Post by The Saint on Jul 13, 2006 9:47:13 GMT -5
It's rough being the youngest son.
You know the story, you've got alot of work to do to live up to your parents expectations, brothers and sisters with all the success in the world and here you stand, looking up at them with big, wondering, childish eyes that can't help but fear what the future will bring for you. You don't want to be like them and you do at the same time, it's immensely confusing for your small mind to handle, but somehow you put on this facade that all is fine as you run around gleefully, playing with others of the same age group as you.
Of course, in a land of war it's pretty damn difficult to handle being a child nowadays...for no matter how young you are, there's always the chance that you'll be made into something you're not supposed to be just yet: a warrior.
My job was simple around here, I was to tend to my father's sheep and make regular trips to the Bethlehem market, where I would get things such as fish and grain--essential things for our survival as a family. It wasn't easy, of course...I often ran into street thugs whom tried to mug me.
They never did take my money though--after all, I could trust in God to deliver me from danger and keep my years safe from those who would do me harm.
Many don't consider me all that much of a threat, truthfully...and I do not blame them. My small stature, arms and legs which bear an uncanny likeness to twigs, and the look that I may fall at a strong gust of wind lead them to these conclusions. I simply continue to try and prove my worth on this land, however, and ignore their claims of my weakness.
There are few who know my story, and it truly is a shame. If they were to know what I've done then perhaps they wouldn't be so rash in their judgements upon me...but then again, their understanding isn't truly of significance in my life. Their words don't hinder my faith in the Lord, I'll always trust in him to make me strong when the time is needed.
Did you know that I have, in fact, slaughtered a lion?
It was a day long ago, when I was tending to the sheep. A lion had came to our humble land and sought to bring with him a lamb to his home, and when the young lamb's cry was heard by my ears, I came running to protect it's safety. The lion came at me with a vicious intent, but I struck it down with my trusted sling.
Did you also know that I have toppled a bear?
It was carrying away a lamb, much as the lion had intended to. I made sure that it would not get far, and my sling brought it down with a mighty crash. To tell you the truth, there are many wild animals who wish to partake of my father's sheep...and to this day not one has succeeded.
My time with these sheep has made me strong and fearless, as has my faith in God. These are the times in which fear can bring upon your downfall, so I am glad to say that I am in fear of nothing.
However, despite my fearless nature and strong faith in the God which my land worships...I am still not allowed by my father to travel to the ring.
The ring is a land just at the outskirts of Bethlehem, a square-shaped battleground in which the greatest of warriors face off in a war against our land and theirs. To this day, a war has been fought between our men and the Philistines without victor. I do not understand why our men fear the Philistines...for if they simply looked to our Lord then perhaps they would find the strength to defeat them.
Above the ring on this day the sun shines brightly, bearing down on all the lands it watches over. Shielding my eyes I stare off into the distance, before letting out a small sigh and carrying the basket in my hands onward to the marketplace. Today I am to purchase food for my brothers in the war, whilst my sisters watch over my father's sheep.
I just hope they hold the faith in which I do, and are strong if an animal is to try and attack the sheep once again. After all, one of the greatest things to hold strong in a battle against incomparible odds...is your faith
Approaching the marketplace I catch several sideways glances by men in shadows, their watchful eyes scanning my person for any sign of wealth. On this day, however, I knew they would not attempt to steal from me. The king had brought in more guards to our land, the marketplace included, due to the report of Philistine warriors sneaking into the city.
Sand kicks up from my footsteps, floating softly through the air with the aid of a gentle breeze, which strikes me like a feather-blade rapier. My eyes drift towards the fish stand, where an elderly looking man sits, swiping his hand annoyedly towards flies which try to gather at his catch-of-the-day.
"Excuse me, dear sir! I would like some of your fish, if at all possible..."
"Gonna cost ye', kid...can't be given' these away fer' free."
I pulled forth my money and counted it, making sure that the neccesary ammount was in my palm. Taking the money, I placed it before the man and smiled, pointing towards two of the fish on his stand. He took them down and placed them in my basket, nodding his head towards me as I began to continue down to the next shop, only to hear his words.
"By the way kid, shouldn't you be over at the ring right now? Last I heard, the war wasn't quite over..."
I lowered my head and sighed, my shoulders slumping in a dissapointed fashion as I glanced towards the old man, a look of disdain apparent on my face.
"My father will not allow me to participate in the war yet, he needs me at the farm. I don't mind, really...I love the work."
The man nodded his head and scratched at his chin, which in my eyes had to be an effort due to the moss-like strands of facial hair which covered it and blocked his fingers from their destination.
"Perhaps it's for the best...the Philistines are practically trampling our troops with their greatest weapon."
"Which is?"
"Fear. The giant Mack, who proclaims himself a God among men, stands tall before our army and none of our warriors dare stand against his might."
I could not help but blink my eyes in confusion...surely this man was speaking in jest. The entire army of Bethlehem, being made a mockery of by one man? I held my basket close and frowned, lowering my head to stare down at my purchase of fish. Flies were circling over the fish, landing and flying once more in a seemingly ceremonial dance to their supposed feast.
"You must be joking, yes?"
"'fraid not kid. We're talking a guy that stands over 9 feet tall, probably eats whole lions for breakfast and is fearless enough to lay down the challenge, that if one man from our land is able to end his life...the Philistines will become our servants."
"And where has the faith of our men gone to during these times of crisis?"
The old man cackled and gave me a wry smile, shaking his head as he let out a sigh and laid his elbow to rest atop his counter.
"Kid...fear can drench faith much like the rain can a fire. Who would honestly stand a chance against such a beast, anyway? It's just not possible for a man of Bethlehem to possibly topple him."
"With faith in the Lord, does it not say that all things are possible?"
"What can I say, kid? Ya' lose sight of the words of the Lord when you're looking up at death itself."
Taking my basket of fish and ignoring the rest of the merchandise I was to purchase, I quickly turned to make my way towards the ring. The old man was quick to notice the direction in which I was traveling, and was also quick to yell out in shock towards me.
"You can't be serious, you honestly think that a small man such as yourself stands a chance against such a giant as Mental Mack?!"
I slowed my pace to a stop and sighed, turning slowly to the old man with a determined glare in my eye.
"Unlike the warriors of this land, I hold high my faith in our Lord, and believe that he will deliver me to safety in my battle with the giant. I have toppled bears and slain lions, a mere giant is not as large as the Lord, who shall guide my sling to the way of salvation for our lands. Now, you can stand there and shout at me, but you shall only slow me down. I thank you for the fish, old man, but I would also thank you to not try to change my decision."
"But kid--"
I was quick to interrupt him, no longer interested in that which he had to say.
"My name...is Dominic, and I am a man of God. I shall bring down this false God, this towering giant, and you shall know the truth when I speak”
It took many hours of the day before I was able to reach the land of the ring, but upon arrival I was quick to note the towering figure of a man who stared upon our warriors of Bethlehem with an arrogant look on his face down the hillside, his eyes surveying those who looked up at him.
"Is there no man among you who has the desire to stand up for your country, and fight a living God for your salvation?"
Watching as my fellow countrymen stood shaking, looking as though they were about to be a scurrying roach searching for a rock to hide beneath...I felt a swelling of anger building within my chest. Was there truly no man in all of Bethlehem besides myself who had the faith to stand up to this giant of a man?
I gazed down at my sling, and then towards a nearby brook in which water flowed peacefully, a sharp contrast to the chaos which had raged for so long down below.
Approaching the brook, I crouched low to take five smooth stones, each one no larger then my palm. Placing each stone into my shepard's pouch, I then stood and began my march to the camp.
Along my way to the king's camp, I noticed that many of his warriors were hiding behind walls, rocks, and anything else to make sure they were hidden from the Giant's sight, and not called forth to try and face him. None want to be made to look as cowards before the giant...but what they are doing is even more cowardly then simply rejecting the challenge to face him, and it honestly makes me sick.
"You there, young man! What is it that you are doing within my camp, you are not apart of my army."
My attention was quickly directed to the Giant, who stood at his throne in heavy armor, sword by his side. It was pitiful, really...not even the king himself was willing to take this giant on.
"I will go against this heathen man who defies the armies of the living God."
The warriors scattered amongst the room went silent, their eyes boring holes through me as their expressions read nothing short of utter disbelief. The Giant himself seemed almost as astonished as them, as he quickly cleared his throat and made his reply.
"You are not able to go against this Philistine, for you are a young man, and this giant has been a trained soldier all of his life."
My eyes glared towards our king, as I bowed my head in respect and spoke softly. My words were as serious as I could make them, and I silently prayed to our Lord that the king would understand.
"I keep my father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock I went after it and delivered the lamb from its mouth and killed the lion or bear. The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
The king stared into my eyes, which I tried my best to pour the sincerity and seriousness I'd felt within my very being into. It seemed to have its effect on the king, who finally sighed and began to lift his helmet from his head, his eyes never leaving my own.
"Since there is no other man willing to face the Philistine...I give you my armor, and pray that a miracle may happen in your battle against him."
I shook my head, not accepting the king's offer for his helmet as I slowly turned to stare outward at the grinning giant, my voice coming off strong--the voice of a man whose spirit was stronger then even the king himself.
"I need not your heavy armor, for my body cannot support it. However, though I may not be the strongest of the men in Bethlehem...I have faith in our Lord to bring this giant toppling down. Rest assured, King, when I return from the ring I will be hailed a hero, and the Lord our divine protector once again."
With a nod of my head, I began my trekk down the hillside which led to the square battlefield. If I were with eyes in the back of my head, I would swear that the king was shaking his head in disbelief at the 'foolish bravery' I was showing on this day. However, as I made my way through the fearstruck warriors who stood before the giant, I knew for certain that what I was doing was not foolish...but the best move possible for all of Bethlehem.
Stepping through the warriors and onto the battlefield, a silence filled the land. The giant, Mack, stared down at me in disbelief, before an angry glare set in his eyes and he let out a roar to the sky itself, snarling as he looked upon me.
"Am I a dog, that you come against me with sticks?"
With all of Bethlehem watching, and God himself sending his grace down upon me, I lowered my head and breathed a quick prayer. It was a prayer to ensure his protection over me, just as it always had been, and his protection over my homeland. Taking a stone from my pouch and placing it into my sling, I looked wordlessly up to the giant, who soon grinned as he looked upon me.
"You are but a small boy facing the world...a world which you cannot defeat. Everyone knows it to be true, so do not make the mistake you wish so truly to make right now."
Staring upon Mack, my eyes narrowed angrily as I finished my prayer, never saying a single word to the arrogant giant before me. It was then, that in one fluid motion...I made my move. Drawing back my hand, I quickly slung the stone for the giant's head.
In a matter of seconds, it would all end...and the world would soon see the truth and would not believe
The world may think it cannot be done...but the world is wrong, for I know it can.
Mental Mack may be a wrestling God, and I may be the biggest underdog at this point the E.W.A has ever seen, and it may seem like bad luck for me to face him in my opening match...but that doesn't mean shit in the ring.
I consider this a blessing, actually...it'll be a nice start for my career in the E.W.A
After all, David beat Goliath and became king...why can't I do the same?
Protect your crown, Mack...because this little man carrying stones is gunning for it; and while I may not be the strongest or most fearsome in the N.W.A, I have faith, and one day I will bring that crown home to the people, and make all of my dreams come true at last.
The End
You know the story, you've got alot of work to do to live up to your parents expectations, brothers and sisters with all the success in the world and here you stand, looking up at them with big, wondering, childish eyes that can't help but fear what the future will bring for you. You don't want to be like them and you do at the same time, it's immensely confusing for your small mind to handle, but somehow you put on this facade that all is fine as you run around gleefully, playing with others of the same age group as you.
Of course, in a land of war it's pretty damn difficult to handle being a child nowadays...for no matter how young you are, there's always the chance that you'll be made into something you're not supposed to be just yet: a warrior.
My job was simple around here, I was to tend to my father's sheep and make regular trips to the Bethlehem market, where I would get things such as fish and grain--essential things for our survival as a family. It wasn't easy, of course...I often ran into street thugs whom tried to mug me.
They never did take my money though--after all, I could trust in God to deliver me from danger and keep my years safe from those who would do me harm.
Many don't consider me all that much of a threat, truthfully...and I do not blame them. My small stature, arms and legs which bear an uncanny likeness to twigs, and the look that I may fall at a strong gust of wind lead them to these conclusions. I simply continue to try and prove my worth on this land, however, and ignore their claims of my weakness.
There are few who know my story, and it truly is a shame. If they were to know what I've done then perhaps they wouldn't be so rash in their judgements upon me...but then again, their understanding isn't truly of significance in my life. Their words don't hinder my faith in the Lord, I'll always trust in him to make me strong when the time is needed.
Did you know that I have, in fact, slaughtered a lion?
It was a day long ago, when I was tending to the sheep. A lion had came to our humble land and sought to bring with him a lamb to his home, and when the young lamb's cry was heard by my ears, I came running to protect it's safety. The lion came at me with a vicious intent, but I struck it down with my trusted sling.
Did you also know that I have toppled a bear?
It was carrying away a lamb, much as the lion had intended to. I made sure that it would not get far, and my sling brought it down with a mighty crash. To tell you the truth, there are many wild animals who wish to partake of my father's sheep...and to this day not one has succeeded.
My time with these sheep has made me strong and fearless, as has my faith in God. These are the times in which fear can bring upon your downfall, so I am glad to say that I am in fear of nothing.
However, despite my fearless nature and strong faith in the God which my land worships...I am still not allowed by my father to travel to the ring.
The ring is a land just at the outskirts of Bethlehem, a square-shaped battleground in which the greatest of warriors face off in a war against our land and theirs. To this day, a war has been fought between our men and the Philistines without victor. I do not understand why our men fear the Philistines...for if they simply looked to our Lord then perhaps they would find the strength to defeat them.
Above the ring on this day the sun shines brightly, bearing down on all the lands it watches over. Shielding my eyes I stare off into the distance, before letting out a small sigh and carrying the basket in my hands onward to the marketplace. Today I am to purchase food for my brothers in the war, whilst my sisters watch over my father's sheep.
I just hope they hold the faith in which I do, and are strong if an animal is to try and attack the sheep once again. After all, one of the greatest things to hold strong in a battle against incomparible odds...is your faith
Approaching the marketplace I catch several sideways glances by men in shadows, their watchful eyes scanning my person for any sign of wealth. On this day, however, I knew they would not attempt to steal from me. The king had brought in more guards to our land, the marketplace included, due to the report of Philistine warriors sneaking into the city.
Sand kicks up from my footsteps, floating softly through the air with the aid of a gentle breeze, which strikes me like a feather-blade rapier. My eyes drift towards the fish stand, where an elderly looking man sits, swiping his hand annoyedly towards flies which try to gather at his catch-of-the-day.
"Excuse me, dear sir! I would like some of your fish, if at all possible..."
"Gonna cost ye', kid...can't be given' these away fer' free."
I pulled forth my money and counted it, making sure that the neccesary ammount was in my palm. Taking the money, I placed it before the man and smiled, pointing towards two of the fish on his stand. He took them down and placed them in my basket, nodding his head towards me as I began to continue down to the next shop, only to hear his words.
"By the way kid, shouldn't you be over at the ring right now? Last I heard, the war wasn't quite over..."
I lowered my head and sighed, my shoulders slumping in a dissapointed fashion as I glanced towards the old man, a look of disdain apparent on my face.
"My father will not allow me to participate in the war yet, he needs me at the farm. I don't mind, really...I love the work."
The man nodded his head and scratched at his chin, which in my eyes had to be an effort due to the moss-like strands of facial hair which covered it and blocked his fingers from their destination.
"Perhaps it's for the best...the Philistines are practically trampling our troops with their greatest weapon."
"Which is?"
"Fear. The giant Mack, who proclaims himself a God among men, stands tall before our army and none of our warriors dare stand against his might."
I could not help but blink my eyes in confusion...surely this man was speaking in jest. The entire army of Bethlehem, being made a mockery of by one man? I held my basket close and frowned, lowering my head to stare down at my purchase of fish. Flies were circling over the fish, landing and flying once more in a seemingly ceremonial dance to their supposed feast.
"You must be joking, yes?"
"'fraid not kid. We're talking a guy that stands over 9 feet tall, probably eats whole lions for breakfast and is fearless enough to lay down the challenge, that if one man from our land is able to end his life...the Philistines will become our servants."
"And where has the faith of our men gone to during these times of crisis?"
The old man cackled and gave me a wry smile, shaking his head as he let out a sigh and laid his elbow to rest atop his counter.
"Kid...fear can drench faith much like the rain can a fire. Who would honestly stand a chance against such a beast, anyway? It's just not possible for a man of Bethlehem to possibly topple him."
"With faith in the Lord, does it not say that all things are possible?"
"What can I say, kid? Ya' lose sight of the words of the Lord when you're looking up at death itself."
Taking my basket of fish and ignoring the rest of the merchandise I was to purchase, I quickly turned to make my way towards the ring. The old man was quick to notice the direction in which I was traveling, and was also quick to yell out in shock towards me.
"You can't be serious, you honestly think that a small man such as yourself stands a chance against such a giant as Mental Mack?!"
I slowed my pace to a stop and sighed, turning slowly to the old man with a determined glare in my eye.
"Unlike the warriors of this land, I hold high my faith in our Lord, and believe that he will deliver me to safety in my battle with the giant. I have toppled bears and slain lions, a mere giant is not as large as the Lord, who shall guide my sling to the way of salvation for our lands. Now, you can stand there and shout at me, but you shall only slow me down. I thank you for the fish, old man, but I would also thank you to not try to change my decision."
"But kid--"
I was quick to interrupt him, no longer interested in that which he had to say.
"My name...is Dominic, and I am a man of God. I shall bring down this false God, this towering giant, and you shall know the truth when I speak”
It took many hours of the day before I was able to reach the land of the ring, but upon arrival I was quick to note the towering figure of a man who stared upon our warriors of Bethlehem with an arrogant look on his face down the hillside, his eyes surveying those who looked up at him.
"Is there no man among you who has the desire to stand up for your country, and fight a living God for your salvation?"
Watching as my fellow countrymen stood shaking, looking as though they were about to be a scurrying roach searching for a rock to hide beneath...I felt a swelling of anger building within my chest. Was there truly no man in all of Bethlehem besides myself who had the faith to stand up to this giant of a man?
I gazed down at my sling, and then towards a nearby brook in which water flowed peacefully, a sharp contrast to the chaos which had raged for so long down below.
Approaching the brook, I crouched low to take five smooth stones, each one no larger then my palm. Placing each stone into my shepard's pouch, I then stood and began my march to the camp.
Along my way to the king's camp, I noticed that many of his warriors were hiding behind walls, rocks, and anything else to make sure they were hidden from the Giant's sight, and not called forth to try and face him. None want to be made to look as cowards before the giant...but what they are doing is even more cowardly then simply rejecting the challenge to face him, and it honestly makes me sick.
"You there, young man! What is it that you are doing within my camp, you are not apart of my army."
My attention was quickly directed to the Giant, who stood at his throne in heavy armor, sword by his side. It was pitiful, really...not even the king himself was willing to take this giant on.
"I will go against this heathen man who defies the armies of the living God."
The warriors scattered amongst the room went silent, their eyes boring holes through me as their expressions read nothing short of utter disbelief. The Giant himself seemed almost as astonished as them, as he quickly cleared his throat and made his reply.
"You are not able to go against this Philistine, for you are a young man, and this giant has been a trained soldier all of his life."
My eyes glared towards our king, as I bowed my head in respect and spoke softly. My words were as serious as I could make them, and I silently prayed to our Lord that the king would understand.
"I keep my father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock I went after it and delivered the lamb from its mouth and killed the lion or bear. The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
The king stared into my eyes, which I tried my best to pour the sincerity and seriousness I'd felt within my very being into. It seemed to have its effect on the king, who finally sighed and began to lift his helmet from his head, his eyes never leaving my own.
"Since there is no other man willing to face the Philistine...I give you my armor, and pray that a miracle may happen in your battle against him."
I shook my head, not accepting the king's offer for his helmet as I slowly turned to stare outward at the grinning giant, my voice coming off strong--the voice of a man whose spirit was stronger then even the king himself.
"I need not your heavy armor, for my body cannot support it. However, though I may not be the strongest of the men in Bethlehem...I have faith in our Lord to bring this giant toppling down. Rest assured, King, when I return from the ring I will be hailed a hero, and the Lord our divine protector once again."
With a nod of my head, I began my trekk down the hillside which led to the square battlefield. If I were with eyes in the back of my head, I would swear that the king was shaking his head in disbelief at the 'foolish bravery' I was showing on this day. However, as I made my way through the fearstruck warriors who stood before the giant, I knew for certain that what I was doing was not foolish...but the best move possible for all of Bethlehem.
Stepping through the warriors and onto the battlefield, a silence filled the land. The giant, Mack, stared down at me in disbelief, before an angry glare set in his eyes and he let out a roar to the sky itself, snarling as he looked upon me.
"Am I a dog, that you come against me with sticks?"
With all of Bethlehem watching, and God himself sending his grace down upon me, I lowered my head and breathed a quick prayer. It was a prayer to ensure his protection over me, just as it always had been, and his protection over my homeland. Taking a stone from my pouch and placing it into my sling, I looked wordlessly up to the giant, who soon grinned as he looked upon me.
"You are but a small boy facing the world...a world which you cannot defeat. Everyone knows it to be true, so do not make the mistake you wish so truly to make right now."
Staring upon Mack, my eyes narrowed angrily as I finished my prayer, never saying a single word to the arrogant giant before me. It was then, that in one fluid motion...I made my move. Drawing back my hand, I quickly slung the stone for the giant's head.
In a matter of seconds, it would all end...and the world would soon see the truth and would not believe
The world may think it cannot be done...but the world is wrong, for I know it can.
Mental Mack may be a wrestling God, and I may be the biggest underdog at this point the E.W.A has ever seen, and it may seem like bad luck for me to face him in my opening match...but that doesn't mean shit in the ring.
I consider this a blessing, actually...it'll be a nice start for my career in the E.W.A
After all, David beat Goliath and became king...why can't I do the same?
Protect your crown, Mack...because this little man carrying stones is gunning for it; and while I may not be the strongest or most fearsome in the N.W.A, I have faith, and one day I will bring that crown home to the people, and make all of my dreams come true at last.
The End
