God can’t heal your leg?” the boy challenged. “Ben!” The…
““God can’t heal your leg?” the boy challenged. “Ben!” The mother snapped out of her stupor. “Sure God can heal my leg--” started the Reverend. “Then why don’t He?” Silence. Only the sounds of the axe. Chock. Chock. Chock. Desire welled up in the Reverend. Fierce, caressing lust. The woodpile. The feel of his own axe handle. Worn from using it every single day. Using it everyday in front of his own house. Chopping. Chopping wood for his fire-- Suddenly a small pop. The mother had hit the child -- flat hand against right ear. The boy’s head rocked. The boy named Ben glanced at his glowering mother. Then he retreated. Crying. “Reverend, I am so sorry. He doesn’t know any better, and we’ve been meaning to get him to church, but we just -- ” “Ma’am,” said the Reverend. He touched his hat. The woman did not say another word. The Reverend’s leg brace squeaked as it touched Samson’s flank, almost as if it laughed and tattled on the preacher’s desire to move on. Which they did.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A child's challenge to a divine claim reveals tension between faith and doubt, while the Reverend's inner conflict shows how desire can override duty.
In simple terms: Faith, doubt, and hidden desire clash.
Key Takeaway
Examine motives behind actions.
Themes
faith
doubt
desire
morality
Mood
conflicted
tense
Type
faith:1
doubt:1
desire:1
morality:1
parenting:1
god heal:0
saying reverend:0
crying reverend:0
reverend touched:0
When to use this quote
- family
- religious community
- personal struggle
Key Concepts
religious doubt
inner conflict
parental pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives the Reverend's actions?
- How does doubt shape belief?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may romanticize the Reverend's lust, ignoring moral responsibility.