Using Keith’s words.
“Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keith@channing.info before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here – pingbacks don’t often work.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.
The photo.
The Sermon by John W. Howell © 2017
“My children, as we look over the beautiful countryside we must think of how vast the world is and how small we appear in relation to it. Ow.”
“OMG. The pastor was just stung by a bee.”
“Impossible. He is our leader and cannot be taken down by a humble bee. He is impervious to such mundane nuisances.”
“Can someone help me? I have been stung by a bee.”
“So much for the impervious leader.”
“I can’t believe it. Just last night he was walking on hot coals.”
“I knew it was a trick.”
“It was no trick. I supervised the building of the coals myself. I looked at his feet, and he had no burns.”
“So why is he in so much pain over a little bee sting.”
“I don’t know. Did you see him the day before lying on a bed of nails.”
“Yes, and I thought that was a trick as well.”
“You can’t be serious. Did you not see the marks on his skin with your own eyes?”
“Yes I saw them. So what is up with the bee?”
“I can’t imagine. I think I must approach him and ask.”
“Good luck with that.”
“My leader. How may I help you?”
“This bee caught me in a venerable place, and I need help.”
“But my leader you are a man of courage and faith. I watched as you tested your faith on coals and nails. Can’t your faith carry you through this bee sting?”
“My son. We all have points of vulnerability. It is the Creator’s way to keep us from getting too arrogant thus believing we can live without faith.”
“Oh, I see. So the bee found your point of vulnerability.”
“Do you remember the classics, my son? The story of Achilles?”
“Oh, yes my leader. He was strong and brave, but his heel was his point of vulnerability.”
“That’s correct. We refer to someone’s vulnerability as “An Achilles heel.”
“So the bee caught you in your Achilles heel.”
“I would say Achilles’ bum is more accurate. Help me to the infirmary. I need someone to take out the stinger.”
“The only person there is nurse Pradeep.”
“Yes. I know my son. Hurry.”
Fiction Favorites 
How the mighty have fallen. Well done, John.
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Thank you, Dan. 😀
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Yikes! Poor nurse Pradeep. Good one John!
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I know right?
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Nice take, John. The expression on the man’s face adds weight to your tale.
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Thank you, Keith.
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Bees are out for revenge. Wear extra layers.
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True. Should never has had that honey on toast.
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Gets you every time. At least it wasn’t a wasp. Those are violent jerks.
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A wasp stings many times.
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Yup. Those jerks never lose their stinger.
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Ha! Happy Halloween hugs, John!
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Thanks, Teagan. Happy Halloween to you.
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Life has a way of humbling even the greatest among us, doesn’t it? We’ve got wasps nesting around our house and they are scary creatures.
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Oh. You must get rid of them. I use a spray that gets em at 30 feet. Good luck.
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And here I was expecting a deer tick.
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Ha ha ha. Good one. Craig.
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And here I was thinking that goat-thing on the wall took a nip out of his backside! Great story, John — Happy Halloween!
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Thanks, Debbie.
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Excellent interpretation, good sir! Bees, wasps… I dislike them all!
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Me too. Thanks, John
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Lol! The directions you take with these is unique – every time. Entertaining!
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Thanks, Jan
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Well and truly stung! 😀
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Yes.It is true.
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What a delightful Halloween treat from you!
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Thank you, Jo
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This is good, John. The Achilles bum. Love it!
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Thank you, Jennie
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You’re welcome, John.
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The lesser known Achilles body part.
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Teri.
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Wonderful fable John! With a great lesson in Humility.
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Thank you, Deborah. it is a fable after all. (well except for Nurse Pradeep)
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LOL! True dat! 🙂
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😀
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“All those for pushing the goat off the cliff, raise your hands. Okay, now all those for pushing the guy over the cliff, look somber and hold your phones in either your right or left hands.
“Looks like the guy’s gotta go. Move forward on my command.”
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Delicious, Andrew and laugh out loud funny. Thanks.
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[…] The Sermon by John W. Howell © 2017 […]
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