Stephen: A Bold Witness for Christ and the First Martyr

 

Stephen: The Bold Witness

The story of Stephen, found in Acts 6–7, is both inspiring and sobering. As one of the first deacons of the early church, Stephen’s life demonstrates servant leadership, a deep understanding of scripture, and an unshakable faith in the face of persecution. Though his life on earth ended in martyrdom, his bold testimony continues to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith and proclaim the gospel boldly.

Stephen’s Role as a Deacon: A Servant of the Church

Stephen’s story begins with his appointment as one of the seven deacons in Acts 6. As the early church grew, the apostles recognized the need for trusted men to manage the distribution of food to widows and other practical needs, freeing the apostles to focus on preaching and prayer. Stephen was chosen because he was “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5).

This role highlights the importance of servant leadership in the body of Christ. Stephen’s willingness to humbly serve others set him apart as a leader who not only met physical needs but also reflected Christ’s love in every aspect of his life. His example reminds us that no task in the church is too small when it is done in service to God.

A Man Full of Wisdom and Power

Though Stephen’s primary role was to serve, he was also known for his powerful preaching and miracles. Acts 6:8 describes him as “full of grace and power,” performing “great wonders and signs among the people.” His boldness in sharing the gospel and defending the faith drew the attention of those opposed to the message of Christ.

Stephen’s deep understanding of scripture became evident during his defense before the Sanhedrin. False witnesses accused him of speaking against Moses and the temple, but Stephen’s response was not one of self-defense. Instead, he delivered a sweeping recounting of Israel’s history, demonstrating how the prophets had pointed to Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises. His knowledge and wisdom confounded his accusers, as they could not refute the Spirit-inspired truth he spoke (Acts 6:10).

Standing Firm in the Face of Persecution

Stephen’s defense in Acts 7 is a masterclass in biblical theology and boldness. He traced God’s redemptive plan from Abraham to Moses, highlighting Israel’s consistent rejection of God’s messengers. His words culminated in a direct challenge to the Sanhedrin, accusing them of betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ (Acts 7:51-53).

Stephen’s bold proclamation angered the religious leaders, and they dragged him out of the city to stone him. Yet, even in the face of death, Stephen’s faith did not waver. As the stones rained down, Stephen looked up and saw a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, a powerful affirmation of his faith (Acts 7:55-56). His final words echoed those of Jesus on the cross: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). In his last moments, Stephen displayed the ultimate Christ-like response to persecution—praying for the forgiveness of his executioners.

Lessons from Stephen’s Life

Stephen’s life, though brief, is a powerful example of faith, courage, and unwavering commitment to Christ. Here are some key lessons we can learn from his story:

1. Boldness in Sharing the Gospel: Stephen’s willingness to speak the truth, even when it led to his death, inspires us to proclaim Christ boldly, regardless of opposition. As Acts 6:10 notes, those who opposed Stephen “could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” His example calls us to rely on the Holy Spirit when sharing the gospel.

2. Servant Leadership: Stephen exemplified humility and service within the church. His faithful work as a deacon, described in Acts 6:3-5, shows the value of serving God’s people with a heart full of faith and the Holy Spirit. His role reminds us that every task in the body of Christ is significant when done for God’s glory.

3. Deep Knowledge of Scripture: Stephen’s defense before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7) underscores the importance of knowing and understanding God’s Word. By connecting the Old Testament to Christ, Stephen presented the gospel with clarity and conviction, teaching us the value of scriptural literacy in defending our faith.

4. Faith in the Face of Persecution: Stephen’s vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56) reassures us of the reward of faithfulness. Even in the face of death, Stephen remained steadfast, a reminder that God’s presence sustains us through life’s hardest moments.

5. Forgiveness as a Reflection of Christ: Stephen’s final prayer—“Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60)—demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel. His words echo Jesus’ plea on the cross (Luke 23:34), showing us the depth of Christ-like love and forgiveness.

Stephen’s Legacy: An Inspiration for All Believers

Stephen’s story, though tragic, is not one of defeat but of victory—victory over fear, opposition, and even death. His testimony planted seeds in the heart of Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, one of the greatest missionaries in history. Acts 8:1 notes that Saul approved of Stephen’s execution, but this event marked the beginning of his journey toward Christ.

Stephen’s faithfulness reminds us that our lives, no matter how short or challenging, can have an eternal impact when lived for God’s glory. As Paul later wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”—a sentiment that surely applied to Stephen’s life as well.

As we reflect on Stephen’s unwavering faith, may we be inspired to serve humbly, proclaim boldly, and stand firm in our own walk with Christ. Like Stephen, we are called to be witnesses, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower us to fulfill God’s purpose, no matter the cost (Acts 1:8).

Joshua: The Young Warrior Who Led God's People to the Promised Land

Joshua: The Young Warrior

In the annals of biblical history, few figures shine as brightly as Joshua, the courageous and faithful leader who guided the Israelites from the wilderness into the Promised Land. Joshua’s journey—from a young servant under Moses to the leader of God’s chosen people—stands as a powerful testament to faith, obedience, and unwavering dedication to God’s purpose. As the next character in the Servant of God series, Joshua embodies qualities that resonate deeply with believers today: trust in God, boldness in the face of adversity, and a commitment to fulfilling divine promises.

Joshua’s Early Life: A Foundation of Faith

Joshua, originally named Hoshea, was born in Egypt during Israel's slavery under Pharaoh. He was of the tribe of Ephraim, one of Joseph’s two sons, and grew up witnessing the hardships of bondage. His name was later changed to Joshua, meaning “The Lord is Salvation,” a reflection of his future role in God’s plan.

Joshua first emerges in Scripture as a trusted aide to Moses. In Exodus 17, during the battle against Amalek, Joshua is chosen by Moses to lead the Israelites into combat. This role as a warrior set the stage for his leadership, showing his bravery, strategic mind, and dependence on God’s guidance. Even as a young man, Joshua demonstrated qualities of loyalty and faith, laying the groundwork for his later success.

A Leader in Training: Joshua’s Time Under Moses

Joshua’s relationship with Moses was pivotal in shaping him as a leader. He served as Moses’ assistant, accompanying him to Mount Sinai and standing guard at the tent of meeting where God spoke to Moses. This close proximity to Moses allowed Joshua to witness firsthand the deep relationship Moses had with God and the weight of leading God’s people.

One of Joshua’s defining moments came during the episode of the twelve spies in Numbers 13. Moses sent twelve men, including Joshua and Caleb, to scout the land of Canaan, which God had promised to the Israelites. While ten spies returned with fearful reports of giants and fortified cities, Joshua and Caleb spoke boldly of God’s power to deliver the land into their hands. Their faith stood in stark contrast to the doubt and rebellion of the others, demonstrating Joshua’s steadfast trust in God’s promises.

This incident revealed Joshua’s courage and faith, but it also highlighted a central theme of his life: the importance of obedience and trust in God, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.

Stepping Into Leadership: The Mantle of Moses

After Moses’ death, the leadership of the Israelites passed to Joshua. This was no small task. The Israelites were a rebellious and often faithless people, prone to grumbling and doubt. But God assured Joshua of His presence and power. In Joshua 1:6-9, God gave Joshua a direct charge:

"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you... Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

These words became the bedrock of Joshua’s leadership. Strengthened by God’s promise, Joshua led with unwavering confidence and an unshakable commitment to God’s Word. His obedience and faithfulness ensured that the Israelites finally entered the Promised Land after forty years of wandering.

The Conquest of Canaan: A Testament to Faith and Strategy

The book of Joshua chronicles the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan under Joshua’s leadership. Each step of the journey was marked by Joshua’s reliance on God’s direction, often in the face of daunting challenges.

One of the most famous episodes is the fall of Jericho. Under God’s instruction, Joshua led the Israelites in a seemingly unorthodox battle strategy: marching around the city for seven days with the Ark of the Covenant, then blowing trumpets and shouting on the seventh day. The walls of Jericho fell, not because of military might, but because of obedience to God’s command. This victory set the tone for the conquest of Canaan, emphasizing that success came not from human strength, but from divine power.

Throughout the campaign, Joshua displayed not only faith but also remarkable strategic acumen. He divided his forces, executed surprise attacks, and formed alliances, demonstrating that faith in God does not negate the need for wisdom and effort. His leadership balanced dependence on God with human initiative, an inspiring example for leaders in every generation.

A Covenant Renewed: Joshua’s Legacy

As Joshua grew older, he turned his attention to ensuring the spiritual faithfulness of the Israelites. In Joshua 24, he called the people together at Shechem to renew their covenant with God. In a powerful speech, he recounted God’s faithfulness and challenged the people to choose whom they would serve:

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

This declaration encapsulated Joshua’s life. He had served God with unwavering loyalty, and now, he charged the people to do the same. His leadership extended beyond military victories; it was rooted in a desire to see God glorified and His people walk in obedience.

Joshua’s influence endured long after his death. Judges 2:7 notes that the people served the Lord throughout Joshua’s lifetime and the lifetimes of the elders who outlived him. His faithfulness left a legacy of faith and obedience that shaped the nation of Israel.

Lessons from Joshua: A Servant of God for Today

Joshua’s life is a treasure trove of lessons for believers today. Here are some key takeaways from his story:

1. Trust in God’s Promises: Joshua’s unwavering faith in God’s promises, even when faced with overwhelming odds, reminds us to trust in God’s Word and His ability to fulfill His plans.

2. Obedience Brings Victory: Whether it was the fall of Jericho or the renewal of the covenant, Joshua’s success was rooted in obedience to God. His life shows that blessings follow when we align our actions with God’s will.

3. Courage in Leadership: Joshua’s courage, especially in stepping into Moses’ shoes, inspires leaders to face challenges with boldness, knowing that God’s presence provides strength.

4. Legacy of Faithfulness: Joshua’s commitment to God left a lasting impact on the people he led. Our lives can similarly inspire others when we live faithfully and point them toward God.

Conclusion

Joshua exemplifies more than just the qualities of a warrior or a conqueror; he represents a devoted servant of God, entrusted with the sacred mission of leading His people to the land He promised. His journey reflects a life built on unwavering faith, boldness in adversity, and a steadfast commitment to the Word of God. Through his actions, Joshua teaches us the value of trusting God’s promises, standing firm in challenges, and inspiring future generations to follow God’s path.

As we consider the legacy of Joshua, we are reminded to approach our own challenges with the same spirit of faith and determination. Let us commit to serving God wholeheartedly in our homes, communities, and beyond, echoing Joshua’s timeless declaration: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). By doing so, we too can honor God’s purpose in our lives and leave an enduring impact for His glory.

Echoes of Faith: The Pony In The Barn| Short Fiction

 

The Pony In The Barn

 The wind howled outside Dale Rose’s modest farmhouse, rattling the old windows and piling snow high against the barn. Inside, the crackling fireplace was the only comfort against the storm. Dale sat at the kitchen table, staring at the stack of overdue bills that seemed to grow as quickly as the snow outside. The weight of providing for his seven-year-old daughter, Charlotte, pressed on him like the relentless storm battering the walls.

“Daddy?” Charlotte’s small voice broke the silence. She stood in the doorway, clutching her worn teddy bear.

“What is it, sweetheart?” Dale asked, trying to soften his weary tone.

“I heard something outside. Like a whimper.” Her big blue eyes, so much like her late mother’s, were wide with concern.

Dale frowned. “It’s probably just the wind. This storm is fierce tonight.”

Charlotte hesitated. “But, Daddy, it sounded like it was coming from the barn. Can we check?”

Dale sighed, glancing at the clock. It was nearly midnight, and the storm showed no signs of letting up. But Charlotte’s pleading look was impossible to ignore.

“All right, let’s go. But bundle up.”

Charlotte scampered to grab her coat, hat, and boots. Dale grabbed a flashlight and a lantern, then led the way through the swirling snow to the barn. The icy wind stung his face as he pulled the barn door open against the weight of the drifts.

Inside, the barn was dim and quiet, save for the faint sound of something breathing heavily. Dale swept the flashlight beam across the hay-strewn floor and froze. Lying in the corner was a small, chestnut-colored pony, its sides heaving with labored breaths. One of its legs was bent at an odd angle, and its coat was caked with snow and ice.

“Oh no,” Charlotte whispered, rushing forward. “Daddy, it’s hurt!”

Dale crouched beside the pony, carefully examining it. “Looks like it got caught in the storm and found shelter here,” he murmured. “That leg doesn’t look good.”

“Can we help it?” Charlotte asked, her voice trembling.

Dale hesitated. Taking care of an injured animal would be expensive, and they were barely scraping by as it was. But as he looked at Charlotte’s hopeful face, he couldn’t bring himself to say no.

“We’ll do what we can,” he said. “But it’s going to take some work, and we’ll need to call the vet in the morning.”

Charlotte nodded eagerly. “I’ll help! I’ll take care of it, Daddy.”

They spent the next hour settling the pony into a warm stall, wrapping it in blankets, and giving it water. Charlotte named the pony “Snowflake” because of its arrival during the storm. By the time they returned to the house, both of them were exhausted but determined.

Over the next few days, Snowflake’s presence brought a new energy to the Rose household. Charlotte spent every spare moment in the barn, feeding and talking to the pony, even reading it stories from her favorite picture books. Dale watched from a distance, his heart both heavy and light. Heavy with worry over the cost of Snowflake’s care, but lightened by the joy and purpose it seemed to bring to his daughter.

One afternoon, as Dale worked on patching a drafty window in the barn, Charlotte sat beside Snowflake, brushing its coat.

“Daddy,” she said suddenly, “do you think Snowflake came here for a reason?”

Dale glanced at her. “What do you mean?”

“Like maybe God sent her to us,” Charlotte said, her small hands moving gently over the pony’s mane. “To help us not feel so lonely.”

Dale paused. Since his wife’s passing two years ago, he’d struggled to believe in much of anything, let alone miracles. But Charlotte’s unwavering faith was hard to ignore.

“Maybe,” he said softly, not wanting to dampen her hope.

That evening, as Dale sat by the fire, Charlotte came to him with a book in hand. “Can we read this together?” she asked.

He smiled, setting aside his work. “Of course.”

The book was a collection of Bible stories, one of Charlotte’s favorites. She opened to the story of the Good Shepherd.

“The shepherd never gives up on his lost sheep,” Charlotte said when they finished. “Just like we didn’t give up on Snowflake.”

Dale nodded, a lump forming in his throat. Her simple faith and optimism were beginning to stir something in him, something he hadn’t felt in a long time.

By the end of the week, Snowflake’s leg was healing, and its strength was returning. The vet had been surprised by the pony’s resilience and even more so by Charlotte’s dedication.

“You’ve got a remarkable little girl,” the vet had said to Dale. “Her love and care have made all the difference.”

One crisp morning, Dale and Charlotte stood in the barn, watching Snowflake take its first tentative steps without the splint.

“She’s getting better!” Charlotte exclaimed, clapping her hands.

Dale smiled. “She sure is. And so are we, I think.”

Charlotte looked up at him, her eyes shining. “Do you think God is happy?”

Dale crouched beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I think so, sweetheart. I think He’s proud of how much love you’ve shown Snowflake. And maybe,” he added, his voice thick with emotion, “He sent her here to remind us that even in the hardest times, there’s always room for hope.”

Charlotte threw her arms around him, and for the first time in years, Dale felt a glimmer of peace. Snowflake’s arrival had been unexpected, but it had brought healing in more ways than one.

The days turned into weeks, and Snowflake continued to mend under Charlotte’s devoted care. The once-limping pony now galloped through the fields with a newfound vitality, its coat gleaming in the sunlight. Dale watched from a distance, his heart swelling with pride at Charlotte’s unwavering determination and love.

One evening, as Dale and Charlotte sat at the kitchen table, a letter arrived in the mail. It was addressed to Charlotte, written in delicate script that neither of them recognized. Curiosity piqued, Charlotte tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter.

“It’s from Mrs. Murphy next door,” Charlotte exclaimed, her eyes widening with surprise. “She says she used to own Snowflake before the storm hit. She thought Snowflake was gone forever.”

Dale took the letter from Charlotte’s hands, scanning its contents. Inside was a  photograph of  Snowflake in a sunlit meadow. 

“Mrs. Murphy is asking if we’d be willing to give Snowflake a forever home,” Charlotte said, her voice tinged with excitement.

Dale looked at his daughter, then back at the letter. The weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders once more. Taking care of Snowflake had been a challenge, but also a blessing. The barn had felt emptier before the pony’s arrival, and now, Dale couldn’t imagine it without her.

“I think that sounds like a wonderful idea,” Dale finally said, smiling at Charlotte. “What do you think?”

Charlotte’s eyes sparkled with joy. “I want Snowflake to stay with us forever, Daddy.”

Dale nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. Perhaps Snowflake had been sent to them for a reason—not just to heal the pony’s broken leg, but to mend their wounded hearts as well. As he looked out the window at the snow-covered fields, Dale felt a warmth spreading through him, a feeling of hope and renewal that he thought he had lost long ago.

And so, Snowflake became a permanent member of the Rose family. Mrs. Murphy visited often, bringing little treats for the pony. The barn became a haven of laughter and love, a sanctuary of healing and companionship.

As the days lengthened and winter gave way to spring, Dale watched Charlotte and Snowflake race through the fields together, their bond unbreakable. And in those moments, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the love of his daughter, Dale knew that miracles were real—and that sometimes, they came in the form of a small, chestnut-colored pony named Snowflake.

Echoes of Faith: The Unexpected Visitor| Short Fiction

 Miles Darby had spent years building a career on skepticism. As a journalist for The Metro Chronicle, he was known for his sharp wit and unflinching commentary. Stories of political scandals and corporate greed were his bread and butter.

Compassion? He’d call it naivety. So, when his editor handed him an assignment to cover a local soup kitchen, Miles thought it was some kind of joke.

“Seriously? A human-interest story?” he scoffed, leaning back in his chair.

“Yes, Miles,” his editor replied, his tone curt. “After that hit piece you wrote about the mayor’s fundraiser, we’ve had enough complaints to last a lifetime. You’re on thin ice. Maybe this assignment will remind you how to connect with people. And let’s face it, your reputation could use some softening.”

Miles gritted his teeth. Being demoted to a fluff piece felt like a slap in the face. A man of his stature—a man with a penthouse apartment and a luxury car—shouldn’t be wasting time in places like soup kitchens. But orders were orders.

Reluctantly, Miles found himself on the steps of the Good Shepherd Soup Kitchen the next morning. The brick building was modest, with a hand-painted sign above the door that read, “Come as you are.” Inside, the hum of conversation and the clatter of dishes filled the air. The aroma of fresh bread and warm soup wafted out as a volunteer held the door open for him.

“Morning! Come in,” said the volunteer, a wiry man in his sixties with a kind smile. “I’m Tom.”

Miles nodded curtly, stepping inside. His eyes scanned the room, notepad in hand, ready to jot down clichés. But the scene before him gave him pause. Tables were crowded with people of all ages—mothers with children, elderly men clutching coffee cups, and teenagers with weary eyes. Volunteers moved through the room with practiced ease, serving meals and offering words of encouragement.

“Can I help you?” asked a woman in an apron. She appeared to be in her forties, with a no-nonsense demeanor and a compassionate gaze.

“Miles Darby, The Metro Chronicle,” he said, flashing his press badge. “I’m here to write about this place.”

“Oh, you’re the reporter. I’m Susan, the director here,” she said, shaking his hand. “Feel free to observe and ask questions. We’ve got nothing to hide.”

Miles nodded, stepping back to blend into the background. He watched as Susan crouched to speak with a young boy clutching a stuffed animal. She handed him a plate of food and ruffled his hair, her warmth palpable even from a distance. Something about the scene stirred an uncomfortable feeling in Miles, but he shook it off.

He approached a volunteer removing paper plates. “Why do you do this?” he asked, pen and paper poised.

The young man shrugged, smiling. “Why not? Helping people feels good. Besides, I used to be on the other side of this table.”

Miles arched an eyebrow. “You were homeless?”

“Yeah. Lost my job, my apartment. Good Shepherd helped me get back on my feet,” the man said, before hurrying off to serve another table.

As the hours passed, Miles moved through the room, collecting snippets of conversations and taking notes. He interviewed a single mother who came here to feed her kids, a retired teacher who volunteered to stay busy, and a teenager trying to turn his life around after a brush with the law. Each story chipped away at Miles’s cynicism, though he refused to admit it.

Then he met David.

David was stacking chairs near the back of the room, his tailored coat—now faded and worn—hinting at a more prosperous past. His movements were calm and deliberate, and his smile genuine as he exchanged kind words with everyone around him. Intrigued, Miles approached.

“Mind if I ask you a few questions?” Miles said, holding up his notepad.

David looked up, wiping his hands on a rag. “Sure. Name’s David.”

“I couldn’t help but notice,” Miles began. “You seem… different from some of the other volunteers.”

David chuckled, gesturing for Miles to follow him as he continued his work. “I wasn’t always here, you know. I used to be a hedge fund manager. Made millions. But a bad investment wiped me out. I lost the house, the car—everything.”

“And now you’re here,” Miles said, trying to mask his incredulity. “How did that happen?”

David’s gaze softened. “When I lost everything, I thought my life was over. I spent months angry and bitter, blaming the world. Then one day, I wandered into this very soup kitchen, desperate for food and even more desperate for hope.” He paused, his voice thick with emotion. “I believe God led me here. And with Him, I realized there was more to life than just making money. Helping others here… it’s given me a purpose I never had, even when I was rich.”

Miles scribbled furiously, though his thoughts were more chaotic than his notes. “Doesn’t it bother you?” he asked finally. “That you lost everything?”

David smiled. “It did, at first. But then I realized something: true wealth isn’t in what you own. It’s in what you give. And here? I’ve discovered riches beyond anything I ever imagined.”

Miles stared at David, his mind racing. The man’s words echoed in his head, challenging the very core of everything he had believed in. He had spent his career tearing down the powerful, exposing their greed and corruption. But here was a man who had lost it all and found something more valuable in return.

As the afternoon turned to evening, Miles found himself immersed in the world of the soup kitchen in a way he never expected. He helped serve meals, washed dishes alongside the volunteers, and even shared a few laughs with some of the regulars. With each passing moment, his hardened shell began to crack, revealing a glimmer of something he hadn’t felt in years—empathy.

As the last of the dinner crowd dispersed and the volunteers began cleaning up, Miles lingered by the entrance, deep in thought. Susan approached him, her apron now stained with food but her eyes bright with kindness.

"Thank you for coming today, Miles. I pray your article draws more attention to Good Shepherd and that you found something here that resonated with you."

Miles hesitated, his usual sharp retort caught in his throat. Instead, he simply nodded. "It will—more than I expected."

Later that night, as he sat at his desk to write, Miles found the words flowing effortlessly. His usual biting prose felt out of place. Instead, he wrote:

"In a small brick building on the corner of Main Street, I discovered something unexpected: a reflection of humanity’s best qualities. At the Good Shepherd Soup Kitchen, people are not defined by their circumstances but by their capacity to give and receive grace. In their faces, I saw hope, resilience, and the power of compassion. And perhaps, for the first time, I began to question my own assumptions about what truly matters."

When he submitted the piece the next morning, his editor read it twice before looking up. “This is good, Miles,” he said, surprised. “Really good.”

Miles nodded, unsure how to respond. As he walked out of the office, he felt lighter somehow, as though the weight of his cynicism had begun to lift. Though unsure if he believed in miracles, something about the soup kitchen—and the people he met there—had undeniably transformed him.

For the first time in years, Miles Darby felt like more than a reporter. He felt like a man rediscovering his own humanity.

Echoes of Faith: Unbroken Bonds| Short Fiction

 

Unbroken Bonds

It had been three months since Eli’s father died. The once energetic 16-year-old now felt like a shadow of himself. Since losing his father, he had withdrawn from life, avoiding friends, skipping meals, and ignoring his mother’s worried glances.

He stared at the basketball that sat in the corner of his room. Its once vibrant orange color now seemed dull and lifeless, much like Eli felt inside. He reached out a hand to pick it up, his fingers brushing against the worn leather. Memories flooded back to him—shooting hoops with his dad after school, the laughter and joy that used to fill their backyard.

Taking a deep breath, Eli stood up from his bed and grabbed the basketball. With a sense of determination he hadn’t felt in months, he headed outside to the backyard court. The sound of the ball bouncing on the pavement echoed in the quiet afternoon air—a sound that used to bring Eli so much happiness.

As he started dribbling and shooting, each movement felt awkward and unfamiliar. But with each miss, he could hear his father’s voice in his head, encouraging him to keep trying. Tears welled up in Eli’s eyes as he realized that even though his father was gone, his presence would always be with him on this court. Yet, it wasn’t the same without him.

His mother appeared at the edge of the yard, her expression gentle but concerned. She walked closer, her voice soft. "Eli, there’s a program at the community center that might be helpful for you. They have therapy dogs and—"

“I’m fine, Mom,” he snapped. But he wasn’t fine, and he knew it.

She reached out a hand to gently touch his arm, a silent gesture of understanding and support. “I know you miss him, Eli,” she said softly. “I do too. It’s okay to not be fine. Think about the therapy dog program. I think it could really help you.”

After several weeks of coaxing, Eli finally agreed to visit the center, though he doubted it would help. He entered the room filled with chatter and wagging tails, feeling out of place. That’s when he saw Winston.

Winston, a golden retriever with warm brown eyes that seemed to see right into his soul, approached Eli and sat down at his feet. His tail wagged softly against the floor. Eli paused before gently petting Winston's head. It was the first touch of warmth he had felt in months, and it brought him a sense of comfort and peace.

From that day forward, Winston became a steady, silent presence in Eli’s life.

One afternoon, Eli was brushing Winston's golden fur when his mother arrived at the center and quietly sat beside him on the bench. She watched for a moment before speaking softly. "He really seems to like you."

Eli shrugged, but a small smile tugged at his lips. "He doesn’t expect anything from me," he replied. "No questions, no pity."

His mother reached over and squeezed his hand. "Neither do I, Eli. I just want you to be okay."

For the first time in months, Eli felt the urge to believe her words. Each visit to the center chipped away at his wall. The dog didn’t ask questions or offer platitudes—he just stayed by Eli’s side, his presence a balm to old wounds.

Eli began volunteering, brushing Winston’s golden fur and helping with other animals. Slowly, the routine gave him a sense of purpose. Yet, no matter how much Winston helped him feel safe, Eli couldn’t shake his anger at God. If God was loving, why had He taken Eli’s father away?

One evening, Eli sat on the porch with Winston, staring at the stars. “Do you think God even listens?” he whispered. Winston nudged his hand, as if to say yes.

The sky was a deep navy, adorned with shimmering stars that seemed to twinkle in response to Eli's inquisitive stare. In the faraway distance, the moon presented itself as a delicate silver crescent, casting a soft radiance over the backyard.

Just when Eli started to feel optimistic again, life presented another challenge. Winston fell ill and became lethargic, refusing to eat. Desperate to help his beloved pet, Eli stayed by his side, gently stroking his fur and struggling to hold back tears.

“Don’t leave me too,” he pleaded.

Tears streamed down Eli's face as he dropped to his knees, his hands clasped in front of him in an expression of desperation. His eyes were red and puffy, his gaze fixed on the trembling form of his sick dog.

For the first time in a long time, he prayed. “God, I don’t know if You hear me. But if You do, please don’t take him away. I can’t lose him too.”

The weight of desperation and raw emotion bore down on Eli's bowed frame as he pleaded with a higher power. The stars above seemed to hold their breath in anticipation, waiting for a response to his heartfelt prayer.

As the days passed, Winston began to recover, his tail wagging weakly at first, then with growing strength. Eli couldn’t explain it, but he felt peace—like someone had been listening all along.

Eli’s bond with Winston had transformed him. He began sharing his story with others at the center, offering hope to kids who felt lost like he once had. Through volunteering, mentoring, and helping care for animals, Eli found purpose again. He even joined a community basketball league, rediscovering his passion for the game. With each practice, his confidence grew, and he felt his father’s presence in every shot he took.

One evening, after winning his first game, Eli sat in the backyard with Winston under the stars.

“We did it, boy,” he said, rubbing Winston’s ears. "Dad would be proud."

Winston wagged his tail as if he understood, and Eli let the tears fall—not from sadness this time, but from gratitude. In the quiet of the backyard, Eli knelt down and hugged Winston tightly, whispering, “Thank you for showing me how to hope again.” As he looked up at the sky, Eli felt the weight he had carried for so long finally lifting, replaced by a quiet faith that he was no longer alone.