My parents’ neighbor Joe used to beat his live-in partner, Daisy. One day when Joe was drunk and angry, Daisy escaped out a window and ran to my parents’ house for safety. She knocked on the door, panting from her run, her hands shaking.
Mom took her in, then found my dad and told him what was happening. After that, the two women went upstairs to my parents’ bedroom to talk in privacy. But when they got upstairs, they looked out the window and saw Joe walking toward our house, looking grim.
“Oh no,” Daisy said. “I’d better go. I don’t want to bring you trouble.”
“You stay here,” Mom said. “You need to be safe. Bob will take care of Joe.”
Bob was my dad.
I heard Mom tell Dad that Joe was on his way, and I was scared. I was 18 or 19 years old – old enough to know that a drunken man with a history of violence was dangerous. So, I stood in the hallway and nervously watched my dad take up his place at the door to wait for Joe.
My father was a slight man with a gentle manner.
He looked small and ordinary. But he had inner strength. Now, standing there waiting, Dad seemed calm, not nervous, just watchful.
Joe came up the back steps. “Where’s Daisy?” he demanded.
“Daisy has decided to stay here,” Dad said firmly.
I held my breath.
Joe stood glaring at Dad for several long seconds, but Dad said nothing. He neither budged nor blinked. Finally, Joe turned on his heel and walked off. He didn’t come back, and Daisy spent the night in our home. A few months later, Daisy found the courage to leave her abusive partner.
Jesus once told his followers, “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough” (Matthew 13:33).
My parents showed me the meaning of that parable.
As followers of Jesus, the kingdom of God went wherever they went. So, when they moved into the neighborhood, the neighborhood began to transform. Quietly, gradually, and at first invisibly, as they lived their usual lives and related to people day by day, their simple presence changed their environment.
© 2021 Becky Cerling Powers – Use with attribution only (www.beckypowers.com)
You can find more family stories from Becky Cerling Powers in Laura’s Children: the hidden story of a Chinese orphanage and My Roots Go Back to Loving and other stories from “Year of the Family” in the Bookstore
The photograph shows my parents on their 60th wedding anniversary.
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Truce for Sibling Wars: reflections on spiritual warfare
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Aunt Laura's Advice: reflections on spiritual warfare
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Safe Amid Snakes and Semi-Trucks: reflections on spiritual warfare
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Dead Squirrel Forgiveness: reflections on spiritual warfare
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Forgiving Grandmother Eberhardt: reflections on spiritual warfare
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4/12/2022
Rosebud's Political Interrogation: reflections on spiritual warfare
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4/5/2022
New Bride Confusion: reflections on spiritual warfare
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4/4/2022
Toddlers Helping: insights from the Parent Powerline
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3/21/2022
Lament - Complaining as Worship: reflections on spiritual warfare in grief & anger
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A Dream That Changed Me: reflections on spiritual warfare
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3/9/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in March: from the Parent Powerline
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Preventing Parent Burnout: insights from the Parent Powerline
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2/7/2022
Playing Games with Kids: insights from the Parent Powerline
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2/6/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in February: from the Parent Powerline
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2/1/2022
Family Conflict, Family Struggles: reflections on spiritual warfare, beginning
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1/22/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in January: from the Parent Powerline
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1/1/2022
Neighborhood Yeast: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
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12/27/2021
Children of the Heavenly Father: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
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12/21/2021
Christmas Contentment: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
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12/11/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in December: from the Parent Powerline
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12/1/2021
Pied Piper Dad: memorial and parenting reflections from the Parent Powerline
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11/22/2021
Golden Rule Respect: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
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11/12/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in November: from the Parent Powerline
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11/4/2021
Enjoying Money Without Spending it: insights from the Parent Powerline
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10/14/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in October: from the Parent Powerline
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10/1/2021
Yes Means Yes, No Means No: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
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The Tire 'Em Out Principle for Long Trips and Schoolwork: insights from the Parent Powerline
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9/18/2021
Family Treasure Hunts: parenting insights from the parent powerline
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9/12/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in September: from the Parent Powerline
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The Handy Dandy Adaptable Review Game, Cooperation Concentration: Parent Powerline insights
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8/2/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in August: from the Parent Powerline
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7/30/2021
Camping with Kids: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
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7/28/2021
Hymn for a Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
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7/22/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in July: from the Parent Powerline
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In Sickness or in Health: a faith based Father's Day Story from the Story Powerline
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Insights & Reflections for Parents in June: from the Parent Powerline
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The Balances of Parenting: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
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Letting Daughters Grow: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
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Insights & Reflections for Parents in May: from the Parent Powerline
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Reading Lots of Easy Books Produces Fluent Readers: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
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Reflections for Parents in April, Week Two: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
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Helping Kids with Math: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
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Reflections for Parents in April, Week One: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
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Honey Tree: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
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3/23/2021
Watching for the Positives: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
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3/21/2021
Give Your Children Sticky Minds: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
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3/15/2021
The Law of Kindness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
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3/12/2021
Eyes in the Lookout: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
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3/10/2021
Focusing on the good stuff: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Joe Herman
3/5/2021
The Grumble Family: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Anonymous
3/3/2021
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2/28/2021
Henry O. Flipper: a black history month story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
2/24/2021
Preparing to Raise Teens: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/18/2021
Neighbor Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/17/2021
No Matter What, I Love You Every Day: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
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2/14/2021
Mental Maps: a faith based story on love from the Story Powerline
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2/10/2021
Putting Myself in the Love Chapter: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Erik Powers
2/8/2021
Reading to Babies: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/5/2021
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in February 2021
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2/1/2021
Resolving the Past: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
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1/22/2021
God Sets the Lonely in Families: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
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1/21/2021
Keep Trying: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/13/2021
Hooray for Mother Goose! Parenting Insights from the Parent Powerline
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1/5/2021
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in January 2021
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1/2/2021
Working With -- Not Against -- Life Seasons: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/28/2020
Why Play With the Kids? parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/21/2020
Breaking Barriers with Kindness: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2020
Shoe Shine Boy: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Ruben Fierro as told to Maria Luisa Navarro
12/4/2020
Slow Down for Christmas: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2020
Ruth & Boaz, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Maria Luisa Navarro
11/12/2020
Ruth & Boaz, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
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11/9/2020
Enemies No More, Part 2: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/30/2020
Enemies No More, Part 1: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/28/2020
Double Minded Doggie: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2020
The Father's Blessing: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/13/2020
Dad's Green Packard: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/10/2020
Hill of Woman's Fidelity: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
10/1/2020
In Praise of Naps: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/28/2020
Music Enriches the Family: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/10/2020
Pre-School at Home During Covid-19: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/21/2020
Parenting in the Mess: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/16/2020
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020
Temptation: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
7/23/2020
TALK: A Simple Way to Help Kids with School: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/21/2020
Honest Abe Lincoln: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
7/14/2020
The Most Conscientious Hunter I Ever Met: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
6/24/2020
Washing Feet: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers and Lee Merrill Byrd
6/17/2020
No Parking: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2020
Ruby Bridges, part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/3/2020
Ruby Bridges, part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/2/2020
Raising Fluent Readers: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/29/2020
Unwanted Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Eileen as told to Becky Cerling Powers
5/26/2020
Family Funnies: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/22/2020
Joey's Letters: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
5/21/2020
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Paula Kortkamp Combs
5/13/2020
Amaris Luz, Light from Darkness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
4/28/2020
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Becky Cerling Powers
4/15/2020
Naaman, Rich in Money and Presumption: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs and Becky Cerling Powers
4/14/2020
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Paula Kortkamp Combs
4/9/2020
The Hundred Chart: math lesson tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/8/2020
The Beer Would Call Me: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Beatriz Balcort as told to Becky Cerling Powers
4/7/2020
Turned Around: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Brian Bolton with Becky Cerling Powers
4/2/2020
Elijah & the Captain of 50 Men: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
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Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/24/2020
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3/23/2020
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Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/12/2020
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Laura Jane Cerling
3/10/2020
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Jennifer Cummings
3/5/2020
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2/25/2020
Grandma's Apron: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
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2/20/2020
Colors of the Beetle: a retold faith based story from the Story Powerline
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2/13/2020
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Glen Hinshaw
2/5/2020
Afraid to Sleep at Night (Psalm 91): a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
1/22/2020
How the Camel Got His Hump: a retold faith based story
Becky Cerling Powers
1/13/2020
Growing Up With Polio: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/9/2020
All Things Bright and Beautiful: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers, poem by Cecil Frances Alexander
1/7/2020
One Dollar for a Donut: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/1/2020
Star of Wonder
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/26/2019
The Shepherds
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/24/2019
Mary and the Angel
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/18/2019
Zechariah
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/17/2019
Christmas Cookies: a a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2019
First Thanksgiving, Part 2: Beginning in Weakness (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019
First Thanksgiving, Part 3: Gifts & Gratitude (a faith based story from the Story Powerline)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019
First Thanksgiving, Part 1: Enduring the Sea Voyage (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/27/2019
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 3: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2019
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem
11/19/2019
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Nodji (Néaouguen Nodjimbadem) as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/12/2019
Grandma Time: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
11/1/2019
The Love & Diaper (Nappy) Connection
Becky Cerling Powers
10/25/2019
Avon Perfume Surprise: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2019
Saving Butterscotch: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Karen M. Pickett Ward
10/16/2019
The Patient in Room 116: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/8/2019
Belshazzar: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/2/2019
My Mysterious Relative & the Missing Paycheck: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/26/2019
Keeping in Touch with Cousins: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
9/24/2019
How the Ostrich Got His Long Neck: a faith based retold story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
9/9/2019
