“If God Is for Us, Who Will Be Against Us?”

“What, then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who will be against us?”—ROMANS 8:31.

WHEN the Israelites headed for freedom after spending 215 years in Egypt, much of that time in slavery, “a vast mixed company also went up with them.” (Exodus 12:38) These non-Israelites had experienced ten awesome plagues that wrought havoc upon Egypt and made a laughingstock of its false gods. At the same time, they had observed—especially from the fourth plague onward—Jehovah’s ability to protect his people. (Exodus 8:23, 24) Although limited in their knowledge of Jehovah’s purposes, they were sure of one thing: The gods of Egypt had failed to protect the Egyptians, whereas Jehovah had proved himself strong in behalf of the Israelites.

2 Forty years later, just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Moses’ successor, Joshua, sent two men to spy out the land. There they met Rahab, an inhabitant of Jericho. From what she had heard about Jehovah’s powerful acts to protect the Israelites during the 40 years since their leaving Egypt, she knew that if she wanted God’s blessing, she must support his people. Because of her wise decision, she and her household were spared destruction when the Israelites later captured the city. The miraculous way in which they were saved was in itself unmistakable evidence that God was with them. Thus, Rahab’s confidence in the God of the Israelites was not misplaced.—Joshua 2:1, 9-13; 6:15-17, 25.

3 Fifteen centuries later, Jesus Christ healed a blind beggar near the rebuilt city of Jericho. (Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43) This man begged Jesus to show him mercy, indicating that he recognized that Jesus had God’s backing. The Jewish religious leaders and their followers, on the other hand, generally refused to accept the miracles Jesus performed as proof that he was doing God’s work. Instead, they found fault with him. (Mark 2:15, 16; 3:1-6; Luke 7:31-35) Even when confronted with the fact that Jesus was resurrected after they had put him to death, they were unwilling to admit that this was of God’s doing. Rather, they took the lead in persecuting Jesus’ followers, trying to hinder their work of “declaring the good news of the Lord Jesus.” But some Jews, and later many non-Jews, took note of these events and evaluated them correctly. To them it was obvious that God had rejected the self-righteous Jewish leaders and was backing the humble followers of Jesus Christ.—Acts 11:19-21.

Who Today Have God’s Backing?

4 On the question of true religion, one clergyman said in a recent TV interview: “I would insist a religion is true if it makes a person a better person when he or she lives by it.” Granted, true religion does make people better. But does the fact that a religion produces better people in itself prove that it has God’s backing? Is that the sole criterion for determining if a religion is true?

5 Everyone appreciates being able to make personal choices, including the choice of religious affiliation. But having the freedom to choose does not guarantee that a person will make the right choice. Some people, for example, choose a religion on the basis of its size, wealth, ceremonial pageantry, or their family ties. None of these things are in any way decisive in determining whether a religion is the true one or not. The pivotal question in this matter is: Which religion urges its followers to do God’s will and gives solid evidence of divine backing, so that its adherents can say with confidence, “God is for us”?

6 Jesus laid down the rule for distinguishing true worship from false when he said: “Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15, 16; Malachi 3:18) Let us review some of the “fruits,” or identifying marks, of true religion so that we in all honesty can determine who today has divine backing.

Identifying Marks of Those Having God’s Backing

7 They base their teachings on the Bible. Jesus said: “What I teach is not mine, but belongs to him that sent me. If anyone desires to do His will, he will know concerning the teaching whether it is from God or I speak of my own originality.” And also: “He that is from God listens to the sayings of God.” (John 7:16, 17; 8:47) Logically, to enjoy God’s backing, one must teach only what God reveals in his Word and reject teachings based on human wisdom or tradition.—Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:3-9; Colossians 2:8.

8 They use and publicize God’s name, Jehovah. Isaiah foretold: “In that day you will certainly say: ‘Give thanks to Jehovah, you people! Call upon his name. Make known among the peoples his dealings. Make mention that his name is put on high. Make melody to Jehovah, for he has done surpassingly. This is made known in all the earth.’” (Isaiah 12:4, 5) Jesus taught his followers to pray: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.” (Matthew 6:9) Therefore, whether Jew or non-Jew, Christians were to serve as “a people for [God’s] name.” (Acts 15:14) God is obviously pleased to back those who are proud to be “a people for his name.”

9 They reflect God’s joyful personality. As author of “good news,” Jehovah is “the happy God.” (1 Timothy 1:11) So how could his worshipers be unhappy or persistently pessimistic? Despite world distress and personal problems, true Christians maintain a joyful spirit because they regularly feast on rich spiritual food. Isaiah contrasts them with those practicing false religion: “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said: ‘Look! My own servants will eat, but you yourselves will go hungry. Look! My own servants will drink, but you yourselves will go thirsty. Look! My own servants will rejoice, but you yourselves will suffer shame. Look! My own servants will cry out joyfully because of the good condition of the heart, but you yourselves will make outcries because of the pain of heart and you will howl because of sheer breakdown of spirit.’”—Isaiah 65:13, 14.

10 They base their conduct and their decisions on Bible principles. “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding,” the writer of Proverbs advises us, “in all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5, 6) God backs those who look to him for direction rather than to the contradictory theories of humans who ignore godly wisdom. To the extent that a person is willing to pattern his life after God’s Word, he will avoid having to learn by trial and error.—Psalm 119:33; 1 Corinthians 1:19-21.
11 They are organized in the manner of the first-century Christian congregation. Jesus set out the principle: “Do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ. But the greatest one among you must be your minister.” (Matthew 23:8-11) A congregation of brothers precludes having a proud clergy class that honors itself with high-sounding titles and elevates itself above a laity. (Job 32:21, 22) Those shepherding the flock of God are told to do so “not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; neither as lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2, 3) Genuine Christian shepherds refrain from trying to make themselves masters over the faith of others. As fellow workers in God’s service, they simply strive to set a fine example.—2 Corinthians 1:24.
12 They are submissive to human governments and yet remain neutral. He who fails to be “in subjection to the superior authorities” cannot expect to have God’s backing. Why? Because “the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. Therefore he who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God.” (Romans 13:1, 2) However, Jesus recognized the possibility of a conflict of interests when he said: “Pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Mark 12:17) Those desiring to have God’s backing must “keep on . . . seeking first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,” while at the same time obeying the laws of the land that are compatible with their higher responsibilities to God. (Matthew 6:33; Acts 5:29) Jesus stressed neutrality when he said of his disciples: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.” He later added: “My kingdom is no part of this world.”—John 17:16; 18:36.

13 They are impartial in working “what is good toward all.” (Galatians 6:10) Christian love knows no partiality, accepting all people regardless of their skin color, economic or educational status, nationality, or language. The working of what is good toward all and especially toward those related to them in the faith helps to identify those having God’s backing. Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.”—John 13:35; Acts 10:34, 35.

14 They are willing to suffer persecution for doing God’s will. Jesus forewarned his followers: “If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also; if they have observed my word, they will observe yours also.” (John 15:20; Matthew 5:11, 12; 2 Timothy 3:12) Those having God’s backing have always been unpopular, as was Noah, who condemned the world through his faith. (Hebrews 11:7) Today, those desiring God’s backing dare not water down God’s word or compromise godly principles so as to avoid persecution. As long as they faithfully serve God, they know that people will be “puzzled and go on speaking abusively” of them.—1 Peter 2:12; 3:16; 4:4.

Time to Evaluate the Facts

15 Ask yourself, ‘What religious group is noted for sticking closely to God’s Word, even when its teachings differ from the beliefs of most people? Who stress the importance of God’s personal name, even using it to identify themselves? Who optimistically point to God’s Kingdom as the only solution to all human problems? Who uphold Bible standards of conduct, at the risk of being considered old-fashioned? What group is noted for having no paid clergy, all of its members being preachers? Who are praised for being law-abiding citizens, even though they refrain from taking part in politics? Who lovingly spend time and money in helping others to learn about God and his purposes? And despite all of these positive things, who are still looked down on, ridiculed, and persecuted?’
16 Millions of people throughout the world have evaluated the facts and have become convinced that Jehovah’s Witnesses alone are practicing the true religion. They have reached this conclusion on the basis of what Jehovah’s Witnesses teach and how they conduct themselves, as well as on the basis of the benefits their religion has brought. (Isaiah 48:17) Millions are, in effect, saying, as foretold at Zechariah 8:23: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.”

17 Is it presumptuous of Jehovah’s Witnesses to point out that they alone have God’s backing? Actually, no more so than when the Israelites in Egypt claimed to have God’s backing in spite of the Egyptians’ belief, or when first-century Christians claimed to have God’s backing to the exclusion of Jewish religionists. The facts speak for themselves. In 235 lands Jehovah’s Witnesses are doing the work Jesus foretold that his true followers would be doing in the time of the end: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.”—Matthew 24:14.

18 Jehovah’s Witnesses will continue to carry out this commission, never allowing persecution or opposition to impede their activity. Jehovah’s work must and will be done. Every attempt others have made during the past century to hinder the Witnesses from accomplishing God’s work has ended in ultimate failure, for Jehovah promised: “Any weapon whatever that will be formed against you will have no success, and any tongue at all that will rise up against you in the judgment you will condemn. This is the hereditary possession of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness is from me.”—Isaiah 54:17.

19 That Jehovah’s Witnesses are stronger and more active now than ever before—and this in the face of worldwide opposition—is proof that Jehovah finds pleasure in what they are doing. King David said: “By this I do know that you have found delight in me, because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me.” (Psalm 41:11; 56:9, 11) Never will God’s enemies be able to shout in triumph over Jehovah’s people, for their Leader, Jesus Christ, is moving ahead to final victory!

SELF ANALYSIS:

Can You Answer?
• What are some ancient examples of people having God’s backing?
• What are some identifying marks of the true religion?
• Why are you personally convinced that Jehovah’s Witnesses have God’s backing?
[Study Questions]
1. Who left Egypt with the Israelites, and what led them to do so?
2. Why did Rahab support the Israelite spies, and why was her confidence in their God not misplaced?
3. (a) What miracle did Jesus perform near the rebuilt city of Jericho, and how did the Jewish clergy react? (b) What did some Jews, and later many non-Jews, come to realize?
4, 5. (a) How do some people feel about choosing a religion? (b) When identifying the true religion, what is the pivotal question?
6. What words of Jesus shed light on the matter of true and false religion?
7. What does it mean to teach only what is based on the Bible?
8. Why is it important to use God’s name in worship?
9. (a) Why does joy characterize members of the true religion? (b) How does Isaiah contrast true religion with false?
10. How do those having the true religion avoid having to learn by trial and error?
11. (a) Why can members of the true religion not be divided into a clergy and a laity class? (b) What example are those taking the lead among God’s people to set for the flock?
12. What balanced position regarding human governments does God require of those desiring to have his backing?
13. What part does love play in identifying God’s people?
14. Do people having God’s approval necessarily find universal acceptance? Explain.
15, 16. (a) What questions will help us identify the religious group that enjoys God’s backing? (b) What conclusion have millions of people reached, and why?
17. Why is it not presumptuous of Jehovah’s Witnesses to point out that they have the true religion?
18, 19. (a) Why is there no reason for Jehovah’s Witnesses to desist from doing their preaching work, even though they are opposed? (b) How does Psalm 41:11 support the fact that the Witnesses have God’s backing?

Credits: jw.org

Mourning Dew

I'm the small drop you forsake every morning and night
Glistening in the sunlight to quench your every delight

Aye, stand naked before you in the midst of your shamelessness
Astounded by the immense ignorance, I stand in timelessness

You come in desperation, only to be my endless blight
In my complexity I serve as spright, yet go unnoticed till twilight

Unconditionally supply you with every need, only to reach me in your selfish greed
I revive the substance of life’s cycle with purity, however, you continue in your obduracy

To you I remain nameless but to me you remain faithless even unto my final phase
Numbered are your days, for you are standing at the threshold of Judgment Day unsure of your stay

Until we meet again, tomorrow or tonight, it is my duty in the night sky or in the daylight bright
To touch your soul without fright, that you realize it is God’s might

Even on a cellular level
You are undeniably a drevil

No matter how microscopic

Your vision will remain myopic

She lulls

Photo credits: Frank Vacante "Up and Coming Photography" on FB

Ode to Petals

Flowers bloom and wither with grace
No matter the pace they leave an endless trace
Their aroma exists to captivate
An instant love to insatiate
Indeed a difficult one to ignore
Its bountiful colors placate our visual senses to our very core
Blossoming as they do with natural elegance
They wither just as equally with the same eloquence
We treasure it even in its depleted state
Mankind should appreciate life and emulate this wondrous trait
Made greater than the petals that sway to the ground are we not?
Regardless of their season, they exist in purity and silence repurchased and brought
Acknowledge the beauty of life as one does the beauty of a flower
We are life's petals, made to take delight in the pleasantries of our stalks

Autobiographical: We can appreciate the beauty of a flower that blossoms and withers within a season as we treat it with tenderness. Similarly, we can treat our fellow man with the same delicateness. This is my ode to roses and to mankind. May we find ways to transform ourselves, making an earnest effort to become the person we expect others to be.

Spanglish Love

Spanglish Poem:

Thou remember the palpation of amor intensely.
A breathless beso, a mesmerizing mirada, its insatiability.
Once given in wholly to its esencia yet deserted in its ausencia.
Thou day shall soon come, anhelando for its return.
For it is an unforgotten imagen, of extraordinary envisages.
Thou rediscover it pedazo por pedazo as crumbs leading to the premio.
It bellows within thou innegablemente.
Thou aspire to hear its entonación like an eternal intrinsic cronómetro; it sings to thou fascinantemente.
Ticking in the lúz de la madrugada and prognosticating beneath the innumerable estrellas in memoriam of thine own felicidad.
Thou espero even unto thou withering day to experience it; even as thou último aliento.
To savor in its deleite would be sublime, un espléndido fantasía.
It is thine own estético that glows in thou interior like a burning fuego, blazing hither till thine temporary sueño.

Translated Spanglish Poem:

Thou remember the palpation of love intensely.
A breathless kiss, a mesmerizing gaze, its insatiability.
Once given in wholly to its essence yet deserted in its absence.
Thou day shall soon come, longing for its return.
For it is an unforgotten picture, of extraordinary envisages.
Thou rediscover it piece by piece as crumbs leading to the prize.
It bellows within thou undeniably.
Thou aspire to hear its intonation like an eternal intrinsic chronometer; it sings to thou fascinatingly.
Ticking in the morning sunlight and prognosticating beneath the innumerable stars in memoriam of thine own elation. Thou awaits even unto thou withering day to experience it; as thou final breath.
To savor in its delight would be sublime, a splendid fancy.
It is thine own reality that glows in thou interior like a burning flame, blazing hither till thine temporary slumber.

Autobiographical: I wrote this poem as an attempt to express the love I once experienced long ago, or so believed it to be. Given the nature of my personal reality, I find myself touched by movies such as "Pride & Prejudice," "Belle," and the like. I fancy British Literature and appreciate time periods such as The Age of Reason, Romanticism, and the Classics. Although I have given up on the idea that love is a selfless act that I possess too strongly in a world that is wilting away in its own selfish desires, I tried to capture it in the beauty it elicits. I can't deny the simplicity of how much of a hopeless romantic I really am and that I do not need another to confirm my value as a human; however, the fire still burns. Hope you can grasp the elements I incorporated into writing it. It is of archaic diction in which love was once expressed, Spanish, which is known to have linguistic passion, and the subject in which it transcends through life's cycle, which synthesizes both Shakespearean and modern influence. I hope you all enjoy this twisted concept of phraseology.

The Beauty of Makeup in Friendship (Poem)

Makeup defines you
Just as my friends do
Standing out in more ways than two
As the most alluring creatures
Accentuating the wonderful features
Just like a gem
You exemplify who I am
Contour my personality
There is no irregularity

Enhancing my presence
With your natural luminescence
You are my compliment to my lashes
A step up from glasses
Shadow to my eyes you must realize
It is of no surprise our friendship I shall never compromise

You are the bronze that radiates my face
Dressed in bobbins and lace
Gloss on my lips
As if to eclipse
You are positively beautiful
Youthful and indisputable

I walk in confidence
With a pleasant countenance
Because your elegance and true beauty
Shine like a rouge ruby


By virtue you are my mend
Above others you transcend
I am proud to say
Regardless of what others convey
All of your qualities that glitter and glam
MAKE UP the very essence of who I am

Angeltopia

Inspiration: I wanted to express a poem about my friendships and somehow made it correlate with things that make us feel pretty. Makeup, bobbins, and lace do just that. Although not everyone wears it but just putting something on whether it's makeup or clothes can have a dramatic effect on our mood. Sometimes the most basic everyday things we do are rarely expressed in comparison to things of value. I hope you all fancy this poem as much as I do. It is my own definition of friendship.

Oh Father ~ Poem

Oh father
As I stand before the cheval glass
Admiring the impression without crass
I exist in the echoing sounds of broken glass
I can not deny you are still here
In my crowned wisdom to the falling tear
I have made myself orphan of the year

Oh father
Your shadow exists in silent fondness
Knowing you've departed I exist in numbness
I’ve reached the status of alumnus
Though my grip is tight on dumbness
Nothing to show but my glumness
Reaching a seemingly definitive plateau
Unable to shake this unbearable throe

Oh father
I yearn sadly for those words to hear
Lost and alone you are nowhere to steer
I fall at your feet in self defeat
A homeless orphan in the street
A fatherless child I have heedlessly become
A confounded false truth in your shielded mum

Oh father
Only to the Almighty God Jehovah have I succumbed
Searching for love in my daily hum
The truth remains you were ashamed
Lost in lovelessness untamed
With faith I only hope to remain
My own consciousness to blame
Riding on a horse with no saddle
Left alone to fight life’s battle

Oh father
I have been transformed to a new me
Struggling and awaiting for a world I have yet to see
Though my reality is your indignity
I prance in your weeded garden
Becoming ever so hardened
Despite my intended pardon
I have become resolute in my own victory garden

Oh father
I effortlessly levitate in mother’s path of sorrow
As she desperately longed for another tomorrow
Lost in her own web of lies
She has yet to realize
I am an extension of your eyes
An appendage of your soul she so stealthily denies

Oh father
Everyone living carefree
Facing their own ignominy
Repudiated scornfully
Only to be received sullenly
Displaying no repentance
I actively serve a life sentence
I came to exist in your error
Facing my own truth alone in furor

Oh father
My life is a bitter certain untruth
Neglected and forsaken like a painful tooth
I know their game
It is such a shame
They will never accept their own blame
Disdained and despised --it is all the same
I am their target, their focus, their one true aim

Oh father
My innocence has lost it’s youth
I take a deep breath in spite of you
Undeniably reflecting pieces of a shattered soul
I know that my very essence is indeed your mold
You are my admiration to judge you I will not
I wish there was a way to say that I miss you a lot

Oh father
You are not really gone
I am indebted as your swan
In a silent embrace
I caress your face
As I stand before your impression
No longer an undoubted question
I shall never look back
Memories shall never lack
I will try not to be sad
The former things shall pass
Nothing ever really lasts
Forever and always
I love you dad!



Angel's Bio: I wrote this with the deepest part of my soul. I lived amongst members of the same household who were in on a grisly secret far too long. Writing this poem was an emotional release. I am still battling an identity crisis but it gets better for the most part. This is surely a life altering situation. I am taking it one day at a time thanks to Jehovah's help. I am writing a personal memoir and hope to share my story with the world. My life isn't so boring after all. 

Touched (Short Screenplay)

INT. MEDICAL CLINIC - DAY

NAYLOR (30s), a career-driven businessman, with a quirky sense of humor, pulls his sleeve down after the NURSE draws his blood.

NURSE
Alright. We should have your MRI and blood results back next week. Be sure to schedule an appointment before you leave.

The Nurse hands him a prescription.

NURSE (CONT’D)
This should ease your migraines in the meantime.

INT. NAYLOR’S BEDROOM CLOSET - NEXT DAY

Naylor is in his boxers picking out his suit for work.

The DOORBELL RINGS.

INT. FOYER - CONTINUOUS

Naylor answers the door. It’s ISABELLA (30s), a sentimental childhood friend who is adorable and sweet. They hug.

ISABELLA
I’m so glad I found you home!

NAYLOR
What are you doing here? I thought you were living in New York.

ISABELLA
I’m in town working on a photo-shoot.

NAYLOR
Please come in.

INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Isabella walks in. Naylor shuts the door.

NAYLOR
Can I get you anything?

ISABELLA
I know it’s kind of early but do you have wine?

NAYLOR
Wine, at this hour?

ISABELLA
I know, It’s just that I took this job because I needed to get away. I just want to relax.

Naylor goes into the pantry and grabs a bottle of wine.

NAYLOR (O.S.)
What’s wrong?

Isabella walks through the living room looking at his family pictures. She picks up a picture of them both when they were at prom.

ISABELLA
I really don’t want to get into it right now. Can I stay with you while I’m in town?

Naylor walks back with the filled glass and hands it to her.

NAYLOR
Sure you can. It’ll be like old times sake.

Naylor turns the television on.

NAYLOR (CONT’D)
I’m so sorry, but I have to be at work to meet a big client. Make yourself at home.

He walks to his bedroom.

NAYLOR (O.S.) (CONT’D)
I have your favorite collection of British Films.

Isabella places the wine glass on the coffee table and walks to the entertainment center. She scans his movie collection and smiles.

ISABELLA
You have a great selection. I can’t believe you have Pride and Prejudice.

She puts the movie on and sits on the sofa cuddling a pillow.

Naylor walks back bringing two shirts.

NAYLOR
Which one should I wear today?

He holds up a white collared glen plaid shirt and a plain purple one.

ISABELLA
Not a fan of stripes. I’d go with the purple one.

NAYLOR
Thanks.

He brings back two ties.

NAYLOR (CONT’D)
So which one do you think would go with the purple shirt, the pastel pink or the yellow paisley?

ISABELLA
(playfully sarcastic)
Are you going to work or a party?

NAYLOR
Does it matter?

ISABELLA
Of course it does. I’d go with the yellow one. It goes nicely with the purple shirt.

Naylor gentlemanly gesticulates a bow.

NAYLOR
(English accent)
Of course young lady. What would I do without you?

ISABELLA
(English accent)
What ever do you mean darling? The same thing you do everyday! Run along now!

NAYLOR
I sense tension in your voice.

ISABELLA
I’m sorry. This movie is getting to me. I just don’t understand how guys are depicted in movies with such sensitivity when in reality they are absentminded.

NAYLOR
That is not true. You just haven’t found the right guy yet.

ISABELLA
(pointing at the television)
This is what I want. Is that too much to ask for?

Isabella begins to cry.

Naylor sits beside her and holds her.

NAYLOR
Honey, it’s OK. You know I love you right?

ISABELLA
(crying)
I know you do. I love you too.

NAYLOR
We’ve been friends for so long, I know what you want. You deserve nothing but the best. I think you’re a beautiful person. Just be patient. The right guy will come along, and when he does, he will never leave. Trust me, alright?

ISABELLA
(blowing her nose)
I do trust you. It’s just hard to believe that relationships last.

NAYLOR
I understand. That’s how I feel about a good woman.

He grabs her face with both hands, thumbs caressing her chin and lips.

NAYLOR (CONT’D)
(softly)
It’s OK, I’m here.

They gaze into each other’s eyes.

The DOORBELL RINGS.

NAYLOR (CONT’D)
I’ll be right back.

INT./EXT. FOYER - MOMENTS LATER

Naylor opens the door. He sees TWO WOMEN. Both of them are holding Bibles.

NAYLOR
Can I help you?

WOMAN #1
Hello, we are visiting our neighbors briefly to share an important message. Do you think God plans to eradicate sickness and death, or will man continue to destroy mankind to his own injury?

WOMAN #2
Would it be alright if I read what the Bible says at Revelations...

NAYLOR
Are you Jehovah’s Witnesses?

WOMAN #2
Yes, we are.

NAYLOR
I must apologize. This isn’t really a good time. Can you come back next week? Same time?

WOMAN #1
Sure, have a good day.

Naylor closes the door and makes his way back to the living room nonchalantly.

INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Naylor scratches his head for a moment, his eyes are blank. He grabs the remote control.

NAYLOR
Here. This should hold you till I get back. I really do have to get ready for work. Do you need anything before I go?

ISABELLA
(coolly)
No. I’m fine. I think I can survive on wine and tissue paper till you get back.

Naylor cracks a smile then exits.

The ruckus from Naylor’s bathroom distracts Isabella from her movie.

ISABELLA (CONT’D)
Are you OK in there?

Naylor re-enters fumbling with his necktie.

NAYLOR
Can you tie a half-windsor for me? You were always so good at it.

ISABELLA
Well, you can thank my dad for that.

Naylor holds out both ends of his necktie.

NAYLOR
Show me!

Isabella takes the last sip of wine and walks over to Naylor.

ISABELLA
I know I’m short, but I can do this.

Naylor smiles.

ISABELLA (CONT’D)
Voilà!

NAYLOR
That was fast.

He adjusts his tie and then grabs her face. Suddenly the PHONE RINGS.

NAYLOR (CONT’D)
(sighing)
I’ll be right back.

INT. NAYLOR’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Naylor searches through his dresser with a fuss.

NAYLOR
Hello! Mr. Donovan . . . Yes, I will be in today. I should be there shortly...Uh huh..Yes...I understand. I will add that to the proposal. See you at noon.

INT. BEDROOM CLOSET - CONTINUOUS

Naylor reaches above the rack in his closet pulling out a box of memorabilia. Frantically looking through it.

NAYLOR
Isabella, can you please come here, I have something to show you.

INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Isabella puts the remote down. She gets up and walks over to his bedroom door slowly entering with great curiosity.

INT. NAYLOR’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Isabella scans the room.

ISABELLA
What are all my letters and pictures doing on your bed?...Naylor?
Isabella walks across the room and finally approaches Naylor who is on one knee holding a ring.

NAYLOR
Isabella, since the day I first saw you, I have fallen deeply and utterly in love with you. I could never find the right time or the right place to do this...until now.

His breath is deep and his words are soft.

NAYLOR(CONT’D)
I...love you!

He holds out the ring.

NAYLOR (CONT’D)
Will you marry me?

She is breathless.

ISABELLA
All these years I imagined you asking me to help you find the right way to propose to your future wife and here you are proposing to me...Yes! I will...marry you!

Naylor and Isabella embrace into a slow kiss. He picks her up and spins her around.

INT. CLINIC - ONE WEEK LATER - DAY

The nurse walks in with the clipboard.

NAYLOR
(sarcastically)
Hello. I’ve made progress haven’t I? I didn’t reschedule and my headaches have been under control with the medicine.

NURSE
(frantically)
I looked at your charts. Naylor, your scans show you have progressive stage four brain cancer. The doctor will be in shortly to discuss how you want to go about treatments.

NAYLOR
Treatments? There are no treatments for stage four. I just proposed to my best friend. I told her I would never leave. There must me some mistake. How much time do I have?

NURSE
In most cases, usually about a year...with treatments. I’m so sorry.

Naylor nods.

FADE OUT.

The End

Autobiographical: This story was based on true events. My best friend of many years, Emad, was a true gentleman. The only difference is I valued our friendship too much to become anything more than friends. He married several years ago and I lost touch with him. It turns out that it is not in his culture to stay in touch with single friends of the opposite sex and views our communication as a disrepsect to his new wife. This is completely understood. I hope one day we can cross paths when I have a significant other by my side. I wrote this story to add to my collection of fond memories. Thank you Emad, where ever you are, for the wonderful treasured memories.