The Giant

There once was a Giant. He stood tall and proud clothed in armour, ready for battle. In his right hand a sword and his left a shield. His head and breast were covered to protect from any attack. His eyes looked at his enemies with no fear. He knew his Commandar's order's and carried them out, no questions asked. To light his way his Commandar lit a lampstand and placed it in the ground next to him. 'As long as the flame shines bright, your fight will be affective.' This was the most important instruction. So day and night he defended against the enemies that attacked and always found time to tend to the lamp. He didn't waiver or move, but kept on fighting. His eyes always searching for any sign of his Commandar. 

As time grew on the Giant grew weary. His enemies grew more and more numerous and their attacks more devisive and harsh. The Giant began to forget his training and would lash out haphazarly hoping to hit a target. All the while the lampstand grew dim until one day, the Giant laid down, weary from battle. 'I must rest. I can not go on. My Commandar will understand. He has left me too long, he must have forgotten me.' The Giant fell asleep under his lampstand.

Time passed. The Giant slept. The lampstand faded until all that was left was a flickering flame, defying the wind that blew around it. The enemies of the Giant and his Commandar began to chip away at the armour trying to find weak spots where they could wound the Giant further, and they wounded him greatly. Yet, the Giant slept, seeminly unaware of the attacks. 

Finally, the Giant awoke. His body weakened and wounded his armour in tatters his sword rusted and his shield cracked. In the distance he heard the sounds of his Commandars return. He looked to the lampstand, a small ember remained. The enemies were now numerous and growing. They showed no mercy nor would they relent. Their attacks grew more and more vicious now that the Giant was awake. The Giant remembered his final instruction, 'As long as the flame shines bright, your fight will be affective' 

A messenger appeared in front of him out of the chaos. 'A message from my Lord.' The Giant read it, it was not plesant. His heart lept at the thought of seeing his Commandar, but just as quickly it sank because he had utterly abandoned his mission. The messengar waited for the Giant's reply. Should he go when his Commandar calls? Should he send word for the Commandar to tarry as he makes another stand? What would the Commandar do? Was he that kind of soldier? He looked to the lampstand, it still burned, even if it was dwindling, there was still time. Was there still time? 

What should the sleepy Giant do? Oh church, what should the sleeping Giant do?

We don't have to accept that this is the end, God can and will bring about a change. We just need to clear out the temple with a whip!

Don't be Silent!

Leigha C.