.

away." But

I

never did. I'd forgotten

he stood there

in the

had had

all

I'll

about

get after

it.

entryway, dripping and shivering,

he could have said, "I couldn't ride

someone promised me he'd

I

me?"

"Sure, Son," I'd promised him. "Don't worry. right

world

me. Boy, did

crawling under a table and hiding for a while.

asked me, "Dad, could you please

it

Dad."

it?"

Then he hung feel like

told

if

was puzzled. "Well, Son,

didn't

soaked

know."

fix

it

my

bike today because

and never did."

He

would

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

160

have had every right

to say that.

But he

didn't.

What

he did

say remains printed indehbly on this dad's heart.

"Aw, Dad,

and

— I

I

I

just didn't

know^ hov^ busy you are and everything,

want

to

thought. Son, your

For me, a bike a long "to do" portation.

meant

It

tire

list.

bother you with

dad

was no big deal

But

for

it

again."

isnt too busy; he's just too selfish.

Mark,

it

—

^just

one more thing on

meant more than

meant more than a long walk home

trusting his father to

meet

his every need.

trans-

in the rain. It

FAMILY

When

the

Moon Doesnt

161

Shine Ruth Senter

the

Usually

moon

shines bright on clear

eastern Pennsylvania. But tonight the

All

is

dark.

I

notice

brown

circles

May

moon

nights in

is

missing.

under the lamp

in the

when Mother welcomes our 2:00 a.m. arrival from Illinois. also notice brown circles under her eyes. Spots I'd never

hall I

noticed before. Tired skin under gende folds.

But here she

stands,

my

mother of

forty years.

I

sense an

accumulation of nights waiting up for home-coming children, as

though the years have cast shadows from the lamp onto her face. this

see the years in the black

I

week

felt

the heart specialist's probe.

the ocean ringing in a seashell

"Red

and blue veins

—

I

that have just

hear the years

—

—

like

in the doctor's diagnosis.

flag... enlarged heart... slow the

pace

uncertainty. Mother Tomorrow has been an assumed promise

"

I

stare into

has been a steady pulse through the years.

—

a grand procession

of family weddings, births, graduations, music recitals, ordina-

Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving.

tions,

Time

has been an

event, not a sequence.

As

I

look at Mother,

Time now

clock.

I

sense that someone has

chill.

touch.

I

shiver in the early

But then Mother's arms wrap me

am home.

A

There

forty-year-old child reassured is

the

has a cadence, \ears have become increments.

History has a beginning and an end. ing

wound

no time

in touch.

in

morn-

warmth, and

I

by her mother's

Welcoming arms know not

the

years. I

hear the tea ketde whistling. Freshly baked chocolate chip

cookies wait on the old ironstone plate that once served cookies

Grandma Hollinger's kitchen. Mother's chocolate chip cookies and Grandma Hollinger's ironstone plate pull me back from

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

162

We

into timelessness.

story

Dad

tells.

Our

time in laughter.

Tired

peppermint tea and laugh over a

moment

I

Her

the hardest of

all.

There is no Dark circles.

children are home.

forget bruised veins

and

held together by things that do not change

morning welcome,

silly

laughter drowns out the clock.

Mother laughs

circles of joy.

For a

sip

freshly

ticking clocks.

—

I

am

a mother's early

baked chocolate chip cookies, an

ironstone plate, peppermint tea, a mantel clock,

and

laughter.

I

am held together by a God who does not change. I know the God of time who is yet above time. see tonight in my mother's I

face the strange

paradox of time and timelessness.

glimpse of the divine.

A

rare

FAMILY

Father's

163

A Tribute

Day:

Max Lucado oday

new

is

Father's Day.

A day of cologne. A day of hugs, Hallmark

neckties, long-distance phone calls, and

cards.

Today one years

is I

my

first

had one.

Father's

It

his

tree in a

presence

seems strange that he

He

was never gone.

without a father. For

had one of the

I

He's buried under an oak though he's gone,

Day

is

best.

But now

he's gone.

west Texas cemetery. Even

—

very near

isn't here.

was always

thirty-

I

especially today.

guess that's because he

Always

close by.

available.

Always present. His words were nothing novel. His achievements, though admirable, were nothing extraordinary.

But

his presence was.

Like a

warm

fireplace in a large house, he

was a source of

comfort. Like a sturdy porch swing or a big-branched elm in the backyard, he could always be found... and leaned upon.

During the turbulent years of part of

my

firiends

went, but

life

that

baseball season

was always

was

Dad was Summer

And

Dad was

one

came and

girl

there. Football season turned into

into football season again

vacation,

bra, first car, driveway basketball

common:

adolescence,

predictable. Girl friends

and turned

there.

my

—

Homecoming they

all

and Dad

dates, alge-

had one thing

in

his presence.

because he was there

always ran, the

bills

life

went smoothly. The car

got paid, and the lawn stayed

mowed.

Because he was there the laughter was fresh and the future was secure.

Because he was there

my

grovydng

up was what God

intended growing up to be; a storybook scamper through the

magic and mystery of the world.

Because he was there we kids never worried about things

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

164

like

income

Those were

We

monthly

tax, savings accounts,

on Daddy 's desk.

the things

have

or mortgages.

bills,

Not because

of family pictures without him.

lots

he wasn't there, but because he was always behind the camera.

He made

up

the decisions, broke

the fights, chuckled at

Archie Bunker, read the paper every evening, and fixed breakfast

on Sundays.

He

didn't

what dads are supposed

He

me how

taught

me memorize

to

do

—be

to shave

He

verses for

He

to pray.

helped

school and taught

me

that

that rightness has

its

own

modeled the importance of getting up

staying out of debt. His

only did

there.

and how

Sunday wrong should be punished and reward.

He

do anything unusual.

early

and

expressed the elusive balance

life

between ambition and self-acceptance.

He shave,

And

I

comes

to

mind

think of him.

When

often.

When

I

I

smell

"Old Spice"

see a bass boat

occasionally, not too often, but occasionally

good joke, chuckle.

(the kind

He

Red

Skelton would

had a copyright chuckle

when

tell),

that always

after-

see his face.

I

I

I

hear a

hear him

came with a

wide grin and arched eyebrows.

Daddy story.

But

me. All

I

never said a word to

knew

I

had

to

that

if

do was

I

me about

sex or told

ever wanted to know, he

ask.

And knew I

if

I

me

his life

would

tell

ever needed him,

he'd be there.

Like a

Maybe

warm

fireplace.

why this The winds

that's

has gone out.

Father's

will

dance only

enough

chill

stir

briefly,

them a

but

it

will

out of the air to

special way, very present.

is

a

bit chilly.

The

fire

of age swallowed the late splendid

flame, leaving only golden embers.

about those embers,

Day

bit

But there

is

a strange thing

and a flame

dance.

And

remind me

it

will will

that he

dance.

knock

is still...

It

just in

a

FAMILY

165

Arrow

Releasing the

Stu Weber

As

Tm

write these words,

I

my

They

desk.

differ

looking at three arrows on

from one another.

Any

archer

could see that at a glance. Yet in other ways they are

remarkably

similar.

I'm turning one in

ance of

shaft.

its

blunt head.

its

waste

my

feathers

my

hand, now. Feeling the heft and bal-

Looking down

time with anything

—

its

length to the round edges of

a target arrow, and a good one.

It's

less. It

western Oregon. This second one now. to

too.

it,

A

wouldn't

has plastic vanes instead of

arrow you'd want

the kind of

I

.

for shooting in rainy

.yes,

it

has a good

feel

hunting arrow. Smooth shaft. Well balanced.

slightly heavier

head, and crafted to a

literal

razor's edge.

A

It's

a

"broadhead." Plastic-vaned and intended for wet country hunting.

The

third

one

over on the dry side.

but

it

the kind

is

It's

sports neat black

They're

They're also very

and gray

feathers instead of plastic.

arrows of mine. Each intended for

Each designed similar;

all

intended for a target. They're

impact on that

for a different sort of target.

each has been fashioned and crafted,

molded and balanced. They're all

carry east of the mountains,

basically a twin of the second arrow,

different, these

a different impact.

I

intended for all

flight.

intended for

They're

maximum

target.

They're good arrows. But then again, they're not much better than the archer

not

much

who

notches them on the bow. They're

better than the fullness of his draw.

better than the

smoothness of

his release.

crafted those arrows might be, street

and expect him

nail a target with

to let

No

you couldn't

They're not much matter pull a

how guy

loose with a seventy-pound

finely

off the

bow and

one of them. Accuracy demands a trained.

— MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

166

full

draw and a

As

disciplined release.

write these words, I'm looking at a picture on

I

my

desk.

a picture of

It's

They're

But

my

three sons

— Kent,

different, these sons of mine.

Blake, and Ryan.

Unbelievably

different.

they're also similar.

Each was crafted by the Lord God in the secret place of his mother's womb. And each was fashioned, balanced, and readied for flight within the four walls of our

My and

three arrows were

split the air.

arrows

enjoy

I

—whether on

ing on

bow

The

quiver

is

are ready for release.

home.

designed to leap from the

hunting, and

I

bow

intend to use these

a cedar bale target or on a bull elk stamp-

some back-country ridge on a

arrows aren't for show. quiver.

all

They were

just

morning. These

frosty

never intended to stay in the

a vehicle that carries them until they

\ou might

be released. They were made

made They were made

say those arrows were

to

to play.

to

pierce a target.

So stay

it

is

with

bunched

home

is

my

three sons.

They were

in the four walls of their

never intended to

childhood home. \es, the

a vehicle to fashion and straighten and true and bal-

ance those boys. But when the

moment comes. .young men

and young women

to experience flight.

—were made

»

.

— FAMILY

Laughter

in the

167

Walls Bob Benson

I

pass a

lot

of houses

my way home. Some pretty,

on

some expensive, some

inviting.

But my heart vs^hen

I

alw^ays skips a beat

turn

dovm

my

house

and see

the road

nestled against the

I

hill.

guess I'm especially proud

of the house

and the way because It I

I

it

looks

drew

the plans myself.

started out large

enough

for us

even had a study,

two teenage boys

now

And my

reside in there. it

girl

had a guest room,

and nine

dolls

are permanent guests. It

had a small room

Peg had hoped

would be her sewing room, the two boys swinging

on the Dutch door have claimed

this

room

as their

own.

——

—

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

168

So as

it

Tm much

if

But

it

One to

really doesn't look right

of an architect.

will get larger again.

by one they

will

go away

work, to college,

to service,

own

to their

And

houses.

then there will be room

a guest room, a study,

and a sewing room just for the

But

it

two of

us.

won't be empty.

Every corner, every room, every nick in the coffee table will

be crowded

with memories.

Memories of picnics, parties, Christmases,

bedside fires,

vigils,

summers,

winters, going barefoot,

leaving for vacation, cats, conversations, black eyes,

graduations, ball

first

dates,

games, arguments,

washing dishes,

bicycles,

dogs, boat rides, getting

home from

vacation,

meals, rabbits,

and a thousand other things that

fill

of those

the lives

who would

raise five.

now

FAMILY

And

Peg and

169

I

quiedy by the

will

sit

and

listen to the

fire

laughter in the walls.

WAIK PLAINER Walk

a.

little

plainer,

Daddy!

I kjiow that once

you

way many years ago, and what you did along the way Vd really like to k^ow; for sometimes when I am tempted, I dont know what to do. So walk walked

a

little

this

plainer,

Daddy, for I must follow you. Author Unknown

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

170

Dad's Helper

A

Ron Mehl boy was helping

little

of an attic into

was important

his father

move some books out

more spacious quarters downstairs.

to this little

boy

that he

was helping

dad, even though he was probably getting in the ing things

down more

work

pile of

books

Among

young son than

was more imporit

was

to

move a

man's books, however, were some rather large

As

it

was a chore

a matter of

his pile of

the stairs

and wept

He

it

efficiently.

this

dropped

all.

who knew

father

at a task with his

study books, and the stairs.

slow-

than he was actually assisting. But that

boy had a wise and patient tant to

way and

It

his

fact,

for the

boy

to get

them down

on one particular load, the boy

books several times. Finally, he sat down on in frustration.

He

wasn't doing any good at

wasn't strong enough to carry the big books downi a

narrow stairway.

It

hurt him to think he couldn't do this for his

daddy.

Without a word, the

father picked

up

the

dropped load of

books, put them into the boy's arms, and scooped up both the

boy and the books stairs.

And

into his

arms and carried them down the

so they continued for load after load, both enjoying

each other's company very much. the

dad carrying

the boy.

The boy

carrying the books,

— FAMILY

171

Legacy of an Adopted Child Author Unknown

Once

there were two

women who

never

knew each

other.

One you do not remember, the other you call Mother. Two different lives shaped to make your one. One became your guiding star, the other became your sun. The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live

The

it.

first

gave you a need for love, and the second was there

to give

it.

One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name. One gave you the seed of talent, the other gave you aim. One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears. One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried your tears. One sought for you a home that she could not provide. The

other prayed for a child and her hope

And now you The

ask

me

through your tears

age-old question through the years.

Heredity or environment

Which

are you the product of?

Neither,

my

—

darling

neither;

Just two different kinds of love.

was not denied.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

172

The

Gift George Parler

was our turn

open our presents

to

It

The

Christmas morning.

this particular

Hving room was already covered

with torn wrapping paper from the onslaught of the children's eagerness to unveil the hidden treasures that had tor-

mented them

for nearly a

room with our presents

month.

at

our

Now we

adults sat around the

slowly removing the paper

feet,

while at the same time holding back the child within ourselves

and maintaining our dignity

My wife,

each other gag Christmas or

rassment

lies

each other.

in front of

Brenda, and her family have a tradition of getting

This always makes me a

gifts.

my

at

knowing what form of embar-

birthday, never

waiting for

uneasy

bit

me under

the thin confines of the

wrapping paper.

One

of

of the

my

daughters, Christy,

was standing

years old,

moment

just

who

beamed

ural Sherlock

gag

I

Holmes

came

I

it

deduced

decided

I

them have

to

their laugh

to

it.

I

my

face

rip the

And

and blurted

paper from

with

had

it

over with

ripped off the paper.

started giggling to themselves as

I

out,

six

was everything

that this

was... a toy airplane about two inches long.

smirk on

was

excitement

my

to

nat-

be the "if,"

it

So, with everyone look-

go ahead and get

—and

It

The

was never a question of

was a question of when you came ing on,

me

to the last gift.

ability,

Because with them

gift.

me.

across her face.

she could do to keep herself from helping

each present. Finally,

at the time

directly in front of

—

And

^just let

there

it

Our holiday guests my wife with a airplane, give me a

looked up to

"A

toy

break!"

Brenda gave me have just put

my

the look

foot in

—

that look that always

my mouth and am

tells

me

I

in the process of

FAMILY

thoroughly chewing before

it.

had

I

opened the present

I

On

sank.

as

Christy."

ences of

and read the name

have never

I

did at that moment.

I

was from.

it

my

was having

life

One

low

as

felt

at

As

my

tag,

tag

picked

I

any time

heart

"To

in

down

to look

into her litde face to

a look of

vsath

embarrassment and humiliation. The fear

in her eyes

spoke her thoughts of hoping no one would find out that the

come from

her father found so repulsive had

my

of the most agonizing experi-

had once been there replaced

find the joy that total

name

the tag were scribbled block letters that read,

Dad, Love life

who

to see

the paper from the floor

up

failed to look at the

173

gift

her.

This loving child had taken her spending money that she could have spent on herself, but she had chosen instead to buy

daddy a Christmas

her

present.

And

wasn't just any present.

it

She knew from watching me play computer video tor

games I

that

I

was fascinated with

quickly knelt

held her as tight as

airplanes.

down and grabbed

out

it

I

thought

came from

nothing heart.

And

it

I

made

had come from

her, that

I

to find

did.

making airplane counter,

made

I

a

way

different.

it

to

prove

all

but since

It

And

found

noises.

I

— and

day with

said.

taxied onto the runway, which

to full thrust

to

I

that little

my hand and began was

and was soon airborne.

my

baby's face

—

the

My that

continue until her smile returned.

that airplane.

I

put so

much

that airplane that the other children left their toys

I

was obvious

meant what

I

took that toy airplane in

and throtUed

had caused

played

a feeble attempt to

Mom,

mission goal was to remove the hurt from I

my arms and

could say was going to change the hurt in her

I

had

I

her up in

possibly could, willing to give anything to

I

be able to take back those words. explain that

flight-simula-

and wanted a turn playing with just like a litde selfish kid

I

my

said,

litde

I

excitement into

new Christmas

two-inch airplane.

"No,

this is

mine!"

It

wasn't very long until Christy's face was beaming with a smile

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

174

again.

But

I

didn't stop there.

That

sure of great wealth to me, and

Httle

still is,

for

plane became a trea-

have that

little

came from my

little

I

still

two-inch plane. I

girl's

keep that plane mainly because heart with love.

But

it's

it

also a reminder to

me

of the

power of words.

FITTING DESCRIPTION

many ways to measure success; of which is the way your child describes you

There are not the least

when

talking to a friend.

Author Unknown

FAMILY

175

Papa's Sermon Author Unknown

T)\ 1-^ I

JJ

usy in his study, a minister was preparing his sermon for the

coming Sunday.

for a book,

downstairs.

His

He

reached to the shelf at his side

and then remembered

litde

daughter was playing

that he in the

had

left it

bedroom, and

he called her. She came, running, eager and delighted at the

thought that

Papa needed

her.

He

and she went

she could find the book,

moment with a book which he saw one.

But he hardly looked

on the

table.

wreathed

He

you, darling."

back happy and contented

that

man would

book

a glance was the wrong as he took

Gathering her close

"Thank

book he needed.

at the

at

gladly, returning in a

it

and

laid

it

looked only at the eager face of his daughter,

in smiles.

her and said,

explained carefully where

I

think

preach.

I

And when

to her play

should

to his heart,

he kissed

she had gone

he went quietly for the

like to listen to the

sermons

"

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

176

Mom

Alone Time for

Crystal Kirgiss

All

I

needed

morning was a half-hour alone,

this

minutes of peace and quiet

No

my

to help preserve

thirty sanity.

mom-do-this, mom-I-need-that, mom-he-hit-me,

mom-I-spilled-juice-on-the-couch. Just me, a hot Calgon bath, and nothingness. I

dream so

shouldn't

big.

After getting the two oldest youngest

\our

Barney and

in front of

mommy

is

—

"Good. Now, right here

to

if

you want

following

to

be a good

want you

take-me-away bath. to leave

me

see you or hear you. Got

me

little

Mommy

is

so far?"

"Barney

singing,

and watch Barney while

quiet, peaceful, I

Are you

nodded absently while

our imagination

me.

listen closely.

going to crack. She's losing her marbles. She's

because she has children.

in

"Honey,

said,

settled the

I

on the edge of permanent personality damage. This

teetering

He

off to school,

is

a dinosaur

boy, you'll

sit

takes a nice, hot,

don't want you to bother

I

alone. For

30

minutes,

I

don't want

it?"

Nod.

"Good morning, der

boys and girls..."

I

heard the purple won-

say.

bathroom with

I

headed

I

watched the water

to the

window steam beads. I

I

got

up.

I

fill

the tub.

I

fingers crossed.

watched the mirror and

watched the water turn blue from

my

bath

in.

heard a knock on the door.

"Mom? Mom? Are you I

my

them go away.

Mom?!" my children

in there,

learned long ago that ignoring

does not make

FAMILY

Fm

"Yes,

in here.

177

What do you want?" the child tried to decide

There was a long pause while

what

he wanted.

"Um. "\bu

.

.can

just

have a snack?"

I

had

breakfast! Can't

"No, I'm dying!

I

need a snack

"Fine. \ou can have a box of I

chairs

you wait a few minutes?" right

now!"

raisins."

heard him pad off to the kitchen, listened as he pushed

and

stools

around trying

when he jumped

floor vibrate

run back to the

"Hi, Susie!

to reach the raisin shelf, felt the

off the counter,

and heard him

TV room. Can you

me what

tell

color the grass

is.

.?" .

Knock, knock, knock.

"Mom? Mom? Are

you

Sigh. "\es, I'm

in here.

still

Mom?!" What do you need now?"

in there.

Pause. "Um...I need to take a bath, too." Right.

"Honey, can't you wait

The door opened just "No,

I

really

need

"You're always

"I really

need

"No, you

He off his

when do you care?"

a bath,

Mom."

away."

pajamas. get in with

"No! \ou

I

Since

dirty."

stood in the middle of the bathroom and started taking

"I'll just

take

Go

one now. I'm

the way.

all

to take

don't.

I'm done?"

a crack.

to take

dirty!

The door opened

until

my own

began

to

you and take a bath, too."

will not get in

bath!

sound

I

with

want you

to

me and

take a bath!

go away and leave

like the three-year-old

with

whom

I

me I

want

to

alone!"

was argu-

ing.

He and

climbed onto the edge of the tub, balancing carefully,

said, "I'll just get in with you, okay.

Mom?"

1

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

78

I

bath,

"No! That

started to shriek,

by myself!

all

He

I

thought for a

So

He I

flashed

spent

my

not okay!

don't want to share!

moment and

and you can read me a book. done."

is

me

I

said,

I

want

"Okay.

won't get

in.

I

want

to

my own

be alone!"

I'll

just sit here

Mom,

until you're

a knock-down charming smile.

morning-alone-time reading

Fish to a naked three-year-old

who

sat

One

Fish,

Two

on the edge of the tub

with his chin resting on his knees, arms wrapped around his

bent

legs, slight smile

Why time

I

fight it? It

want.

And

on

his face.

won't be long before

then

any more together- time.

I'll

probably

feel

I

have

all

the alone-

bad about not having

FAMILY

179

Words for Your Family Gary Smalley and John

Vm

proud of you.

Way

to go!

Bingo

—

did

^you

it.

Magnificent. I

knew you could do

What

YouVe very I

it.

a good helper. special to me.

trust you.

What

a treasure.

Hurray

for you!

Beautiful work.

\ou're a real trooper.

Well done. That's so creative.

You make my \ou're a

day.

joy.

Give me a big hug. \ou're such a good

You I

figured

it

listener.

out.

love you.

\buVe so responsible. You remembered. \ou're the best.

You

sure tried hard.

I've got to I

hand

it

to you.

couldn't be prouder of you.

You

light

up my

day.

Trent

180

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

My buttons are popping off. I'm praying for you.

\ou're wonderful. I'm behind you.

fAIRIXCHASCE Let the wife make the husband glad

make

to

come home, and

her sorry to see him leave.

Martin Luther

let

him

FAMILY

181

Gift of Love James Dobson of mine punished time ago, a Some of gold wrapping paper. wasting a old daughter

his three-year-

friend

for

Money was

roll

tight,

child tried to decorate a

Nevertheless, the litde

morning and

and he became box

girl

"This

said,

to

when

put under the Christmas

brought the is

infuriated

for you,

gift to

the tree.

her father the next

Daddy."

He

was embar-

rassed by his earlier over- reaction, but his anger flared again

when he found

He

that the

yelled at her,

someone a

box was empty.

"Don't you know that when you give

present, there's

supposed

to

be something inside of

it?"

The

little girl

looked up at him with tears in her eyes and

said,

"Oh, Daddy,

filled

it

with

The girl,

my

father

it's

love.

not empty.

I

blew

kisses in the box.

I

All for you. Daddy."

was crushed.

and he begged her

He

put his arms around his

for forgiveness.

My

he kept that gold box by his bed for years.

friend told

me

little

that

Whenever he was

discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remem-

ber the love of the child

who had

put

it

there.

In a very real sense, each of us as parents has

gold container children.

hold.

i

filled

There

is

been given a

with unconditional love and kisses from our

no more precious possession anyone could

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

182

A Mother's Way Temple Bailey he young mother

way 1

set

her foot on the path of hfe. "Is the

long?

way \ou — But He stopped

"\es," her Guide said, "and the

1

old before you reach the end of

it.

hard.

is

will

be

to smile

"

"The end will be better than the beginning." The young mother was so happy, though, that

warmly.

she could

She

not believe anything could be better than these early years.

played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along the way,

and bathed with them

shone on them and

"Nothing

Then

will ever

life

be

in the clear streams.

was good, and

the

young mother

children shook vsath fear

"This

and

cold,

and the mother drew them

them with her mande. Her children

taught

my children

Then

the

And

"We

My children

Yesterday

I

ahead.

"A litde

have

the mother,

when

she lay is

The too,

patience and

When

could not have done

looked past the stars and said, "This last.

hill

the children continued to climb.

reached the top, they said, you. Mother."

I

and grew weary. The mother was weary,

but she kept encouraging her children,

So

"Oh,

courage."

morning came, and there was a

children climbed

are there."

said,

The mother

better than the brightness of day, for

is

cried,

and the path was dark. The

Mother, we are not afraid when you are near." said,

sun

lovelier than this."

night came, and storm,

close, covering

The

dovm

it

we

they

v^thout

that night,

a better day than the

have learned fortitude in the face of

taught them courage, today

I

difficulty.

have taught them

strength."

With earth

—

the next

day came strange clouds

clouds of war and hate and

evil.

that

The

darkened the

children groped

I

I

i

FAMILY

and stumbled. The mother

"Look

said,

The

the blackness to the Light."

an Everlasting Glory above

up. Lift your eyes past

children looked

the strange clouds.

and brought them through the darkness and mother

"This

said,

is

children learn to see

day of

the best

all,

When

way was

the

a feather.

At

the

last

I

up and saw guided them

That

night the

have helped

my

God."

But her children were courage.

It

evil.

for

The days went on, and the weeks and years. The mother grew old, until she was

when

183

tall

and

way was came

months and the

very

litde

and bent.

and they walked with

hard, they helped their mother;

rough, they they

strong,

the

lifted her, for

to

a

hill,

she was as light as

and beyond the

hill

they

could see a shining road and golden gate flung wide.

The mother

Now know that I

my

said, "I

the

end

have reached the end of really

children can walk alone,

after

is

my

journey.

better than the beginning, for

and they

wall teach their children

them."

The

children said, "\ou will always walk with us. Mother, when you have gone through the gates." They stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. They said, "We can't see her, but she is

even

with us

still.

A mother

like

ours

is

more than a memory."

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

184

Tender Intuition Robin Jones Gunn

my

hold you in

I

arms, young prince.

heavenly peace. \et,

knew

the truth:

I

was

who

for

your

me

give

And

my

\ou're

baby.

you

if

don't have the

I

first

arrival for

baby

months.

My

ever.

now read

I've

A few pages. I've listened to my

endless advice. They're

you know, because they have ferent.

you'd be so calm

very, very real.

some of them.

the books. Well, friends

you are so

been preparing

sleep in sweet,

used to being pregnant, and

just getting

And

here you are! I've

if

your mother.

what I'm doing. \ou are my

slightest idea

only son.

wonder

I

am

I

You

their

And

own

babies.

they don't

experienced,

all

But you're

know a

dif-

thing about

you. do.

I

I

know

about the way you kick and wiggle.

all

I've

way you smell, like a fresh-from-theknow about the way your lower lip quivers about to cry. I know that your wispy hair is the

already memorized the earth daffodil.

when

you're

I

most luxuriously \et

had

to

soft thing that

much on how to

admit, there's

I

be instructed

showed me how

how

has ever touched

to clear

to

up diaper

rash.

And

teeth give

me

However,

make indoor

I

cheek.

don't know. In the hospital

nurse you. \esterday

bathe you in the sink.

don't sew. I'm not good at atrocious.

I

my

my

I

mother

don't have a clue

I

get queasy at the sight of blood.

salt

dough maps.

you might as well know

My math

right

up

—

skills

I

are

that waggly

the heebie-jeebies. I

am

tents

derful sense of

very good at baking cookies.

on rainy days.

humor

so

I

And

know how

to

I

have

I

my

laugh and

know how father's

how

to

to

won-

make

you laugh. I'll

sing you sweet songs in the night.

I'll

pray for you every

— FAMILY

day. ril let

feed ril

it.

you keep any animal you catch, as long as you can your imaginary friends by

Til call all

put love notes in your lunch box, and

when

with you, even

Perhaps

my

Tm

I'll

names,

in the

ocean

best qualification to be your mother

man

in the

is

that

I

world

father.

Such

secrets of

with friends.

and

their first

swim

old.

share this privilege v^th the most incredible

your

185

error.

They

To me,

motherhood can't be learned over

can't be taught

Eternal insights only a

teach

me how

to

by a book, or even by

these tender intuitions are

her arms as you are

mother can know—

now

coffee

what matter most.

^when her baby

in mine.

mother you by

This

heart.

is

trial

where the Lord

is

in

will

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

186

Slippery Risks «

Heather Harpham Kopp

Several left,

my

days ago

mother came

you might say she

Tom and what

great, safe fun

She

v^as all wet.

took her to our local

I

winding waterslide.

long,

We

Before she

She would say I was. swimming pool with a

urged her

to try

it,

telling

her

was.

it

me

reminding

hesitated,

for a visit.

that she's never even

jumped

off a diving board.

My

wasn't shocked.

I

much

Her

of a risk-taker.

mother's always been shy, and never idea of a risk

is

to drive past a

garage

sale without stopping.

But daughters have powerful manipulative mothers, and

am no

I

Tom

When

And

—

He

said she could go as slow as she

we can

or at least not this one in particular.

figure

must have decided the

and

is

that she

must have doubted

safest thing

was

this.

She

to lie flat, toes pointed,

try to avoid ejection.

watched from the bottom.

I

down

that slide so fast

understand that

and

as she puts

Yet

who

expression?

I

my mom

it,

But my mother thundered

fact,

is

not a small

,

"has eaten her share of the leftovers."

could miss her wide-open mouth, her shocked

When

the slide

mortified

You have to woman. She is 5 7

almost didn't see her.

she shot out the end, her glasses, which

she'd carefully tucked inside her bosom,

my

hurried her to the

he reminded her that no one had ever flown out

of a waterslide

All

Tom

her face turned white just before takeoff,

tried to reassure her.

wanted.

with their

exception.

Before she could change her mind, top of the slide.

skills

had

to

came

flying out. In

be shut down so the lifeguards could help

and now

half-blind

mother find her spectacles.

FAMILY

felt

I

bad. But

I

had learned

need a

you're not,

make

my

got

I

prodding.

litde

an early age that

at

worth living without taking a few

risks.

And

you're lucky, they'll thank you.

If

when

lesson on risking

year-old neighbor girl

wanted me

to

this girl's dirty-work,

allowed to cross the

street.

"Why

don't

just carry you,

I

"That way, you won't

really

A

five.

nine-

drop another boy's toy gun

qualms about doing

dence.

was

I

If

crowded pool.

mailbox that sat kitty-corner from our house.

into the

life isn't

sometimes people

sure they can't find you in the

first

187

but

I

had no

I

told her

wasn't

I

then?" she said with confi-

be crossing the

street."

Well, that sounded good to me.

So

got the kid's toy gun and dropped

I

my

But on the way back,

down on

upside

the

it

in the

mailbox.

accomplice accidentally dropped

pavement

me

—my

third set of stitches that

risks.

Not

summer.

That's the problem with taken,

and not

my mom

all

prodding should be listened

said back then,

and

also

when

should be

all risks to.

This

she found

is

me

what

at the

pool, hiding in the kiddie section.

Usually the chance a

romance. fact,

blow

Or

some

to take aren't the

kind that

or two to our head, anyway. They're the kind

stitch

that risk a

we need

risks

to

our pride. Like a ride

dovm

a

slide.

Or

a

admitting an unattractive truth about ourselves. In

things are impossible to gain without risks: experi-

ence, love, honesty, adventure.

My

mother must be learning the same

explanation

I

can fathom.

thing. It's the only

Would you believe that after down the slide, and after

recovered from her traumatic trip forgave me, she

announced she wanted

"\bu're kidding!"

"Only

this time,"

and go down slowly."

I

to try

it

she she

again?

said, incredulous.

she said,

"I'll sit

up, hold onto the sides,

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

188

Of shoved

course, off.

And

fell flat

onto her back as soon as she

for all of her frantic gesturing

manage

couldn't I

my mom to sit

and

And

me more

she

back up again.

my risk-taking asked God to make

stood at the bottom of the slide waiting for

mother.

flailing,

for the first time in

my

life, I

like her.

Mother's arms are made for tenderness^

and sweet

sleep blesses the child

who

lies therein.

Victor

Hugo

FAMILY

189

Family Vacations and Other Threats to Marriage Philip Gulley

When

our son, Spencer, was

six

weeks

old,

I

said to

my

wife, "It's time for a vacation."

"Not a good

idea," she cautioned.

along because she believes

We

went

whole way I

to a

there.

I

me

in

learning from

But she went

my

mistakes.

lodge four hours away. Spencer slept the

was

gloating.

Checked

was gloating some more. Having kids

in.

is

Went

to

a breeze.

our room.

Moms

are

such alarmists.

Then Spencer woke In the

up.

book of Revelation, John writes about

the seven

plagues of divine wrath, ranging from bodily sores to earthquakes. John missed a plague

—

crying kids.

Spencer stopped crying long enough Grandmother-types looked child,

at us

for us to eat dinner.

and smiled. Before

I

had a

thought they smiled because they liked children.

I

understand

now

I

that they smile because their children are

grown.

We all

went back

night.

The

to

our room and went

next morning at breakfast

the restaurant without him, but the

What happened on sleep deprivation. In tion,

I

drove

an

home on a

the

to bed.

we

tried to slip out of

manager blocked our escape.

way home can

effort to salvage

only be attributed to

our

first

designated scenic route.

them "scenic routes" because

it

Spencer cried

family vaca-

The

state calls

can't squeeze "twisty-road-that-

adds-three-hours-to-your-trip-and-makes-your-kid-carsick route"

on one

sign.

The

next year at vacation time, having forgotten our previ-

ous vacation,

we drove

to a lodge eight

hours away. Spencer

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

190

He

didn't cry once. his car-seat

him, but then earplugs have that

That

He

slept soundlessly every night.

We

without complaint.

rode in

didn't hear a peep from

effect.

family vacations don't turn out like we'd

only be blamed on television and

its

hoped can

inaccurate portrayal of

remember a Brady Bunch episode when the Bradys traveled for an entire week without once having to stop to use the bathroom. Florence Henderson sang across three family

states

life.

I

without anyone pushing her out the car door.

When

I

was

growing up, we wouldn't be out of the driveway before brother

We

Glenn had slugged me revisited.

from one mess to another. Otherwise,

Truth

And

how would we

is,

my

on him.

do ourselves a disfavor when we expect family

The Brady Bunch thing.

for breathing

life

to

be

most of our families lurch

that's not

an altogether bad

cultivate the fine art of forgive-

ness?

My vsafe at the time,

men who

even forgave

"\bu

me

can't help

our first vacation. She said You come from a long line of

after it.

don't listen to their wives."

We're saving up

for

our next vacation. We're thinking about

the mountains.

"There're wife.

all

kinds of places to lose a kid there,"

But she knows I'm

Actually, day, just

I

thank

I

told

my

just kidding.

God

every day for

some days more than

others.

my

children.

Every

FAMILY

When God

191

Created Fathers Erma Bombeck

When

the

with a

good Lord was creating

tall

He

started

frame.

A female angel that? If you're going to

why have you put

fathers,

fathers

nearby said,

make

"What

kind of father

is

children so close to the ground,

He won't be

up so high?

able to shoot

marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping."

And God size,

smiled and said, "\es, but

who would

children have to look

And when God made

if I

make him

child-

up to?"

a father's hands, they were large and

sinewy.

The

angel shook her head sadly and said, "Large hands

are clumsy.

They

can't

manage diaper

pins, small buttons, rub-

ber bands on ponytails or even remove splinters caused by baseball bats."

And God enough at the

to

smiled and said, "I know, but they're large

hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets

end of a day, yet small enough

to

cup a

child's face."

And

then

The

angel nearly had a heart attack. "Boy, this

of the week,

God molded all

long, slim legs

right," she clucked.

made a

father without a lap?

close to

him without

And God

How

and broad shoulders.

"Do you is

is

realize

smiled and said,

bicycle or hold a sleepy in the

end

you

just

he going to pull a child

the kid falling between his legs?"

"A mother

needs a lap.

father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a

God was

the

A

boy on a

head on the way home from the circus."

middle of creating two of the largest

feet

anyone had ever seen when the angel could contain herself no longer. "That's not fair.

Do

you honestly think those large

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

192

boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning

baby

cries?

Or

when

the

walk through a small birthday party without

crushing at least three of the guests?"

And God

smiled and said, "They'll work. You'll see.

They'll support a small child

Banbury Cross or

scare off mice at the

shoes that will be a challenge to

God worked words but a

to ride a horse to

summer cabin

or display

fill."

throughout the night, giving the father few

firm, authoritative voice

thing but remained calm Finally, almost as

He

who wants

and

and eyes

saw

every-

tears.

Then

that

tolerant.

an afterthought,

He

added

turned to the angel and said, "Now, are you satisfied that

he can love as much as a mother?"

The

angel shutteth up.

NO BOX There

is

no box

made by Cod nor us but that the sides can be flattened out

and to

the top

blown off

make a dance floor

on which

to celebrate

life.

Kenneth Caraway

LIFE

195

Lookin Good Patsy Clairmont

remember

I

day

well.

everything goes right.

went on

the

I

my

took a shower and fixed

I

wanted

hair. It

seldom does.

I

pink sweater, giving

color, since

need

can

slacks

just the

my new

the help

way

was one of those times when

It

get.

I

pulled

I

to,

it

as

it

me added on my gray

and

I

pulled

my

all

taupe

heels. I

checked the mirror and thought, Lookin good!

Since

was a cool Michigan day,

it

trench coat with pink on the lapels.

head

slipped on

I

my

gray

was color-coded from

I

to toe.

When

take care of

dovmtovm Brighton, where I intended to some errands, I was surprised to find heavy traffic.

Brighton

a small town, but

Usually,

I

is I

arrived in

can park right

in front

But today business was so away.

When

your attitude

is

has a large health food store.

it

and run

brisk

right,

had

I

and

in.

it's

to

park two blocks

a great day, however,

inconveniences and interruptions are no big deal. I

thought, ril just bounce

down

the street in time to the sun-

shine. I

got out of the car, bounced

road and entered the

As

I

down

the street, crossed the

store.

headed toward the back of the

store,

I

caught

reflection in the glass doors of the refrigeration system.

firmed

I

was

lookin' good.

noticed something

It

While enjoying my mirrored

was following me.

I

my

reaf-

self,

turned and realized

I

it

was my panty hose!

remembered the night before when I had done a litde Wonder Woman act and taken panty hose and slacks off in one I

fell

swoop. This morning

I

put on

new pantyhose and must have

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

196

pushed the old panty hose through when

made

believe they

I

their

emergence as

street in time to the sunshine.

who

stopped his truck

laughing, and

to let

me

I

cross.

As

I

the truck driver

looked up, he was

thought, Oh, look! The whole world

I

slacks.

bounced down the

remembered

I

my

pulled on

I

is

happy

today!

So

waved. Litde did

I

assumed

I

time in

my

and saw

realize

how much

I

was waving.

had reached some amount of maturity by

I

but

life,

I

can honestly say that when

I

that. .that. .dangling participle, the .

.

this

looked back

I

thought that

am going to die! I knew they were my pantyhose because the right foot was securely wrapped around my ankle. knew it was secure crossed

my mind

was,

I

I

because it

up

I

tried to

shake the thing off and pretend

I

had picked

in the street.

It's

to me that we gals buy these things in we wear them once, and they grow. Now

amazing

packages,

flat litde I

had a

mammoth handful of panty hose and no place to pitch them. The shelves were crowded with groceries, and my purse was stuffed them in my coat pocket. They too small and full, so became a protruding hump on my right hip. I

I

decided to never leave that

employees all

their I

in

town, and

employees

I

at the

store.

figured that by

windows waiting

I knew all the store now they would have

for a return parade.

glanced cautiously around the store and noticed

Senior Citizens' Day. They were having read, so

I

their

it

was

blood pressures

got in line to avoid having to leave the store.

The bad news was no one noticed I didn't belong in line. The good news was I had an elevated blood pressure reading. Usually the nurses take mine and

two days ago." Today Finally

dovm

I

I

say,

registered well

"I'm sorry but you died

up

realized I'd have to leave.

the street, into

my car and

off for

I

the scale.

slipped out the door,

home.

LIFE

way home

All the

said,

I

197

NEVER TELL ANY-

"I'LL

ONE DID THIS!" I

made

I

home and

it

got out of the car.

My

husband was

in

the yard raking.

screamed,

I

He

was

"Do you know what know

so proud to

dragging her underwear.

move

—

to

—

another state

I

I

did?!"

had gone through town

his wife

told

him

I

in the night.

thought we should

He

thought that was

extreme and suggested instead that for a while feet

I

could walk ten

behind him. After thinking that through, we decided

should be ten feet in front of him so he could check If

know

you have ever done anything

more you

that the

comes

to

you

last

I

try not to think

about

As

I

did came to

me

again and again.

I

walked through

out.

it,

the

my

more

it

house, the

"\bu take ashes and \ou do anything with panty hose?"

cried out to the Lord,

beauty, but can

me

embarrass yourself, you

in living color.

replay of what

At

to

it

create

— MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

198

A Street Vendor Named Contentment Max Lucado hhh...an hour of contentment. peace.

A few minutes

setting in

A precious

of relaxation.

which contentment pays a

Early in the morning while the coffee else

is

Each

moment

of

of us has a

visit.

is

hot and everyone

asleep.

Late

at night as

In a boat

you

kiss

your six-year-old's sleepy eyes.

on a lake when memories of a

life

well-lived are

vivid.

In the

companionship of a well-worn, dog-eared, even

tears tained Bible.

In the

arms of a spouse.

At Thanksgiving

An

dinner or

hour of contentment.

sitting

An

near the Christmas

tree.

hour when deadlines are

for-

gotten and strivings have ceased

But tests,

unfortunately, in our squirrel cages of schedules, con-

and side-glancing, hours

like these are

about as

as one-legged monkeys. In our world, contentment street vendor,

is

common a strange

roaming, looking for a home, but seldom finding

an open door. This old salesman moves slowly from house

to

house, tapping on windows, knocking on doors, offering his wares: an hour of peace, a smile of acceptance, a sigh of

But

his

goods are seldom taken.

We

relief.

are too busy to be con-

tent....

"Not now, thank you. I've too much to do," we say. "Too many marks to be made, too many achievements to be achieved, too

many

earned. lost

my

dollars to be saved, too

And

besides,

ambition."

if

many promotions

to

be

I'm content, someone might think I've

LIFE

So

the street vendor

My

list

named Contentment moves

made. Letters

to

burdensome

be written. Checkbooks

slip into neutral. Just as

just as the old

to

be balanced.

my

sleeves rolled up,

was

I

infant daughter, Jenna,

getting

needed

Mom was in the bath so

be held. She had a stomachache.

to

it fell

to pick her up.

She's three weeks old today.

You've

impossible,

At

first I

started trying to

one hand and hold her with the

things with ing.

my

got

I

to the rat race that

engine was starting to purr, just as

up a good head of steam,

Daddy

My

as ever. Calls to be

But a funny thing happened on the way

to

on.

of things was, for the most part, undone.

responsibihties were just as

made me

199

tried that too? Just

I

also realized that

it

when

was not

I

\ou're smil-

other.

realized that

at all

do

what

I

it

was

was want-

ing to do. I

down and

sat

She began pers

became right

fell

And

gurgles.

on top of

tummy

against

A big sigh escaped her lungs.

to relax.

was

and she

held her tight litde

She

my

slid

heart.

my

chest.

Her whim-

down my chest until her little ear That's when her arms went limp

asleep.

that's

when

the street vendor

Good-bye, schedule. See you

my door. routine. Come back

knocked

later,

at

tomorrow, deadlines... hello Contentment, come on

in.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

200

Crowing Roots Philip Gulley

Had

an old neighbor when

He

Doctor Gibbs.

didn't look like any doctor I'd ever

known. Every time

saw him, he was wearing denim and a straw hat whose front brim was green sunglass

overalls plastic.

He

crinkly

and well worn.

yard.

remember him

I

was growing up named

I

smiled a

lot,

I

a smile that matched his hat

He

someone who was a

as

—

old and

never yelled at us for playing in his lot nicer

than

cir-

cumstances warranted.

When trees.

Doctor Gibbs wasn't saving

His house

sat

on ten acres and

The good

a forest.

he was planting

lives,

his life goal

was

to

make

it

doctor had some interesting theories con-

He came from the "No pain, no horticulture. He never watered his new trees,

cerning plant husbandry. gain" school of

which flew why.

He

in the face of conventional

wisdom. Once

water them, each successive generation weaker.

So you have

to

make

I

and how

said watering plants spoiled them,

asked if

you

grow weaker and

will

things rough for

them and weed

out the weenie trees early on.

He

talked about

and how

how

watering trees

watered had

trees that weren't

search of moisture.

I

made

took him to

mean

to

that

for shallow roots,

grow deep

roots in

deep roots were

to

be treasured.

So he never watered instead of watering

it

his trees.

He'd

plant an oak and,

every morning, he'd beat

it

with a roUed-

up newspaper. Smack! Slap! Pow! I asked him why he did that, and he said it was to get the tree's attention. Doctor Gibbs went

to glory a

home. Every now and again trees that

I

I

couple of years after

walk by

his

house and look

I

left

at the

watched him plant some twenty-five years ago.

LIFE

They're granite strong now. Big and robust. Those

up

morning and beat

in the

their chests

and drink

201

trees

wake

their coffee

black. I

to

planted a couple of trees a few years back. Carried water

them

for a solid

The whole

summer. Sprayed them. Prayed over them.

wind blows

cold

Two

nine yards.

trees that expect to in,

years of coddling has resulted in

be waited on hand and

foot.

Whenever a

they tremble and chatter their branches.

Sissy trees.

Funny thing about those and deprivation seemed

trees of

to benefit

Doctor Gibbs. Adversity

them

in

ways comfort and

ease never could.

Every night before

I

go

to

bed,

I

check on

my

two sons.

I

stand over them and watch their litde bodies, the rising and falling of life within.

their lives will lately I've

Has

my

and

often pray for them. Mostly

I

I

pray that

be easy. "Lord, spare them fi-om hardship." But

been thinking that

to

the core.

I

do with the

know my

it's

time to change

inevitability of cold

my

prayer.

winds that

hit

us at

children are going to encounter hardship,

praying they won't

is

naive. There's always a cold

wind

blowing somewhere.

So I'm changing my whether we want it to be

my

son's roots

eventide prayer. Because

life is

tough,

or not. Instead, I'm going to pray that

grow deep, so they can draw strength from

the

hidden sources of the Eternal God.

Too many

dom

met.

times

What we need

into the Eternal

blow,

we pray

God,

we won't be swept

to

so

for ease, but that's a prayer sel-

do

is

when

asunder.

pray for roots that grow deep the rains

fall

and the winds

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

202

Perspective

A

Marilyn McAuley little girl

One

was

grandmother

heavens

—

such sparkling brilliance the

hadn't seen, living in the city with

awe of

the beauty

beautiful

in the country.

evening they sat and enjoyed the panorama of

stars in the girl

visiting her

and said

on the wrong

to her

side,

all

the lights.

grandmother, "If heaven

what must

it

be

like

on the

side?"

OPPORTUNITY When but

we

upon that

one door

closes,

often look

another opens

long

and so

the closed door

we do

not see the one which

has opened for

us.

Alexander Graham Bell

little

She was

regretfully

is

in

so

right

LIFE

Saving

the

203

Broken Pieces Robert Schuller

t

the

Royal Palace of Tehran

you can see one

in Iran,

of the most beautiful mosaic works in the world.

A.

The

)\. ceilings and walls flash like diamonds in multifaceted

reflections.

Originally, specified

when

the palace

was designed,

huge sheets of mirrors on the

shipment arrived

fi-om Paris, they

mirrors were shattered.

The

and brought the sad news

found

the walls to

When

the

first

to their horror that the

contractor threw them in the trash

to the architect.

Amazingly, the architect ordered collected, then

walls.

the architect

smashed them

all

of the broken pieces

into tiny pieces

become a mosaic of

silvery,

and glued them

to

shimmering, mirrored

bits of glass.

Broken

to

become

beautiful!

into stars. It's possible to is

It's

possible to turn your scars

be better because of the brokenness.

extremely rare to find in the great

museums

objects of antiquity that are unbroken. Indeed,

It

of the world

some of

the most

precious pieces in the world are only fragments that remain a

hallowed reminder of a glorious past.

Never underestimate God's power

to repair

and

restore.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

204

Train to Barcelona Jon Senter Stuart was spring break,

It

my way

on

]

8 and

second term

to a

a friend and

ters,

was

I

was wonderful.

life

completed one semester of school

just

I

in

in

I

had

Germany and was

England. Between semes-

decided to do a

sightseeing

little

and had

charted our course to cover eight countries in twenty-eight days.

We

had

just spent a

few days basking

town of Nice along the French Riviera. almost run out

We

—

stuffed our

a sign

it

bered to the train station

By

was time

meager belongings

the time

humanity waiting

we

like

to

in the sun-filled litde

Now

our francs had

pack up and move on.

into our

backpacks and lum-

a couple of pack mules.

arrived at the train station, the mass of

for trains

the streets. Apparently,

all

had already begun

50,000

to spill out into

college students

on spring

As we

break were trying to take the morning train out of Nice.

elbowed our way

to the ticket counter,

nous words: "train

"No be a day.

May be

settled,

we

the counter confirmed.

"May

looked for a spot to set up camp.

Once

man behind

a week."

we

took stock of our situation. Between the two of us,

we had enough food butter-jelly

kept hearing the omi-

strike."

trains," the

Discouraged,

we

to last the day. Bottled water,

sandwiches and two oranges.

two peanut

Our monetary

consisted of exactly twelve francs. Suddenly

we

felt

supply

a very long

way from home. Seven hours the

crowd was

the scene

later,

larger,

stranded tourists had

tempers were hotter, and word of the

made it out among the

teens began to slouch gets.

I

had not changed much except

was comforted some by

to the streets.

Rough

looking

throng, looking for easy tar-

the group of

American students

LIFE

who were camped

out next to us.

They were busy

playing cards

and writing postcards home. "I'm going to call around and find a way out of

My

fi:*iend

stuff

and

I

go make a few phone

wadded my

and

jacket against the pillar

Suddenly, firom behind the pillar

me, "Don't say anything. Just give

at

the

calls."

Things were growing quieter

for the night.

this place."

"\bu watch

was obviously growing impatient.

Til

205

I

tried to settle in

in the station.

heard the voice hissing

me your money and your

passport and we'll leave you alone."

He

had come out from behind the

pillar

and stood

tall

and

menacing in front of me. His hat hung low over his eyes. "I'm sorry. get frustrated

He

I

and

obviously was not so easily put

"You know what Even

I

was hoping he would

give up.

playing games with

of

"

don't understand

want, American.

I

me

before

as he spit the

off.

words

American students next

suggest you stop

I

get really angry. ..."

I

at

to us

me to my feet. "Our train has just pulled before we lose our seats."

me, a stranger from the group

my arm and was

had grabbed

pulling

A blond pony-tailed hoisting

me

all

my

friend's

girl in

in.

Grab your pack and

let's

go

baggy sweatshirt and jeans was

backpack onto her shoulders, chatting

to

the while.

"Where

did you go? I've been looking

you... come on,

we have

to run.

She brushed us both past

\ou

all

will excuse us,

the would-be robber.

He

over for

won't you?"

was too

sur-

prised to say anything but in one last-ditch effort he grabbed at

my

My rescuer was

as she propelled

me

After what seemed an eternity of pushing and shoving,

we

arm.

too quick for

him

through the crowd.

reached a clearing in the crowd. Shaking,

I

set

my backpack

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

206

beside a bench and turned to thank the one

me. But

all I

up against

The

the wall.

had disappeared back Suddenly

I

My

"Jori."

who had

just saved

found was iny friend's red backpack, leaning neatly gray sweatshirt and blond ponytail

into the crowd.

my name

heard

being called.

was running down

friend

me. "Where have you been?

Why

the platform toward

didn't you stay by the pil-

lar?"

We ture.

I

sat

down on

bench and

the

was interrupted by

I

began

to tell

my

adven-

the

announcement over the public

now

arriving on Track 4. Train to

address system.

"Train to Barcelona Barcelona

We

now

arriving

on Track 4."

looked up at the platform number above our heads and

saw we were

on platform number 4! Already we could

sitting

see the engine's light shining at us from

Later, as side our train

window,

get to say thank

My friend And

down

the track.

we watched the French countryside glide by outyou

I

said to

my

friend,

"And

I

didn't even

to her."

said simply, "I think she knows."

somehow,

For he will

I

felt

she did too.

command his guard you

angels concerning

in all

Psalm

your ways.

91:11

j2W

you

to

LIFE

207

Sandcastles Max Lucado

Hot

sun. Salty

On

beach.

air.

A

Rhythmic waves.

his knees

httle

boy

is

on the

he scoops and packs the sand with

Then he And, to the

plastic shovels into a bright red bucket.

upends the bucket on the surface and delight of the

architect, a castle

little

lifts

tower

is

it.

created.

All afternoon he will work. Spooning out the moat. Packing the walls. Botde tops will

be bridges.

Big

city.

A man stacks

A sandcastle will be

Busy is

be

will

Rumbling

streets.

in his office.

At

his

and delegates assignments.

sentries. Popsicle sticks

built. traffic.

desk he shuffles papers into

He

cradles the

phone on

shoulder and punches the keyboard with his fingers.

and contracts are signed and much

are juggled the

man, a

profit

All his

life

is

he

his

Numbers

to the delight of

made.

will

work. Formulating the plans. Forecasting

the future. Annuities will be sentries. Capital gains will be bridges.

An

empire

will

be

built.

Two builders of two casdes. They have much in common. They shape granules into grandeurs. They see nothing and make something. They are diligent and determined. And for both the tide will

\et that

is

rise

and

where the

the

end

wall

come. For the boy sees the

similarities cease.

end while the man ignores

it.

Watch

the

boy

as the

dusk

approaches.

As

the waves near, the wise child

begins to clap. There

knew

this

is

would happen.

no sorrow.

He

is

No

fear.

not surprised.

great breaker crashes into his castle

sucked into the sea, he smiles.

jumps

He

and

to his feet

and

No regret. He And when the

his masterpiece

smiles, picks

up

is

his tools,

— MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

208

and goes home.

takes his father's hand,

The grownup, collapses

on

monument

however,

he

his castle

to protect

is

terrified.

is

He

it.

not so wise.

He

As

the

wave of years

hovers over the sandy

blocks the waves from the walls he

has made. Salt-water soaked and shivering he snarls at the

incoming

tide.

"It's

my

The

ocean need not respond. Both know

castle,"

he defies. to

whom

the sand

belongs

And do.

I

don't

know much about

Watch them and

a child's heart.

Go

learn.

When

the sun sets

Salute the process of

life,

sandcastles.

and the

tides take

by

is

—applaud.

take your Father's hand,

home.

Every man

But children

ahead and build, but build with

entitled to be

his best

valued

moments.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

and go

I

LIFE

209

The Crazy Quilt Melody Carlson

made by my

have an old quilt

I

not a beautiful quilt, and old.

The

But

I

love

father's grandmother.

all

it.

pieces are probably

over scraps from

left

Aunt

Fran's

apron, litde Mary's Easter dress, or Grampa's favorite

They

odd shapes and

are

It's

the fabric appears to be quite

hooks and curves, long

dozens of meticulous

nameless shapes have

of fabric painstakingly sev^n with

A few

stitches.

my thumbnail. Some of the fabric

Some

sizes.

slivers

shirt.

tiny patches are smaller

than

hear some

tired

is

mother

very plain with dull color.

say,

"But, dear,

it's

summer

vacations,

can just

new

school dress.

like snippets

of birthdays,

cloth...," while her daughter frowns at the

Other pieces are bright and cheery,

I

a very serviceable

and fun times gone

by.

A few fancier pieces

are satiny smooth with embossing or embroidery; they seem to

whisper of weddings, dances, a

first kiss

My father's grandmother was nearly blind explains

why

the shades appear haphazardly arranged

almost seem to shout at each other.

what her creations looked

They do have an

like,

I

wonder

interesting texture

—smooth

were blind,

Recently in

quilt.

I

felt

would

my own

bed with the

behind.

I

flu,

in

I

knew

my

it

I

slightly.

new town, and

I

was

great grandmother's crazy

missed the friends I'd

was

hadn't taken steps to establish

next to bumpy,

quilts like this.

family relocated to a

sorry for myself and

Deep down,

she ever realized

pucker ever so

make

like to

wrapped

and

over the quilt hundreds of

all

tiny stitches, almost invisible to the eye, I

if

that

or did she simply go by touch?

seersucker alongside velvet; and

If

and perhaps

partly

new

my own

fault

left

—

friendships. Several

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

210

acquaintances seemed willing, but

I

was holding back,

hesi-

tating

As

I

studied the crazy quilt,

had throughout

I'd

became used

felt

be handled with care.

flannel,

Many often I've

my

of

my

had

heart,

It

know

would seem

And I

that's

make me

I

and bright and

felt soft

and cozy

for

like

life.

If

I

So

a season.

them behind, or they leave me!

they are friends for

And

yet,

met them on

we would hug and laugh and

talk

non-

like yesterday.

because

God

has sewn them into

my

heart.

pulled the old quilt closer around me, comforted and

warmed by my memories. quilt of friendships

would make new

I

Surely,

my own

—was

fretted over

friends in this town.

I

masterpiece

—

this

not nearly finished,

And

mother, trusting her fingers to lead her, out.

or

feel better.

been around

friends have only

to leave

I

to

—

and needed

like silk

colorful

A few special others

the street tomorrow, stop.

Some were

and they knew how

friends

a bit scratchy and rough

them. Others were delicate

to

great fun to be with.

in

Some

life.

many

a sturdy piece of wool, but in time they softened

like

to

my

thought of the

I

like

my

I

great grand-

would, by

faith,

reach

LIFE

211

One Mans Junk--Another

Man s

Treasure Ron Mehl

Bob

had systematically worked

way

his

garage and was about to make his

Although

partially

not only that.

Obviously Bob's

.

.it

when he

exit

was unmistakable.

first

saw

was a motorcycle.

It

was a Harley.

wasn't part of the garage

it

back of the

hidden underneath a table cloth and an

old comforter, the shape

And

to the

and

sale,

that piqued

interest.

"Is the bike for sale?"

The man shrugged. "Well... I don't rightly see why The wife says it's all got to go. But I'll warn ya. That hasn't run since I've

had

over.

Could probably buy

to fix

up

Motor's seized up. Won't turn

it.

yourself a

new one

with what

it'd cost

patiently. "All the

same,

how much do you

for it?"

"I'm sure they'd give

How does

the scrap yard.

Bob if

bike

that old thing."

Bob nodded want

not.

me

thirty-five

that

sound?"

looked at the rusty old heap.

he brought

potential.

it

Even

home? But if it

conversation piece.

still... to

bucks for the metal at

What would

a practiced eye,

he could surely

it

had

it

shined up as a

sell it

again for more

didn't run, he could get

And

his wife say

than thirty-five dollars. Parts alone would be worth more than that.

"Okay," he

said. "I'll give

you

thirty-five.

Can

I

pick

it

up

tomorrow?" Shortly thereafter the old Harley was occupying space in

Bob's garage. After a few weeks of procrastinating, he

finally

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

212

got around to calling Harley-Davidson, just to see what a few

major parts for restoration would run him.

someone on the

"Why said,

"and

Bob

parts line

me

the serial number," the dealer

can look that up for you."

gave him the number.

"Hold on

Bob

just a

second while

look

I

waited on hold, listening to a

into the receiver.

How appropriate,

just in time.

One more number by

the Fish might have driven

Somehow

the Harley

"Uh,

Why But then

sir... full

up."

sixties

rock station piped

man

returned to the

line.

And

Country Joe and

the Trogs or

Bob off the line altogether. man sounded different. Strange.

conscious. Like something

get your

it

he thought. After what seemed

an inordinately long time, the parts

I

connected with

and asked a few questions.

don't you give I

He

Self-

was up.

I'm going to have to

you back, okay? Could

call

name, address, and phone number, please?"

does he need again,

my name and

what was the harm?

address?

was no big

It

probably end up on some motorcycle

Bob wondered.

list.

Bob

deal.

He'd

gave the

man

what he wanted and hung up. After a few minutes, however, he found himself getting nervous.

He

regretted giving the information about himself over the

What if the bike had kind...? What if the bike was phone.

cution?

Maybe

Bob sweated from Harley. But

to

reclaim his bike

for a couple of

—

on

in

danger of prose-

their

were beginning

time, however,

it

friendly,

making Bob

feel

or a

to subside,

The man

even more uneasy.

"Listen, Bob," said the man, "I want you to

me, okay?"

—

wasn't the parts man;

himself talking to a Harley executive.

seemed overly

for

way

days without hearing back

just as his worries

phone rang. This

Bob found

Was he

stolen?

the police were already

HelVs Angel, ready

the

been involved in a crime of some

do something

— LIFE

up

"Umm.

Well,

"Bob,

want you

—and

ten

I

I

guess." just to set the receiver

and see

take the seat off your bike

underneath. Would you do

down

that for

felt like

he was about

to hit

don't hang

anything

wind

returned to

written there. is

there

It's

engraved, and

it

says,

"it

shear.

this all

There was a moment or two of profound other end.

Bob

"Bob,

my

the

felt like

cial listening for

man on

and

Listen,

about?"

silence

on the

commer-

the long distance

a pin to drop.

boss has authorized

me

you $300,000

to offer

payable to you immediately.

for the bike,

told,

does have something

*THE KING.'

some kind of trouble here? What's

writ-

an off-course 737.

But he grabbed a screwdriver, did as he was the phone. "Yes," he said,

is

The man

me, Bob?"

talked like an air traffic controller bringing in

And Bob

if

—

213

How about

it?

Do we

have a deal?"

Bob was think about

so stunned he could hardly speak.

it,"

he stammered.

He

hung up

the

"I-I'll

have

phone and

to let

himself slump slowly to a sitting position on the kitchen floor.

The

next day

Bob

got a call from Jay Leno, the late-night

Leno explained that he "had a thing about Harleys" and offered Bob $500,000. "The King," of course, was none other than Elvis Presley. The serial number had made that clear, and the engraved legend under the seat had removed all doubt. The bike Bob had television talk sultan.

redeemed from the scrap

"The King

been owned by half a million

pile for thirty-five dollars

of

at the least.

"The Big Find," Bob found

Rock After it.

'n Roll." all

And

it

had once

was worth

those years of seeking

But he hadn't even recognized

what he had. It

goes to

show you

man's treasure. in the

The

that truly

one man's junk

is

another

value of the motorcycle, of course, wasn't

metal or the parts.

It

didn't even run!

The

value had

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

214

was made

nothing to do with the bike's beauty, what

it

how

the fact that

well

it

performed....

It

been owned by "the King."

And

was

He

it.

to Elvis

Presley— approaching

deity status

There were people

for the privilege of saying, "I

Bob

it,

ridden

willing to

own

—

transferred to his

Elvis Presley's motorcycle."

He

didn't realize he had something of great value.

something cheap on the marketplace profit.

had

taken

pay a small fortune

What

far the

—an

He

just

saw

opportunity for a

little

hadn't a clue about the bike's previous owner.

by

it

it,

or

the inexplicable value our culture has attached

pride in

motorcycle.

all tied to

had touched

of,

he found out, of course, was that ownership was

most important truth about that old Harley. In

fact,

ownership was everything.

And

what

is it

that speaks

most

forcefully

about your value

and mine? Is

nomic

it

what we're made

status? Is

"perform"? is

that

Son

I

.

.

it

based on our job

title

determined by what we can do and

.What

gives

me

or eco-

how we

a sense of worth and significance

God. I have been redeemed by God's own No suffering and a great price. He owns me

belong

at great

it

of? Is

to

one argues with the mark of the King.

—

LIFE

215

Commence Prayer Charles Swindoll

The

plane was headed for

mally very boring

—

New York But

flight.

a routine and nor-

time

this

it

proved

to

be

otherwise.

As

they were on their descent pattern, the pilot realized

that the landing gear

the controls, trying again

and again

place. ..without success.

He

instruction.

As

He

was not engaging.

messed around with gear to lock into

to get the

then asked ground control for

the plane circled the landing field, the emer-

gency crew coated the runway with foam and other emergency vehicles

moved

unemotional voice

pilots

to place their

and

maneuver

told of each

do so

in

well. Flight attendants

glided about the cabin with an air of cool reserve.

were told

trucks

into position.

Meanwhile, the passengers were that calm,

fire

Passengers

heads between their knees and grab

their ankles just before impact.

There were

tears

and a few

cries

of despair. ...

Then, with

the landing only minutes away, the pilot sud-

denly announced over the intercom: final descent.

At

this

moment,

in

"We

accordance with International

Aviation Codes established at Geneva, inform you that

if

you believe

in

are beginning our

God

prayer." Scout's honor. .that's exactly .

j2v

it

is

my

obligation to

you should commence

what he

said!

— MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

216

and Crevices

Secret Cracks

Melody Carlson

Grandma's

Proud and white,

as a child. skirted

pause

to

Victorian house looked

tall

it

a castle to

like

me

roosted on a grassy knoll

by a colorful flower bed. Total strangers would

admire and even photograph Grandma's striking rock

garden. But the three-hour trip to Grandma's house amounted to

more than merely

visiting her turreted

bread trim and pretty flowers;

my everyday one. At Grandma's,

—

home with

its

ginger-

meant entering a world unlike

it

everything changed, and

I

encountered a

knew all the fascinating nooks and crannies. I could dawdle away coundess summer hours exploring its hidden corners. I remember the warm, earthy smell after a summer shower and the feel of the cool, world

secret

damp cement

a world where only

through

my

I

thin cotton shorts as

I

sat

on the steps

behind Grandma's house. Lush, leafy fuchsia plants profuse with luxuriant purplish flowers overflowed the deep beds that

bordered those steps. They looked

I

remember

som and

miniature Japanese

and the honeybees scurried about them gathering

lanterns, food.

like

the

pop

the it

waxen

feel

of an unopened fuchsia blos-

made when pinched

gently by

my

and the muffled, angry buzz of the unfortunate bee oned I

of

in the royal-colored

from the

—Grandma's rain,

I

impris-

depths of a bloom.

would climb up those fuchsia-bordered

Martha

fingers

neighbor.

steamed and

Her

steps to the

flagstone patio,

glistened in the

home

still

wet

afternoon sun.

Beside her patio grew a small garden surrounded by a childsized fence. I'd stand

and lean my arms upon

it

mysterious green foliage flourishing within. stretched high over the garden.

On

and inspect the

A

clothesline

one end hung a pulley

my

LIFE

grandpa had designed

to

draw

the flapping whites to

217

and

fro

without having to set foot in Martha's garden. Martha and

Grandma

shared the hne, dividing the sunshine between them.

Martha kept building books and an old 3-D photo

Inside her sun-filled front room,

wooden

blocks and

viewer

—

dolls, picture

young

for her

all

would invariably be served;

Down

the street lived

house reminded

me

of

Of

visitors.

was a

it

sister,

like

tea

Londy. Londy's

White's cottage. Surrounded by

towering trees and tucked in so neatly,

it

might have sprouted

an oversized mushroom. Londy, a tiny woman,

She

with her diminutive house.

and

litde girl's Utopia.

Grandma's

Snow

course, cookies

fit

flawlessly

liked to bustle about

and pre-

pare delectable snacks in her compact kitchen. She'd array toast

and homemade preserves on flowery china

welcomed

guests,

for her

much-

and she never discriminated between children

and adults

—

^we all ate

was found

in

her kitchen.

Londy enjoyed

from the same dainty dishes; no plastic

cut flowers,

and they often cascaded from

the porcelain vases in her

home. Outside her kitchen window

grew

and mint. The mixture of

roses, berry bushes,

grances was almost intoxicating as

mer breeze. Londy's home

it

felt like

wafted

in

their fra-

on a warm sum-

an enchanted, full-grown

doUhouse.

At Grandma's because

I

house, I'd be the

knew Grandpa had

first

one up

in the

breakfast sizzling

morning

and steaming

downstairs in the cozy kitchen. After eating, I'd linger at the table in front of the big picture

window, where the bright red

geraniums bloomed year round

in the

spy the the

litde

green frog

hummingbirds

Summers were

who

flitter

window

lived in the

box. I'd try to

geraniums and watch

about the hanging flower baskets.

timeless then

—no

schedule, no routine.

Although the places remain, the people are gone; and I'm torn between the desire to return

and discover what time has

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

218

done

to

my

childhood paradise and the fear that the

spell,

now

broken, would only bring disappointment. For the places

remember, even

if

they have remained unchanged, can never be

found again because

my

child's eye perceived the hill as a

mountain and the house as a

must continue cracks

and

to

I

endure

crevices

—

castle.

And

so these memories

in the secret places

—hidden

in the

only to be visited through remembering.

MAKEAPEAMl The most extraordinary this: irritations get into his

But when he cannot

thing about the oyster

shell

He

get rid of them, he uses the irrita-

an oyster ever has a chance

tion to

do the

to do.

If there are irritations in our lives today, there

loveliest thing

only one prescription:

is

does not like them.

make a

pearl.

Harry Emerson Fosdick

is

219

LIFE

Back on Course Sandy Suavely husband and

My

When

ture.

love to

sail.

We

named our 2 7 -foot

Sensuous Sea because

sailboat the

how

I

represents for us

it

seductive the water can be to our sense of adven-

the water

is

calm and the wind

is

stable, sailing

when

profoundly rich experience. \et there are times turns evil invisible

and the wind breathes

is

a

the water

terror through our veins like

an

enemy.

One

day, while heading

up

the

Columbia River on our way

to Astoria, a sea condition appropriately

known

as

"widow waves

makers" interrupted our peaceful voyage. Five

to six-foot

slammed against

and we steadied

ourselves for a

Suddenly,

us,

one

right after the other,

bumpy ride. Bud heard a sound

that

appeared

be coming

to

from the bow. Straining to see forward through the water that the

wind whipped around

us,

he discovered that our anchor

had become dislodged from the our

With each

hull.

do.

was banging against

It

thud, the danger of beating a hole into the

fiberglass increased, threatening

Bud

pulpit.

our

safety.

then did the most frightening thing I've ever seen him

With

neither a

life

jacket nor a

life line,

me

forward to the point of the bow, leaving

man

the

tiller

One to

of

Wave

life

after

him

if

I

my ability moment when my hus-

strong-suits in sailing has always

—

until that

been

was hanging precariously over

the edge of the boat.

angry wave crashed over him,

like great

trying to snatch

Bud,

in the cockpit to

as he retrieved the anchor.

my

keep our boat on course

band's

he made his way

sea gypsies

him away from me. Steadying my focus on

immediately began to plan what

indeed he went overboard.

I

would do

to rescue

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

220

The sound

of

my

husband's voice shouting to

"Get back on

Prying

back

to the

my

focus off of

my husband and

was against

It

what seemed

to

of the water.

As

to get us

course! Point her toward the marker!"

marker was the most

called to obey.

all

We

I

life's

have ever been

my back on

Bud

I

fastened the anchor into

was able its

holder

in the right direction.

both learned a valuable lesson that afternoon: danger

tempted

swayed

to

change the rules

more immediate there are

our destination off course

to solve

if

we

what seems

to bring us safely

are willing to trust them

by sudden

end up over our heads

fears.

in

We

and not be

must be determined

and steady

deep water when

the course or life's

storms

YOUNG OR OlD? An

elderly lady

young or

was asked by a

child if she were

old.

''My dear, " she

to

crises.

sound principles designed

study the charts, follow the rules, wall

I

sights

around every corner, and we can be distracted from our

But to

order

instincts to turn

heeded Bud's command, however,

back on course.

real goals,

be

difficult

my

my

setting

be the need of the moment, and trust the rules

and we were once again headed lurks

through

had on me and snapped me back

the storm broke the hold fear to reason:

me

replied.

"/

have been young a very

long time.

from P.S.I Love You

to

we

hit.

LIFE

221

Redwood Canyon Casandra Lindell grandpa smelled of old

My

stale sweat.

He

leather, fresh dirt,

wore short-sleeved denim

jeans held by red suspenders,

by Mennen.

my

When

brother and

made

I

I

was very

little,

and

of hard plastic with a brim

all

the

blue

shirts,

the green aftershave

his hat of choice

called his "safari hat"

and clean

—

was what

a round gray helmet

way around and molded

seams.

Grandpa never essential to

life,

really got past the idea that horses

and he put me on them from

remember. Being on horseback

and

makes me

that he'd take

much

of his heart

married, they spent

remember

that.

feel

I

can

important

think he always

I

Redwood Canyon and show me how was there. When he and Grandma were first

knew

I

still

being with Grandpa did

special;

as early as

were

me

to

summers deep

the

in the Sierras.

sound of hoofs stamping metal as we

backed the horses out of the

trailer for that

very

first

ride in

Redwood Canyon. The smell of leather and horse manure as we saddled them, Ben snorting and puffing in anticipation, dancing

in the dust.

As we the path;

I

rode.

Grandpa pointed

out wild strawberries lining

had no idea they were so

tiny.

I

would have missed

them.

Grandpa knew

the difl^erence between the

sound of

far-off

water trickling and wind guessed

it

in the trees, but I didn't. Once, I was wind. Grandpa smiled: "Nope. Follow me." He

veered downhill, off the

trail.

I

followed, a

little

unsure of

myself.

He came hat.

I

pulled

to a stop,

Ben up

pushing back the brim of

his

cowboy

alongside and followed Grandpa's eyes.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

222

To

day

this

have never seen a more peaceful place. Belov^

I

meandered through

us a stream

drop ten

silently

We

my I

soul.

sat long

I still

close

fallen log.

enough

my

and wild

tiger lilies to

a small crystal pool. Beside the pool

feet into

was a sandy beach and a turbed.

fern

for that

I

thought of

image

Eden

undis-

to sink forever into

eyes and look at that crystal pool

when

need a few moments of peace. Further along the

away

trail,

a clearing in the trees caused a

far-

smile to tug the corners of Grandpa's mouth. In front of

us lay a beach of fist-sized rocks.

spread out to pick

ticed,

its

A stream,

way through

trying to go unno-

the rocks before

regrouping once past the clearing.

"We

up camp, our

set

tent right there.

strung the clothesline between those two trees right

up over

world

that ridge."

to life for

Grandpa brought a

Your grandma

—

Shot a deer

past and forgotten

me.

"There's an underground stream, runs right along there,"

Grandpa

said, pointing again.

"How do you know that?" "A

straight line of saplings.

where there

Then,

is

Seeds that drop

as the

trail

wrapped around

the mountain,

Redwood Canyon. Giant redwoods. The least fifteen feet in

diameter—

^which

redwood towering above

My

and looked

"We

He glance.

in the earth

face

us.

at the tree.

I

still

was

at

fifteen-foot wall of

to turn back.

Grandpa simply

sat

looked at Grandpa.

and looked

Grandpa whirled

over his shoulder,

fallen tree

and a massive root system.

We'd have

fell.

meant a

we came

This was

Downhill, tangled limbs. Uphill, a

have to go back now?"

sat

grow

water."

face to face with a tree laying across our path.

gaping hole

will

"Come

I

asked, disappointed.

at the fallen tree.

Then, with a

his horse, kicked his heels,

on!"

and

called

LIFE

watched, his horse sHpping in the fallen leaves and needles

I

as they climbed.

No way was

The

We'd

horse'd

But wait

223

known

at the top if

way

"Come

to learn

on!"

going up that mountain. I'd

he had

was

knew my grandpa

I

to, until

I

"Let the horse find

his

—

he would

followed him.

He was

really got over the idea that

to tackle the impossible.

heard Grandpa's voice

I

fall.

fall.

Grandpa never

for tenacity.

the best

both

problem was that

the

day

all

fall.

I

own way. He

me

call to

doesn't want to

again.

any

fall

more than you do." I

knew

after all,

I

could trust

my Grandpa

in the Sierras.

spent a lifetime on horseback, and he

knew

He

the

had,

moun-

tains well.

So

I

did the only thing

loosened the reins

—and

I

could:

shut

my

I

grabbed the saddle horn,

eyes tight as

I

kicked

my

heels.

Ben jumped forward, scrambling up the mountain. It was a bumpy ride. After several seconds, I felt him smooth out and I opened my eyes. There sat Grandpa, amusement twinkling all over his rugged face. "\bu had your eyes closed? You missed the best part of the ride!"

There were so many things rides through

see the

learned that day, and on later

Redwood Canyon. More

image of that huge

would be great pools.

I

if it

were

all

is

I

like that. It

wild strawberries and silent crystal

But so many times we come

big has fallen across the

often than anything

redwood. Life

fallen

trail.

to a place

where something

looms, and

we

my grandpa

taught me.

It

reach a dark

impasse.

Then give

I

remember

the choice

up and go back sadly defeated

the reins,

and follow the

obstacle. That's

And,

if

what

—

or

I

can

can hang on, loosen

One who knows His way

faith

I

around any

is.

we keep our eyes open?

We won't miss the best parts.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

224

80

Life Begins at

Author Unknown have good news for you.

I The

The

first

years are the hardest.

second 80 are a succession of birthday

Once you

parties.

reach 80, everyone wants to carry your baggage

and help you up the

steps. If

you

your name or somebody

forget

name, or an appointment, or your own telephone number,

else's

or promise to be three places at the

ber

80

how many

same

remem-

time, or can't

grandchildren you have, you need only explain

you are 80.

that

Being 80

mad

you

at

is

a

lot better

for everything.

than being 70.

At 80 you

At 70

people are

have the perfect excuse

no matter what you do.

If

childhood. Everybody

looking for symptoms of softening of

is

you

act foolishly,

it's

your second

the brain.

Being 70 retire to

is

no fun

a house

(they used to call

it

If

is

still

alive.

lived so long.

and

you

to

arthritis

to stop

can't understand them. (Actually your

until

you are 80, everybody

They

treat

is

you with respect

surprised that

just for

having

Actually they seem surprised that you can walk

talk sensibly.

So life.

that age they expect

about 50 percent gone.)

you survive

you are

At

and complain about your

lumbago), and you ask everybody

mumbling because you hearing

at all.

in Florida

please, folks, try to

make

it

to

People forgive you for anything.

at 80.

80.

If

It's

the best time of

you ask me,

life

begins

"

LIFE

225

Bus Stop Patsy Clairmont

our youngest, has two goals

Jason,

fun, and the other

to rest.

is

He

shouldn't have been surprised

him

sent

As

to school

one

to find

have a

I

"What

The my morning

high for

human

I

have I I

immediately busied rhythm, which it

not

is

open, only

But

saves nine"

all

out dilemma.

Without

demanded.

that

tried to

I

came

to

remember some motherly

my mind was "A

fever,

stitch in

psy-

time

feed a cold," or something like

they didn't seem to apply to a six-year-old drop-

So

I

questioned,

"Why have you

quit school?"

hesitation he proclaimed, "It's too long,

it's

too

too boring!

it's

"Jason,"

I

boldly announced.

repeated in disbelief and at a decibel too

and "Starve a

Somehow

and

He

ears.

Swallovsang once, chology.

Get on

I

flew to the door, jerked

I

are you doing here?"

"Quit school?"

hard,

to

myself looking at Jason.

"I've quit school,"

that.

to

lot of.

is

knock on the door was a

myself, preparing for a full day.

something

One

day.

fall

and disruptive

life.

So by what happened when

Jason headed off for the bus,

surprise

in

does both quite well.

I

instantly retorted,

the bus!"

"you have

just described

life.

Faith

SEEING GOD

A young man

was desperately seeking God.

out a wise old

man who

and posed God?''

He

sought

lived in a nearby beach house

the question: ''Old

man, how can

I see

The old man who obviously knew God

at a

depth few of us experience, pondered the question for a

very long time.

man, I

am

have a very

At

last

he responded quietly: "Young

not sure that I can help you

—

for

you

see, I

" different problem.

I cannot not see him.

Author Unknown

FAITH

229

Cinderella Max Lucado received a call from a friend

I

named Kenny. He and

family had just returned from Disney World. "I ril never forget," he said. "I w^ant

He

and

you

one

side.

saw a

know^ about

sight

it."

his family v^ere inside Cinderella's casde. It w^as

packed with kids and parents. Suddenly to

to

his

Had

The

Cinderella.

flawless skin,

the children rushed

been a boat, the casde would have tipped

had entered.

over. Cinderella

fectly typecast.

it

all

pristine princess.

A gorgeous young

and a beaming

garden of kids, each wanting

Kenny

girl

said she

was

with each hair in place,

She stood waist-deep touch and be touched.

smile.

to

per-

in

a

Kenny turned and looked toward the castle. It was now vacant except for a boy

For some reason other side of the

maybe seven or

His age was hard

eight years old.

to

determine

because of the disfigurement of his body. Dwarfed in height, face deformed, he stood

the

hand of an older

watching quietly and

He

holding

brother.

Don't you know what he wanted? the children.

wistfully,

He

wanted

to

be v^th

longed to be in the middle of the kids reaching

for Cinderella, calling her

name. But can't you

feel his fear;

fear of yet another rejection? Fear of being taunted again,

mocked again? Don't you wish Cinderella would go

She

She noticed

the litde boy.

in his direction. Politely

him? Guess what?

floor, knelt at

on

She immediately began walking

but firmly inching through the crowd of

children, she finally broke

kiss

to

did!

firee.

She walked

quickly across the

eye level with the stunned litde boy, and placed a

his face.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

230

thought you would appreciate the story,"

"I I

did.

but

isn't the story

Disney, it's

reminded

It

it's

me

of another one.

The names

gesture

told

me.

are different,

almost the same? Rather than a princess of

the Prince of Peace.

Rather than a boy

a thief on a cross. In both cases a

cases love

Kenny

was shared.

gift

was

in a castle,

given. In both

In both cases the lovely one performed a

beyond words.

But Jesus did more than Cinderella. Oh, so much more. Cinderella gave only a

kiss.

When

she stood to leave, she

The boy was still deformed. What if Cinderella had done what Jesus did? What if she assumed his state? What if she had somehow given him her beauty and took her beauty with her.

taken on his disfigurement?

That's what Jesus did.

"He

took our suffering on him and

He

was wounded

evil

we

did.

The

for the

wrong we

our pain for us

was crushed

for the

punishment, which made us well, was given to

we are healed because Make no mistake:

him, and

paid more than a took more than a

of his wounds."

—he —he minute — he

Jesus gave more than a kiss

He He

felt

did; he

visit

gave his beauty.

paid for our mistakes. took away our

sin.

FAITH

231

A New Perspective Billy

I

Graham

have a friend

who

tune, a wife,

and a home. But he tenaciously held

faith

—

during the Depression

the only thing he

watch some

had

One

left.

men doing stonework on

lost his job,

a

for-

to his

day he stopped

to

One

of

a huge church.

"What are you The workman said,

them was chiseling a triangular piece of stone. going to do with that?" asked

"See that

litde

I'm shaping this

Tears

seemed

that

his ordeal

down

filled

my

friend.

opening away up there near the spire?

down

here, so

the eyes of

God had

my

it

will

fit

in

up

friend as he

Well,

there."

walked away,

spoken through the workman

for

it

to explain

through which he was passing, "I'm shaping you

here, so you'll

fit

in

up

there."

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

232

Heaven

Treasures in

Bob Welch hen our pastor spoke recently from the book of

Matthew about "not storing up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy," I couldn't help but think back to an auction I'd once attended.

was no ordinary auction. The public could bid on unclaimed items that people had left behind in safe-deposit boxes. These items were once deemed so important that people paid money to have them safeguarded in steel. It

Diplomas, children I

s

remember how we

report cards, letters

shuffled along, past the coin collections

and pocket watches and jewelry

documents and small items

to

sealed in plastic bags.

Boy

Scout patches,

receipts

from a WaikiH

a

hotel,

child's

crayon drawing of a bunny rabbit It

was

all

unclaimed property, waiting

forgotten or overlooked possessions of ovmers

Rosaries,

be auctioned, the

to

now

Each bag was a of Udolf Matschiner,

who

I

some

marbles, three stones, these things?

Did

and a

belt

buckle

they represent

Passports, telegrams, newspaper clippings article

from a

1

906. Did

special

memory,

—

959 Los Angeles newspaper

was headlined "Vlahovich's Mother Sobs

A

1

—

some

special person?

A yellowed

to arouse

read the immigration papers

arrived at Ellis Island in

he find what he was looking for in America?

Two

more

mystery, the clues doing

curiosity than to provide answers.

Why

dead.

letters, train tickets

at

Guilty Verdict."

mother's son had been convicted of murder.

The mother my

wept, pleading with the judge to spare her son. "Take

.

FAITH

blood," she screamed. "Kill me!"

watch her son die

San Quentin's

in

Undeveloped filrriy

The

official

business of

a

poem

life

electric chair?

marriage

life

a lock of blonde

hair,

.

.

a child's math paper and

Grandmother's

attic

today

In an old red trunk neatly folded

away

in

billowy dress of soft

Of rose

certificates.

intermingled with the unofficial

e.

While up

Was a

she

"Grandmother's Attic," typed on a typewriter

called

with a sticky

What happened? Did

birth certificates,

business of

—

233

and gray

brocade were the panniers wide

With quilted patterns down the side

And way in the back against Of the little old trunk was an Silver slippers, a fan

An

invitation to

the wall

old silk shawl

from France

a dance

Written across the program blue

Was It

''Agatha dear,

was

as

if

may

I dance with

you?

"

those of us at the auction had been allowed

entry into hundreds of Grandmothers' attics, the attics of

unknown

people.

Diaries, photographs, the ink print of a

s feet

most of the items spoke volumes about

In death's wake,

They

newborn

also suggested a sense of finality, a realization that

earth ends,

life.

life

on

and you can't take anything with you.

So what

A 6-by-

will 1

we

2 box

leave behind? full

what we valued. But

it's

of

mementos can speak volumes about

only a whisper compared to the legacy

of our lives themselves.

Amid haps

our he-who-dies-with-the-most-toys-wins world, per-

we should dare

An

to leave

investment in what

God

so dearly loves

—

other people.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

234

An

example of a

life

guided not by the capricious winds of

culture, but the rock-solid promises of Christ.

And

an inspiration

to

our children

to

become

all

God

has

designed them to be. "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth

and

rust

steal,"

do not

destroy,

and where

thieves

do not break

in

and

our pastor concluded that Sunday morning. "For where

your treasure

Ah,

is,

heaven.

there your heart v^ll be also."

The

ultimate safe-deposit box.

FAITH

235

Hide and Seek Brother David Steindl-Rast

Retold by Brennan Manning

One

day Rabbi Barukh's grandson Yehiel was playing

hide-and-seek with another boy.

and waited

for his

playmate

He

hid himself well

to find him.

minutes, he peeked out of his secret hiding place,

and pulled

his

head back

inside.

After twenty

saw no one,

After waiting a very long time,

he came out of his hiding place, but the other boy was nowhere to

be seen.

Then

Yehiel realized that his playmate had not

looked for him from the very beginning. Crying, he ran to his

grandfather and complained of his faithless friend. Tears

brimmed same

in

thing:

Rabbi Barukh's eyes

"No one wants

to

seek

as he realized, "

God

says the

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

236

The Lamplighter Marilyn McAuley

As

a young man, the lamplighter led a tough, wayward

life.

Some

years after becoming a Christian, a former

friend taunted lighter finally said,

go down the see that

it's

—

my path The man

the

"The

only

street snuffing all

However, when light

him about

I

continue

that

asked,

way

I

new

lifestyle.

can explain

out the lamps, and

I

The

this: as

I

turn around,

I

it is

is

how it is with Christ." "And how is it when you've

is

snuffed out all

lamps?"

The

lamp-

how it was before I met Christ. down the street, the lamps before me

That

dark.

his

lamplighter replied,

"The dawn

is

coming."

FAITH

237

Soft Cries Ruth Bell Graham cat

The

had

kittens

on the trundle bed

in the

downstairs

guest room.

We

didn't think that

was such a good

idea, so

we

collect-

ed them and placed them on rags in a cardboard box in front of the kitchen fireplace until

more

could come up with something

suitable.

But the mother with

we

amusement

back

cat

had a mind of her own.

We

watched

as she entered the kitchen silently, stood

legs, front legs

on the box,

sniffing for her babies.

on her

Then

leaping nimbly over the side, she checked them over, picked one

up by the back of the neck, leaped to the

out,

and

quietly returned

it

trundle bed.

This was repeated

till

all

that

was

left

was

the runt of the

litter.

She did not come back. She may have been exhausted from her efforts, or she

may have been busy

playing lunch counter to

the others.

We waited. Finally the tiny scrap in the bottom of the of a squeak than a

mew.

It

back

to the guest

let

out more

was almost a nonsound.

Instantly, soundlessly, the

and out of the box, the

box

littlest

mother cat appeared, bounded kitten in her

mouth, and carried

in it

room.

Three doors, two rooms, and two hallways, and

yet she

heard.

The Great Dane had exact)

under the

lilac

her

first litter

of pups (two, to be

bush outside the kitchen window.

After second thoughts she picked up the larger one and carried

it

to the

dog house (around two

sides of the house)

,

but

.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

238

being irresponsible, she forgot to return for the second. It made the weak one at that.

After a while number-two pup got hungry. of sound newborn pups make, and a very I

like

could hear the mother coming before

saw

I

her.

Galloping

a clap of thunder, she skidded to a stop, and gently

the litde left-behind

a-neck, she carried In neither case

Nor

by the back of

it

its

sort

lifting

what-was-supposed-to-be-

to join the other.

was

it

a full-fledged

cry..

.

are our prayers necessarily full-fledged prayers

—

or

even articulated cries for help.

According tears,

to the Bible,

our murmurs

—

God

responds

to

our sighs, our

even our longings can be interpreted as

prayer.

"77ie

Lord

yea, he can feel breath

is

near to

when no

all that call

upon him; "

voice can be heard for faintness.

John Trapp

FAITH

Spiritual

239

Hero James Dobson

I heard about this I

saw many years

from a cancer the

a docudrama on television that

The producer had obtained permission

ago.

cameras

specialist to place

approval from three patients, two

moment

tured on film the

with a malignancy in

and

ments, pain

Then with

men and a woman, he Their

later stages.

its

cap-

ups

its

shock, disbe-

initial

graphic detail. Afterwards,

in

documentary team followed these

treatment process with

in his clinic.

each of them learned they were afflicted

and anger were recorded

lief fear,

the

man from

three families through the

and downs, hopes and

disappoint-

terror.

He

was a humble black pastor of a small inner-city Baptist church. He was in his late sixties and had been

a minister throughout his adult

Lord was so profound said.

When

that

was

it

they revealed no panic.

what

all

meant.

When

reflected in everything he

They

quietly asked the doctor

he had explained the treatment pro-

gram and what they could for his

love for the

he and his wife were told he only had a few months

to live, it

His

life.

anticipate, they politely

concern and departed.

The cameras

thanked him

followed this litde

couple to their old car and eavesdropped as they

bowed

their

heads and recommitted themselves to the Lord. In the

months

Nor was he control,

glib

that followed, the pastor never lost his poise.

about his

and he refused

to

The cameras were church.

He

illness.

be shaken

ollection, this is

what he

the

Lord was

sermon

Sunday

that

in his

morning and

impending death. To the best of said:

in

in his faith.

present on his final

actually preached the

talked openly about his

He knew

my

rec-

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

2-40

"Some

of you have asked

me

if

I'm

mad

God

at

for this

my body. I'll tell you honestly that I my heart for my Lord. He didn't do

disease that has taken over

have nothing but love

me.

this to

We

are the curse better place

live in

man

in

a sinful world where sickness and death

has brought on himself.

where there

no heartache. So don't

will

feel

be no more

bad

for

And

tears,

I'm going to a

no

suffering,

and

me.

"Besides," he continued, "our Lord suffered and died for

our

sins.

began I

Why

to sing,

wept

should

I

"

Then he

without accompaniment, in an old, broken voice.

gende man sang of

as this

sounded very weak, and the disease.

not share in his suffering?

But

his

his face

his love for Jesus.

was drawn from

comments were

He

the ravages of

as powerful as

any

I've ever

heard. His words that morning were his last from the pulpit, as far as

I

know.

He

slipped into eternity a few days

he met the Lord he had served for a

lifetime.

pastor and his wife have a prominent place heroes.

later,

where

This unnamed

among my

spiritual

FAITH

241

Drifting Tony Evans

Theon

story

a pond

saw ing stones are

is

boy who was

floating his boat

the boat drifted away.

A man came by,

told of a

when

little

the boat drifting out

on the

on the pond, and began throw-

far side of the boat.

The boy

asked,

"What

you doing?"

But then something very interesting happened. stones hit the water

beyond the boat, they created

As

ripples

the

which

pushed the boat back toward the boy. Even though the stones disturbed the smooth water, they achieved the desired result.

That's

how

from Him,

He

it is

with

God

sometimes.

When we

drift

away

throws the disturbing stones out beyond us in

order to push us back to the shore of His love.

JZV

— MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

242

Only Glimpses

.

Alice Gray

Laurel

knew she was

talked about heaven

would be

Over

dying.

—

^what

to live there.

It

we

the weeks,

would look

it

like

often

and how

it

seemed we always ended up

crying and then holding each other tight in gende hugs of hope.

The

hardest part was trying to imagine something

never seen, something about which

And

then

remembered

I

The young girl with been blind since

When

new

of

gift

only a

little.

this story

the blond hair

birth.

able to perform a give her the

we knew and

the deep blue eyes

type of surgery that,

would

if successful,

The outcome would not be known for

sight.

So

light.

had

she was twelve, the doctors were

several days. After the bandages were removed, her eyes

protected from the

we had

had

to

be

she sat in darkness, waiting.

The mother spent long hours answering her daughter's questions

about what things looked

They were both so see that neither of

like

and what she should

expect.

excited about the possibility of being able to

them

slept

much. Over and

over, even in the

darkness, they talked about every lovely thing they could imag-

—

ine

colors, shapes,

Finally the

endure enough

beauty of every kind.

moment came when light for

the

young

girVs eyes could

her to look out the window.

She stood

there for a long time without saying a word. Outside, the spring

day was

—

ideal

bright

rating the blue sky-

pink snow as

and warm

with fluffy white clouds deco-

Lacy blossoms

soft breezes stirred the

sprinkled to the ground like

cherry

proudly lined the brick walkway that

When ing

down

the girl turned

back

to

would be so

beautiful?

Yellow crocuses

wound across

the grass.

her mother, tears were stream-

her cheeks. ''Oh, Mother. "

trees.

Why

didnt you

tell

me

it

FAITH

I

shared

this story

"Laurel, right

you

will

now

be asking

with

my

friend, tears fiUing

my own

243

eyes:

we're sitting in the darkness, but before long

God

the

same question."

MOPE Faith

is

the bird that feels

the light

while the

and

dawn

sings

is still

Tagore

dark.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

244

The Castle of God's Love Larry Libby

Condensed from a

Many

We

hold. in

God

truths about

are

children s book,

TOO BIG for our minds to

can know some of the truth

—and

our hands Hke star-bright jewels. But there

it

shines

is

always

more and more and more. More than we can ever know.

We

can know a

litde

about God's

love,

we

but

could never

begin to reach our thoughts around something so mighty.

Sometimes

helps

it

me

Imagine God's love

is

to think

about

it

like this...

a huge casde, soaring higher than a

thousand white-peaked mountains

—

—

linked together

^with their

tops poking into space. Imagine looking at this castle from far

away. There

new snow.

it is... vast

Its

This casde

bright, is

morning sun on

welcome

so great

it

would take a

to find out everything

beautiful castle.

And

walk

lifetime just to

there

is

so

you could about that

much

to see

and

Its

Alaska) and

spill

waterfalls

you

and deep,

bubbling springs and a rainbow of singing birds and

treasure

if

over with towering trees and flowering

and leaping fountains and majestic

who knows what

and

taste

gardens are bigger than your whole state (even

know. live in

else. Its

rooms are

filled

—

well,

up with wondrous

and music and laughter and mysteries and places

where you can explore and play and hide and

No No No

win-

Its

light.

it.

You'd love

trees

high, gleaming like

towers reach up and up toward Heaven.

dows blaze v^th around

and

one has seen

all its

one has eaten

in all

rest.

rooms and towers. its

long,

one has peered through

sunny banquet

all its

halls.

high windows....

FAITH

Can you know a

trillion

all

of

it?

No. Not

in this world.

you'll love so

very much.

look out of your

Every

at

a time.

and

bit of the

fall

life

are,

in

in that castle.

you can get at the

to

know

A

See

is

Heaven

end of the day

curl

up

asleep.

only enjoy and understand just so the rest of our lives here

to

the castle of

memo

room

that room,

much

on Earth and

keep learning and seeing and hearing

more and more. This

in

casde belongs to you and me, but small as

we can But we have

we humans

And

own window, and

a big soft chair

endless

Not even

years in Heaven.

But you can find a special room

in

245

God's

love.

in the note section in the

back of the book-

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

246

A Vision of Forgiveness Gigi Tchividjian

ave you ever

the need for forgiveness... or perhaps

felt

the need to forgive?

JJ_ _LL

meet so many people w^ho are paralyzed

I

in their pre-

sent circumstances because they're chained to something in

They

their past.

are either unable to forgive or to accept the fact

that they are truly forgiven. I

once heard

parish

who

terrible sin. life

as a

young man had committed what he

Although he had asked God's

he carried around the burden of

God had really forgiven One day he was told of an

be sure

tion

midwestern

[a legend] of a priest in a small

who sometimes had

felt

w^as a

forgiveness, all his

this sin.

He

just could not

him. elderly

visions.

woman

congrega-

in his

During these

visions,

he had

heard, she would often have conversations with the Lord. After

a while the priest finally got up enough courage to

woman. She the

invited

end of

his visit,

into the old "Is

it

him

in

he

woman's

offered

set his

true that sometimes

it

him a cup of

cup down on the

tea.

table

Toward

and looked

eyes.

"\es," she replied. "Is

and

visit this

also true that

you have visions?" he asked

—

during these visions

—

^you often

her.

speak

with the Lord?"

"\es," she said again. "Well... the next time you have a vision and speak with the

Lord, would you ask

The woman never been asked

answered.

Him

a question for me?" litde curiously.

She had

would be happy

to," she

looked at the priest a this before.

"\es,

"What do you want me

I

to ask

Him?"

FAITH

"Well," the priest began, "would you please ask sin

it

was

that

your

priest

247

Him what

committed as a young man?"

The woman,

quite curious now, readily agreed.

A few weeks

passed, and the priest again went to

visit this

woman. After another cup of tea he cautiously, timidly asked,

"Have you had any

"Why yes,

visions lately?"

woman. Lord?"

have," replied the

I

"Did you speak with

the

"Yes."

Him

"Did you ask "\es," the

The

woman

priest,

what

sin

nervous and afraid, hesitated a

The woman

God them.

The

up a

"The Lord

Bible

moment and

Lord say?"

looked up into the face of her priest and told

me He

not only forgives our sins.

deepest sea. puts

committed as a young man?"

replied, "I did."

then asked, "Well, what did the

replied gently,

I

tells

And

us

He

takes

He

'No

also chooses to forget

them and buries them

then as Corrie ten

sign that says,

could not remember."

Boom

used

fishing allowed.'"

in the

to say,

"He

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

248

A Meeting of the Minds Kevin Keller

I

heard an interesting story on a radio broadcast. While

Benjamin Franklin was

in

his peers

of the minds," so to speak.

came

— "a meeting

Europe, he met with several of

They

together to review various pieces of literature.

Mr. Franklin chose

to read a

passage that evoked a curious

response from the group.

"This story must be published!" the group chorused.

"What

is its

"This

is

tide?" really only part of

a story," Mr. Franklin replied,

"from a book that you have often ridiculed."

The group

protested, insisting they

would not have

rejected

a story of such impact. "In fact," Mr. Franklin continued, "the story that has so

moved you

all is

the

book of Ruth

—from

JZV

the Bible."

FAITH

249

Running for Daddy! Kay Arthur hen

was a

I

with pigtails

girl

little

—

used

I

was a tomboy who

I

and crashed

into fights,

my

—

^just

to

run

a skinny to

my daddy

consistently

bicycle.

It

little

for comfort.

out of trees, got

fell

seemed

beanpole

like

I

was

forever

when I streaming down

bloodying those poor, banged-up knees of mine. That's

would run

—

my

to

face

—

my

daddy.

''Daddy!

Daddy! Daddyr

And Tm

so fortunate, because

Ever since Lord, his

with pigtails flying and dirty tears

I

was a

litde girl until the

was always

I

I

his

had a daddy who held me. day he went

sweetheart.

little

And

I

to

would

open arms, and he would gather me up on

blood, and

all

—and

my

and push back

tears

Daddy

about

all

Many years But

I

regret

And

and

pigtails

say,

—

dirt,

he would wipe

my

"Now

tell

Honey,

was hurting again, so very deeply.

I

my

daddy.

mom with two litUe kids, trying to work and And it was one of those days when everything

single

go to school.

seemed

there.

fly into

his lap

it."

later

couldn't run to

was a

I

me

hold

be with the

to catch

up with me

—

all

of the hurt and loneliness and

and pressure and weariness.

I

remember driving

into the

of the car

home where we were living. I got out and began walking down the litde gravel walkway

toward the

fi:'ont

driveway of the

litde brick

door.

For some reason, time seemed to stand

To

—

suddenly I I

day

this

in

saw a saw a

I

my

can't

tell

litde girl

for a

moment.

you what triggered the thought, but

mind's eye

litde girl,

still

—

I

saw something.

running.

with tears streaming

down

her face and

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

250

banged-up, bloody knees on those skinny in

need of her daddy. Running

Then suddenly

—

huge, shiny corridor. walls

and

end of

beautiful

strangely

A vast

windows

that marble hallway

little

legs.

I

saw her

for her daddy.

—

I

saw her running down a

corridor with gleaming marble

spilling heavenly light.

were massive doors of

And

at the

brilliant gold.

Standing before those doors were bright, powerful guards with great spears.

And

I

knew

that the

was me, and

little girl

that

I

was run-

ning toward the very throne room of God, sovereign ruler of the universe. Yet

me

run

the daughter of the

in.

There

presence of God.

I

I

Thy

are full of

I

was

Lord God Almighty! Heaven and

glory!"

in session,

glorious throne

but

My

—two

could see

I

arms wide and there.

when

was, weeping and running into the very

Many bowed I

just ran

and ran and didn't stop

steps at a time

Him

all

just gathering

about

it."

—

stairs to that

crying "Abba, Father!

stopping everything, opening His

me

precious child. Let

your Father

earth

before the throne, and

could just see myself running up the wide

Daddyr And

so

heard the cherubim and the seraphim crying

out, "Holy, holy, holy.

court

King of Kings,

saw me coming, they swung open those doors and

the guards let

was

I

His

to

Me

chest, saying,

wipe away those

"There,

tears. Tell

FAITH

251

Real Treasure Robin Jones Cunn

We

went

Open House

to

When

tary school.

brows seemed our

first

to elevate slightly.

we would

Dozens of brown paper bulletin board.

the front

see

She then

invited

what she meant.

treasure chests were tacked to the

Each had a barreled top attached with a brad.

was

printed,

"A Real

Treasure

walked over and began opening the sure

pubHc elemen-

She spoke kindly of

grader but said she had some concerns.

us to look at the artwork;

On

tonight at the

Rachel's teacher met us, her eye-

and see why

it

Would

lids to find

Be.. ." .

We

Rachel's trea-

so concerned the teacher.

As we peeked

into each chest,

we saw TVs and

Nintendos, a few genies, heaps of gold coins, and a unicorn. Rachel's chest was in the very bottom corner. to

open

it.

Inside,

cross with red his

We

had

to stoop

our daughter had drawn Christ, hanging on a

drops of blood shaped

like hearts

hands. She had completed the sentence,

dripping firom

"A Real

Treasure

Would Be...Jesus."

"Do you

see

my

concern?" the teacher asked, her arms

folded across her chest.

"\es,"

backwards,

my husband isn't it?"

agreed, "I see what you mean.

The J

is

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

252

Calm

A the

Storm Ron Mehl

woman

caught in a frightening storm in the middle of

the Atlantic

Ocean had

kept

board from panicking by

reaching the dock

finally

in the

safely, the ship's

woman, whom he had observed

"How were

you able

the

all

to

little

children on

telling Bible stories.

in the

I

After

captain approached

midst of the tempest.

maintain your calm

.

when everyone

i

feared the ship would sink in this storm?" the captain asked.

As

she looked up, he noted the same quiet peace in her eyes

that she

have two daughters," explained the Christian woman.

"I

"One knew hours.

had maintained throughout the journey.

of them lives in I

New

\ork.

The

other lives in heaven.

would see one or the other of my daughters

And

it

really didn't matter to

me which

one."

in

I

a few

I

— FAITH

253

A Parable of God's Perspective Robin Jones Retold by Casandra Lindell looked Bert carried out

into time

"How

down

human

can you allow

it?

atrocities

realm. Absolutely aghast, he

one unspeakable scene and asked

pointed to it.

in the

from heaven and saw the

Look what

God

evil is setting in

about

motion

there!"

"There's no one better than the devil for creating a tragedy like that!"

God

"But God,

said.

that

man

is

one ot your people... oh, that poor

man! "I

gave the freedom to choose between good and

"No

said, his face sad.

matter what they choose, they

Sometimes, those who choose

there together.

who don't." He slowly shook when that happens."

impacted by those always painful

"But those people protested. "Evil

is

evil,"

right there have

being crammed

down

God

all live

my way

are

his head. "It's

no choice," Bert their throats!

That

a choice!"

isn't

"Now,

Bert,"

God

said patiently, "have

ever

I

let

pain go

unavenged?" "No... no, but..." Bert cringed from the

sight,

unable

to

bear any more.

"Watch!" ders

God

put his arm around Bert's hunched shoul-

and turned him again. "Look

right over there,

by the

wall."

"That one?

He

looks nearly dead.

"Ah, Bert, you should hear flashed in

God's eyes

aching heart. This

is

he praying?"

his prayers!" Intense love

like lightning.

triumph over

Is

"Simple prayers from an

evil.

Trusting

me

that

is

the

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

254

choice."

God

smiled through sparkhng tears of love. "Isn't he

magnificent?"

Together they stood

God did. "Now

watch

this,

eyes leave the scene.

in silence,

Bert."

He

God

and Bert began

spoke

called for

softly,

to see as

never letting his

Michael and the archangel

appeared.

"Go down and

get him, Michael."

The

spilled over. "I'll arrange the party."

Never be

afraid to trust

an unknown future to

a known God.

Corrie ten

Boom

tears of divine joy

FAITH

255

Worship and Worry Ruth Bell Graham was

Itas

I

one tric

early in the

was, I

morning

awoke around

I

Exhausted

another country.

in

three o'clock.

my

loved dearly flashed into

The name

mind.

was

It

of some-

like

an

elec-

shock. Instantly

was wide awake.

I

I

knew

there

would be no more

me the rest of the night. So I lay there and prayed for one who was trying hard to run from God. When it is dark

sleep for the

and the imagination runs wild, there are fears only a mother can understand.

Suddenly the Lord said

to

me, "Quit studying the prob-

lems and start studying the promises."

Now, God has never spoken to me audibly, but there is no mistaking when He speaks. So I turned on the light, got out my Bible, and the first verses that came to me were Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV): "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer

and supplication with thanksgiving

made knowm unto God. all

And

the peace of

understanding, shall keep your hearts

Christ Jesus" [italics mine]

Suddenly

I

more

Him

territory than

Even contemplating what reinforces faith I

j

began

dearly in the

to

and

my

down my

put

prayers

Bible and

who and what He

is.

This

any one mortal can comprehend.

litde

we do know

dissolves doubts,

restores joy.

thank

first

for

I

God

place.

I

for giving

me

even thanked

me so much. And you know what happened?

spots

God, which passeth and minds through

realized the missing ingredient in

spent time worshipping covers

your requests be

....

had been "with thanksgiving." So

!

let

this

Him

one

I

loved so

for the difficult

which taught

It

was

as

if

someone

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

256

turned on the lights in

and worries

that

my mind and

heart,

had been nibbhng away

and the

in the

httle fears

darkness Uke

mice and cockroaches hurriedly scuttled for cover.

That was when live in

the

same

I

learned that worship and worry cannot

heart: they are mutually exclusive.

Fear not tomorrow, for

God is

already there.

Author Unknown

FAITH

Are All

257

the Children In? Author Unknown

I

think of times as the night draws nigh

Of an old Of a yard Where

house on the all

wide and blossom-starred

the children played at will.

And when Hushing

deep night

the

merry

Mother would look "Are

all

at last

came down,

din. all

around and

ask,

the children in?"

many and many

'Tis

hill,

a year since then.

And the old house on the hill No longer echoes childish feet And the yard is still, so still. But

I

And

see

it

Since then,

"Are

I

all

as the

I

shadows creep.

the years have been

can hear

my

mother

ask,

the children in?"

wonder

On

all

many

tho'

if,

when

those shadows

fall

the last short earthly day.

When we

say good-bye to the world outside.

All tired of our childish play.

When we

Who died Will

"Are

meet the Lover of boys and to save

we hear Him all

them from

sin,

ask as Mother did,

the children in?"

girls

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

258

Making Adjustments Ron Mehl

An

named Eleazar Hall

old sea captain

lived in

Bedford, Massachusetts, during the time of the great

sailing ships.

He

was renowned, legendary, and

revered as the most successful of

worked harder, stayed out

all

catching more fish than anyone

and

while

else.

Captain Hall was often asked about

for

men

fewer

lost

his

uncanny

stay out so long without navigational equipment.

been gone

He

sea captains of the day.

longer,

two years without coming home

ability to

He'd once

for a point of ref-

erence.

Eleazar simply replied, "Oh, listen to the

wind and

at the stars,

and then

rigging.

set

my

I

just

I

get the drift of the sea, look

moved

in

The

big insurance compa-

and said they could no longer insure the ships

on board. They were

amazement he

said, "If

I

terrified to tell Eleazar.

must,

I

if

and properly trained naviga-

the captains didn't have a certified tor

up

course."

Well, times changed in Bedford. nies

go up on the deck and

will

But

to their

go and take the naviga-

tional courses."

Eleazar graduated high

in his class,

and having greatly

missed the sea, he immediately took off for a long voyage. the

day of

his return, the

whole tovm turned out

to

On

ask him the

question:

"Eleazar, charts

how was

it

having

to navigate

with

all

those

and equations?"

Eleazar sat back and replied, "it tion, I'd

go

let

to

my

equations and set

cabin, get out

my

"Oh," he know my loca-

out a long, low whistle.

was simple. Whenever

my

I

wanted charts

to

and

tables,

course with scientific precision.

work

the

Then

I'd

FAITH

go up on the deck and drift

wind and

of the sea, look at the stars, and go back

errors that

When that

listen to the

I I

had made heard

way. I want

heart, consider

to

in

that,

259

rigging, get the

and

correct the

computation." I

prayed. Lord, I Want to kjiov) You

go up on

deck.,

hear Your quiet voice in

my

Your eternal Word, and then go hack down below

and make adjustments to all Vve drawn up in my head.

those fine, logical, scientific plans

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

260

The

Artist

»

Author Unknown hen Leonardo da Vinci had painted

his

immortal

"Last Supper," he asked a friend for an evaluation.

The and

friend

heaped superlatives on the masterpiece wine cup by the Lord's hand.

especially praised the

that point,

Leonardo

blotted out the cup. "Nothing," he

At was

said to have answered, "should distract one's attention from the

Lord."

MIS EYE

ON TIE SPARROW

IS

Whenever I am tempted^ whenever clouds

arise,

when song gives

place to sighing,

when hope I

draw

within

me

the closer to

from care he

sets

For His eye

is

and I know

He

dies,

Him,

me free...

on the sparrow, watches me.

Anonymous

.

.

FAITH

261

The Bells Are Ringing

A

James Dobson

whom

nurse with

worked, Gracie Schaeffler, had

I

taken care of a five-year-old lad during the latter days of his

This

litde

life.

He was

dying of lung cancer.

.

She cradled him on

stayed by his side through the long ordeal.

her lap

.

boy had a Christian mother who loved him and

and talked

about the Lord.

softly

Instinctively, the

woman was

preparing her son for the final hours to come.

Gracie told

me

that she entered his

approached, and she heard

room one day

this lad talking

as death

about hearing

bells

ringing.

"The

Mommie,"

bells are ringing,

he said. "I can hear

them."

Gracie thought he was hallucinating because he was already slipping away.

She

left

and returned a few minutes

and again heard him talking about hearing

The baby

is

bells ring.

nurse said to his mother, "I'm sure you

hearing things that aren't there.

later

He

is

know your

hallucinating

because of the sickness."

The mother said,

"No, Mrs.

pulled her son closer to her chest, smiled and Schaeffler.

when he was frightened would for

listen carefully,

him.

That

is

what

That precious evening,

came

is

not hallucinating.

I

told

him

—

he

couldn't breathe

if

he could hear the bells of heaven ringing he's

been talking about

child died

and he was

the angels

He

—when he

still

on

his

all

day."

mother's lap later that

talking about the bells of heaven

to take him..

.

when

— 262

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

Heaven Author Unknown hink of

Stepping on shore, and finding

it

Heaven!

Of taking hold of a hand, and finding it God's hand. Of breathing a new air, and finding it celestial air. Of feeling invigorated, and finding it immortality. Of passing from storm to tempest to an unbroken calm. Of waking up, and finding it Home.

Notes If

you would

like to contribute stories for

another edition of

STORIES FOR THE HEART or if

you would

like to

schedule Alice

Gray

as a speaker for your group,

please write to the following address:

Alice Gray ]

]

60

NE Greenway Drive

Gresham, Fax:

When source

sending if

is

name and Also, your own name,

stories, please give author's

previously published.

We will

and phone number.

who

OR 97030

503-666-3349

I

hope these

if

the story

stories

have touched your heart

soul. If

you wish

to reprint

the stories, please check the following pages

where the story was

The Lord the

bless

Lord make Lord

give

you and keep you;

upon you

to you;

you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

directly

published

turn his face toward you

and

any of

and write

first

his face shine

and be gracious the

you submit

and photocopies cannot be returned.

and encouraged your to the source

address,

not be able to contact everyone

submits a story, but will notify you

used. Manuscripts

original

If you have enjoyed reading

More Vd like

to

Stories for the Heart,

recommend

the following bool^s:

Stories for the

Heart

by Alice Gray

(My first collection

of stories,)

$10.99

Someday Heaven by Larry Libby (Beautifully written

and

illustrated for children,

but wonderful for adults, too.

My favorite book about heaven.) $14.99 Front Porch Tales by Philip Gulley (Dramatic faith

stories

of courage, humor,

and unconditional

love.)

$11.99

A

Tribute to

Moms

by Ruth Senter and Jori Senter Stuart (Fifty

well-known Christian

tribute to their

moms

women

in this lovely

give

keepsake book)

$10.99

Christmas Stories for the Heart by Alice Gray

(A new

collection of heart-warming Christmas Stories.

Release date: October 1997.)

$8.99 All of these books are available, or can be ordered, at

your local bookstore.

NOTES

More than a thousand books were researched of stories as well as reviewing

and people

whom

I

accept Inc.,

I

stories sent

when

ovmership, and

Some

permission to reprint.

If

for this collection

by

friends

have never met. Reasonable care has been

taken to trace original

was no way

hundreds of

265

stories

necessary, obtain

have been retold

when

there

to trace the story's origin.

have overlooked giving proper credit to anyone, please

my

apologies.

Post Office

tions will

If

Box

you 1

be made prior

will contact

720,

Sisters,

Multnomah Publishers, Oregon 97759, correc-

to additional printings.

Notes and acknowledgments are

listed

by story

title

in the

order they appear in each section of the book. For permission to reprint copyrighted materials, grateful

to

acknowledgment

authors, publishers, and agents

Multnomah

— and

is

made

especially to

Publishers, Inc.

COMPASSION Want That One" by Charles Stanley from How to Keep Your Kids on Your Team (Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN, © 1986). Used by permission. "He Needed a Son" author unknown, quoted from "I

Parables, £te.,

January 1989,

5.

"Significance" by R.C. Sproul from The Significance (Regal Books, Ventura,

CA,

©

Hunger

for

1983, 1991).

"Information Please" by Paul Villiard. Reprinted with permission from the June

1966 Reader's

by the Reader's Digest Association,

Digest. (Copyright

1966

Inc.).

"Beethoven's Gift" by Philip Yancey from Helping the Hurting (Multnomah Publishers, Inc., Sisters, OR, 1984).

©

Used by

permission.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

266

"At the Winter Feeder" by John Leax, from The Task of Adam (Zondervan Pubhshing House, Grand Rapids, MI,

©

1985 by John Leax). Used by permission of

j

the author.

"Lonesome" from Heart Throbs, National Magazine, 19041905 (The Chappie Publishing Company, Boston, MA, © 1905).

"Make Me Like Joe!" by Tony Campolo from Everything Youve Heard Is Wrong (Word, Inc., Dallas, TX, © 1992). "Lady, Are You Rich?" by Marion Doolan, quoted from The Bigness of the Fellow Within by Dr. B.J. Palmer. Used by j

permission of Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa.

"To

My

Neighbor" by Mother Teresa from

Love (New World Library,

Ignacio,

CA,

©

No

1997).

Greater

Used by |

permission. |

"A Guy Named

Bill"

by Rebecca Manley Pippert, adapted

by Alice Gray from the video Salt Shaker

Grove, IL,

and

©

into the

and the book. Out of the World (InterVarsity Press, Downer's series

1979).

"Autumn Dance" by Robin Jones Gunn from Mothering by Heart (Multnomah Publishers,

Used by "To

Inc., Sisters,

OR,

©

1996).

^

My

Nurses" author unknown, quoted

in

"Close

Encounters of the Best Kind" by Rolf Zetterson, Focus on the

Family Magazine, February

1

99

Memo: This poem was patient who died in the geri-

1 ,

found among the possessions of a atric

j

permission.

14.

ward of Ashludic Hospital near Dundee, Scotland.

"A Second Chance" by

Billy Graiham.

from "Are You Running the

1993 (©1993

Billy

This excerpt was taken

Wrong Way?"

Graham

Decision July/August

Evangelistic Association,

MN). Used by permission, all rights reserved. "Eternal Harmony" by John MacArthur, heard on

Minneapolis,

his

radio program, Grace to You, June 10, 1990, retold by

Casandra Lindell. Used by permission of the author,

©

1997.

*

NOTES

"Are You

God?" by

267

Charles Swindoll from Improving Your

Serve (Word, Inc., Dallas,

TX,

©

1981).

By Waco, TX,

"Words Must Wait" by Ruth Bell Graham from

My Laughing Fire (Word Books, Publisher, © 1977 by Ruth Bell Graham). Used by permission.

Sitting

All rights

reserved.

ENCOURAGEMENT "Mr. Roth" author unknovs^n, quoted Journal Fall 990. Used by permission.

in

Leadership

1

"I

As

Don't Believe a

Iron Sharpens Iron

"A

Tea" by Roberta Messner, quoted from

Perfect Pot of

Country Victorian,

Fall

Word of It" by How^ard Hendricks from (Moody Press, Chicago, IL, © 1995).

]

996. Used by permission of the author.

"

"Encouraging Words" by Susan Maycinik from 996. Used by permission.

Discipleship Journal, July/August

1

"Three Letters from Teddy" by Elizabeth Silance Ballard. Original source unknown.

"The Comfort of a Cold, Wet Nose" by Barbara Baumgardner from Meditations for the Widowed (Gilgal Publications, Sun River, OR, © 1985). Used by permission of author.

"Giving and Receiving" by

of the author,

quoted from The

March 7, 1996. Used by permission. Dan" by Marilyn McAuley. Used by permission

Pentecostal Evangel,

"Teacher

Billie Davis,

©

1

1997.

"The Mender" by Ruth Bell Graham from Legacy of a Pack Rat (Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN, © 1989). Used by permission. "Long Range Vision" by Hovs^ard Hendricks from an article in Ministries ToJai/,

Jan/June 1995.

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

268

"The Red Coat" by Melody

©

by permission of the author,

1

OR. Used

Carlson, Sisters,

996.

"The \bung Widow" by Alice Gray. Used by of the author,

©

"Michael's Story Begins at

from an

was

article in

tided,

permission

1997.

Age

Six" by Charlotte Elmore

Redbook, April 1988. The

"An IQ

Test Almost Ruined

original article

My Son's

by Permission of the author and Redbook,

New

Used NY, ©

Life."

York,

1987. All rights retained.

"Come

in

(Multnomah

Together" by Stu Weber from Locking

Publishers, Inc., Sisters,

OR,

©

1995).

Arms Used by

permission.

Things" by Tony Campolo from Carpe Diem

"First

(Word,

TX,

Inc., Dallas,

©

1994).

VIRTUE "These Things Distributed by

I

Wish

for

You" by Paul Harvey,

©

1992.

Los Angeles Times Syndicate. Reprinted by

permission.

"Why

I'm a Sports

Mom"

©

1997.

mission of the author,

"To

Whom

Shall

I

Leave

by Judy Bodmer. Used by per-

My

Kingdom?" by Dr. Donald

E. Wildmon, President American Family Association, Tupelo,

MS. Used

by permission of the author.

"The MagnaDoodle Message" by Liz Curtis Higgs from Reflecting His Image (Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN, © 1996). Used by permission. "Beauty Contest" by Carla Muir. Used by permission of the author, © 1997. Carla is a freelance writer and may be contacted through Yates and Yates Communication Services

(714) 285-9540.

"Bouquet" by David Seamands. Original source unknown.

"Olympic Gold" by Catherine Swift from £ric Liddell

(Bethany House Publishers, Minneapolis,

NOTES

269

MN, ©

1990).

Used by permission. "A Candy Bar" by Doris Sanford, Milwaukie, by permission of the author,

"What To

©

Listen For" by

1

OR. Used

996.

Tim Hansel

from

©

I Feel Guilty (Chariot Victor Publishing,

When

1979).

I

Relax

Used by

permission of Chariot Victor Publishing, Colorado Springs,

CO. "Good Turn" sion of the author,

retold

©

by Nola Bertelson. Used by permis-

1997.

"Behind the Quick Sketch" by Joni Eareckson Tada from

(Multnomah Used by permission.

Glorious Intruder

©

1989).

OR,

Publishers, Inc., Sisters,

"Androclus and the Lion" by Autus Gellius, retold by Casandra Lindell.

Used by pennission

of Casandra Lindell,

"Gossip" by Billy Graham from

Graham (Worldwide Billy all

Graham

Day

©

by

997.

Day

Publications, Minneapolis,

Evangelistic Association).

1

with Billy

MN, © 976 1

Used by

permission,

rights reserved.

"The ToeTapper" by Joan the author,

©

Sparks.

Used by permission

of

1997.

"Taking Sides" by Zig Ziglar from Courtship After Marriage (Thomas Nelson Publisher, Nashville, TN, © 1990).

"The Dress" by Margaret Jensen from First We Have Coffee (Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR, © 1995). Used by

permission.

"Distant Relatives" by Carla Muir. the author, "It's

©

Used by permission

1997.

More Than

Finishing Touch

a Job" by Charles Swindoll from

(Word Publishing,

Dallas,

"A Tender Warrior" by Stu Weber (Multnomah Publishers, permission.

of

Inc., Sisters,

TX,

©

The

1994).

from Tender Warrior

OR,

©

1993).

Used by

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

270

LOVE "The Pencil Box" by Doris Sanford, Milwaukie, Used by permission of the author, © 996.

OR.

1

"She's

My Precious"

by Robertson McQuillan, condensed j

from an

Today, February 5, 1996.

article in Christianity

©

by permission of the author,

"The

(New Leaf

Press,

I

996.

Final Bid" by Robert Strand from

Grandparents

Used by

1

Used

Green

Forest,

Moments

AZ,

©

for

1995).

permission.

"Shooooppping!" by Gary Smalley from Hidden Value of a Man by Gary Smalley and John Trent (Focus on the Family,

Colorado Springs,

CO,

©

1992).

Used by

permission,

j

all

rights reserved.

"Heirloom" by

Ann Weems,

retold by Alice Gray.

Originally quoted in Parables, Etc, December, 1986.

Happened on

"It

the Brooklyn

Subway" by Paul

Deutschman. Published in Reader's Digest, May 1949. Copyright © 949 by Paul Deutschman. Reprinted by permission of Regina Ryan Publishing Enterprises, Inc, 25 Central 1

|

1

|

Park West,

New Y)rk,

NY

1

0024, and by the Reader's Digest |

Association, Inc.

"Love

Erma

©

reserved.

Kansas

is 1

!

a Grandparent

"

by Erma Bombeck from Forever,

996 by the Estate of Erma Bombeck. All rights Used by permission of Andrews and McMeel,

City,

MO.

"Love from the Heart" by Chad Miller, quoted in Moments for Each Other by Robert Strand (New Leaf Press, Green

Forest,

AZ,

©

1993) as quoted

in

The

Pastor's Story

Fi7e,July 1986.

"Extraordinary People" by Jo Desert News, February 2, 1985. author.

Ann

Larsen, quoted in the

Used by permission

of the

NOTES

"50 Promises

for

271

Marriage" by Steve Stephens, author of

Used by permission

Marriage: Experience the Best.

of the

author,© 1996.

"The Treasure" by Alice Gray. Used by permission

of the

author,© 1997.

"That Litde China Chip" by

Bettie B.

\oungs from Values

from the Heartland: Stories of an American Farmgirl (Health 1995 Bettie B. Communications, Inc., Deerfield Beach, Fl,

©

youngs. Reprinted with permission from Reader's Digest, June

1996.)

"The Dance" by Thelda Bevens, quoted from A Passage through Grief by Barbara Baumgardner (Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, TN, © 1997). Used by permission of Thelda Bevens.

"Don't Forget

What

Really Matters" by Paul Harvey,

The Pryor Report,

3A. Used by

appearing

in

mission of

The Pryor Report. Adapted from Paul Harvey's For

vol.

1

0, no.

per-

What It's Worth. "The Last *I Love You'" by Debbi Smoot, from Moments for Each Other by Robert Strand (New Leaf Press, Green Forest,

AZ,

©

1993) as quoted

in

The

Pastor's Story File,

February 1992.

FAMILY

"When Grown Kids Come to Visit" by Erma Bombeck from Forever, Erma © 996 by the Estate of Erma Bombeck. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Andrews and 1

McMeel, Kansas City, MO. "Running Away" by Christopher de Vinck. Reprinted by permission of Daily Guideposts, 995 (Guideposts, Carmel, 1

NY,©

1994).

"Why My Wife Bought

©

1997).

Handcuffs" by Philip Gulley from

(Multnomah Used by permission.

Front Porch Tales

Publishers, Inc., Sisters,

OR,

272

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

"Too Busy" by Ron Mehl from God Works the Night Shift (Multnomah Publishers, Inc., Sisters, OR, © 1994). Used by permission.

"When

the

Moon

Doesn't Shine" by Ruth Senter from

Surrounded by Mystery (Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI,

©

1988).

Used by

permission of the author.

A

Tribute" by Max Lucado from God Came Near (Multnomah Publishers, Inc., Sisters, OR, © 1987). Used by permission. "Releasing the Arrow" by Stu Weber from Tender Warrior (Multnomah Publishers, Inc., Sisters, OR, © 1993). Used by "Father's Day:

permission.

"Laughter

in the

(Generoux,

the Walls

Walls" by

Thomas

Bob Benson from Laughter

Nelson, Nashville,

TN,

©

in

date

unknown). Used by permission.

"Dad's Helper" by

Ron Mehl

Heart (Multnomah Publishers,

Used by

from Cure for a Troubled

Inc., Sisters,

OR,

©

1996).

permission.

"Legacy of an Adopted Child" author and

original source

unknown.

"The Gift" by George author, ©1996.

Parler.

Used by permission

of the

"Papa's Sermon" author unknown, from Christian Herald Cyclopedia of Religious Anecdotes compiled by James Gilchrist y

Lawson (Heming H. Revell Co., Grand Rapids, MI, ©1923). "Alone Time for Mom" by Crystal Kirgiss. Used by permission of the author, a columnist for the Detroit Lakes Tribune,

Minneapolis,

MN, ©

1996.

"Words for \our Family" by Gary Smalley and John Trent from Leaving the Light On (Multnomah Publishers, Inc., Sisters, OR, © 1991). Used by permission. "Gift of Love" by Dr. James

(Tyndale

House Publisher,

Inc.,

Dobson from

Wheaton, IL,

Home

©

With a Heart

1996).

NOTES

"A Mother's Way" by Temple

273

Bailey, original source

unknown. "Tender Intuition" by Robin Jones by Heart (Multnomah Publishers,

Used by

Gunn

Inc., Sisters,

from Mothering

OR,

©

1996).

permission.

Harpham Kopp from / Stole God from Goody Two-Shoes (Harvest House Publishing, Eugene, OR, © 994) Used by permission of author. "Slippery Risks" by Heather

1

.

"Family Vacations and Other Threats Philip

GuUey from

Front Porch Tales

to

Marriage" by

(Multnomah

Publishers,

OR, © 1997). Used by permission. "When God Created Fathers" by Erma Bombeck

Inc., Sisters,

Forever,

©

Erma

rights reserved.

Kansas

City,

from

996 by the Estate of Erma Bombeck. All Used by permission of Andrew^s and McMeel, 1

MO. LIFE

"Lookin'

Good" by

Patsy Clairmont from

God Uses

Cracked Pots by Patsy Clairmont, published by Focus on the Family. Copyright

©

1991, Patsy Clairmont. All rights

reserved. International copyright secured.

"A from

Street

permission.

Vendor Named Contentment" by Mcix Lucado

No Wonder They

Pubhshers,

Used by

Inc., Sisters,

Call

OR,

Him

©

the Savior

1986).

Used by

(Multnomah permission.

"Growing Roots" by Philip Gulley from Front Porch Tales (Multnomah Publishers, Inc., Sisters, OR, ©1997). Used by permission.

"Perspective" by Marilyn the author,

©

McAuley. Used by permission of

1997.

"Saving the Broken Pieces" by Robert H. Schuller from

Tough-Minded Faith for Tender -Hearted People (Thomas Nelson, Nashville,

TN,

©

1983).

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

274

"Train to Barcelona" by Jori Senter Stuart.

©

mission of the author, "Sandcastles" by

(Multnomah

Used by

per-

1997.

Max Lucado from The Final Week of Jesus OR, © 1994). Used by permis-

Publishers, Inc., Sisters,

sion.

"The Crazy Quilt" by Melody Carlson from Patchwork of Love by Heather Harpham Kopp (Multnomah Publishers, Inc., Sisters, OR, © 1997). Used by permission. "One Man's Junk... Another Man's Treasure" by Ron Mehl from Meeting God at a Dead End (Multnomah Publishers, Inc., Sisters, OR, © 1996). Used by permission.

"Commence Prayer" by

Charles Swindoll from Finishing

Touch (Word Publishing, Dallas,

TX,

©

1994).

Melody Carlson condensed from Ideals Magazine, Spring 1993. Used by permission of the author. Melody is a freelance writer and can be reached through Multnomah Publishers, Inc., Sisters, OR. "Back on Course" by Sandy Snavely, Gresham, OR. Used by permission of the author, © 996. "Redwood Canyon" by Casandra Lindell. Condensed. Used by permission of the author, © 1997. "Secret Cracks and Crevices" by

1

"Life Begins at

80" author and

original source

unknown.

"Bus Stop" by Patsy Clairmont from God Uses Cracked Pots by Patsy Clairmont, published by Focus on the Family.

Copyright

©

1991, Patsy Clairmont. All rights reserved.

International copyright secured.

Used by

permission.

FAITM "Cinderella" by

(Word,

Inc., Dallas,

"A New

Max Lucado

TX,

©

1995).

1995).

A

Used by

Perspective" by Billy

Inspirational Writings of Billy

TX,©

from

Gentle Thunder permission.

Graham from The

Graham (Word,

Inc., Dallas,

NOTES

"Treasures in Heaven" by

Bob Welch. Used by

275

permission

of the author, features editor of the Register-Guard, Eugene,

OR. "Hide and Seek" by Brother David Steindl-Rast, Brennan Manning

retold

by

The Signature of Jesus, from Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer by Brother David Steindl-Rast (Paulist 1984). Used by permission. Press, Mahv^eh, NJ, in

©

"The Lamplighter" by Marilyn McAuley. Used by

per-

mission of the author.

"Soft Cries" by Ruth Bell

Rat (Thomas Nelson,

Graham from Legacy

Inc., Nashville,

TN,

©

of a Pack

1989).

Used by

permission.

Hero" by Dr. James Dobson from When God Doesn't Make Sense (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, © 1993). Used by permission. All rights "Spiritual

reserved.

"Drifting" by

T)ny Evans,

original source

Used by permission

"Only Glimpses" by Alice Gray. the author,

©

unknown. of

1997.

"The Castle of God's Love" by Larry Libby from Someone Awesome (Multnomah Publishers, Inc., Sisters, OR, 1995). Used by permission. Memo from Alice: This is a beautifully v^ritten and illustrated answ^ers their questions about

gift

God.

book

It is

for children that

one of

my

favorite

books.

"A Vision

of Forgiveness" by Gigi Tchividjian from

Currents of the Heart

OR,

©

(Multnomah

Publishers, Inc., Sisters,

Used by permission. "A Meeting of the Minds" by Kevin 1996).

mission of the author,

"Running by

for

©

Used by

Keller.

Used by

per-

997.

Daddy!" by Kay Arthur from To

Name (Multnomah

1995).

1

Know Him

Publishers, Inc., Sisters,

permission.

OR, ©

MORE STORIES FOR THE HEART

276

"Real Treasure" by Robin Jones Heart (Multnomah Publishers,

Gunn

from Mothering by

(Multnomah

OR,

Inc., Sisters,

Used by permission. "Calm in the Storm" by Ron Mehl from

OR,

Publishers, Inc., Sisters,

©

1996).

Surprise Endings

©

Used by

1995).

permission.

"A

Parable of God's Perspective" by Robin Jones, retold by

Casandra Lindell from Where Was God

at

9:02 A.M.? by Robin

TN,

Jones and Scmdy Dengler (Thomas Nelson, Nashville, 1

995). Used by permission of Casandra Lindell,

©

1

©

997.

"Worship and Worry" by Ruth Bell Graham from and Those Who Love Them (Focus on the Family Publishing, Colorado Springs, CO, © 1991). Used by per-

Prodigals

mission of the author.

"Are All the Children In?" author and original source unknown.

"Making Adjustments" by Ron Mehl from Endings (Multnomah Publishers,

Inc., Sisters,

Used by permission. "The Artist" quoted from Today

in the

OR,

Surprise

©

1995).

Word, April 1988,

Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL. "The Bells Are Ringing" by Dr. James Dobson from When God Doesnt Make Sense (Tyndale House Publishers, published by

Inc.,

Wheaton, IL,

©

1993).

Used by

permission,

reserved.

"Heaven" author and

original source

unknown.

all

rights

.,

steps to Peace with

God

God's Purpose: Peace and Life

/ I

you and wants you to experience peace and fe— abundant and eternaL

rod loves

The Bible Says

.

.

Since

we have peace with God through our Lord ^sus Christ." Romans 5:1 "...

"For

God so loved the world that He gave His

have peace and the abundant life right

I

nly begotten Son, that

whoever believes

iould not perish but have everlasting

in

Him

life."

God planned

for us to

now. why are

most people not having

tliis

experience?

i)hn3:l6

have come that they may have life, tid that they may have it more abundantly." "...

I

1

)hn 10:10b

Our Problem: Separation

Dd created us in His

own

image to have an abundant

e.

He

'd

obey Him, but gave us a

did not

make

us as robots to automatically love will

and

a

freedom of

loice.

in

e chose to disobey e

make

still

this

God and go our own

willful way.

choice today. This results in separa-

Im from God.

The Bible Says

'

1

"For

all

God."

have sinned and

Romans

fall

.

.

short of the glory

3:23

j

"For the wages of sin ;)d is

Our choice

eternal

)mans 6:23

life

is

death, but the gift of

in Christ Jesus

our Lord.

"

results

separation from

(?