Fables

These stories are fables inspired by spiritual truths and I pray they entertain, as well as enlighten.

Tuesday’s Child

A Fable on Possessions

Lilian of The Shepherd

Tuesday’s Child

Kevin was at his wits end. He had just finished a particularly bad day in the office and was in no mood for “special consideration.” That’s the term his boss used to describe work mandated counseling for his anger. Kevin was known to be a hard person; he worked hard and lived hard. He pushed himself mercilessly and achieved high marks for production. His workers did not like him; he was such a slave driver and worse, had serious issues with anger.

Several times complaints had been lodged against him for berating workers who were not performing up to expectations. His management was frustrated by the stormy environment he fostered, but could not question his successes. His was the most productive department and although his management style was open to question, his results certainly were not. Management didn’t want to upset the apple cart, but had to do something to keep the workers from going sour.

So, they had arranged to have him attend some anger management classes in order to take some of the edge off the situation and appease his subordinates. He was told just to go through the exercise and make the best of it. However, given that he was losing precious time from his work week every Tuesday, especially at a time when his operations were expanding, it only served to increase his agitation.

“Ironic”, he mumbled under his breath as he rode the elevator up to the counselors office, “they want to treat my anger, yet they go out of their way to frustrate me in the process.” He figured if his boss would just let him be, everything would be okay. He was tired of the interference. After all, he had proven his process worked and although some of his workers groused, they all loved the big bonuses he drove them to earn through performance.

He felt a few bad apples were ruining it for him and his department. However, there was not much he could do at this point, but go to the stupid anger management counseling sessions. It wouldn’t be quite so bad if he had not had such a horrible day; his dry cleaning never came and he had to wear a suit that didn’t fit well, two people unexpectedly called out forcing him off his agenda to compensate, they screwed up his lunch order again, his new shoes were killing his feet, he got stuck in bad traffic getting to work late, then he left extra early to ensure he was on time to anger management counseling, only to arrive twenty minutes early with unfinished work unnecessarily being missed; just to come to this worthless counseling session. “What a joke”, he thought to himself as he approached the counselor’s office, still fuming.

He entered the office and noted a young man sitting in a chair of the waiting room, quietly reading a magazine. He signed in with the receptionist and took a seat. He didn’t feel like reading any magazine, but grabbed one anyway, as a distraction to his frustration. He wanted to yell in aggravation and was barely able to suppress the urge. He noted the oblivious young man across the room, reading and became more agitated…“and they say misery loves company”, he muttered to himself while shaking his head. “That boy knows nothing of frustration!” he thought to himself, bothered by his presence.

Kevin had finally distracted himself for a moment with an article when a very sudden, very loud scream broke the silence.  It was so loud and so distressed that it seemed like some primordial, scream of death. His glance shot to the counselor’s door, from where the shout had come. What followed was a roll of intelligible screaming, crying and pleading that spewed from within the counseling office.  He was so affected by the pain and anger he sensed he was taken out of himself.

Then he noticed, as the interruption was dying down into a vague aura of sobbing, that the young man across from him was staring intently at the door.  He took notice of the boy’s face for the first time.  The young man could be no more than sixteen years old, yet there was something about his visage that made him seem mature to the point of advanced years.  He noted concern on his face directed at the sobs inside the office.  He couldn’t have cared less about this stranger, yet felt inexplicably drawn to him.

Again, the air was pierced by a loud scream that fell quickly into the sound of heaving sobs.  He looked toward the door of the office and shook his head, confounded by the stark expression of pain.  Then he realized the boy was looking at him.  Somewhat, uncomfortably, he said, “Sounds like someone’s having an even worse day than I am.”  The boy regarded him for a moment and responded, “There’s no reason for it; I’m hoping the doctor can help.”

“You see,” Kevin thought to himself, “that’s why I don’t talk to kids these days.”  It made him even angrier than he already was that this kid who knew nothing, would dare presume to question the validity another’s pain. Where did he come off in determining such a display was unnecessary?  The suffering individual was apparently greatly hurt and this kid showed no compassion.

“Excuse me” he said to the boy, “but isn’t it a little presumptuous to assume that the expressions of pain we just heard are unnecessary.  There’s a lady in there who is obviously suffering through something terrible. Listen,” he continued, “I have some serious problems of my own, but even I can feel for that lady. You should be glad that’s not you in there screaming.”

The boy looked straight at him the whole time, without flinching.  In fact, as Kevin finished speaking, he thought he noted a small smile creep up on the boy’s mouth. His eyes even had a little twinkle in them that Kevin found disquieting and distasteful, this unnerved Kevin all the more.  Then the boy spoke, “Sir, I only said that, because she can just as easily regard her circumstance as a joyous one, instead of falling into despair.”

“But, what do you know of troubles!” admonished Kevin, “You’re just a kid.  How old are you, maybe fifteen or sixteen?  You don’t know how hard it is out there.  How hard it is to make a buck, support a family, and raise children.  You know nothing of adult responsibilities and sacrifices. You really have no clue, do you? You really don’t know what it’s like out there!” Kevin retorted in self-righteous anger.

For the first time the boy looked a little pensive and replied, “And I guess I never will know what it’s like out there. You see, that’s my mom in there, and she’s in there, because I’m dying. They say I have 6 months to one year left.”

The lump that appeared in Kevin’s throat was so huge and sudden, he felt as if he had swallowed an apple whole. The boy sat quietly with his eyes downcast, while the sound emanating from the office had been reduced to a soft murmuring. At first, Kevin could not believe what he had heard. Yet, something about the boy’s downcast gaze, the wistfulness in his voice and his general aura told Kevin the boy was being truthful.  Kevin was taken aback.  He felt bad for admonishing this unfortunate young man, was upset by what he had just heard, and was angry at himself for being presumptuous.  His mind raced for something to say to the boy to make up for his unjustified attack.  As he was getting ready to simply apologize, he was astonished as the boy lifted his head again, but now sporting a big smile.

Kevin said, “I’m sorry, I’m so, so sorry.  I had no idea.  I shouldn’t have talked to you like that.  I guess I’m the one being presumptuous.” Kevin felt himself getting teary eyed, something that had not happened in very long time.

Still smiling broadly, the young man rose up and walked to Kevin, extending his hand. “It’s okay. You couldn’t have known. Hi, my name is Angel.”

Kevin rose and enthusiastically shook Angel’s hand and introduced himself.  As he did, he noted how peaceful and contented Angel looked.  He saw something in his countenance that exuded peace and understanding.  The young man seemed far too mature for his age. Angel for his part noted the confusion on Kevin’s face and asked, “Did you have something you wanted to ask me?”

“Please sit next to me”, Kevin responded, “I want to know, what’s wrong…you look so, so okay.”

Angel replied, “Some rare form of blood disease.  I cannot even pronounce it, but there is no cure.”

“What will happen to you?” Kevin asked, feeling deep remorse for this young man.

“I’m told that I will continue to weaken and that at one point my body will just start to break down. The blood is loosing its capacity to convey the nutrients my body needs to the cells that need them. Even now, I get tired very easy and am subject to various symptoms.”

Kevin was having a hard time with this and Angel could see it.

“But its okay,” Angel continued with a broad grin and that sparkle back in his eye.

“How can you say that? You are dying! There’s so much you haven’t done yet and it’s being stolen from you. Aren’t you angry or upset”, Kevin pleaded?

“No, because for me, to die is gain”, Angel responded, “You see, I was never created for this world.  I was made for a much better place.  So, although I feel for Mom and all my loved ones who are suffering for me, I am okay in my own right.  I will go where I truly belong and where a special place is being prepared for me.  In this world, I’m just another person, but in the next I will be a prince, the son of a King.”

“But how can you know that for sure, aren’t you just rationalizing to make yourself feel better?” asked Kevin incredulously.

“Because my big brother told me so a long time ago,” came the response, “He warned me this illness would come, but explained it would be alright.  He told me He was my big brother and He would take care of me, no matter what.  He also said, He would take care of Mom and my family after I was gone, so I need not worry about them.  He even said I would even get to see them again one day, at His place.”

At this point Kevin felt all choked up. He could not believe the incredible faith and courage shown by this brave young man.  He was suddenly ashamed of himself.  Ashamed of the petty way he had lived his life, ashamed at the way he took things for granted, ashamed of being so upset and angry over every little thing that didn’t please him.  He fought very hard to fight back the tears.

Angel put his arms around Kevin’s shoulder to console him. “It’s gonna be okay”, he said. “I can put in a good word for you with my Brother. If you really want, I bet He would come to you. All you have to do is invite Him in. He enters any place where He is welcome.”

At that, the office door opened and Angel’s Mom came out, her session now complete.  Her eyes were swollen and red, and she seemed to have a hard time just holding herself up.  Angel rose and went over to hug her.  She squeezed him like she was never going to let him go.  Angel then turned to Kevin, who sat there stunned and emotionally drained by all that had transpired in that short time.“  Well, Kevin, it was nice meeting you. I’m sure it will all work out okay.”

Angel walked with his mom and left the waiting room, but a moment later came back in alone. “Oh, I almost forgot”, he exclaimed as he walked over and knelt on his knees before Kevin.

“Holy Lord, Jesus, I praise your unending Glory and Goodness”, Angel said softly with his eyes closed and his arms stretching as high as they could reach toward the ceiling, “And I thank you for being the best Brother ever.  Now please Lord, hear my prayer for your troubled brother Kevin…Lord, he needs you.  I can tell that he needs someone to heal his heart.  Please Gentle Shepherd, have mercy on your poor servant and hear him when he calls to you.  Please show him what you showed me.  I hope you’ll let me see him again one day.  In praise of your Holy Name and to the Unending Glory of God the Father I ask this in your Holy Name.  Amen.”

Angel then rose, took off the cross he was wearing and placed it over Kevin’s head and onto his neck and softly kissed the top of Kevin’s head, “God bless you, brother.”  With that he left.

Shortly thereafter, the counselor seemed very confused during his session with Kevin.  Apparently, something had happened.  Kevin was not snarling his way through some angry diatribe.  Instead, he seemed subdued and distant.  When asked what happened, Kevin told him about his encounter with Angel.  The counselor was gladdened by this unexpected turn that had driven a new perspective in Kevin. He spoke to Kevin about compassion and the propensity for kind acts and generosity to bring healing.

Kevin was more interested to hear about Angel than discuss himself.  That, in itself, was a telling point in that Kevin had been pulled out of himself.  The counselor explored these new perspectives and feelings, which Kevin’s encounter with Angel had elicited.  He talked with Kevin about the role faith can play in life and in dealing with issues.

It was a breakthrough session that helped Kevin to better understand himself and the effect that Angel had on him.  Actually, Kevin really wanted more information about Kevin and wanted to hook up with him if possible.  The counselor could not provide any information without Angel’s consent, but agreed to keep Kevin apprised of his situation as things unfolded.  Kevin left the office feeling strangely, as if he had under gone some sort of change.  Work was the furthest thing from his mind and he seemed to feel very differently about a lot of things.

Later that night, after everyone was asleep, he went down to his study.  He got on his knees and praised God for His Glory and His Mercy.  He asked Jesus to come into his heart and be his big Brother, so he could learn how to help people the way Angel had helped him.  For the first time he cried the sweet tears of the redeemed as he asked God to forgive him for his anger and all his sins, clutching Angel’s crucifix in his hands the whole while.

And Jesus did come and live in Kevin’s heart and blessed all Kevin’s endeavors. Kevin never got angry anymore and gave everything he could to help others in need.  Most especially, he lent support to Angel. The counselor did put them in touch, as Angel was thrilled to hear of Kevin’s conversion.  Kevin made a point of visiting a couple of times a week. He found out that the huge medical expenses had put great pressure on Angel’s family.  So, it was with delight that he helped out, not just with his money, but with his time.  And Kevin saw to it Angel had anything he wanted, but mostly Angel liked just sharing time together.

So Kevin spent lots of time with Angel, reading to him and telling him funny stories of what an idiot he had once been. Turns out they had quite a bit in common and Kevin particularly liked to hear Angel talk about what he thought Heaven might be like.  Kevin helped anyway he could and even though Angel’s health continued to fade, he always perked up when Kevin came around.  Kevin was a new person and marveled at himself, so glad that he had changed.  His life was so much fuller now and he was truly happy for the first time in his life.  Once, Angel’s mother tried to repay Kevin for his kindness, but he would have none of it.  He told her he owed more to Angel than he could ever repay- Angel had led him to Jesus!

One morning in the early spring, on a particularly lovely day, Kevin got the dreaded call from Angel’s mother. Angel had died during the night, but she wanted him to be among the first to know.  Kevin knew it was coming one day, but it hit him hard just the same.  However, he caught himself from slipping into anger or depression by remembering a promise he had made to Angel to celebrate, rather than mourn his passing. “After all”, Angel had told him, “I’m just going ahead of you to check it out.  It’s going to be really cool there.”

As the years flew by, Kevin honored the memory of his dear friend and thought of him often, always thankful for their time together.  He kept Angel’s crucifix close to his heart and kept in touch with Angel’s family.  God blessed Kevin and all his dealings and Kevin lived only to see others happy; he found it was his greatest source of joy.

As so, Kevin did live his life compassionately and happily up to a ripe old age. And on the day he died, he was greeted by an Angel who had come to guide him to the New Kingdom, but it wasn’t just any angel.

A Fable on Possessions

An old man lived in a village with his wife. Their children had long since moved out to raise their own families. He was retired, but had collected things as a hobby during his life and devoted much of his time to his collections. He was a good man and did his best to live a clean life, but he cherished his various possessions; they were his joy.

One Sunday morning, after hearing a sermon in church, his wife came to him and told him that his love for his possessions was a bad thing and that they should focus on God, rather than things. She admonished him for not going to church and pointed at her old, tattered bible…one she had used and cherished for many years and said, “This is the only treasure we need.” He loved his wife very much, but was unmoved by her plea. She placed her bible back in its place on the corner table.

That night she died in her sleep. The old man was sorely grieved and regretted not going to church with her as she had wanted him to do for so many years. It was hard to bury her and say goodbye. As he mourned at home he also realized that he had been foolish and had not cherished the most important things enough. His possessions did not mean the same to him anymore, but they did remind him of her.

One night, not long after his wife’s passing, the old widower was woken out of his sleep by the sound of intruders breaking into his home. He rose, grabbed his robe and went to confront them. They were armed and demanded he give over all his money, which he did. Afterward they left. He was upset at the intrusion, but was surprised how little he cared about losing his money. He realized he would much rather have his wife back than the money. He missed her so.

The next night, the same thing occurred. When he confronted intruders the second time, again they asked for all his money. When he told them he had been robbed the night before and had no money left, they demanded any valuables he had. He gathered together his various possessions, including his collections and his wedding band and handed them over. The intruders left. Again, he seemed not to mind the loss. A much bigger one still affected him.

On the third consecutive night, he was again wakened by intruders. He went out to meet them and they demanded money. He told he had been robbed the past two nights and had no money, nor valuables to give them. The intruders looked around and saw what he said was true. However, as they were about to leave, they noticed the old bible on the corner table.

One of the intruders pointed his weapon at the bible and asked about it. The old man explained it was his wife’s old bible. He was told to bring it to them, so he went to get it and started to bring it to them, where they stood by the door. As he approached them, he hesitated. One of the intruders demanded he give the bible over.

He pleaded that it had no value other than sentimental, but the intruders were unmoved. He started to hand over the bible, but retracted his hand. Now the intruders were getting angry and warned him to comply. Again he started to reach out and hand over the bible, but once again he recoiled.

At that he was hit hard and knocked to the floor. As the intruders tried to grab the bible from his hand, he held it fast to his chest and yelled, “No! No! You can’t have it…it’s my only true treasure!” With that one of the assailants, having had enough, struck the old man with his weapon. The old man held fast to the bible and with his dying breath, called out to his Lord, asking for forgiveness for him and his assailants. The intruders fled as the darkness swallowed him.

Then he awoke. He started to think it was all a bad dream, but realized he was on the floor. He stood up and in amazement, saw himself on the floor, the old bible, bloodied, but still clutched in his hand. At that moment the front door opened and his wife came in. She was as radiant as the sun and looked like she did as a young bride.

She reached out her hand to him and took his, saying, “I told you it was the only treasure we would ever need.” And he noted she had a bible in her other hand. It was the same as her old bible, but it looked brand new. She saw his confusion and said, “Fear not. For our salvation is at hand. Come with me now to see our King and He will make you anew as He has done for me.” And then she led him out of their old house and guided him up a street leading to a great palace; a street made out of gold.

Lilian of The Shepherd

The villagers, hunched over in fear and standing back in the square, peeked cautiously through their raised hands as the Army of Darkness approached. It was time to pay tribute and they had all assembled as per the custom to greet the voracious horde. Except, instead of cowering in the face of what would have to be paid; who would be taken and who would be sacrificed, their fear took on a more ominous tone. This time they were to resist; not they them selves, but the one who had come was to stand for them.

Many were still not convinced. It was bad enough, they figured, having some of their most promising young adults taken away and to witness the execution of some of their wisest elders. But if history had taught them anything, it was resistance was worse. In the few instances where they had summoned the will to try to stand against the evil tide- they were always defeated and their children were sacrificed as the price of rebellion. It had always been this way. Better to pay the tribute and let it go.

However, now they were going to try once more, although, not as in times before. There would not be the wobbly line of farmers and peasants with farm implements, shaking before the military might of the fell horde army. Instead, the one who had been promised had finally come. And she said that with her mighty God, who was Righteous and Powerful, she would stand for them and defeat the darkness that kept them in fear, ignorance and poverty. Still, it was all to do not to turn and run. Yet, something about the one they knew as Lilian of The Shepherd gave them hope.

While they had no stomach to fight themselves, they promised to show their faith by standing with her and supporting her with the chant she had taught them. They would not have to rush to arms and greet the evil army with blows; they need only stand behind her in faith and sing the Words of Power as she had taught them. Yes, they all shook to the core with great fear and anxiety, but they honored their promise and stayed; ringing the back of the square as Lilian stood in the center and observed the death march as it approached the front of the square from the Fields of Longing beyond.

The clanging armor and weapons of the horde army and the acrid smell of their host added to the anxiety as the shadow of its darkness fell upon the town. The red eyes of the enemy army were the only light in the sea of darkness that was its rank at arms. A few of the people screeched in horror as the horde drew near. Many wanted to flee, “How dare they make this futile stand!” they thought. However, the vision of Lilian of The Shepherd, standing straight and fearless in front of them spoke to something precious deep inside, the glory of hope and the beauty of love. They yearned to be free!

At once, the approaching army stopped on the other side of the square. The horde’s leader, The Dark Pride, came forward sniffing the air and moved in front of his minion. He looked around observing the scene. He did not see the elders lined up on their knees in front as expected. He saw the villagers cowering in the back of the square. He sniffed the air again, craning his fearsome head. Yes, he smelled the fear, but he smelled something else, hope. And he noted the woman in between who stood defiantly in the middle.

With a howl that sent icy shivers through the villagers and launched the wolves of the hills into a frenzy, he yelled, “You dare!” “You dare to stand before me! On your knees at once!” The villagers were so afraid, but still they saw the one who was promised, standing strong and unwavering. And so with all their courage they staid on their feet and watched as their champion stepped forward toward the enemy. After a couple of steps, Lilian of The Shepherd called out, “Begone, you are no longer master here. The True King has sent me and claims this village and its people for his own.” Her voice was powerful and sure.

The Dark Pride stood for a moment and then let out a huge laugh of scorn. “Who do you think you are little woman, to stand against this great army of death and darkness!” he taunted her. Lilian cried out, “I am a servant of the Risen Lord and a Daughter of the God of Righteousness. He has sent me to claim that which belongs to Him. He will not be denied nor lose even one of those who have been promised to our Lord! You must leave now and never come back or you will be beaten and cast into the Lake of Fire.” For reasons they did not know, her words touched the hearts of the villagers and their fear was replaced by wonder.

With an indignant snort, The Dark Pride yelled, “Enough of this folly!” and with that he made a sweeping motion with his hand. At once, the feral hounds were unleashed and growling with blood lust, they ran forward toward Lilian, who engulfed in the shadow of the Army of Darkness, shone like a star of Glory. As the beasts ran toward her, Lilian pulled the Talisman from her robe and held it aloft in front of her. And as she held the Cross up, she cried to the Heavens, “Master! I call upon the Power of The Cross and in the Name of our Holy God I rebuke this darkness!”

At once, the Cross in her hand began to glow and her whole frame also glowed with the light of a thousand suns. A brilliant beam of light shot forth from the cross in her hand and blasted the on rushing canines. At this, the feral beasts slammed to a halt as if they hit a wall. Whimpering with agony, they all turned with theirs tails between their legs and ran back toward the army in retreat. The villagers looked on in amazement as this first wave of attack was repulsed.

The Dark Pride, who had shaded his scarlet eyes, let out a howl of anger as his pets retreated in disarray. Whereupon, he turned to his troops and motioned to his honor guard. At that thirteen of the biggest and foulest warriors from the front ranks ran forward brandishing their weapons and howling with fury. The villagers shrank back in horror as the mighty lords of darkness descended upon their hero. Lilian, still holding the Cross aloft in her right hand, pulled out a flower with her left hand and held up the Lily of the Valley before her, alongside the Cross. As she did so, again she called upon the Lord, “Mighty Father, be my shield!” she cried aloud to the Heavens.

With that, the Lily in her hand erupted with powerful vibrations that shook the ground and fused with the Power of the glowing Cross. Suddenly Lilian was encased in a translucent, dome of light that surrounded her, spreading around her several yards in every direction; a protective bubble of Faith. The frantic warriors fell upon her, but could not break the bubble that surrounded her. They flailed and banged and thrust themselves up upon the Majestic Dome of Glory that protected her, but to no avail. And while they tried to penetrate the shield, Lilian chanted in a mysterious tongue with great passion and authority. The bubble started to vibrate in cadence with Lilian’s chant and then an incredible arc of light rang out from it sawing the dark lords in half.

The villagers who stood back and witnessed this amazing display of power let out a cheer of joy. The Dark Pride, seething with anger, but suddenly lurched with fear, let out a primordial scream of death and defiance. With that, he raised his arm and yelled for his army to attack and kill everyone. The rest of the army let out a mighty scream and ran forward. Lilian seeing that the whole army had been unleashed, turned and yelled to the villagers, “Now!”

Many of the villagers were frozen in fear as the horde charged at them, but a group of children with whom Lilian had spent special time in preparation recognized the queue. At once this group of children burst into song, chanting the Sacred Words that Lilian had taught them, “The Lord is my Shepherd!” they cried out in song “I shall not want!” And as the army of darkness drew near, the other villagers, despite their fear, were moved by the courage of the children and raising their hands and eyes to the Heavens, they joined in the chorus, “He lies me down in green pastures! He leads me beside still waters!”

And though the fell army was near upon them, the villagers were all caught in rapture and did not flinch, but rather continued, gathering an even stronger voice as they went on, “He restores my soul and leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake!” And Lilian, who had fallen to her knees inside her protective bubble, called on The Lord God Almighty to rescue her charges and joined in the chant with her arms raised and her eyes fixed on the sky, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your Rod and Staff they comfort me! “

At this point, just as the horde army was about to close on the villagers, a beam of golden light came down from the Heavens in a flash and a line of mighty Angels appeared in front of the villagers, with their wings spread wide and brandishing swords of fire. They faced the army of darkness, which flinched in the face of the Golden Brigade of Light, arriving just in time to face the blows of Righteousness, which the angels of The Lord rained upon them.

And the villagers, who continued with their chant were glorified by God and with an even greater voice continued, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies! You anoint my head with oil and my cup overflows.” At this point, the fell army was being cut down and incinerated instantly by the blows of the angels, who started to march forward. The Dark Pride in dismay and consumed with rage ran forward toward Lilian, wielding his mighty battle axe on his approach. Lilian stood up and faced him, holding before her the Cross and Lily she still clutched in her hands.

As the chant concluded, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me, all the days of my life”, a halo formed over Lilian’s head and then shot off like a ring of fire, severing the Dark Pride’s head and arm as the rest of him disintegrated in a flash of light. “And I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever!”

Then in that great moment of victory, instead of raucous cheers, the whole village fell to their knees praising God. Lilian too knelt before God’s glory and thanked Him for deliverance. The darkness lifted like the morning fog and the sun shone like it had not since long ages past, with the golden light of peace and goodness. And as Lilian rose up with the others, they kept their eyes on the heavens and noted how two long clouds came together and converged, forming the sign of the cross like a beacon rising on the horizon.

The children screamed for joy and thronged around their hero, praising God. The elders also came forward, followed by the rest of the villagers. They thanked Lilian for bringing them to their Mighty God and His Holy Son who had just delivered them from darkness and death. They asked her to stay with them and be their leader. However, she gave them the sacred book, The Holy Bible and told them they must use that as their guide on how to live without fear and serve the Holy God who had just saved them. For herself, she told them she must go on. There were other villages, like theirs, that were trapped in darkness and fear. And she must go to help them also.

She told them to always keep the Lord’s commandments as they were written in His Holy Word and to always love each other. She told them to remember to sing the sacred songs and to teach every generation of the mighty deliverance of their awesome God. She instructed them to share the Good News with others and strangers who came to them and also to honor the Sabbath. As long as they did so, God would always be there for them and protect them, through His Holy Son and their Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

And so she said her goodbyes and gathered herself up and started down the road, turning and waving goodbye to the thankful villagers as she left. And the children ran behind her for a ways, singing her name and telling her they would always remember and praise the Lord God Almighty who had delivered them. And as Lilian marched on, the singing faded behind her as she heard a new song rise before her that would lead her to the next village trapped in darkness.