I open my eyes slowly, feeling unsure of what to expect. All I remember was going to the store for some beer, not going to sleep. I open them to a blinding light and a peaceful empty atmosphere. I hear a calm, but thunderous voice. "My child, I have a task for your judgement.". " God?" I ask, unsure what to expect but somewhat hopeful. "Whatever you say father!" I say with confidence as I am overcome with a peace and instantly know that it really was him. " I want you to relive key moments in your past and then tell me what lessons you learned or could have learned from that experience.". I exclaim my acceptance and I immediately reopen my eyes to a strange sight. A young kid and, I assume, his mother. They are, I think, fighting. I listen in as he proceeds to yell that he hates her and storms off. While overcome with grief over the sight, I yell after the kid. "You probably can't hear me, but I have to say this. I lost my mother a while ago, and while we argued often or simply didn't agree on a lot, I would give up a lot just to have her back. Love your mother boy. God’s word says to honor her, and to love your neighbor. You need to try harder. " I say trying to choke back tears. Suddenly the scene is replaced by a new sight. It looks like an older version of that same kid laughing. Before I could enjoy the sight, I notice a girl crying and running away from him. I hear one of the other kids mention how it wasn't nice and I hear him say to that kid "hey, all because your my friend, doesn't me I won't make your life as bad here as it is at home.". The kid shakes his head and storms off and the mean one just starts laughing. I yell at him " How could you be cruel like that? God says to love one another as he loves you. Did he come here to laugh as you cry, or did he come to save you? God says to forgive but you need to forgive yourself after these actions. Now go apologize and ask their forgiveness and pray that you change your way idiot.". Suddenly, again, the scene changes. I see a man, in a weird outfit with a weapon, wondering through what was like a dessert scene. Luckily, he wasn't alone though. He came up to a house and pauses making a weird movement with his hands to the other people. They nod and move to the sides of the door. He gives them a thumbs up and they nod. He breathes deep before surprising the crap out of me. He kicks the door open before opening fire inside. After what seems like an eternity of shooting, they all rush in and search everything. I notice there was a man, woman, and two kids laying on the ground. Stricken with grief I get closer before hearing the man cough blood. He asks the man that did it, "why?". " Three days ago, you set off an explosive that killed one of my men. I'm simply returning the favor." He says before emptying another round into the man’s head. Screaming at the guy, I say " I know this is tough. I know losing someone is hard and it’s even worse for the family, but you need to do two big things. You need to forgive them of their actions. You don't know, but maybe he was forced to do it by another, and he didn't want to. You also, and most importantly, need to pray for basically everyone involved. You need to pray and forgive, and you might want to ask forgiveness also". I blink trying to clear tears from my eyes only to see that same man walking in a city with people. Everything looked and felt normal. I notice a beggar ahead of him smile. I whisper "yes, help him as much as possible.”. Just then I watch the man move to the edge of the sidewalk as if to avoid the beggar. "Sir, could you spare me a couple of dollars. I just want to buy food for my dog." The beggar says while stumbling towards him with his cup for money. The man scuffs, stops, and turns to the beggar. "I sacrificed a lot to make this money, why would I simply give it to some bum because he asked, and I like dogs. Get a job, or don’t have a dog!" He yells at the poor soul. I fall to my knees shaking my head with my eyes closed. I say, trying to remain calm " I don't know your sacrifice, but you don't Know his either. Maybe the dog helps keep him alive. Maybe you gave a kidney to get the money. The point is that no one knows. I forgive you but I ask that you put god in your heart first and not money. He provides. Who do you think gave you the money in the first place?". I slowly open my eyes to see how the scene was playing out, but I’m greeted by the blinding peace from earlier. I hear that booming voice again and I smile feeling at peace. " Joshua, that was your judgement. You might not remember, but that boy and man were you in your past life. When you, as you put it, turned your head into potatoes, I repaired you. But I knew how torn you would be on your past actions so that is why I didn't repair your memory. Re-watching those memories without knowing shows me the lessons you have learned. With the reborn Joshua, I am pleased. I am happy to hear how you have learned those lessons and even tried to teach them to essentially yourself. Joshua, I welcome you to my kingdom with your reborn self.537Please respect copyright.PENANAtGMCIcJmdH
537Please respect copyright.PENANAlFZ7Lhr8Ks
537Please respect copyright.PENANAVasSc3HXQN
My memory issues are no joke. After suffering my TBI three years ago, I still struggle with even knowing what I did five seconds ago. I use an outline to even write because I will forget what I’m writing or why. It hit me though, that maybe he hasn't healed my memory for a reason. Maybe not healing it is his answer to my prayers. I thank him for this more than ever now and felt the need to share in hopes you will see your situation in the same way.
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Taters continued trip
Author:
Disciple Joshua
ISSUE #5
trial of memory
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Taters continued trip
Comedy
Short Story
Spiritual
Last updated: Mar 10, 2021
Total word count: 7,577
Total reading time: 35 Minutes
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