Defending the Faith 4: How Will I Know What to Say?

Ah yes, the age old question. "I want to talk to people about my faith, but I don't know what to say! They'll ask me questions that I won't know how to answer. How will I know what to say?" There's a few aspects to touch on regarding this topic.

First off, I want to point out God's response to this. In Exodus 4 when Moses is begging God not to send him back to Egypt to free God's people, one of his many excuses is that he doesn't speak well. God replies that He made Moses' mouth and "I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak" (verse 12). I don't know about you, but that's a pretty amazing thought. God Himself will teach me what to say.

Secondly, Philippians 4:19 teaches that God will give us what we need to do what He asks of us. He knows that we need the words to speak, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Once again, God is telling us that He will take care of it.

Another case where God confirms He will handle this need comes from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." The context to this is Paul explaining that He has asked God to remove some sort of "thorn" from his flesh. The Bible isn't clear whether this was a physical ailment, person causing him trouble, or something else entirely, but regardless, this "thorn" is something burdensome to Paul. Instead of removing it, God says that He will use this weakness to make His power even greater in Paul, ". . . For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 2:10). In our weakness, God reveals His strength. When you are uncomfortable speaking to people about your faith, that's when God will shine through all the more.

My personal favorite passage that directly relates to the worry of what to speak is recorded in three of the gospels. Each place is slightly different and adds even deeper meaning, so I'll share all three here:
Matthew 10:19 "When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour."
So far, we gather that when we are in situations where we have to defend our faith, we don't need to worry about how to do it, because at the time we need it, God will tell us what to say.
Luke 12:11-12 "And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."
Now we know that even when we are being brought before rulers, we still don't have to be concerned about defending ourselves or what to say because the Holy Spirit in us will teach us. We might not know what to say even sixty seconds before we have to speak, but when we open our mouths, He will provide.
Mark 13:11 "And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit."
Finally, we gather that in addition to what we've learned above, it's not even us who are really speaking! It is the Holy Spirit doing the talking for us, and all we have to do is be the messenger and listen for what to say.
  
This is such a comforting thought to me. I really don't have to worry about what to say, because when I need to speak, the Holy Spirit will put the words in my mouth. These verses are what I'm holding to this weekend when I will be speaking with unbelievers.

Does this mean we will always have all the answers? Not at all. However, even when we don't have the right responses for someone, God has still given us what we need. He simply decided that we didn't need that answer at that time.

However, I see another side to this whole topic as well. Someone could interpret these verses to mean that they don't need to do any preparation, because God will just tell them what to say. I don't believe this is what the Bible is teaching at all. If my Dad never prepared a sermon and said "Oh, God will just tell me what to say when I get to the pulpit, I don't need to worry about preparation," . . . I think he would be very embarrassed when he stands up front without a clue of what to say and has to admit that he doesn't have anything because he failed to prepare. That being said, there have been times when he prepares all week but something about his planned sermon doesn't feel right, so he walks to the pulpit unprepared, but God always shows up and gives him the perfect words for that day. God honors his attentiveness and efforts. First Corinthians instructs us: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Do your best to prepare, but don't worry. Make an effort, but rely on God in your hour of need. Study the Bible so you have verses that God can bring to your mind. Remain attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, so you hear His quiet whispers. Do all to the glory of God. Be on the lookout for "God moments" and trust Him to give you the words to speak.

Defending the Faith 3: Where Should I Go?

Maybe this isn't a post best suited to be a "defending the faith" post, however, even before you defend your faith, you need to know where to start.

To share your faith, you don't have to be a missionary to Africa. You don't even have to go with your youth group to Mexico or downtown Los Angeles. You don't need to stand on street corners or in front of Planned Parenthood clinics. Yet . . . the Bible tells Christians to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . ." (Matthew 28:19) So where do we do this if we're not traveling to Africa, Mexico, or L.A?

True, God does call some people to go forth as a missionary to foreign nations and preach the message of the Kingdom of God. But He doesn't ask everyone to travel to share the good news of Jesus Christ. I'm sure you've heard it said that the biggest mission field is the streets of America, and there's never been a truer statement. For example, my family lives in a rural area about an hour away from a town, and my dad is the pastor of the local church. Years ago a church in the local town decided to help support my family as missionaries. We were surprised when they informed us of this. Were we traveling to share the gospel? Were we dwelling among people who speak a different language? No. Yet this church considered us missionaries. God has given us a local mission field, reaching out to our friends and neighbors in this little community.

Any Christian could be supported as a missionary in this sense. You don't have to be a pastor in order to have your own special mission field God has given you. Are you attending school? Shine your light with your fellow students and tell them about your best friend, Jesus. (Yes, students do still have the Constitutional right to talk about Jesus Christ in schools.) Do you work long hours every day? Even if your workplace doesn't permit you to discuss Jesus with coworkers, you can show Him to them in the manner that you handle situations and your work ethic. Are you standing in line at the grocery store? Maybe in that moment, your mission field is the cashier or person standing behind you. Sitting in a restaurant, do you see a girl walk in with a broken arm? Perhaps God is calling you to go pray for her.

Always be on the lookout for "God moments" and people that He puts in your life. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit living in you and watch for opportunities. Get involved in outreach events your church hosts. Volunteer with a local food bank or Samaritan's Purse. This summer a few of my friends and I will be staffing at summer camps for youth and teaching them about Jesus.There are so many places and chances to share your faith with others. Always be on the lookout.

Don't let your life fall into a monotonous pattern; find people God wants you to pray for and bless. There's always someone whose life could be changed by you listening to the Holy Spirit prompting you to start a conversation with and pray for them. Maybe you are one of the people God has asked to go to New Zealand as a missionary, but more often than not, God has called you to be a minister to those around you right now. God has put everyone in your path for a reason. Whether it's a friend, family member, or coworker who you see every day, or whether it's the person in line at Disneyland you might never see again, be watchful for opportunities God places before you and listen for His voice.

Some of Jesus' last words here on earth were instructions to the disciples (and to all followers):
". . . you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) Be a missionary to your family, in your hometown, and in every place God puts you. (As a side note, Christians are not always called to defend their faith, but they are always commanded to share their faith. This verse says to be a witness—to tell people about their faith, but not force conversions.)

So where should you go to share the Kingdom of Heaven with people? Maybe to a foreign land, but also consider your next door neighbor.

P.S. This post is inspired by plans to go into a local event this weekend as part of a team seeking God encounters where we will witness for Christ. Prayers for God to soften people's hearts are much appreciated!

Defending the Faith 2: How Do We Defend Christianity?

Here's a word to add to your Christian vocabulary: Apologetics—The branch of theology that defends and proves the truth of Christian doctrines. Yes, there is an entire study devoted to just defending the Christian faith.

Previously, we discussed why we should learn to defend the Christian faith. I showed how 1 Peter 3:15 instructs us to be ready to give a reason for our beliefs. The next step is understanding how we are called to defend our faith.

Recently I've been learning more regarding this topic. I've heard about many extreme approaches to defending one's beliefs, from yelling and calling people fools to softly and carefully treading so as not to offend and possibly turn someone away. I, personally, would fall somewhere in the middle, but what does the Bible say about this?

The first step is recognizing that the battle Christians are in is a spiritual war. Second Corinthians 10:3-5 makes this point clear. "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." [ESV] A lot is packed into these verses. Some key points I'd like to make for this topic are:

• Spiritual warfare is a very real battle every single Christian is engaged in, whether they realize it or not! The enemy is constantly seeking to devour Christians, and he succeeds far too often. Many people (Christians included) do not understand or choose to believe in the spiritual realm of angels and demons, but they are just as real as the sun shining or you breathing. Christians need to always be on guard against the attacks of the devil.
• In understanding this, it is also crucial for Christians to realize they aren't fighting earthly battles when defending their faith, but they are coming against the powers of darkness in the name of Jesus. Christians possess spiritual weapons designed to "destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God." Christians shouldn't try to make a "scholarly" case for Christianity without allowing God to lead them and give them the words to speak.

The verse we examined in my last post and the following verse also give some insight as to how we should defend Christianity. First Peter 3:15-16 instructs Christians "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." [ESV]

• The first bit we can glean from this is that Christians must honor Christ. One of the best ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others is to be the example so that the unsaved look at you and ask what makes you different from everyone else. Realize that you are serving a holy God, and give Him all the honor He is due.
• Additionally, when Christians are responding to people, they should behave gently and respectfully. This rules out the radical, yelling-at-people approach. Consider how receptive you'd be to an idea if the person attempting to convince you is screaming in your face. Behave in a manner you know is worthy of the King you serve. You are His ambassador.

Another verse with important tie-ins to defending Christianity is 1 Peter 2:15 "For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people." [ESV]

• One of the biggest points non-Christians make that they seem to think undermines any Christian's stand is pointing out that Christians aren't perfect. They often point to the crusades and say that Christians are hypocritical for preaching one thing and living another. And they would be right in some cases. Sometimes, this causes Christians to doubt if they should be teaching and sharing their beliefs. They wonder if they are being hypocritical and if so, then they think they have no place criticizing others. Hypocritical Christians need to examine themselves and make sure that they are living in a God-honoring way that reflects Christ.
• However, no one is perfect, and all Christians will mess up. The world interprets this as a piece of evidence that Christians are just a bunch of hypocrites. The difference is for Christians who recognize their faults, and praise Jesus for saving them from their sin. Something I've noticed that seems to cool the steam of hostile unbelievers when they accuse Christians of being judgmental hypocrites is having the Christian readily admit they themselves are flawed as well. This often catches unbelievers off guard and destroys their accusations of judgment on the part of the Christian. When a Christian says, "Yes, I mess up. Yes, I'm sometimes a hypocrite. Yes, I'm a sinner. And yes, I've been saved and forgiven by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ" suddenly the unbeliever can't call the Christians judgmental. The Christian has knocked down a barrier and worked in the gospel message all in one.
• Coming back to the verse, Christians should do good, simply because God tells them to, but also because it is a wonderful witness. But when they mess up, even that can be used to bring people to Christ.

Here's yet another passage that shows Christians how to act and defend their faith. Colossians 2:6-8 "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." [ESV] Once again, there are multiple points in this passage.

•  The three major pieces of instruction offered first all direct the behavior of Christians. They are to walk in Christ, and be established firmly in the faith. You can't defend your faith if you aren't convinced of it yourself. Know what you believe and why.
• Don't allow anyone of the world to cause you to doubt God. Many intellectuals and scientists have what may seem like good and compelling arguments, but don't allow their empty deceit to fool you. If someone brings up a seeming "contradiction" in your faith, then ask a strong fellow Christian and reestablish your convictions. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek answers, just don't fall prey to the "logic" of the world. 

Notice that in all these verses, the instructions are for responding. First Peter 3 says to be prepared to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. First Peter 2 doesn't even include speaking. Rather, it merely commands you how to behave. Of course, the Bible also instructs Christians to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . ." (Matthew 28:19-20). However, I do find it interesting that all three of these passages are about responding and answering. The definition of defend is to: resist an attack made on (someone or something). That's what I'm discussing in this particular post, not how to go out and preach the gospel. That's a topic for another time. :)

These verses just barely scratch the surface of the Biblical instruction for how to defend the Christian faith. I've found countless others rich with teachings on this topic. I encourage you to see how many others you can find until I share a few more in part two of "How Do We Defend Christianity?"

Have you ever been placed in a position where you've had to defend your beliefs? How did you handle the situation?

 P.S. I changed my blog layout in anticipation of spring! Let me know what you think. :) 

Defending the Faith: Why Learn to Defend Christianity?

Allow me to paint a scenario. Assume you are at school, or work, or chatting with your friends, or just talking to an acquaintance.  Suddenly, your faith is placed in question when a teacher explains that the Big Bang resulted in the world and evolution took it from there, or that aliens brought life to earth. Your coworker adamantly proclaims that science disproves God's existence. A friend asks how you know that Jesus is the Son of God and that the Bible is trustworthy. The acquaintance laughs at the notion that Jesus rose from the dead. How would you respond?
  

So why should we learn to defend our faith? You'll find the answer to that question in a single verse, 1 Peter 3:15, "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

Put quite simply, we need to be able to stand up for and explain our Christian beliefs because the Bible commands us to do so. Similar to being "God's Billboard," we should know what we believe and why so that when asked, we are prepared to give a solid answer. By knowing scripture and studying, not only are we as Christians prepared to give a reason for our faith when put on the spot, but we are preparing our own minds to fend off any falsehood others will claim is fact. Instead of being placed in a situation where your faith is put on trial and you find yourself without an answer, be ready. Prepare now. Don't wait until a suicidal friend gives you five minutes to convince her that her life has true meaning before searching for the answers.

An example I believe demonstrates this well is that of a fireman, policeman, or soldier. They prepare so that when they are deployed, they will know what to do. They pour their time and energy into knowing everything possible about their field of work so that when the time comes, they're ready to put out the fire, handle dangerous situations, and fight the enemy. In order to defend our faith, Christians must learn how to do it, and know what their answers will be when the opportunity arises. Don't be caught unaware. There's abundant evidence for the truth of the Bible in astronomy, geology, biology, physics, archeology, and all aspects of science. If you aren't sure where to find these evidences, ask strong Christians who hold your own beliefs, locate Biblical institutions that interpret the Bible literally and offer clear evidences. Most of all, study your Bible to know truth for yourself—don't simply accept what you are taught, even from pastors and people you trust. Base your own beliefs on doctrines you can Biblically support.

Faith Leads to Understanding

Have you ever watched the children's movie, Polar Express? For years it has been one of my family's favorite fun Christmas films. For awhile, it became an annual tradition to watch it. A theme throughout the movie is belief in Santa, and the characters in the movie couldn't hear his sleigh bells ring until they first believed in him.

A few weeks back, I read in Mark 4 about Jesus explaining His parables to His disciples. It reads, “With many such parables He spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to His own disciples He explained everything.” (ESV)

Today, in Luke 8, following Jesus' parable of the Sower, I read a sort of continuation to this. “And when His disciples asked Him what this parable meant, He said, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that “seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.” ' " (ESV)

I found some very interesting insight into this and I thought you might find it fascinating as well. In the Mark 4 passage, where it refers to “He spoke the word to them,” it is saying that Jesus taught the multitudes in parables. Who are the multitudes in Jesus' day? Unbelievers. Who are the multitudes in today's world? Unbelievers. Who are His disciples to whom Jesus explained His parables? Christians. Non-Christians will not be able to understand the full meaning of God's words as written in the Bible. Only the Christians who take the time to ask God and listen for His answers will be given true knowledge. Faith leads to knowledge and comprehension of the truth that is otherwise unable to be attained. By faith the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in believers and it is of Him that Jesus says, ". . . it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you. . . . When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth . . ." (ESV)

As my family and I were discussing this, we came up with another level to it. What is a name of Jesus? The Word. Just as non-Christians cannot understand the Bible—God's Words—until they believe, neither can they understand the Word, Jesus. When non-Christians have so many questions concerning things in the Bible, and Christians try to explain them, with this knowledge it makes much more sense that the unbelievers cannot understand it and tend to keep pressing the same issues. It is impossible for them to comprehend these things until they first believe.

I keep thinking about the bell in Polar Express. They couldn't hear it ring until they first believed.

Writing Challenge Winners!

A thank you to all who entered in my writing challenge from a few weeks ago! If you entered, give yourself a pat on the back because every single one was extremely well-written! I enjoyed reading every entry and had the hardest time picking a winner! However, Faith's entry was so simply touching that I felt that it received first place! Second place is awarded to Jesseca Dawn for her creativity in her characters. It is so hard not to award all my entrants with first place but, well, that would take much of the fun out of it if I did that. Rebekah Eddy and Emily McConnell tied in third place. Both are extremely creative and unique. I love them all! Thank you for entering!

Give a round of applause for our first place winner, Faith! She did not send it in with a title so I came up with one. So here you have it:

The Storm

by

Faith

A gentle wind brushed my face as I looked out over the valley below.  Like tiny ants, the farmers scurried from their fields to the barns as they worked to store up food for the winter.  I gave a little sigh, rested my chin on my hands and scooted uncomfortably on the hard rock ledge.  I was bored.  Of course, according to them, I was doing an important job.  I was watching for the upcoming storm that was supposed to sweep our valley.  I snorted.  Whatever.

Then a small smile crested my lips.  Why not.  I jumped to my feet and gave a loud shout, waving my arms up high in the air.  Below me, I could see the men looking up at me, then sprinting back to the fields, trying to gather up as much food as possible.  I grinned and sat back down.  It was funny to see them scurry about.

“What do you think you’re doing!?” a voice snapped at me.  I turned around and met my father’s gaze, his eyes burning holes in my forehead.  His chest heaved from the steep climb he had taken to see the storm for himself. 

“Just trying to have some fun,” I dropped my eyes and ran a hand through my hair.

“It’s not fun when people’s lives are at stake.  If the storm comes before we are ready, everything in the fields will be put to waste.”

“All the more reason for them to work harder down there,” I quipped.   

“Not if they collapse in weariness,” he took a deep breath, holding back his full rage.  “Don’t do this again.” 

I watched him make his way back down the hill.  I smirked.  The people below had already slowed their work, weariness beginning to overtake them.  I hesitated.  Why not?  Just one more time before my father made it back down to them.  I leapt to my feet and waved my arms again.  Like before, the people below began to work furiously. 

My father whirled and shook a fist at me.  I ducked back down and bit back a chuckle.  For the next few minutes everything was peaceful.  Then I saw it.  A dark cloud on the horizon.  Then another one.  And another.  Then they melded into one.  It was coming.  Fear pricked at my heart as I shouted at the men below waving my arms.  But they ignored me.  Fear turned into panic.  They didn’t believe me.  I sprinted down the hill. 

“It’s coming!” I shouted. 

The men shook their heads and ignored me. 

“Father!” I grabbed his arm desperately.  “I mean it this time.  It’s really coming!” 

He pushed me away.  “I will not fall for your lies again.  Go to the house.”

I backed away, my body shaking with fright.  They couldn’t see the storm clouds from here.  But I knew it was coming.  Tears rushed to my eyes.  The storm was going to come and destroy the crops left in the field.  And it would be my fault if the stores that were already laid up were not enough for the coming winter.  “I’m so sorry,” I whispered.

Here is Jesseca Dawn's entry. She calls it:

It Cost Everyone

by

Jesseca Dawn

Harry and Jarod, two of the hired cowhands leaned idely against two tall trees at the edge of a small lake. The two-thousand head of cattle were being forced to enter the water by the other numerous cowhands.

“We should be helping.” Jarod stated.

“Ahh, no one even realizes we’re gone! After all, we deserve a break. Riding the trail sure is a lot of work.”

Jarod smirked, “We. . .umm. . .actually realized that when we signed on.”

“Course we did! Now, I’m thinking we need a  little excitement around here.”

“Like what?”

“Like, I’m not sure. But something to add some excitement to this drive!”

“Harry, Jarod, get off your lazy behinds and help us with these cattle!”

Both men looked up as David, the trail boss rode up.

“Alright, boss.” Harry muttered.

As David rode off, he turned to Jarod. “When we’re on guard tonight, what do you say we give everyone a little surprise.”

Jarod looked at him doubtfully, “A surprise?”

“Yeah, a wolf.”

“A what! Harry, you’re crazy! One wolf will have the cattle in a stampede!”

“Calm down, not a real one! You’ll be one.”

“What?”

“Don’t worry. You’ll see what I mean.” Harry mounted his horse and rode off.

“Sure, I always get to do the dirty work,” Jarod muttered as he mounted and pushed his horse into a gallop after the herd.

***

“Wolf, there’s a wolf!” Harry’s cry tore across the open prairie and the other trail hands grabbed their pistols. “Where, where?”

“Over there. I saw a shadow.” Sure enough, another shadow slinked between the trees.

Half a dozen pistols were cocked and aimed at the lone grove of trees. Harry burst out laughing and he slapped his leg. “That is one of the funniest thing I have ever seen!”

The men turned to him, bewildered.

“That there ain’t no wolf! It’s Jarod!”

David turned glaring eyes to Harry, “If I didn’t need every hand I could get I’d fire you both here and now!” he exclaimed as Jarod joined them taking off the gray wool blanket he had draped over his back.

“I don't want any more of these tricks ever again!” He slammed his pistol into the holster and stomped back to the fire, the other men following his lead.

***

The next two nights the cry ‘wolf!’ rang out over the camp, and every time it was greated with a loud laugh from both Harry and Jarod when they realized the men had once again fallen for their trick. The third night, though, it seemed the men had learned their lesson, for when the cry ‘wolf’ was heard, no one came.

“It looks like we’ve worn this trick out.” Harry remarked to Jarod.

Jarod nodded, “Now to think of another. What do you say we--”

“Jarod, look!” Henry interrupted.

Jarod turned as a low growl was heard. Silhouetted against the full moon, five wolves stalked the herd.

Both men cocked their pistols, “Wolf, there’s a wolf!” Jarod yelled.

“Sure, like we’ll fall for that again,” A man yelled back at them before rolling over and trying to get comfortable on the hard ground.

“No, no, there really is one!” Harry yelled as he tried to take aim, but didn’t fire for fear of hitting the cattle.

No one replied except for the groans of men, weary of being woken from their sleep.

By this time, the cattle and horses had caught the scent of the wolves and began to shift around uneasily. At that moment, the lead wolf struck the nearest cow. At the same moment Jarod fired. The attack of the wolf as well as the sound of the gun going off was enough to set off the already spooked cattle. Within moments the horses had run off, their stakes still attached to their halters. The cattle became a thundering stampede, and, without the horses, the men had no way to round them up. Harry and Jarod looked at each other as they realized that their “innocent trick” had cost the whole herd. This would not only affect them, but the many ranchers who had sent their cattle on the drive.

For our tie in third place, here is Rebekah Eddy's entry. I came up with the title for this one:

Bessy

by

Rebekah Eddy

There once lived a young shepherd boy, whose name was Flavian. The youngest boy in a family of five sons, he was given the job to watch their family’s sheep. One day, early in the morning, his father came and shook him awake.

“Son! I need you to come out to our barn right now!”

Flavian obeyed. “What is it father?” He asked anxiously.

“Bessy, our cow, is going to give birth to her baby calf any day now, and I want to you to keep an eye on her while your brothers and I go out to the corn field to work.”

“But who will watch our sheep?” Flavian asked worriedly. He felt a bit protective about them, since they were his special responsibility usually.

“Caleb will. If Bessy begins giving birth, yell ‘Calf is coming!’ and we’ll come straight to your aid.”

By this time, father and son were out in the barn, and soon Flavian was left by himself in Bessy’s stall. The cow looked fine. Flavian began wishing himself back at his usual job.

Then he remembered what his father had said to do if he wanted them to all come running. An impish grin appeared at the corners of his mouth, and he walked outside of the barn and began yelling for all he was worth, “Calf is coming, calf is coming!”

Soon his older four brothers and father were standing around him, worry written on their faces. “How is she? Has she dropped the calf yet?”

Flavian burst into laughter. “I was only kidding!” He said.

His father gave him a stern warning not to do this again, and then the five men went back to their work. An hour passed before the stern warning faded, and Flavian grew bored again. “Calf is coming, calf is coming!” He yelled yet again.

Once more his father and brothers came running, and when they found out that they had been tricked again, Flavian was soundly scolded and sent back to the stall.

With the scolding still ringing in his ears, Flavian went back to the stall only to find Bessy on her side, mooing pitifully and in obvious pain. Wide eyed, Flavian dashed back outside the barn. “Calf is coming, calf is coming!” he yelled once more.

But no one came. They shut their ears to his yelling because they thought he was only joking and they were determined not to be bested by him again. Because of this, the calf was lost and Flavian earned himself a sound thrashing when his father found out.

Let this be a warning to those who lie a lot: sometimes you’ll tell the truth, but then nobody will believe you.

Here is Emily McConnell's entry. She calls it:

The Boy who screamed Birdies

by

Emily McConnell

There lived in a small Germanic town a boy named Gerhard. Now Gerhard was a wild boy, full of nonsense and bad ideas. He was known throughout his small village as the Wild Boy. He played pranks mercilessly and could never stay out of trouble.

One day, young Gerhard was given the job of guarding the cats of the small town. They raised cats in this town for their fur, then come summer they clipped them and made fur hats for the Prussians across the border. Now Gerhard was excited that he was given such an important job, but he quickly found out it was really boring. 

Why am I even doing this? This is so dumb. I want to do something fun. So Gerhard decided he'd make his own fun.

Now these cats that were raised for furs were known for their excellent mousing skills. But they were afraid of birds. So afraid, in fact, that whenever they saw one they fell down in a faint. Gerhard wondered just how fast the towns' women would come running if he called out- "BIRDIES!"

Next thing he knew, he was surrounded by women who were fussing over their little cats, but nothing was there.

"Naughty boy!" they scolded him. "Where are the birdies?"

"Not here," Gerhard laughed heartily. "I made it up!"

The women left in a huff, glad their precious baby-waby kitties were okay.

Gerhard had gotten a big kick out of the first trick, so he did it again. Once more the women came running. Once more Gerhard fell to his knees, laughing his head off.

Towards the later afternoon, the joke had worn off and no one came when he called Birdies. Gerhard got tired of watching the cats fight and chase each other, so he went to sleep. The next instant, he heard screaming. Leaping to his feet, he beheld a million little yellow birdies flying around the cats, pecking at them. The cats all fainted, and the birds turned towards Gerhard.

"Birdies! Birdies! BIRDIES!" Gerhard shrieked.

But no one came. No one believed there were birdies.

Needless to say, by the time Gerhard got home that night, he was covered head to toe in little cuts from the birdies' sharp beaks. The women of the village had been shocked when he returned in such an array, and when they discovered what had happened, they immediately ran out to check on their cats.

"I hope your learned your lesson today, Gerhard," Gerhard's mother clucked her tongue as she washed his face off from the cuts.

Gerhard nodded. "I learned that yellow birdies are evil and I shouldn't lie. Plus, why on earth do we raise cats for fur? I vote we raise lamas."

Super job to all my entrants! Thank you for your participation!

To those of you who entered: Did you enjoy it? Would you like me to do another?

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I hope you all had as much fun reading these as I did!