God's Legacy

 by Olivia T. (ages 14-17)

Ch. 1

 

       Shh…shh… the whistling wind brought Ezekiel Davis out of his musings.  "You sissy!" Ezekiel swallowed hard.  The peanut butter sandwich felt extra thick in his throat.  Ezekiel's brown eyes searched the sky.  A storm was in the brewing, and with the  Thud… Thud …of shoes Zeke knew that he was about to endure two storms.  Tasting blood he let go of the tongue he had unconsciously bit.

   Yellow eyes met his gaze along with caterpillar eyebrows arched up into a scowl.  "You won't ever amount to nothing!"  Billy Sting the school bully taunted everyone younger than himself. Yet would flee for the mountains to escape the trenches of a stronger or taller boy.  

     "Your dad is a drunk and you won't be any better!" 

Runaway tears laced down Zeke's cheeks. " Almost twelve years old and still crying like a baby!" The raspy voice beat against Zeke's ears again.  

Before Ezekiel could react a blonde headed boy spun the bully around, piercing him with blue eyes.  Zeke watched the scene before him in awe.  Clutching his shirt Jared Prescott demanded in an uncommon voice.   “You leave Zeke and my sister's alone or next time I won't be so nice.  Do I make myself clear?”  

Gulping, Billy nodded. 

Letting his collar go, Jared and Zeke shared a smile. The two new friends chuckled while watching the school bully run away like somebody let his cows out.  After school Zeke ran into Jared.  “Hey Zeke! How about coming over for supper tonight?  Oh! Also we're having fried chicken.” 

Rumbling.  Ezekiel held his empty stomach.  "Alright". 

The new friends hurried off to the livery stable. 

 

 

 

Ch.2

 

       Seated around the table. Jared  introduced the Prescott's to Zeke.  Lily and Lottie the twins blushed at the newcomer.  8 year old Clara smiled showing 2 front teeth missing.  Zeke stared hard at the curly locks slamming against her face.        

" Those locks look more untamable than a mountain lion.".  Zeke thought fascinated.  Staring at the ceiling made Zeke gasp.  This house is a mansion! Ezekiel stared in amazement until he caught sight of Jared's  flushed face.

" Time for prayer." Mr Prescott announced while everyone joined hands.  In a humble voice the man praised God for family friends and the bountiful food finishing with a loud amen.  

      Heart pounding Zeke felt way out of his comfort zone.  Oh no! Zeke pulled the napkin from his shirt collar and adjusted it on his lap following suit of all the Prescott's.

     After the tastiest chicken Zeke had ever placed in his mouth they all went outside to  a fire pit.   All the Prescott's danced around while Mr Prescott played his fiddle.           

       Warming his hands by the fire.  Zeke chuckled when swarms of ranch hands stamped their feet to the fiddle's song.  Tears  without warning rushed  to his cheeks.  Mama?   I wish I could have known you.  Ezekiel whispered as the flames burned his eyes. 

Pity struck Zeke's heart as he watched the Prescott's.   The ideal family. Zeke thought. Why do I have a drunk father?  And a mother that died giving birth to me?  Ashamed Zeke swallowed hard.  I have grandpa. How could I want anymore?   Even though he did love his bible preaching grandfather.  Zeke couldn't help  hoping to leave a better legacy to his children than his father left him.   A tender smile escaped the boy's lips reflecting on his grandpa's words.  "Boy." You are the spitting image of your ma! With those eyes and that black hair.

      A hand grasping Ezekiel's hand leaves him dancing to the fiddler's anthem.   The smile of Mrs. Prescott soothes out all of the hurting thoughts in Zeke's mind.  I shall never forget this night!  Ezekiel thought.   Because for the first time in my life I have felt a mother's hand on my life.

 

 

  

 

Ch. 3

 

        Ezekiel sat by the Prescott family in the little white church building.    "My hero."  Zeke muttered under his breath. The lively preacher paced around the congregation.   Grandpa with tears bubbling up in his eyes. Announced to the people. “Today is my last day in Fresno.  Ezekiel and I are moving to San diego.   Please rest assured we will still visit.” 

Last night grandpa told Zeke the news.  The freckled boy felt all the blood drain from his face.  I love Fresno!  He wanted to argue.  But grandpa's sullen face let him know that the only reason they were leaving was to keep an eye on Zeke's father.   Flipping his bible open.  Grandpa's voice came out crisp.  Proverbs 13:22.   A good man leaveth a good inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

      Grandpa beckoned people goodbye.  While Ezekiel wanted a  whiper will sing a song he couldn't hear.

“ Zeke!” Jared was first to give the lad a hug and farewell.   Clara lingered while the rest of her family bid grandpa goodbye.  Hands clasped she whispered.  “I'm praying for you.”

“Thanks.” Zeke was about to turn back to the window when Clara grasped his hand. Zeke's eyes flew open. 

“Mama tells me to pray for my future husband. Bye!” And she was gone.  What?  Zeke shook his head.

 

 

Ch. 4

 

        A stage coach safely brought Zeke and grandpa to a log cabin in San Diego.  Zeke's father Started to gamble. Grandpa tried to help the scoundrel but Bradley Davis wouldn't give up his " good times". 

Ezekiel knew the hate and pity he held against his father was wrong .   But why can't I have a normal father?   2 months in San Diego Zeke's dad Rushed in frantically.   Joe!  Let me borrow some money! Bradley begged.   Throwing a note in grandpa's face he screamed I only have 21 days to pay this man off.  Rubbing a hand over his bushy beard grandpa replied I have no money.

 

          …………….

18 days later.

 

Stretching Zeke stands up from planting beans. Hearing hooves beating against the ground.  Zeke watched a man jump off of his horse and join Bradley on the porch.

          A ruckus had started between the two men. Grandpa took hold of Zeke's shoulders.  "Son" he said urgently.   Never get mad at God for man's  mistakes.  God won't ever leave you.   Placing his beloved bible in his grandson's hands.   The old man prophecies over Ezekiel.   You are a light for this generation.”

A gunshot blasted through the air.  Zeke's eyes swept to the front porch.  With a gasp Zeke watched his father stumble to the ground.  Grasping his hand.  Grandpa says.  “I want you to have my Bible and live God's legacy.”   

The murderer runs to the garden demanding money.   “I'm broke.” Grandpa announced calmly. Without warning a gunshot goes off again.  Grandpa's body falls to the ground dragging Zeke with him. 

Trembling, Ezekiel hovered over his motionless grandfather.   The killer exclaims. “An eye for an eye.”  

Zeke remembered the close set yellow eyes and a scar above the man's eyebrow.

     Crying Zeke watched the man ride away.  I have no family!   Zeke thought feeling hopeless.  

 

Ch. 5

 

       Zeke mounted up his grandpa's black gelding.          

" Giddy up bishop!" Pressing his legs against the horses flank they rode like the wind.  Questions harbored in Zeke's mind.   Where will I go?   No answers seemed to come back.   Glaring up at the night sky.  Zeke hollered with both fists clenched.   Hey! " Man up in the sky!"

If you want me to believe in you, then you better show yourself to me!   A strike of lightning dashed not fifty yards away from Zeke.  Making his whole body tremble.  Gaining his composure back.  Zeke dared God again. You know that doesn't change my mind about you! 

        Tingles went up and down his spine.  Growling came from all around him while yellow eyes encircled him.  Alright God that's not funny!   Zeke shivered in terror as a wolf jumped toward him.  Zeke could almost see himself being the animal's next meal.   When a miraculous thing happened.  A figure of a man came and killed every wolf with only his bare hands.   The most comforting voice  Zeke had ever heard said. 

"Your pain will become your passion."  

Another strike of lightning and the man was gone. 

Gasping Ezekiel dismounted bishop and fell to his knees.  In a humble voice Zeke whispered while pulling his hat off. “ I'm sorry.”   Tears streamed down his face.  “Lord I was wrong.   You are  real.”   Rubbing his eyes .  Zeke began to ask for forgiveness.  “Lord I can see myself falling into my father's footsteps and I don't like it .  I really do want you to take the reins out of my hands.  Amen.”

 Ezekiel didn't change his position or  lift his eyes up.  The darkest hour is just before dawn.  Zeke murmured while falling into a peaceful sleep.   A wet tongue on Zeke's cheeks woke him up.  Stretching out.  Zeke watched a collie cautiously sniff his carpeted bag and bible.     

The dog seemed to watch his every move.   Walking around the collie Zeke grabbed "his" bible. Opening it up his thumb rested on Matthew 3:1. ( In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea.  " Preaching in the wilderness."  Zeke repeated in awe.

 

 

Ch. 6

 

         Zeke studied everyday to show himself approved.  Ezekiel Paul Davis no longer was the frail little boy.  At 17 the man had broad shoulders and clear eyes. All credit came from living in the wilderness.  The only outing he ever made was to the mercantile for food.  Something stirred in the young man's heart.  I want to be like John the Baptist. Zeke murmured one day to Grover.  The lost collie had found a home with the aspiring preacher.

       Living and sleeping in the wilderness proved to be a dirty lifestyle.   Yet Zeke loved the crickets singing him to sleep.  Reading over Matthew 3. Zeke stopped at verse 2.  ("And  saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.")  I have got to tell others about Jesus!      

          Ezekiel wasted no time.   Packing up his camp Zeke mounted bishop with Grover trailing behind.  Reaching a little cabin after 3 days of wandering.  Mustering up his courage Zeke headed for the front door.  

Ezekiel waited patiently with the bible in hand.  A elderly lady let him in and gave him a cup of coffee.  Zeke had his talk about God yet when he finished his apple pie she showed him out. Shouting and skipping Zeke said.  Let those who have ears let them hear!            

Reaching another  house Zeke prayed these people would hear God.   The brick house seemed appealing to Zeke with rose bushes surrounding it.  Yet  hearing the sound of laughter Zeke lingered in the moment a little longer.  

Pecking a hand on the door he was greeted by a young couple.  Newlyweds.  Zeke thought seeing their glazed eyes. “ Hi!” Zeke managed to chirp out. 

The clean-shaven man asked.  “Can we help you?” 

“Actually… Can I help you?”  Zeke's questions came out in a peaceful manner.  “Do you believe in God… have you repented?”  

“Yes we have.” They answered. 

“That's great!”  Zeke smiled broadly. 

“We are the kettles.” The man announced with a hand shake. 

Ezekiel also gave  his name. 

“Zeke?”  Mrs kettle asked, tears brimming her eyes.

“That's right.”  Zeke nodded clearly  confused like her husband. 

“We thought you were dead! When papa and Jared went to San Diego you weren't there! Also we heard about grandpa. I'm sorry. By the way, I'm Lottie Prescott kettle.”

  Zeke tried to smile yet was overwhelmed with the knowledge that people care.

       

 

Ch. 7

 

        Zeke loved the kettle's and they became great friends. 

        Ezekiel started a ruckus with the nearby townspeople and they would pile in the wilderness to hear him preach.  On one Friday afternoon a little girl broke from the crowd and asked how can I be saved?   Ezekiel bent down to his knees and Sara followed his example. Grabbing her hand.  Zeke explained you have to ask God for forgiveness.  And tell him you want him to be in control.   Ask him to be Lord of your life.   After she prayed.   The little girl smiled.  Thanks so much bro. Zeke!  Impulsively she hugged him.

     Leading Sara to Christ was the first of many.  A marvelous thing began. Zeke baptized people.  Laughing Zeke dunked a boy into the river water.  I never want this to end!  Zeke  thought while dunking another person in the name of the father, son and holy ghost.

 

 

Ch.8   

 

Knowing that he had stayed In one place for too long Zeke bid people goodbye.  Lottie and Ben waved from their front porch holding their first baby Lydia.  Zeke  hated to leave.  Growling so attached to the people after 3 years.  Praying he watched the heavens.  “God, where do you want me?”  A gentle whisper came. " Ride and tell others about me."

       The sun broke through the clouds the next day.  Making the young man joyful while leading bishop and Grover onward.  Meeting several people on the way to wherever he was headed at.  Put Zeke in a mood.   They didn't receive the   good news. 

Zeke gasped when he rode up to a sign that read Fresno.  (His home town.) Zeke wanted to turn around but a voice in his mind said.  Don't leave.   Alright. But God I don't want to stay long. Zeke explained. The rider let his horse lead him to the church while people stared  and frowned at him.   The old building made every emotion shoot through his body.   Holding grandpa's bible he stepped inside the church.  Everything looked the same.  Clean like it used to be.  The musty odor met his nose.  Grandpa is all that is missing.  Zeke whispered. 

      “Can I help you?”  Zeke's head raised from the altar.  His gaze rested on a blonde headed woman with a slight frown on her face. She repeated her question louder. 

“ I'm just passing through.”  Zeke explained.

The lady bit her lip and began to mop. 

It's Clara!  Zeke stood up, his heart pounding. “Clara?” He asked gently. 

 Fanning her flushed face. She answered. “Yes.”  

Clearing his mind he said “Lottie, Ben and Lydia are doing well.”  Taking a step closer he said.  “I've been praying for you. Because once a girl told me I need to pray for my future spouse. “ 

Dropping the mop, a hand covered her mouth. “Zeke?”  She questioned.

“That's right.” Zeke nodded. 

“Your alive?” Clara asked in amazement.  

“Well I am definitely not dead.”  Zeke answered with a chuckle.  

“You are coming home to supper with me!” Clara announced, still looking confused.

 

 

Ch. 9

 

      Once at the Prescott's home everyone hugged the young man.   Jumping and clapping, Jared announced.  “Zeke is home!”  Eating a drumstick Zeke asked do y'all have a pastor? 

Mrs Prescott shook her head.  “No we haven't been able to keep one since your grandfather left.” 

Thinking deeply about the future Zeke could see the possibilities. 

“Have y'all heard about Billy sting?” Asked Lily looking identical to her mother and twin. 

“Yeah.” Jared shook his head sadly.

“What happened?”  Asked Mrs Prescott immediately concerned. 

Mr Prescott answered.  “Billy is a sick man.  They can't label his disease but they think he won't be alive in 2 days.”  

Ezekiel stood up and asked.  “Where is he?” 

Clara stood up too. I'll take you to him.  Saddling up their horses they rode faster than the wind.  Stopping at a little house Zeke dismounted.  Clara opened the door and led him to a bedroom.  A man lay on the bed groaning.  Zeke felt numb.  Clara hurried to another room.    

"Billy."  Zeke whispered. Tears laced  their way down his cheek.  " Hey Billy."  Zeke gently touched the man's shoulder.   Eyes fluttering open, the man seemed to be in a daze. " Billy. It's me. Zeke.”

Staring at Zeke Billy shouted.  “I'm sorry! So sorry!”

“ It's alright.”  Comforted Zeke. 

“You don't understand! My…my father  killed you dad and grandfather! The stupid gambling debt!”

  Zeke felt emotions take surface.  But staring at the young man dying.  Zeke knew only one thing mattered. "Billy."  You don't have to feel guilty for what your father did.  Take the inheritance our heavenly father leaves us. A wise man once told me I have to choose my legacy. So Billy, what!  Do you choose?”

“ I'm a sinner!” Billy protested. 

“We all are. “ Zeke reminded the sick man. 

Telling Billy his own story to Christ.  Brought   both  of them to tears. “I'm ready,” Billy answered.

“Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of God?” 

“I do.”

“Will you let God be Lord of your life?” 

“Yes!”

Then pray with me. 

The most heartfelt prayer escaped Billy's lips.  Amen was his last breath as his spirit left the body.

    Staring at the dead body Zeke truly realized that the only important legacy to leave is one that can last forever.  "God's Legacy." Zeke whispered.