A VALLEY
WHAT IS A VALLEY?
A valley can be a rock-filled chasm, a gloomy canyon, a deep gouge, or a rugged gully. In nicer terms, it might be a grass-swept dell or a lush basin. Ahh! Just the place to lay down and nap.
But what is meant when people indicate they’ve reached a valley?
If it’s a smiling hiker stating they’ve reached a valley, other people surmise they’ve just descended from gorgeous heights, to walk on flat land between mountain slopes. There might even be a cool stream weaving its way through the length of a lush, green basin.
But what if the person is not a smiling hiker or healthy explorer? What if the valley is actually circumstances in their life?
Those types of valleys can be gloomy and long, especially if someone is alone or even feels there is no one who understands. Health issues can create a scary valley, which many must walk through. All they can do is peer upwards—but not climb away from problems. Their eyes observe what looks like strong people standing on top of mountain peaks or hiking toward glorious summits.
The best of circumstances might seem to reflect off other people—giving them a surreal appearance of never-ending health, powerful strength, and awesome abilities … even if it isn’t true.
While hiking the trail of life, we humans often want to turn around. But then, hopefully, we regain courage and push toward the summits. But is that always the way it goes? No.
Many lag behind, struggling to climb out of steep valleys, while using the wrong path. Are their loads too heavy to carry? Are their backs bowed—indicating a weakening of resolve? Will they slip and tumble backwards, while others continue to watch?
A willingness to help, may mean removing loaded backpacks, ignoring pride, and getting down to the other hiker’s level. By reaching, someone might be able to grip their wrist and pull them up. Yes, the rescuer might meet a confused gaze—a look asking why anyone would care? But, then again, lonely people just might recognize God’s love in action.
That’s all that matters. And, of course, the dazed hiker may dust themselves off and just hike away, never acknowledging a helpful gesture. But the lightness in a helper’s heart will tell them … God is grinning.
Yes, that’s what was implied! God might have a grin on his face!
Perhaps, He takes delight in puzzled expressions, when loving people try to help others, and it just doesn’t work out. He knows all about rejection and about the inner sadness it can create. But, God also knows everyone’s heart, and he loves the fact that someone is willing to face rejection. It shows how far someone is going to follow Him. And only He knows who might be pulled out of a valley … if just one person steps forward.
Karen
Copyright (c) Karen Campbell Prough 2017
THE GIRL CALLED ELLA DESSA
THE GIRL CALLED ELLA DESSA
Ella Dessa’s story became a reality! It is published!
Yes, her struggles came from my imagination, but I believe there are emotions woven throughout the pages–facets of life that might touch many readers.
Her story begins during a period of time in Georgia when the lure of gold pulled men into the mountains and caused them to leave their families behind.
Ella Dessa suffers loss in her own life, but brings hope to another family in Beckler’s Cove.
With the printing of this book, her path to acceptance will be a journey you can follow. Perhaps, you will long to search and find the faint rocky trails her feet traveled along–from a narrow, curved valley to a lonely log cabin. ~Karen
Book can be ordered at: Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Girl-Called-Ella-Dessa/dp/1941103855
FIGHTING THE MONSTER
FIGHTING THE MONSTER
It seems like there are wonderful writers wherever I turn. Their books speak of fascinating characters and intriguing plots, which reach out to readers all over the world. I’m in awe of them. Their written words have filled many books. Their storytelling talents manage to keep readers glued to one spot for hours. A reader might even forsake eating and sleeping in order to devour the whole book in one sitting. What an accomplishment for those writers!
Right now, I feel lost in a remote jungle that has thick, snakelike vines creating a tangle of my writing. And incidents in life are stealing my time left and right. I’m faltering and turning in circles. So running away and finding a deep cave to crawl into is an appealing thought. Of course, the cave must have a wonderful supply of candles and matches, a few munchies made out of dark chocolate, a notebook, and a new ink pen. And a cushion to sit on might be nice.
Lately, many things have interfered with my writing. It’s like there is a monster gobbling my time, and winking at me. It’s enough to make me want to bolt and run.
But scurrying away and seeking seclusion is not an option right now. The monster would follow me.
He’s a relentless ogre who steals my time, shrugs in indifference, and tosses any extra minutes over his shoulder. He snickers at my struggles to juggle the petty things that interfere with my writing and laughs at the important things that come around to knock me for a loop. The monster claps his furry hands in delight when daylight hours fade away, the screen blurs before my eyes, and I’m too tired to type.
But I am a writer and storyteller. God gave me the talent and I must follow the path. What stands before me—or in my way—must step aside. As I set out to organize certain parts of my life, I need to accept the things I can’t push aside. I fully realize that my written words may never grace a bookshelf or appear as a downloaded book for someone to enjoy. But somewhere, in all the avenues of my life, there must be a superb reason that God gave me such a profound desire to write.
I try to write so that Godly truth shows in the actions of my imagined characters. They suffer what humans have endured. And if my characters come forth as a champion over affliction, it is only because in real life—God’s presence does banish monsters. Hopefully, people may see the reflections of their own lives in my books or enjoy a respite from the trails of life.
God’s forgiveness brings his people forth and sets them on solid ground, even if their feet are dirty from the bogs and swamps they have tramped through during the span of their life. God’s people should continually spread his message of hope and salvation.
- I’m no monster!
Yes, the duties of the day yell loud and clear but so does my need to write.
If you’re a writer—keep tapping the keyboard or writing in that notebook. God gave you the talent. You must use it. He didn’t call you to wow the nations but to be true to the talents he gave you.
And if you’re not a writer, remember that you have a work to do. Don’t throw away your talents. Fight the monster of doubt and discouragement and go forth to use your unique gifts and abilities.
Please scroll down and leave your comments about conflicts you run into in this life. We all have them.
~Karen
© Karen Campbell Prough
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I’ve always loved reading, storytelling, and writing. By age ten, I decided my favorite author was James Oliver Curwood. Even at a young age, I would get lost in Curwood’s northern settings. His books of fiction reflect a time-period….
