Every week, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (thank you, Rochelle!) hosts a flash fiction challenge, to write a complete story, based on a photoprompt, with a beginning, middle and end, in 100 words or less. Post it on your blog, and include the Photoprompt and Inlinkz on your page. Link your story URL. Then the fun starts as you read other peoples’ stories and comment on them!
PHOTO PROMPT © ROCHELLE WISOFF-FIELDS
Peaceful hearts
“You don’t mind me going by myself on this trip, Yousuf?”
“It’s all women, isn’t it? That’s okay, Fatima, my love.”
* * *
“Now, Isaac, here is your packed lunch, a bottle of water, and sunblock. And remember to wear a sunhat when you’re outside.”
Isaac smiled at Sarah. “Enjoy the expedition!” he said.
* * *
Mary, with no one to delay her, was first in the hotel lobby.
The three women walked together to al-Aqsa, to the Western Wall, and to the Holy Sepulchre. They prayed together at each, and together were filled with great peace.
Autumn Leaves 
It’s nice that they could get along so very well. That doesn’t always happen
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That’s true, Larry, but it happens sometimes, and we need it to happen more frequently, I think.
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The people of the book
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Hm, not quite the message I wished to convey! Thanks for the feedback, Neil.
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There is no greater way to peace than through prayer. Lovely story, Penny!
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Thank you for that lovely comment, Dora. Prayer brings us closer to God and closer to each other.
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Dear Penny,
All Holy places. For me the Western Wall was an amazing and peaceful place. Last year when I went, our hotel was in walking distance so we went more than once. Lovely story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle. I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
Shalom
Penny
xx
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Lovely that the three were able to go together.
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Dear Dale,
You’ve read to the heart of my story. Thank you!
With very best wishes
Penny
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A bit of peace and quiet away from the menfolk. I’m glad they found inner peace too.
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I wonder whether they would have been able to visit all three of the holy places if their menfolk had been there – or whether prejudice might have prevented that. Inner peace is very important, and I’m sure the three women were blessed.
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An inspiring piece, Penny.
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Thank you, Sandra. The subject, I think, is better than my writing, which is clunky, I’m afraid!
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A lovely story Penny. We try to pretend we are all different, but there is more that makes us similar. If only we could all come together and appreciate that. Well done.
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Thank you for the lovely comment, Iain. The unity of humankind is something I care about passionately. I’m glad it came across in the story.
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Not sure I understand the significance of the ‘no men’ policy, Penny
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Thank you for the comment, CE – it’s always good to understand where I could have done better. The three women are each devout believers of their faith. Fatima is a Muslim, Sarah is a Jew and Mary is a Christian. I tried to signal that by the names, and also by stereotypes. Yousuf, as a Moslem would have been unlikely to let his wife go unaccompanied in a group that contained men, and that is the significance of the ‘no men’ policy.
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A lovely story Penny – I bet the men enjoyed a bit of peace too!
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Especially Isaac! I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
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I wonder if the message is that women from all faiths find peace, whereas the men find disagreement and discord as they jostle for dominance.
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That certainly reflects how I feel, although I’m not sure how true it is. But the message I hoped to convey is that if we get together with different faiths, and especially if we pray together, we might achieve a more peaceful world.
Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful comment.
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a story that warms the heart. well done.
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Thank you for commenting, Plaridel. I’m glad my story warmed your heart.
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A lovely piece, Penny. Much appreciated in a world where so many seem to be intolerant.
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Thank you for the thoughtful comment, Sascha. Where there is God’s love, miracles of peace and acceptance can happen.
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A lovely metaphor that we would all love to see become reality!
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Thank you for the kind comment, Linda. I’d like to see us all living so as to make such visions come true.
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Such a lovely story and one that has already been quietly realized in one form or another by more than one group of friends coming together, I’m sure. Thank you so much for sharing. We need more of this in the world. ❤
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Thank you for that really kind comment. I’m sure you’re right that the vision has been quietly realised by groups of friends coming together.
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The three women seem to have a special bond that allows them to pray and be quiet together.
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What a lovely comment, Mags! You’re right – they must be close.
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Lovely and heartwarming story. Yes, prayer is such a powerful and wonderful thing. It brings peace, comfort and hope, especially in troubling times.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Prayer is a wonderful way of drawing close to God.
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You’re welcome 🙂 and yes, it is.
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I can see this play out like a movie. I bet the women have a lot of fun together.
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Thank you for the lovely comment. I think you’re right – the women have a lot of fun – in a quiet way!
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