Sunday 1 December 2013

Excerpt from: Around Smoldering Coals


Finally a shrill young voice was heard. “Get away from that old shack, you silly old Goofus! There’s no rabbit in the city! And if it’s a snake you are yapping at you would be better off leaving it alone!”
As the hours crept on, Lydda prayed fervently, and sampled a dried grape from time to time. She longed to know 
what was going on, but no one came to keep her posted. There must be no news.
Once again the guard helped the thin, tired mother by pulling open the door for her and she crept behind a bush.
 Neither human nor animal was anywhere to be seen. But wait! What was that? Two youth were coming her way.
 They seemed to be walking slowly and holding hands. One was ever so much taller than the other. In the gathering 
dusk Lydda couldn’t distinguish their features, but there was something familiar about their manner of walking. Oh I wish I dared go out into the street and have a closer look! Yes! Yes! It is them! It is Tayletha and our small son Stephanos: our beloved children.

“Oh, thank the Heavenly Father! You are back!” Lydda said seconds later while clasping the two children.
“Imma, shouldn't we go where it is safer? “ Tayletha apprehensively looked around her.
The guard glanced sympathetically at the trio and handed them a candle for their journey back.
As Mother and children disappeared into the dark channel, the round golden orb of light in Lydda’s hand
 illuminated the crinkled map, and a few steps ahead of them, while they hurried down the meandering passageways.
“Tell me of your adventures,” the gray-haired woman, who was so serene in spirit from years of surrendering
 to the threat of persecution, invited. When they reached their own cavern, she seated herself on a hand woven rug.
 “I feared I would never see you again,” her voice trembled when she continued. The pain in her mitera’s eyes 
made Tayletha lower her head.
Tayletha placed the candle on a small, carved out shelf in the dirt wall, then crouched down beside her mitera
. Stephanos was already nestled on her lap, half asleep.
As they chatted, Tayletha looked around at their small, cramped abode, and shuddered. To think I even 
harbored the thought of exchanging this for the vanities of the Roman kingdom! This is where love is! 
This is where my family is! This is where Shekinah dwells! Oh, Father, --the cry came from the bottom of her heart; Thank you for saving me!

Cedric entered beaming. The news had spread by various means that the children had returned.
Deo gratias (Thanks be to God,) you are safe!”
Yes, laus Deo,” praise God, Lydda murmured, pressing Stephanos close to her bosom once more, and 
leaning her head against his hair.

“We were in the main chamber preparing to send a search party looking for you.” Cedric explained.
“But that is so dangerous!”
            Amusement crinkled Cedric’s eyes. “You call that dangerous? You were missing!”

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