Forever Hope: A Collection of Short Stories

 

 

Forever Hope

A Collection of Short and Mini Stories

Volume 2

Copyright: Alison Lawrence 2023. All rights reserved.

A Meeting With Hope

Joseph boarded his city bound train with moments to spare. He took his usual spot in the usual carriage. The trees and buildings looked gray and dreary as they began moving past the window. Joseph glanced at his fellow passengers. There was a dreary resignedness about them too. Just one commuter caught his attention: a young woman he’d seen before. She seemed to favour bright colours and stood out in a sea of neutrals, gray and black, but it was her face that caught Joseph’s attention. It glowed. As he watched, he noticed that she smiled a lot, and he wondered curiously whether she was in love. He supposed that love could do that: transform someone; even alter their appearance. As for himself, he’d never experienced anything like that: none of the women he’d dated had had any such effect on him; and neither did anything or anyone else in his life for that matter. His job was a plodding necessity and brought him no joy nor satisfaction. He was beginning to feel like a middle aged man, though only in his twenties. Bare tree branches and slanting rain were now framed by the train windows, with the young woman forming a stark contrast to the passing view. Joseph turned his gaze back to his phone with its depressing list of headlines. Whatever the sparkly brunette was reading he thought, it couldn’t possibly be the news.

*******

Joseph scanned the code on his laptop, and wondered for the thousandth time, how he’d ended up as a J9ava programmer, when all he’d ever been interested in was design. He made good money of course, but that didn’t make up for the boredom he felt. As he entered another line of code, he thought idly of the young woman on the train. Perhaps it wasn’t a guy who made her smile. Instead, she could be doing what she loved. Yes, Joseph thought to himself, loving your job could certainly put a smile on your face. After a long day of problem solving and much grunt work, he made his way to the station. Once on the train, he took a seat near his usual spot. He took out his phone, preparing to read to pass the time, but when he glanced to his left, a splash of colour made him pause. It was her.

“Hi,” she smiled.

“Hi,” he felt the corners of his mouth lift. Then feeling the need to say something, he commented, “long commute, isn’t it?”

“It is, but I don’t mind too much. I use the time to catch up on my reading and it’s nice to sit. When I get to the coffee shop where I work it’s go, go, go.” She laughed, “but I don’t really mind.”

Joseph admired her attitude. He was wrong about her job making her happy though. He doubted a waitressing job could do that. ” I like to read too. Or catch up on a few videos.”

They did more chatting than reading on that train trip. Her name was Holly, and Joseph decided there was definitely something different about her.

*******

When Joseph got into the train the next day, Holly was reading , but she looked up and smiled at him as he sat down.

“Hi” he greeted her, glancing at her phone, surprised to see a Bible App. “Heavy reading today?”

She shook her head, and her eyes danced. “Nope. Full of hope. It’s the book of John. You should try it. Less depressing than the news,” she ventured boldly.

Normally, Joseph would have shrunk from any religious talk as he called it, but somehow, Holly’s words made him curious. The word ‘hope’ caught his attention. He could do with some of that. So he listened for the next forty-five minutes or so as Holly spoke of the Bible, of her faith and of Jesus.

“It’s because I have Jesus in my heart that I’m happy. I look forward to each new day, even though it means standing for hours and clearing tables. He fills me with joy and helps me love even the difficult customers.”

By the time they reached their station, Joseph was sure of two things: firstly, he planned to read the book of John when he got home. And secondly, a feeling of hope had stolen into his heart.

 

The End

Set Free

They left him, but it was his own fault: he refused to change; he always had to be right. He sits alone now, in the empty house, surrounded by boxes and empty bottles. His idols have let him down: the gambling, the girls, the good times. All gone now. He is alone.

He spots the Bible she gave him years ago. Forgotten, derided -perhaps it is not too late to dust it off and search for answers. That is, if God has not given up on a wreck like him.

There, amongst the trash and litter of his life, he clings to slender hope. It grows stronger as he reads of tax collectors and prostitutes: could there be hope for him?

He crawls to the foot of the cross, knowing that he is but trash. At last, he stands; washed, restored and whole. And Jesus is holding his hand.

The End

Briefly We Are Here

She arrives: squalling, pink, and begins to grow quickly through Springtime and Summer sun. At midday, her sunshine petals unfurl and share their beauty. For a week or so, she holds her spot in the garden amongst family, friends and strangers. Before long though, her sunshine fades and her petals droop before falling one by one. A day or two later, she has none left. She shines no more, yet the Gardener gives her a few more days to rest in her little corner: perhaps she will leave a gift or a legacy behind in the garden. He is wise. She is gone now; to the compost heap, but her sons and daughters bloom on.

The End

Pondering Pomegranates

I have two pomegranate trees in my garden. Very Biblical. They remind me of the Bible I’ve been neglecting as I water the plants growing in their shade. Tough and un-fussy, they’ve flourished through many blazing Summers. I take a break in their cool company with my phone, after chores are done for the morning. Between bouts of scrolling and typing, I catch glimpses of a small yellow and green bird flitting amongst the rosy globes ripening in the sun. So tempting, yet so disappointing once opened. Sure, the juice is nice, but I can’t handle the pips.

While I wait for Jenna to get back to me, I receive a gentle message from God: it whispers through the leaves above my head and the swaying fruits – I am becoming like those pomegranates: pretty to look at, but nearly empty inside. For the first time that day, I take a deep breath and I turn my phone off. Then I pick a pomegranate for my fruit bowl. I don’t want to forget the wise whispers I heard today.

The End

Oases

My thoughts melt before I can fully form them as I walk along the blazing street. I can feel the pavement fire through my thin sandals. If only there were some relief from this blazing oven, I think. At that moment, I look up and see a large shade tree. Its branches bow generously over the pavement. My feet move quickly towards the tree’s welcome. Relief! I take my water bottle out of my bag and take a few thirsty sips. I can’t help but compare these refreshing moments to the way I feel when I draw near to God in prayer. Throughout the heat of daily living, I can take refuge in His shade.

Reluctantly, I move on. I promised Allan I would meet him at the coffee shop after my appointment. A few tiring meters later and I see it: a welcoming sight. The cool stone building is surrounded by spreading trees and flowering shrubs. As I walk through its entrance, I am enveloped by its serene, welcoming coolness. Soft music, roses, books and gorgeous paintings greet me. And there is Allan sitting at a table for two, a faraway look in his eyes. He stands up the moment he sees me and fusses over me while he draws out my chair. I smile softly and take his hand in mine. “It’s gone, Allan. The cancer is gone!” He whoops, and we grin like two kids in the lovely coffee shop which has become a refreshing oasis of God’s love.

The End

Hope on the Horizon

A Short End-times Story

Hope scrolled gloomily through the news headlines. How many earthquakes and wars could there possibly be? She shuddered as she glimpsed a story about another deadly virus outbreak. She only had a few minutes before the boys woke up and she knew she should read her Bible and pray, but she'd become distracted by her phone. Again. Anxious thoughts drew her further away from peace as she scanned the article. Was there a future for her children in this crazy world? She sipped her lukewarm tea and tried to pray. Bowing her head, she hastily brought all her cares together in a bundle to give to the Lord. At the back of her mind though, she knew she would be retrieving them again in a few minutes. She poured the disgusting brew down the sink and quickly put a load of washing on. If she didn't hurry, there'd be no time for the chore.

"Mommy, Taylor hit me!" Yelling and screams followed Dane's appeal and Hope hurried to the boys' room. Couldn't they have a peaceful start for once? She raised her voice, annoyed. "What's going on now? You two should be brushing your teeth, not fighting." The boys began yelling their versions of the incident while Hope picked up toys and straightened duvets. She sighed."We don't have time for this. Get ready for school. Any more nonsense and I'll be taking your computer turns away." She glared at the boys, hoping that it would be enough to pull them into line. "But Mom, I didn't do anything," pleaded Dane. "Taylor got mad when I woke him up." He ducked just before his brother could deliver another blow. Quickly, Hope stood between the two."Dane, you go to the bathroom. Taylor, you stay here and get dressed. I'm going to make breakfast." She'd learned the hard way that separating the boys was often the wisest thing to do. Mercifully, they obeyed and Hope prayed that by some miracle they'd make it out the front door before more trouble erupted.

*******

Hope failed to notice the pretty morning as she turned away from the school gate an hour later. Her mind was once again preoccupied by the burdens she carried. Would Taylor make it through the day without being sent to the principal's office? She sighed, worried about her sensitive eldest son too. How would Dane manage the school bullies today? She hoped that Taylor would give him a break once they were home. Walking helped, and she prayed a little and glanced at some of the attractive gardens lining the street. Her thoughts turned to Wayne. Had he stopped texting Stacey as he'd promised he would? Her load grew heavier as she walked. Though slim with medium brown hair and green eyes, Hope felt unattractive. She must be if her husband would rather talk to his co-worker, than to her, Hope thought despondently. Moving on, her mind turned to their financial woes. Even with the extra money she made from her YouTube channel, things were tough. Food prices had never been higher and the cost of everything else was through the roof too. Where would it all end? Once home, she did some editing on her latest video. Her channel focused on cleaning and frugal living tips as well as on decluttering. She scanned a favourite blog, looking for more money saving ideas: she, along with her viewers, needed them more than ever.

*******

"Peace and quiet for once," Wayne smiled as he hung up his jacket. "Boys having their turns?"

Hope nodded. "They finished their homework, so I said they could go ahead. They need time to de-stress."

"You and I too, huh?" Wayne looked her way cautiously. He was making a real effort to change by chatting with her everyday and spending time with the boys before bed-time. He knew he'd come close to straying. Home had become a war-zone and his wife a dripping tap. Now, he was determined with God's help to put things right. But it was going to take time. And effort. "How's your latest video doing?" He asked. "O.K." Hope said quietly. Wayne sensed that an olive branch was needed. "I told Stacey I won't be messaging her about anything personal from now on. Strictly business. She understands. Says it's better that way. She's married and loves her husband and her little girl too much to let anything hurt them."

Hope nodded, reassured."That's good." At least she and Wayne were talking again, she thought as she peeled carrots for the one pot meal. "Taylor and Dane had a good day too. Aside from one fight this morning." She smiled and suddenly felt lighter: almost as though a couple of burdens had just fallen from her shoulders.

"What was it about?" Wayne wanted to know.

"Oh, it was nothing. I really think they may be getting along better. Taylor even stood up for Dane at school today."

"I'll chat to them about their day later." Impulsively, he drew Hope into his arms."It seems like God is answering our prayers," he said softly. "I love you, Hope."

"I love you too." She said, meaning it. "You're right, you know. I've been so worried and anxious about everything; hardly daring to believe. But it feels like we've turned a corner, doesn't it?"

Wayne held her closer."Hopie," he said," Do you think we could give all our worries to God each day? I sure don't want to be carrying them around all the time,do you?"

She shook her head and tears pricked in her eyes. "I'd like to do that. If you'll help me."

Wayne hugged her one more time before grabbing the peeler."I'll finish these if you make coffee." He grinned, and she laughed."Sure thing. Coffee made with love coming up."

********

Several days later, Hope was having her quiet time. Her phone was off, though. She had promised herself that she wouldn't look at the news or her messages until later. For some or other reason, she felt drawn to 1 Thessalonians. A while back, she'd underlined the verses about the Rapture. She understood that the Lord could fetch His bride at any moment and tried to imagine what it would be like to be suddenly caught up in the air. She sat quietly, pondering. She hadn't given much thought to the Rapture in a while: the truth was, she'd only been focusing on the terrible events happening around the world. Hope re-read the short passage thoughtfully. It was enough food for her day.

*******

"Ready for the youth camp?" Hope asked the boys as she walked with them to school. They nodded enthusiastically. The children's ministry of their church had organized the camp. The children would have some outdoor fun and hear the Gospel. "There's going to be swimming and canoeing." Said Taylor. "Yes," added Dane, "and a campfire and games."

"Fun!" Smiled Hope. She prayed that the children's hearts would be touched at the camp. It was something wholesome and old-fashioned for them to experience. While the boys were away for the weekend, she and Wayne would go to a lovely bed and breakfast an hour's drive away. She was really looking forward to it, and found herself feeling lighter everyday. She and Wayne prayed together whenever they could; entrusting their lives and cares to Jesus. Hope knew she had a way to go. She had been a worrier all her life, but she was learning to pray and to leave her anxieties with the Lord.

*******

Hope filmed her weekly video when she got home. She set up her tripod in the kitchen and videoed herself making a frugal one pot meal. She chatted with her viewers as she peeled, diced and sauteed. In keeping with her new feeling of lightness, Hope planned to encourage them too. The theme was frugal meals, but she wanted to speak about not being anxious and of putting your hope in the Lord. She prayed for the right words. Not wanting to sound preachy, she joked a bit about her name; about how she'd gone from hopeless to hopeful. Later on, she showed it to Wayne, asking him for his opinion."I think it's your best video yet. And putting that bit in about your name was brilliant."

Hope glowed."So you don't think I sound cheesy?"

He shook his head."Definitely not. You sound sincere and hopeful." He smiled."You deserve a break. All packed for tomorrow?"

"Just a few things to add to the bag. It's going to be wonderful." She sighed. "Just the two of us."

*******

The boys were so excited at the prospect of the camp, that they got ready with no trouble at all. Wayne and Hope dropped them off at the church parking lot where they were welcomed by the youth leader and a bunch of excited friends. Once good-byes were said, Wayne put the bed and breakfast address into his GPS, and they were off. The white-washed cottage was situated in a small sea-side town close to the shore. Hope couldn't wait to walk beside the ocean and to breathe deeply of its salty, fresh air. The little house was everything they'd hoped for: quaintly nostalgic and cozy. After depositing their bags and exploring their temporary home, they strolled hand in hand down to the beach. It was a clear day and the ocean was a brilliant blue. They walked a while, Hope stooping from time to time to pick up an appealing shell. Wayne preferred the smooth pebbles and he pocketed a few for their garden. "Let's sit a bit," suggested Hope."I could watch the waves forever, and you?"

"Sure, if you're in the picture too," smiled Wayne, drawing her close. Hope nestled against him, and sighed contentedly. "I was reading about the Rapture the other day, and I can't stop wondering what it will be like." She gazed at the horizon and noticed a couple of small clouds.

"That's odd," said Wayne."I read that passage yesterday. It's amazing, isn't it? Sure gives one hope in this scary up-side down world."

"It does," agreed Hope. It felt so special to be spending time with Wayne. As they strolled back to the cottage to eat lunch, she felt as light as a seagull feather floating in the wind.

*******

Sunday dawned still and perfect. A few dramatic cumulonimbus clouds rose near the horizon and seabirds swooped above the glittering waves. They prayed and read from the Bible on the deck; then enticed by the peaceful scene stretched out before them, they walked side by side near the lapping waves. 

"Wayne," said Hope happily, "I can honestly say that I've given all my burdens to the Lord." She laughed and twirled around on the sand. Wayne hugged her and said he, too, felt completely free. Then he took her hand in his, and they turned to look at the horizon once again. 

Golden light now suffused the massive clouds. With awesome suddenness, a holy voice and a heavenly trumpet called them home. And as Jesus called them up to be with Him, Hope felt her last few cares falling to the beach below.

The End