Writing Exercise #2

Preacher, Silence, Beggar, Music, Pen. I wrote this writing exercise with those five words as the basis for the piece.

-The Preacher completed his sermon, and closed his Holy Bible. Silence could be heard throughout the congregation.

The topic this week had been about the rich man, "clothed in purple and fine linen" and the beggar named Lazarus, "which was laid at his gate, full of sores." He'd asked to be fed by the crumbs from the rich man's table, but he died. The rich man died also.

Lazarus went to Heaven, and the wealthy man went to Hell. "And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame."

Because the rich man received good things in his life, he was now tormented. But Lazarus received evil things while alive, and now he was comforted.

As the choir got in place, and held their hymnals, the organ's music filled the church, and the voices of the singers uplifted every member seated in the pews, with a beautiful rendition of "Because He Lives."

~God sent His son, they called Him Jesus

He came to love, heal, and forgive.

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,

And feel the pride and joy he gives.

But greater still the calm assurance,

This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

And then one day I’ll cross the river,

I’ll fight life’s final war with pain.

And then as death gives way to victory,

I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone!

Because I know He holds the future

And life is worth the living just because He lives!~

One child is extremely touched by the lyrics, a mere boy of eleven. He picks up his pen, and writes down the name of the song, in his Bible notebook, so that he can listen to it again later. His parents observe this simple action, and nod in approval. He smiles up at them, their faith continuing to grow strong, through the mighty Word of God.-