Transparent Christian Magazine

Making Dirt From Scratch

“At dawn the wind came that took Freddie from his branch. It didn’t hurt at all. He felt himself float quietly, gently and softly downward. As he fell, he saw the whole tree for the first time. How strong and firm it was! He was sure that it would live for a long time and [...]

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The Bench (A Piece of Art)

A piano bench, I hadn't noticed before... a beautiful, black, worn and very used piano bench. As I watched, man after man, woman after woman and artist after artist, ignored the bench and gazed upon the walls. They pointed, squinted, cringed, cocked their heads, laughed and looked both confused and pleased... I watched them, as they became animated accessories to the bench.

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If I Were a Ball…

The pale pink scars disappeared under the hem of his shorts. What could cause such scars, I wondered as I watched him walk away. The sun was reflecting off his straight, platinum blond hair, as I called after him, “Jimmy, it was nice to meet you!”.

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Nothing More–a Story and a Poem by Sheila Anne Rippy

“Well, just what are your views on family, accountability, the role of a husband and wife, mother and father?” he asked me. I adjusted my position, looked to see how much battery I had left on my cell phone and then put it back up to my ear. For a few moments I [...]

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Inadequate–A story and poem by Sheila Anne Rippy

Ever have one of those moments, days, weeks or more when someone says something snotty to you, about you, in front of you, in front of your loved ones… in front of complete strangers…when someone cuts you down for no reason that you can see… when someone scrutinizes your every move, your hair, your teeth, [...]

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“I Am…”-a Poem, by Sheila Anne Rippy

I was sitting here, feeling an anxiety attack coming on, so I decided to look up the word “anxious” and the direct antonym is “calm”, so I looked that up and I realized that every description of calm, is what God is and my anxiety attack disappeared… which led to “I am…” I am… freedom tranquility serenity unity harmony a shield your guardian tenderness devotion passion your [...]

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“The Sound”- A Poem by Sheila-Anne Rippy

        The Sound When night falls still, and moonlight roams through your soul, When the wind cries, and begs to be heard, When you feel isolated, and need the warmth of humanity, When you toss and turn and can’t find sleep, When you taste the bile of resentment, for opportunities lost, When you begin to question, and regret following His will, Listen. [...]

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