Encouragement to Be Faithful

Hampton University
                  Hampton, VA 23668

                        English 101
            Autobiographical Narrative - Encouragement to be Faithful

                  September 15, 2003

                Presented to: Dr. Camille Banks Department of English Hampton University

                  By: DeWarren K. Langley
      Winston Churchill once said, “Life is a test and this world a place of trial.”   At the beginning of 2000, I found myself at an impasse.   At the same time that there was a political battle in our nation over whether the Democrats or Republicans would control the White House, I found myself fighting a spiritual battle within.   A battle to determine whether I would continue to live my life in darkness and despair or give my life to Jesus Christ.   The conflict was rough, with constant confusion, heartache, pain, and frustration. Through many of the situations that I dealt with, it seemed that stress and pain were a constant part of my life, and remained constant by my own choosing.
      Every Sunday, I woke up and prepared to attend church at First Calvary Baptist Church, which was only a block in walking distance from my home.   While every Sunday was nice and sunny, this day started off differently than most Sundays.   I awakened to a dark and cloudy sky with water pouring down like a warm spring shower.
      “I don’t know if you want to walk to church this morning,” I heard my mother say as I got dressed in my bedroom.
      “Yeah, I may not go,” I replied.

      Although my pastor always encouraged members and other people within the community to come as they were, I did not feel comfortable attending church in everyday attire.   Despite my desire to look nice for church, I did not want to ruin my suit.   I looked in the closet to find a much older and conservative outfit for church and made the walk in the pouring rain.   As I made my way to church, I could not help but wonder why of all the days I had been...