Still Emmanuel in the Silence

    I met a lady at the gym this week. In our conversation she shared she used to follow Jesus, but now practices a religion devoted to African gods and voodoo. She explained her pursuit of these practices began as she felt that God let her down in life. As I was recently looking back at my past creative writings, one of my short fiction stories reminded me of the frustration she’s experienced with God. The story I’ve attached is somewhat lengthy and is written with full honesty of the struggles of feeling like God is silent at times. Fair warning: it does have some "language," but as I shared in my first blogpost that I’m going to be “real” in these writings, right? Real, relatable writing is what make stories come to life. So, this fictitious story is a heavy one, but maybe one you can relate to. The story is about the tough seasons of life when God seems to have turned a deaf ear to human cries. I’ve definitely been in those silent seasons with Jesus and it’s gruesomely frustrating and painful at times. Although the fictitious story does not end in a perfect little bow, it shares real emotions and the real internal struggles of life through a fictitious character living on Skid Row. 

    Throughout this story, know that God has never walked away. In times when I’ve questioned God being present, I found after that trying season, my faith became more raw and real, although it definitely didn’t feel like it during the in-between process. I became honest with God and stopped beating around the bush, like when two people who aren’t well acquainted are extremely proper with each other. I’ve learned these past years that God wants us to be honest with Him. In this honesty, He heals us and works with us through the struggles of life. He isn’t afraid of our tough questions and wonderings. God is good, loving, patient, and He is Emmanuel- God with us. Sharing my personal writings can be daunting, but putting work out there is a writer’s hardest part. So, here it is and hope you enjoy this short story!

Click here to read the short story titled "Silent God."

-Brittany Prada 🌞

"Listen! The Lord's arm is not too weak to save you, nor His hear too deaf to hear you call." 

                                                                                                                               -Isaiah 59:1