The Parable of the Coal E-Book

Matthew Swan

• Herausgeber: Proisle Publishing Services
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 54

Beschreibung

How can you love someone who is ornery and downright unlovable? The Parable of the Coal is the story of Edgar and Steve, neighbors separated not just by a broken-down fence, but by a gulf of anger and frustration, and in Edgar's case, years of offended pride. Have you ever been hurt by someone and saddled with a grudge that you could not overcome? Find out how one man and his young family re-shape the miserable future ahead of a broken soul- and in the process gain an even greater reward for themselves. The Parable of the Coal will cause you to look outside yourself, outside your own front door, to find how you can make a difference in the lives of those who have hidden their hurts away. Love changes hearts and this little story shows how simple and plain that miracle can be.

Matthew Swam has given readers a gift. The lesson from The Parable of the Coal is that no one should be judged until you've worn their clothing, walked in their shoes, or seen with their eyes. This touching story reveals the human tendency to complicate life and miss the simplistic beauty of living, and it shows readers how to discover the way to find that beauty again. Its lasting message is that unselfish love and service come with great and eternal rewards. -John Daly, Host of Real TV

Leseprobe

THEPARABLEOF THECOAL

Matthew H. Swan

Illustrated by Mark Swan

Praise for

The Parable of the Coal

The Parable of the Coalis an inspiring tale of forgiveness, friendship and the blessings that come from overcoming grudges. This short story teaches a lesson in such a meaningful way that you will want to share it with family and friends. Matt Swan has created one of the best fables I have read in a long time.

—Richard Paul Evans, #1 New York Timesbestselling author of The Christmas Box

Matt Swan has provided a timely and moving lesson on a couple of very important eternal principles. The Parable of The Coal is a gentle reminder that the worth of every soul is great in the eyes of the Lord and that our lives can be forever blessed by the principle of service, not just by our service to others, but by allowing others to serve us. Well done.

—Warren B.Hardy II, Nevada State Senator

This is a touching parable for our day depicting a Samaritan, a brother’s keeper loving his neighbor, finding the one and saving a lost offended soul. The author has beautifully illustrated the reality, opportunity, and possibility to influence for good and the blessing of joy experienced as one extends his hand in fellowship and friendship.

—Jim and Pat Neel

The Parable of the Coal brings to life springtime as it blossoms after a long winter, a change that can take place in our lives if we will but get rid of the cold thoughts of bitterness in our hearts and let in the warmth of forgiveness by helping others who may be suffering. This parable can help you realize how important showing kindness and caring for others is in our lives.

—Maureen Howell

The Parable of the Coal was the best short story I’ve read in a long time. In everyday life it is so easy to hold on to the negative especially when your feelings get hurt over a simple remark. We, as human beings, always seem to think if we remove ourselves from a situation, it’s going to get back at others. This story puts everything into perspective—we hurt ourselves, not others, when we do this. It made me rethink my attitude toward church and people and showed how easy it can be to share our lives when we open our hearts and let go of the hurt.

—Gloria Alvey

The Parable of the Coal - Matthew H. Swan

© Copyright 2023 by Matthew H. Swan

ISBN: 978-1-961526-54-9 (Paperback)

:978-1-961526-57-0 (E-book/Kindle)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher disclaims any responsibility for them.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Proisle Publishing Services LLC

39-67 58th Street, 1st floor

Woodside, NY 11377, USA

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[email protected]

Acknowledgements

This book would not have been possible without John Daly who inspired me to write it.

And as always, my love and my thanks to my wifeand sons for their never ceasing support.

Life in Spring

It was a beautiful, spring day as I walked from the car with my wife and son. It was just the kind of day one longs for after a long cold winter.

I noticed the various flowers planted near the building, had blossomed that very week. Their blooms were in a myriad of hues that seemed to beckon me to look at them and notice how perfect their color scheme was. Then as I stepped from the parking lot onto the sidewalk, the sweet aroma of nearby lilac bushes drifted through the air filling my nose with its heavenly, fragrant scent.

A light breeze came up rustling the new green leaves on the trees reminding me that every year they magically transform from the dead wintry skeleton shape to almost overnight bursting forth with their green cloak of leaves covering their winter bones.

Spotting a small robin in the tree, I listened to the birds chirping their melodies as if they were news commentators telling everyone that spring has once again returned to the neighborhood.

I paused a moment, taking it all in, realizing both the contrast and similarity to the circumstances that brought my family to this solemn yet personally significant occasion. My wife, Suzanne, turned with concern in her eyes, and asked, “Steve, are you okay?”

Her words broke me out of my reverie and I noticed both her and my nine-year-old son, Michael, staring at me.

“Yes, I’m fine,” I said, trying to control my emotions. “A few weeks ago Edgar told me something that makes today very profound.” I nodded glancing again at the flowers, trees and birds.

“Dad, what does profound mean?” my son asked.

“It means important or significant,” I replied.

“So what did Edgar say that was so pro . . . prof . . .”

“Profound?” I said, finishing his sentence.

“Yeah, profound,” he said, proud to master a new word.

I reflected back a few weeks ago as we spoke leaning across the fence that separated our properties. “He said, ‘Life can be like the winter—cold, dark and lonely. Or it can be like the spring—warm and sunny. But what really matters is what season you choose to live your life in because nobody, and I mean nobody, can choose it for you unless you let them.’ ”

Suzanne nodded her head in agreement. “You know,” she said thoughtfully, “based on his life and seeing him change as we did, that sounds exactly like something he would say.” Then in a subdued, thoughtful whisper she added, “I’m sure going to miss him.”

I noticed a lone tear sliding down my wife’s cheek as she turned to wipe it away.

“I am too,” said Michael in his own soft voice. “But you know what I think?”

“No, what do you think?” Suzanne asked.

“I think,” he continued, knowing he now had our full attention, “I think Edgar asked God to make this day just for his funeral.”