Week 6 Storytelling: The Clever Jackal

A long time ago, deep in the jungle, there live a tiger. This tiger was fierce and terrifying, able to kill any man that wandered into his domain. Because of this, all the animals feared him. But one day, the tiger fell upon a man hunting in the jungle and ate him whole, and began to feel ill. The tiger, believing that his end was near had his most trusted servant, the hyena send a message out that all animal were to come pay their respects to the tiger. So many came and said their final goodbyes.

Meanwhile, the jackal was lounging about his den when he suddenly remembered about the tiger and his illness. He realized how late he was going to be, as the tiger was on the other side of the jungle than he. So he devised a plan to escape the tiger's wrath.

A couple hours later, the jackal arrived in the tigers home. The hyena scuffed at him saying, "The jackal finally decides to see the king then? Where were you when we summoned you? Surely, you should be punished for your negligence to the great tiger!" (For the hyena and jackal had always been great enemies)

The jackal replied, "I heard the tiger's summons and went out immediately. However, seeing that the tiger is deathly ill, I saw it futile to come empty handed."

He produced several roots and herbs to give tot he tiger, "Eating these should cure you, my lord. However," he smiled, "You need to lay on the skin of a freshly killed hyena in order for the cure to work."

So the tiger slew the hyena and lay on his skin. Soon enough, he began to feel better. For his deeds the jackal was rewarded by the tiger and became a close friend to him.

...

One day the jackal laid in his den playing his drum, when the tiger came forth and asked him, "Nephew, I was betrayed by the cat. I sent him into a village to bring me fire so we could cook a deer, but he never returned. I swore to eat him because he forced me to eat the deer raw, now he won't leave the confines of the village. The very same village is guard by dogs with nooses they can use to hang me! You are like a dog, perhaps you can parlay with them on my behalf?"

The jackal went with the tiger to see these strange dogs and laughed when he beheld them. He told the tiger, "Uncle, you're too foolish! Those are not nooses for which to hang you. They are the dog's tails! They're just curly. Go forward and get the cat, the dogs won't hang you."

And he went back to his den.

...

Again the jackal was in his den, when the tiger came and said, "I need your help once more, Nephew! I left my cave to hunt this morning, and when I returned, a strange beast made a dreadful noise at me from within. He had hemp tied onto his chin and great big horns."

The jackal told the tiger, "If what you say is true, then the beast that haunts your home is of a kind that I eat quite often. Lead me there!"

So they ventured to the tigers cave and tied their tails together, so if the beast grabbed one they could pull eachother away. Then, a small goat jumped out and yelled, "Hum pakpak!" 

The tiger was so started, that he ran out. As he did, his tail scraped all the fur off the jackal's tail. The jackal let out a howl of pain, which frightened the little goat, who quickly ran out of the cave as well. The jackal returned to the tiger with tears we

lling from the pain. He said, "You owe me now double. For removing the beast from your cave and tearing the hair off my tail! You should give me this cave in compensation."

The tiger agreed, and on that day the jackal acquired the home of the mighty tiger.

Author's Notes: This story is the conglomerate of three different stories. The first is about a tiger falling ill from eating too much and the jackals convincing him to kill the hyena to cure himself. The second is about a cat that goes to a village to get fire but realizes quickly that life among humans is much more comfortable than life in the wild, and his tiger friends try to kill him. The third story is about a goat that escapes a village and takes up residence in a leopard's cave. I decided to put all three together and make the jackal the main focus. The jackal plays some role in all three stories, so I figured it be easy to retell them from his perspective more or less. I also wanted to end it with him winning something for all he did for the tiger.

Bibliography: Folklore of the Santal Parganas by Cecil Henry Bompas (1909)

Images: (Top) A drawing of a tiger, Source: Pixabay

               (Bottom) A side-stripped Jackal, Photo by Brenard Dupont; Source: Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Santal Stories, Part B

The Tigers and the Cat
The Hyena Outwitted
The Brave Jackal
I think I could tell the story of the Jackal from several of the stories in the selected reading. I'd make them all focus on the same Jackal helping his Uncle the tiger out of various situations like the goat in his cave and the dogs with curly tails. The story could also hold elements from the other stories like the Jackal playing the drum and maybe even mentioning when the tiger was sick in the Hyena outwitted. My story would basically be a conglomerate of all those stories with a single Jackal being the main character. I'd probably start it with the story of the tiger being sick, explaining how the Jackal established a relationship with the tiger, then the story about the tiger being afraid of the dogs, and end it with the goat scaring both the tiger and Jackal.

Illustration by John D Batten for "Indian Fairy Tales" edited by Joseph Jacobs, 1892; Source: Wikimedia

Bibliography: Folklore of the Santal Parganas by Cecil Henry Bompas (1909).

Reading Notes: Santal Folklore, Part A

The Jackal and the Crow-

I really like this story, and want to retell it. My retelling might have people as the main characters. That would certainly make it harder to translate it into a human story, but I think I can make it work. Probably, I'd have the Jackal character betray his friend, the crow character. After he realizes how easy it was to do things on his own, he starts to 'screw over' other people as well. Then in the end it all catches up to him. The ending might be changed as well because I love happy endings and characters learning a lesson and not just dying. So I might have the Crow character come back and save his friend in the end and have the Jackal character learn a valuable lesson in friendship and treating others with respect.

The jackal and crow sharing a meal

photo credit goes to Yusuf IJsseldijk; Source: Wikimedia Commons

Bibliography: Folklore of the Santal Parganas by Cecil Henry Bompas (1909).

Week 5 Storytelling: Dan and His Luck

Dan was sitting in his chair, browsing his social media accounts. For a moment he glanced over to the classifieds, but quickly brought his eyes back to his screen. Maybe later, he thought to himself. He knew he needed money to pay several overdo bills, but he was too busy to get a job, in his view. I'll look through them tomorrow. 

Then his phone rang; It was his brother, Sherman, calling. Sherman was the owner of a successful restaurant in town. Dan had previously thought about working there, but hated the idea of working under his little brother. "Hey, Shermanistan! Whadup, brother?" Dan said with a forced enthusiasm.

Sherman's deep elegant voice replied on the other end, "Oh, not much. Just finishing up for the day, thought I'd invite you over for my house party tonight. I haven't seen you in so long, and knowing you, you probably need to get out of the house for a bit!". Sherman was always the brutally honest type.

"I don't know... I'm pretty busy right now," Dan replied, "I'll see if I can make it out there a bit later."

"Brother, come over! I'd like to see you."

"We'll see."

After a somewhat awkward silence, Dan heard Sherman sigh then say, "Alright, Dan. If you need anything, just give me a call. There's always a place here for you. And a job."

"Thanks. bye!" Dan said forcefully as he hang up the phone. He hated when Sherman talked down on him like that. I'm perfectly able to find a job on my own. I don't need his help, Dan thought bitterly. Sherman always seemed like everything went well for him. Dan had the exact opposite of that, and it drove him crazy.

After he cooled down a bit, he felt sorry for the way he snapped at his brother. He decided to make it up he'd go to the party. So he stood up, got dressed, and went on his way.

When he arrived at his brother's house, he saw a small woman cutting the lawn. She was elderly, but strong looking. She stood straight and proper as she moved the mower over the grass. Dan had never seen her before, and didn't know Sherman to be the kind of man to hire someone else to cut his own grass. As he walked by, she smiled and said, "Hello, Daniel."

Dan was thrown off for a moment. He forced a smile and said, "Hello, Ma'am." and continued walking toward the door. Eventually, curiosity got the better of him and he turned and asked, "Do I know you?"

"Oh, no. You know my sister, though. I am Sherman's luck, I watch over him. My sister belongs to you, but she is lazy and youthful. She sleeps under a bridge. The address by the bridge is 134 Proverb lane."

"Proverb lane? That's not too far from here! I'll go wake my luck, and then I'll have everything my brother has! Dan quickly ran to his bike and started peddling, but he got only a few feet before his chain broke and the bike ceased to work. I knew I should've replaced that earlier. I really need to wake my luck up! He thought.

As he walked down the street, he came across a young man staring at a small gold coin. The man looked distraught, so Dan asked him what the matter was. "My father died and only left me this stupid trinket. What am I to do with this!" The man replied.

Dan smiled, "I'll tell you what. I'm going to wake up my luck. When I do, I'll ask for some advise for you!" And he merrily walked on.

Soon after, he met a very beautiful woman sitting on the street curb. She was wearing an elegant dress and had her hair done up. Dan stopped and asked, "What is such a lovely young woman doing sitting on the curb?"

She said holding back tears, "I just got stood up again. I'm never going to find love!"

"I'm going to wake my luck! When I do, I'll ask if there's anyway I can help you." Dan said to reassure her, and started away once more.

In time, Dan was on a busy street when he met a poorly groomed man on the sidewalk. The man asked him, "I'm so hungry, but got no money for food. Anyway you can help me?"

Dan assured him that he would ask for help from his luck for the man.

Finally, Dan found his luck lying under the bridge. She stirred when he nudged her, and asked drowsily, "What is it? I want to sleep more."

Dan asked her, "Miss, I've come to get you to work. Also, I have several questions for you."

He asked her about the people he met on his way, and this was her answer:

"The young man with the coin, tell him that it is worth millions, as it is a relic from a long gone civilization. For the young lady, tell her that she must look for a man that will do something for her when he expects nothing in return and will care for her. For the poor man, tell him to rob the next fool who trusts a stranger. Now, go. I'll be with you."

So the man ran gleefully back to the young man, and told him about the coins value. The man was overcome with joy, and offered to give Dan a portion of this great discover, as he would've thrown it away otherwise. Dan replied, "No thank you, sir. I'm lucky now, and have no need to split money with you."

Dan then went to the young lady and informed her of what luck said. She said, "Well, you did that for me, and you seemed concerned for me. Would you like to meet up sometime?"

Dan declined stating, "Sorry, miss. You seem like a great lady, but I'm lucky now, and will surely meet my true love soon."

After that he went to where he met the poor man, and didn't see him. From an alley way, he heard his voice beckon him. So he went into the alley and found the poor man. Dan said, "My luck said, 'rob the next fool who trusts a stranger.'"

"Good advise," the poor man said as he pulled out a knife, "I think I'll follow it." and he stole what money Dan had left.

Infuriated, Dan went to find his luck, but she was gone. He went back his brother's home and knocked on the door. By now, the party was over and everyone was gone. His luck answered the door. Dan asked her, "Where were you? You told me all the advise for these other folk, but haven't helped me!"

"I was with you when you denied the money, turned down that lovely lady, and decided to walk into the alley. Believe it or not, I have very little to do with what happens to you. I can set you up for success, but your foolishness will get in the way!"

Dan opened his eyes. He found himself in his chair, his phone on the ground beside him. He had a missed call from Sherman. Dan got up and went to his brother's house. The party was going, and Sherman was talking with some of his friends. He turned and saw Dan approaching him. Before he could say anything Dan said, "I'd like to ask for a job."

Sherman blinked in surprise and said, "Well... of course! we can get you started as a dish washer and see where it goes from there! But let's not discuss this now. Here, meet some of my friends. This is David, Sam, Sherry, and Lisa."

Dan's eyes froze on Lisa. She was the girl from his dream. She gave him and shy smile. It was in that moment he realized, luck was with him, but it was up to him to make his dreams come true.

Author's Notes: The original story and mine differ in mostly the setting, the people he meets along the way, and the ending. The original setting was in ancient Persia, but I wanted to modernize this tale a bit. The people in the story originally were a gardener, a king who is secretly a woman, a thorn picker, and a wolf. I removed the thorn picker because his part of the story offers no opportunity for the protagonist to foolishly ignore. The king became Lisa, the beautiful girl, because I wanted to give the character a romantic interest that he would've been with because he likes her, not to become a king. The wolf and gardener became the man with the coin and the poor man, and they served the same function in my story. Except, the poor man didn't kill Dan, unlike the original story. The ending was a bit cheesy, I'll admit, but for good reason.  I understand waking up and it all being a dream is cliche, but Dan's luck is a symbol of himself, thus he is sleeping and only wakes up when he realizes he can't count on luck to make his life better. I hate it when the foolish characters die at the end of stories because I feel like there wasn't any growth, just death.

Bibliography:Persian Tales, translated by D.L.R. Lorimer and E.O. Lorimer and Illustrated by Hilda Roberts (1919).

Image: (Top) Dan starts on his Journey. 'Making Light of a Dark Situation' by Ross2085. Source: Flikr
(Bottom)Dan needs to wake up and make his dreams come true. 'Asleep at the Wheel' by Aaron Jacobs. Source: Flikr

Reading Notes: Persian tales, Part B

The Man Who Went to Wake His Luck-

What a sad tale! Pretty funny though. I can't help, but connect with the foolish poor man because I know if I were in his situation, I'd probably be just as dumb. I really liked reading this one simply because I wanted to know what happened to his luck. I would really like retelling this tale in a big city in modern America, with the foolish man coming to modern equivalents of those people in the story. I would like to change the ending, too. Maybe make it so that they foolish man learns from his mistakes and confronts his luck. Then after that he learns not to rely on luck, but instead make his own way in life.

Luck is sleeping on the job.

Nicolaas Henneman Asleep by William Henry Fox Talbot

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Bibliography: Persian Tales, translated by D.L.R. Lorimer and E.O. Lorimer and illustrated by Hilda Roberts (1919).

Reading Notes: Persian Tales, Part A

The Sad Tale of the Mouse Tail

This story is a classic that I've heard in other forms, but it's nice to know from where it actually originates. I've got a lot of ideas as to where I could take my story were I to retell this one. I think I'd make the mouse into a human character, and I'll probably set it in the modern world. I'd really like the character to start by trying to get something simple like a cup of sugar or milk for his cereal, then it just explode into him running all over. Also I'm going to change the ending, so that someone eventually helps him out of the kindness of his heart. Either that, or have him take so long trying to get all the stuff that time runs out and he can't get what his original item.

The mouse is sad. Source: Pixabay

Bibliography:  Persian Tales, translated by D.L.R. Lorimer and E.O. Lorimer and illustrated by Hilda Roberts (1919).

Comment Wall

Dark Traditions

Creepy Forest to set the mood; Source

Week 4 Story: The Guilt of David and the Sorrow of Bathsheba

The party had finally begun. All of the king's best warriors, were present.  Eleazar, Ishbaal, Shammah, Absalom, and David sat in the seats of honor, elevated above the other tables. Michal, Maachah, Abigail, and David's other wives sat off to the right whispering among themselves. Bathsheba, Sat on the left, holding David's new-born, among the king's daughters.She had asked him to let her sit among the other wives, but he refused claiming they held animosity for her. She knew this claim was valid. Ever since they married, she could hear them talking behind her back. Things like "She married the king so quickly after her husband's death." and "Well he only married her because of the love he had for Uriah. In fact, she should be a concubine if anything." and other insults were all too familiar to her. They weren't wrong, in her mind. She was the daughter of a soldier and the widow of a soldier. She held no right to be the king's wife. The child began to stir in her arms as the king rose with a cup in his hand.


"Friends, brothers! On this day, we celebrate!" he shouted as the audience cheered him on, "For on this day, the Lord has delivered us. He covered these brave men as they fought and repelled the Philistine invaders! Truly the Lord is a mighty lion!"

The audience roared with applause. Bathsheba couldn't help but filled with pride at her husband's ability to command respect. She knew the child in her arms would be a great man too. She looked down at him to comfort his squirming body, and when she looked back up, her eyes met David's. She could see his smile form underneath his thick black beard.

As the crowd cheered, Joab son of Zeruiah shouted "Surely the line of David will rule forever! Hail King David! Hail! Hail!"

The rest of the room began cheering "Hail". The men all rose and saluted their king. The band began to play a triumphant melody as the party began to grow in chaos. The wine was flowing and the laughter could be heard on the outer wall of the City of David. Gareb the Ithrite approached the king in merriment and bowed low. He remarked, "You have been blessed, my king. If only Uriah were alive to see this day, and know his sacrifice was not in vain."

Bathsheba heard this and quickly turned to David. She saw his smile fade, and his eye cast down. He never talked about him. She didn't like to think of it either. She became pregnant with the king's child while her husband was away at war. Uriah died on the front lines shortly after the king found out about the child. She didn't like to think of it, what hand the king might have had in her husband's death. "Yes, I'm sure he..." David started slowly trying to find his words.

"He would be proud." Bathsheba said reassuringly. David turned his head to her. He looked down to the child and his smile returned.

Then he turned again and faced the back of the room. That's when she heard two small cymbals clashing together from the front of the room near the entrance. A small child could be seen entering the room with a man behind him. Bathsheba had never seen him before, but David seemed familiar with him. "I bring a message for the king!" The man called out.

The clatter in the room died down, and an eerie silence fell upon them. The man made his way to the table of honor, and looked up to David. "Will the king hear me out?"

David looked about and replied, "Nathan, the king will always have time for a prophet of the Lord! Give me your message."

Bathsheba sat as Nathan told a story of a man with many sheep and lambs, and another with only one lamb that he loved. She sat rocking her child, and she not once looked up to the men talking. She just looked into her child's face. She remembered the night David sent for her to come to his bed chamber. She would've denied him, but she had been alone for so long and who denies a king? She missed her husband, but her new life was far better than her old. She snapped back to the conversation when she heard David cry out in anger, "Surely, this rich man should be put to death! Bring him here! He will repay the poor man tenfold for what he has done!"

Bathsheba looked to Nathan as he said, "That man stands here before us all. For you are the man!"

David stood did not move or speak, and the crowd stood silent as Nathan continued, "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Why have you hated me? I gave you victory over all your enemies! I gave you the kingdom of Saul and the Wives' of Saul! Everything you do succeeded! But now you have despised my word and done evil in my sight. You stole Uriah's lamb from him." Nathan shouted and pointed at Bathsheba, "And when you couldn't convince him to go home and sleep with her, you had your lackeys send him to his death in battle and stole her for yourself."

Bathsheba could not believe what she heard. She saw Joab lower his head and quietly leave the room. She had hoped it wasn't true, but she knew from Joab's reaction that is was. He was the commander at Uriah's last battle. Suddenly, it made sense. She felt a deep unease in her stomach as the baby began to stir and whine.

Absalom began to raise up to approach Nathan, but David grabbed him and made him sit back down.

Nathan looked at Absalom and back to Daivd, "Now the Lord will strike all these from you. Your kingdom will be taken from you, your wives will be taken from you. All by someone close to you, someone you trust with your life. You betrayed Uriah's trust, and so too shall they betray yours! What you did in the dark, he will do before all Israel!"

Once Nathan finished, the silence was deafening. David stood and walked to Nathan. Bathsheba was certain he was about to end the man's life. But instead, he fell to his face, and cried aloud, "I have sinned against the Lord." and continued to sob in front of the crowd.



"Rise David Ben Yishai. The Lord has taken away your sin. You will not die, but someone must." Nathan said was sadness as he turned to Bathsheba.

Later, after Nathan and the party guests left, the baby began coughing in Bathsheba's arms. She pleaded with God for the child to return to good health for seven days. But on the seventh, his breath stopped. Heart broken, she wondered the halls of the palace at night, sobbing silently. That's when she heard her husband, whom she had not seen all week. He sang a song to God in his room. He sat naked upon the floor as he sang, "Clean my with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness. Let the bones you have crushed rejoice! Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquity."

He looked up and saw her watching him. He bade her to come in and sit with him. They sat in each other's embrace and that night conceived the child who would one day be the king of Israel.

Author's Note: I wanted to tell the story from the eyes of Bathsheba as she isn't really mentioned much in the original story, but it none the less effected her quite a bit. The setting of a grand party makes the rebuking of David by Nathan even more powerful as many people who were there (such as Joab) would've known about Uriah's assassination. I also wanted to emphasis David's humility in the story, as I feel like it wouldn't have been as powerful if it had been a private conversation. I also chose to throw in some of Psalm 51, as it is known to have been written after all this took place, so naturally David would be composing it in that time.

Bibliography: The King James Bible (2 Samuel & Psalms)

Image: Nathan confronts David, painted by Emanuel Granberg; Source: Wikimedia Commons

Readin Notes: Women of the Bible,Part B

The Witch of Endor-
This is a great illustration of what a leader shouldn't do. After Saul had declared witchcraft illegal and killed or sent away all the sorcerers, he then seeks out a witch himself to bring some peace to him. Samuel doesn't offer any peace, though. I would really enjoy writing this story as the witch would've seen it. Perhaps even having her familiar spirit be a demon in disguise, using her to fool and deceive people who come to her, only to be overpowered by the spirit of Samuel who actually appears instead of an illusion. I noticed how in the story she "cried with a loud voice". I don't know if that is to say she was afraid when she saw Samuel (like she isn't use to actual dead people appearing) or if she just realized who Saul was.

Bathsheba-
This story recounts one of the darkest times in King David's life. If I retold this one, it would be set in the court room of David when Nathan rebukes David for what he did. I believe that moment is the emotional culmination of the story and would be the most fun to write. As far as making the story my own, I'd probably add in details like who was in the room and add extra dialogue that the original story doesn't have. I might also dabble with the idea of making it from the point of view of Bathsheba. That could bring more light on what she thought of the whole situation and how she would've reacted to Nathan and David's words.

Bibliography: King James Bible (2 Samuel)

Image: Nathan rebukes David in Court. Painted by Eugéne Siberdt; Source: Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Women of the Bible, Part A

Eve and the Serpent-

I've actually just finished studying this story, and would love to write about it. The only thing is, I'd really like to do it from God's perspective (or Satan's) because it would offer the most impact. But if I were to follow the theme of 'Women of the Bible' I should probably do it from Eve's perspective. I suppose I could try to pull that off. It would be more challenging for me, but maybe could deepen my understanding of the story.

The Slave and the Wife (Hagar and Sarah)-

This would be a fun story to explore from Hagar's perspective. Bearing a child for your master then being sent away because his actual wife got pregnant. That's a lot of emotion and sadness. I would probably start the story near the end of the biblical story and have Hagar recall the events at the well. Or perhaps have her talking to her newly acquired daughter-in-law or even grandchild about the story and promise God made to her.

Bibliography: King James Bible (Genesis)

Image: Abraham sending Hagar and Ishmael away. Created by Gustave Doré (1866); Source: Wikimedia Commons

Feedback Strategies

Preschoolers and Praise-

I'm currently a leader in my church's children's ministry and volunteering at an emergency youth shelter, so this article grabbed my attention. I liked the part that talks about the generic praise vs the process praise. I have been doing this for years without realizing it. I never leave a comment like "That's a good painting!" or anything. I always need to add in things that bring more constructive and allows the child to tie things they've done to the success they've achieved.

Presence, Not Praise-

Being present in a child's life is much more difficult than just giving generic praise. In the modern world we live in, a lot of children don't have people who are present with them. Many come from one parent households in which the parent can't find the time to be with them. Or they are shipped off to a daycare in which they have to share the attention of only a few workers between several other kids. For a child to have someone who can be their friend that's an older role model is a very big deal in this society anymore.

Photo taken by Cynthia Griggs; Source: Wikimedia Commons

Research Topic: Native American Monsters

After some deliberation, and encouragement from Laura, I've decided to choose my research topic as the monsters of Native American folklore. I love the unique beasts those cultures created and warned about, and figure it would be a perfect thing to be getting into come Halloween. So here are some idea's I've got so far.

The sad story of Swift Runner and the Wendigo-
Edmonton Journal
Wikipedia
This is a story I've heard from multiple sources, and is interesting because of the implications due to its real life aspects. There are many sources (of which I'll have to scavenge through to weed out the false ones) that retell the story of Swift Runner, a Cree man who was claimed to be possessed by a Wendigo spirit when he murdered and ate his family. A dark story for certain, but maybe I can throw some kind of twist at the end in which the family defeats the monster or something. That would be a good way to research some more legends around the cannibal spirits and how the natives fought against them.

Hamatsa: The Cannibals Society and the Cannibal
Wikipedia
I also have some previous history of research with the Hamatsa society and the legends surrounding them. The rituals surrounding it are very in depth and shrouded in mystery. As far as how I'd tell the story, it might be written in the view point of a young man being assimilated into the Hamatsa society. That could offer some interesting commentary on the pressures of society on young people to conform. We'll see.

A Hamatsa Shaman in a trance for an initiation Ritual

Photo captured by Edward S. Curtis; Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Long Shadow: Nalusa Falaya
Wikipedia
Choctaw Nation
I did a research project on Nalusa Falaya in the past, so I've already got an idea for what it's about. The difficult part is finding actually stories that aren't complete rubbish. Luckily, I've several friends that are a part of the Choctaw nation, and will hopefully be willing to share some stories they may know. Which brings me to the point that I'll have to be very respectful of these stories because they are deeply ingrained in these cultures.

Week 3 Story: Shimon Remembers

It was another sunny morning on the Sea of Galilee. The breeze gently rippled the water and rustled through Shimon's hair. The gentle rock of the boat, back and forth, nearly sent Shimon into a slumber. For he and his friends, had been fishing throughout the night. He had hoped to have some time to think, to process all the events that had transpired over the last week. So much had changed. First the arrest in the garden, Yehuda betraying them all and turning their master over to the priests. Everything seemed lost when Shimon saw his lord getting nailed to that terrible cross. Then three days of hiding. Waiting for the Jewish leaders to come for him and the other disciples next. Shimon was loath to remember that first night around the fire. When that servant girl wouldn't stop questioning him. I had to deny knowing him... If I hadn't, I'd have been up there on that cross too, Shimon thought to himself. He had long since justified his actions, but still had an inkling of regret deep in his heart.

After those three days, the world seemed to turn around. The women came running up claiming that the lord had risen. Then he was there! Standing before them all. He even had Tau'ma feel the wounds he had suffered at the Roman's hand. Or was it at my hand? Shimon thought in contemplation. He set his head back to let his mind drift away from the troubling thoughts. He closed his eyes and went into a light sleep.

The familiar rocking of the boat sent his mind back to when it all started three years ago.

It was a morning much like the one Shimon was currently enjoying. he and his brother Andreas were casting their nets, as they had every day for the last 18 years. Shimon had once dreamt of being a priest, but he was not considered smart enough to join the elite group. So he was resigned to the life of a fisherman. Though he wasn't very good at it. Neither he nor his brother had caught anything at all, and they had been fishing all night. Shimon stood up and wiped the sweat from his head. Adonai, please teach my brother and me to fish, or else our lives will be meaningless! He prayed in his heart. That's when he saw him. A short man, wearing a common beggar's garb. A large crowd was following behind him. He pointed to Shimon and spoke, "You there! Having trouble? try throwing your nets over the right side of your boat." he said.

"Eh?" Shimon asked surprised by the suddenness of the command. "Lord, we've been fishing all night, and haven't caught a single..."

The man continued to stare expectantly at Shimon. "Fine," Shimon said humoring the man, "Andreas, let's do as he says. After all, he looks like a holy man."

The nets came back up full of fish. So many they caught, that Shimon had to call another boat, the one Yakov and Yochanan the sons of Zebedee were manning, to help pull them up, so they wouldn't capsize. The net nearly burst. Shimon looked to his brother in astonishment, then to the man. He fell to his knees and begged, "go from me, lord! I'm a sinful man, and do not deserve such blessings as the one you have given me this day!"

The strange man gave a big smile and replied, "Come with me! And I'll show you how to fish for people!" then let out a great laugh. Shimon could see in his eyes a sadness though. Like he was carrying a heavy burden.

Suddenly, Yakov nudged Shimon taking him from his dream, "Wake up, brother! A man is shouting for you."

Shimon stood up as he rubbed the sleepiness from his eyes. He was blinded by the bright sun, and could not make out who the figure was standing on the shore about a hundred yards away. "Shimon, have you caught anything?" the stranger called out.

"No, good sir, we haven't anything. We've been fishing all night!"

"Throw your nets over the right side of your boat!" The man commanded.

Natan'el, who was among them, said, "Surely, this man is joking. This lake is void of any fish!"

Shimon turned, "Just humor the man."

Then just as it was before, the net could barely be pulled onto the boat, for it was full of fish. The men all stood amazed by this wondrous event. That's when Yochanan leaned over to Shimon and whispered, "It is him!"

Shimon swiveled on his heel and again stared at the man. Now clearly, he could see his face. The short man now stood tall, as if he had been baring a great burden before and had only now shed the weight. His clothes were white and made of fine linen. Blood stained his side and the cuffs of his sleeves. "Yeshu..." Shimon said under his breath, "Rabbi!" he then shouted as he dove in the water.

Shimon swam all the way to shore, where his friend and teacher had prepared as small fire. They embraced, Yeshu didn't seem to mind Shimon's wet clothes. "I swam as quickly as I could when I saw it was you, Rabbi!" Shimon remarked as the other disciples came and bowed before their master.

The man looked deeply into Shimon's eyes, and shimon felt the sting of pain as he remembered his denial of Yeshu that night. But the master smiled and said "Bring the fish you caught! I'll cook you some breakfast, Peter."

And Shimon realized he no longer saw the sadness that he had seen in Yeshu's eyes before.

Author's Notes: I wanted to tell the two 'fishing with Jesus' stories found in the Bible in a back to back way to emphasis the change that following Christ brought onto Simon Peter. It's one of my favorite moments in all the Gospels when Peter jumps from the boat and swims to Jesus, when before he was afraid and asked him to leave. So I took some liberty in combining the two stories from Luke 5 and John 21. I wanted Simon to be the main character in this one, simply because he seems to undergo the most change between the two. I also decided to use the Hebraic names for all the disciples and Jesus because that's how they knew each other. They wouldn't have called them John, Simon, or James. They would've used the Hebrew names (or Grecian names in Andrew's case). Also, I tried to include other linguistic and cultural appropriate things, such as Simon using Adonai instead of Yahweh when speaking or praying, and calling Jesus Rabbi instead of by Yeshu. Another slight change I made was putting Jesus on the shore during the first encounter. In the biblical story found in Luke, Jesus is actually in the boat with Simon. However, I wanted the second encounter to reflect the first one more closely, so Jesus was on the shore calling both times.
Speaking of Jesus, I gave him a bit more of a friendly demeanor as he is far too often, in my opinion, portrayed as too solemn and gloomy. I wanted to show the loving and friendly side of him as well. I ended it right up before they had breakfast, though, if I had the word capacity, I would've loved to continue the story into the end of John 21.

Bibliography: Bible, New International Version (1978), Luke 5 and John 21.

Images: The top is an image of the disciples first meeting Jesus on the boat. The bottom is the second 'fishing trip' when Jesus cooks the disciples breakfast. Both photos were posted on Flickr by user Waiting for the Word; Source (Top): Flickr, (Bottom): Flickr

Reading Notes: Gospel of Mark, Part B

The Betray of Jesus by Judas-

This is one of the lowest points in Jesus' life, second only to the crucifixion. It's the moment that he's been dreading and praying for. His trusted friend and disciple, Judas, comes to him and betrays him with a kiss. I could only imagine the sorrow. I'd like to retell this story from Judas' perspective as he leaves the last supper and goes to get the mob to arrest Jesus. I'd like to explore his inner turmoil as he tried to justify his actions up until the point when he realizes what he's done. It offers me the chance to think the thoughts he might have had as he betrays his teacher, and gain a better insight to why he did what he did. I would probably continue the story to when Judas has tried to return the money given to him for the arrest and is denied. I'd probably end it right up to the point before he offs himself.

A close up shot of Judas from a stain glass painting in Moulins Cathedral

Credit goes to vassil on Wikimedia Commons

Bibliography: Gospel of Mark KJV

Reading Notes: Gospel of Mark, Part A

Simon Meets Jesus-

I love this story. Across the four gospels, it's one of my favorites. However, the version in Mark is a bit short, so I might choose to retell the story from the Gospel of Luke chapter 5. It's essentially the same story just with more details. I really want to write it from Simon Peter's perspective. He is my favorite disciple, and arguably Jesus' as well. I would also like to parallel this story with the one at the end of the Book of John in chapter 21, when a similar situation occurs, but Peter's reaction to Jesus is in stark contrast with his earlier one. The big question for me is if I'd choose to write it as Peter as the narrator or have it be some third person omniscient narrator.

The paralyzed man and his three loyal friends-

This is the story found in the beginning of Mark 2. It's a quick story of a couple guys climbing unto a building and lowering their friend down to be healed by Jesus. It's a heart warming story of the faith and dedication these friends had for their downfallen brother. Not to mention a great story about the healing powers of Jesus. My retelling of the story would definitely center around the friends trying to convince their paralyzed friend to come meet Jesus, and then the comical way in which they go about getting him to the man. I feel like it has some great opportunity for laughs (as the situation itself is somewhat silly), but also great opportunity for heartfelt moments as well.

The Calling of Saint Peter and Saint Andrew (Left) & The Palsied Man Let Down Through the Roof (Right)

Created by French painter James Tissot; Source: Wikimedia Commons

Bibliography: Gospel of Mark KJV

Feedback Thoughts

Silence the Critical Voices in Your Head

My mother always told me, "You are your own toughest critic."

That is definitely the case in most situations, for me. I tend to criticize myself for small things that no one else either cares about nor notices. Yet I have these "negative voices" as the article put it, bringing me down all the time. Recently, though, I've been applying some of the principles this article talks about in my daily life, to battle this negativity. I will remember the five to one ratio the author discussed and hopefully will get a more balanced view of my work and achievements.

Feedback only works if it's honest

Source: Pixabay

The Psychology of Comparison

I used to compare myself to everyone. I had the whole upward and downward comparison thing the article talked about down to a t. Then I looked at it a different way my sophomore year in College. I started being a "Racehorse" and focused on my forward goals. I stopped worrying about how others were doing, in relation to my performance. Ever since then, I've been living a much less stressful life and a happier one.