Punished for My Beliefs
“Alright come on now! Hurry up or you’ll be shot!” the military policeman threatened.
As we moved closer and closer to the punishment field, thoughts were racing across my mind. ‘Am I going to die? I should’ve just joined the army. NO! You are NOT going to give in! You can win this battle. Just don’t give up! I am going to carry on being a conscientious objector.’
I knew what I believed in and I’m not going to change my mind.
As the time for my punishment came, I remembered all the good and bad memories I had when I was a young and active man. Most were blurry but there was one memory that I remembered like it was yesterday. I was resting down after a long day working at the farm. There was a radio beside me and I turned it on. I could hear a man with a deep and husky voice protesting against war. His words were the reason why I am against war. By the end of his speech I had decided that if there was ever a war I would not participate. I still stand by my decision.
Before I knew it, my hands were tied up tightly and my legs were off the ground. I was hoisted up on the post and tied like a pig on a spit. A wave of pain came over me while I struggled to hold on. I could feel myself weakening every second. Snow started to fall. A snowflake dropped onto my nose. Winter is here. The cold hits me like a slap in the face. A few minutes pass and my body was beginning to numb. At that moment, I wanted to just give up but a sudden urge came upon me to hold on and a feeling of courage gave me the strength I needed.
Hours passed and I was weaker than ever but my heart was filled with uncertainty and fear. In my mind, I was arguing with myself whether or not to fight in the war or to keep on fighting my own war. Everywhere around me, there was nothing but white lumpy snow. With only a pair of trousers, a shirt and a coat, my body was shivering wildly like leaves rustling in a storm. All I wanted to do was scream the pain away but my mouth seemed too numb to even move and I knew that if the guard heard one squeal I would be punished even more.
Just when I thought that I was going to die from the cold, the sun finally came out from hiding and its warmth shone upon me. In my mind, I was hoping that the Lord would answer my prayers and forgive me for doing what I believed was right. After what seemed like an eternity of pain I was released.
“Thank you Almighty Father! I am grateful for all the blessings! You have answered my prayers and never again will I doubt you and your marvellous acts!”
By Maranita
