Holy Hush

Part IX

BY DEBORAH WATSON

Women World Leaders is pleased to present Holy Hush, written by Deborah J. Watson. Deborah is the Executive Director of Studio222films.com and curator of the Branson International Film Festival. A writer, producer, and director in the film industry, Deborah uses her talent to reach hurting people with a message of hope.

Holy Hush is written as an allegorical narrative based on scripture and Deborah’s Christian worldview. Rebekka, the main character that we are traveling with, is on a journey of making a life decision of living with or without her husband, Aaron. Progressing through this difficult time, Rebekka notices the “little things” circling her life and leading her to a decision. As the story unfolds (Holy Hush began in the January 2021 edition of VOT), we see this thirty-something-year-old city girl steal away into the wilderness to search the heart of God. Along the way, Rebekka is introduced to unexpected characters who seem to be leading her on a journey of discovery.

Part IX

“Take me home.” She whispers.

The captain complies as he kills the engine and hoists the sails to allow the wind to carry her home.

The captain approaches Rebekka, “Want to learn how to lower the sails?”

Rebekka smiles, “No. Hopefully, this is the last sailboat ride I have to take. Nothing personal. I am just not a fan of the water.”

“What about the waves of peace?” The captain smiles as he lowers the sails.

“I think those can come at any time, whenever forgiveness is extended.” Rebekka reaches over and holds the steering wheel steady as they near the harbor.

“Dock 12?” She asks the captain.

“No. Dock 2. Slip 22.” The captain takes over the steering wheel as Rebekka watches him skillfully maneuver around fishing boats, jet skis, and swimmers. A task she would not have been able to achieve.

“Ahoy!” Felicity’s voice rings from Dock 2.Rebekka waves and looks frantically for Aaron to be with her.

“How was your trip?” Felicity enquires as she walks with them to Slip 22.

“A little slower than yours, obviously, but good.” The captain replies.

Rebekka looks around and realizes they did not return to the same location they had departed from, and she is confused. But her confusion is calmed by Felicity’s presence. Felicity knows all about Aaron and Rebekka’s situation, and Rebekka knows she will have the answers she needs as soon as they return to the house.

Rebekka’s excitement is evident and signals Felicity that she has succeeded at forgiving Aaron and herself for what happened.

“It’s a good thing I don’t believe in reincarnation because you look as happy as a new puppy coming home,” Felicity yells toward Rebekka.

Rebekka laughs. She laughs so hard she nearly doubles over. “I haven’t felt this magnificent in a very, very long time.”

The captain kills the engine as the boat slides into the slip. Then, he jumps onto the dock and ties it off before helping Rebekka disembark.

Her excitement to talk with Felicity causes her to forget her bag tucked under the seat on the boat.

“I had never understood what it meant to harbor unforgiveness until I reached the edge of what it does to my soul.”

“Most people don’t,” Felicity replies as she walks toward her vehicle. “They bury it like a heavy anchor that holds them down and makes their heart cold and hard, unable to love unconditionally again.”

Rebekka’s eyes widen. “I can totally see that.” Then she stops. “The captain? For a moment he looked like Aaron. Why is that?”

Felicity stops and smiles, “That happens often. When someone is liberated, they often see their loved ones reflected in the captain’s face.”

Rebekka races ahead of Felicity. “Well, I’m ready to go home and tell Aaron all about it. Let’s go!”

Felicity’s shoulders slump as she watches her sister run ahead of her to their car. She had hoped that the trip across the lake would help bring Rebekka back to reality. Now, she’s not so sure.

WHAT WE LEARNED

Change starts with a decision. Sometimes whispered. Always heard.

Rebekka has grasped the power of forgiveness and how it brings waves of peace to help her move forward. Even though she still holds onto part of her past, she embraces this “Holy Hush” that has transformed her outlook on life. No more having a hunger for revenge or even justice. She is now only filled with love and forgiveness.

Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Remember the prisoners as if chained with them— those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also. Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:1-6 NKJV)

The Greek word for “brotherly” is Philadelphia, meaning fraternal affection. It stems from hussopos. Yes. The word is hyssop. The same thing that was placed in Jesus’ mouth as He hung on the cross.

Walking in love and forgiveness the way God calls us can taste bitter when taken in. But when given out? Miracles happen.

What have you had to do that tastes bitter in the moment but, in the aftermath, has allowed God-sized miracles to happen for you? The kind that are so transforming that those close to you think you are out of touch with reality? Share your testimony with someone to encourage their soul. Who knows. Maybe one day, they too will understand the magnificent beauty of transformation that comes through forgiveness.