Challenged Quote by Jessub Flower
““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
The narrative juxtaposes faith, doubt, and violent impulse, highlighting human frailty and moral conflict.
In simple terms: A chaotic scene reveals conflict between belief and desire.
Key Takeaway
Question moral choices.
Themes
faith
violence
desire
conflict
Mood
disturbing
tense
Type
narrative
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family crisis
- religious doubt
- anger management
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
moral ambiguity
human weakness
psychological tension
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the axe symbolize?
- How does faith confront desire?
A Different Perspective
The story’s fragmented style may obscure clarity.
