Bread And Butter

A Story by Sami Khalil

A Jewish widow's story.

Image result for Free shoemakers paintings

Bread And Butter…By Sami Khalil

A Jewish widow’s story.

Poignant memories flashed bright in her mind. Her outward expressions were an intimate display window of things passed. A Jewish widow, imbued with grace and charm, resilience refreshed the pages of life. She could not stifle a giggle sometimes without feigning interest in things. In her mind, nothing can outbid love felt for her late husband who was led to his death by the Nazis, losing the breadwinner status as a shoemaker of finest leather.

Nightly, still struggling, she would cry out loud, her voice carried the distances to his unknown grave. An atheist happened to pass by her house, meager and bleak by his standards, overheard those loud, somber notes. Being so poor, she prayed that God will wrap His mercy around her, to provide her with a basket of bread and butter; a basket of food for she lost all assistance except what she grows in her yard. No one will give her a job either for what she represented and her age, too.

The atheist, being cynical of religious people, he felt richly entertained at their shallowness and lack of savviness. He derived a plan so that to prove her wrong, compelling her to see there was, is no God. She needs to live in reality, he thought to himself. He hastily went to the marketplace, bought a prized basket of variety stuff, like bread, cheeses and fruit and endeavored to break into her house to place it on the dining table then waited outside for her return from the fields.

With great exhilaration, her heart brimmed with gratitude to God for the miracle. As she reveled in joy, she heard a boisterous knock, shattering her peace to the core. Who could it be?

After opening the door, he appeared to her in a stern manner but politely savvy saying: “Ma’am, I overheard your prayers and cries and, being an atheist, I played a trick on you. It was I who purchased the basket, not God! I did place it on your table while you worked in the field. I had hoped faith will not make a yoke of ignorance upon you and others with deep attachments.” She smiled at him, saying profoundly: “Sir, God keeps careful eyes on His servants even widows. Certainly, He is loving and compassionate. As you deny Him or downplay His attributes, he had used you to answer my prayers. Do not thumb your nose at Him lest be mired with the Devil’s snares. God bless you though for your good deed.”

He left astounded at her faith.

© 2019 Sami Khalil

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Reviews

VALORMORE DE PLUME

I like stories you write. Your poetic eye oversees the narrative drive. Resulting imagery invokes resolve, to endure changing circumstances. Urgency lingers neigh.

Posted 5 Years Ago

5 Years Ago

Wow! Beautiful words that invoke the great spirit and compassion of the poet. You bestow support in .. read more

John Alexander McFadyen

I guess those of deep and profound faith can be unshakable, and no harm in it unless they become zealots who will commit attrocities in the name of faith. Enjoyed the parable.

Posted 5 Years Ago

5 Years Ago

Faith should be simple and authentic. God looks at the hearts. Extremists from all walks and faiths .. read more

Mrudula Rani

God works in mysterious ways, only those who believe in God understand those wonders. Your style of writing is beautiful Sami, story flows wonderfully unfolding her faith. You always write with a good objective reason , your stories covey great message. A pleasure to read your writings.