Connecting with Scripture: Letters to My Son-In-Law

  • March 3, 2014

This fall, members and friends of WCUC gathered to connect to scripture through creative writing.  You can read more here and by picking up a packet of other pieces at church.

He blotted out every living thing that was upon the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the air; they were blotted out from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those that were with him in the ark. And the waters prevailed upon the earth a hundred and fifty days. Genesis 17: 23-24

Dear Noah,

I was down by the river washing our clothes when Sarah tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I’d heard the rumor. There was a prediction by, she couldn’t remember who, that the village and everyone in it would be destroyed by fire or flood. I told her there was no truth to it, probably just someone’s silly vision. After all I said, my son-in-law, who is God’s right hand man, would be the first to know, and I would have heard by now. Please give me the inside story so I can reassure Sarah. She’s a nervous wreck.

My best to the boys and my sweet Naamah,
Zillah

Dear Zillah,

How lovely to hear from you. We are very busy these days, but I wanted to take the time to reassure you that I have heard nothing about a fire. Your friend Sarah worries too much. Have Faith, my dear. I will share your news with the family.

Love,
Noah

P.S. I have been looking for a pair of rainbow trout. Did you see any in the river?

Dear Noah,

I am somewhat reassured by your recent letter, but today Rachel arrived at my door in a panic. She was quite beside herself and collapsed in my arms. “Zillah”, she screamed, “we’re all going to die!” Nonsense I told her. My son-in-law Noah said we should not worry our little heads about these rumors. They have no substance. She didn’t believe me. She ran home to pack their belongings and load up the mules.

Please advise.

Your devoted mother-in-law,
Zillah

P.S. Why do you need a pair of rainbow trout? Isn’t one ok?

Dear Zillah,

I thought you would like to hear what your grandsons are up to these days. All three have taken a liking to woodworking. You may see them around the village collecting wood and building supplies. They are quite excited about our new project. I wish I could tell you about it, but it will be a surprise! Naamah is extremely busy gathering food of all kinds. What a hungry crew we have. Hope all is well with you and Lamech.

We all send our love,
Noah

P.S. One rainbow trout gets lonely, I need two.

Dear Noah,

My, my, my, what industrious sons you have. You and Naamah have taught them well. I fear my daughter is working too hard. Can’t I come and help with the food? I am a good baker, as you know. Lamech came in tonight from herding the sheep, and said he’d seen a bad omen. I think he spends too much time alone in the fields. He’s convinced something bad is about to happen. Maybe you could stop by and calm his nerves. I myself have been having great difficulty sleeping these past few nights.

Lamech and I miss you all,
Zillah

P.S. Would another kind of fish do? I can only find one rainbow trout. Someone has been taking all the fish out of the river. Storing up food, no doubt. There are so few to catch these days.

Dear Zillah,

Please give my regards to Lamech. We must get together sometime. I’m afraid I am much too busy right now for a visit. The boys need my help every minute, as well as Naamah. God is a hard taskmaster, and He counts on me, so I must not disappoint Him.

It would be lovely for you to bake some bread. Have it delivered by one of the young boys in town, to the synagogue. I’ll pick it up there. Thank you for your kind offer.

Gratefully,
Noah

P.S. Actually, we have all the fish we need. I have had trouble finding a pair of those allusive Blue Footed Boobies, however. Any chance you’ve seen any out by the rocks along the river? Once again, I need two – male and female.

Dear Noah,

I think I know what the surprise is. The boys are building a big enclosure, so we can all enjoy the animals, birds and fish. Really, we must see it! Lamech and I will come just as soon as we can. This is wonderful news! Can we tell our neighbors?

With love,
Your devoted mother-in-law, Zillah

P.S. No Blue Footed Boobies down by the river. So many animals and birds have disappeared. They say they are delicious when roasted over the fire.

Dear Zillah,

You must not come to visit. The boys would be very upset, never mind Naamah. We are not finished yet with our project. You guessed wrong. It is not for the villagers to see. Only God knows when this project will be completed.

Naamah says thank you very much for the bread.

Noah

P.S. I now have all the fish, birds and animals I need.

Dear Noah,

Most of our neighbors have moved away, such is the panic in our village. It is so quiet around here. Today the air is still, the sky gray and threatening. I can see the rain, coming fast in a sheet across the river. I miss my friends and my family. Why can’t I see my beloved Naamah, and my grandsons? What are you hiding from us? Worry has overtaken us. Lamech and I will leave for the safety of the mountain caves tomorrow. Take care of my Naamah. Tell her we love her so. I fear God has forsaken us.

Good-bye,
Zillah.

~Marcia