Hair tousled from another sleepless night, George stared past his youthful reflection and gazed at the cold, gray world outside. His eyes brimmed with sorrow as they fell on a boy in the street, hungry and covered in grime.
And here he was. Warm. Comfortable.
“I’m just one man,” he mused. “Could I change things?”
His heart answered readily.
His mother called out, “George? George Ferdinand Mueller!”
She found him and sighed. “Saving the world again?”
He smiled, grabbed a roll for the boy, and strode to the door. “Yes,” he said resolutely. “And there’s not a moment to lose!”
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This week’s challenge at Friday Fictioneers was to produce a piece of Historical Fiction using only the thoughtful photo above, the standard 100 words, and our own imagination.
I based this piece on George Mueller, the man from Bristol, England who decided to open an orphanage and ended up opening 127 Christian schools and educating over 120,000 children, many of whom were orphans. If you’ve never read his inspiring biography… you certainly should!
Happy Friday, everyone!
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PHOTO PROMPT: Copyright – Jan Wayne Fields
The Artistic Christian 
Uplifting and hopeful. A welcome change from the bleakness of many of this week’s tales (including mine.)
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Thanks – I’m glad it came across that way!
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awesome story!!
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Thanks!
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You kind of turned him into a superhero, though. Normally, it would seem he’d exit with food in hand without exclamation points…
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Okay…point taken! I was trying to imagine what this decision point might have looked like during his younger years and was trying to capture the enthusiasm of youth, but you’re right – it wasn’t very British. He should have probably been just as resolute and a little more matter of fact…
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Lovely to see a brighter theme. Well done!
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Thanks Sandra…my enthusiastic outlook strikes again, I guess!
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An interesting detour into the life and times of someone I’d never heard of before. And a reminder of the power of prayer. I wish I didn’t have to be reminded all the time. 🙂
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Wow – I’m glad to be able to make the introduction between you and Mueller…he’s one of my heroes!
Also, with so many distractions in life, we all need constant reminders! Right there with you!
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🙂
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John, an excellent portrayal of what might have been a turning point in a life that befitted so many. Good job!
janet
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Thanks…I often wonder what first inspired great change-makers to start making a positive difference in the world…this scene has no historical accuracy whatsoever, but it was fun to dream up!
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That’s why we’re called “Friday Fictioneers!” Heaven forbid if 99% of what was written here was true! 🙂
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Wow – especially with this week’s darker themes! You’re so right!
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Dear John Mark,
If you don’t know yet, my favorite genre is historical fiction. Your story is a beautifully imagined moment in the day of the life of a great man. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much, Rochelle! I have no idea what actually sparked George Mueller’s unflinching desire to help others, but had a great time dreaming up this scene!
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That’s how historical fiction works. The operative word is “fiction.” 😉
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I would have loved to be friends with George Mueller. I can definitely see him in that picture.
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Me too! He had such a profound faith and such a complete dependence on God…I think he would have been the type of friend we all need more of!
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There’s not a moment to lose! Love that, and so true. Nice work.
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Thanks, Amy! What an incredible difference could be made if we all adopted that mindset!
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A lovely story, John, and shame on me that I had to go look up the history behind your work this week. Janet’s comment clued me in, BTW. 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by today…hope it was an enjoyable research project!
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What a heartwarming story. George Mueller must have been a really kind and caring soul – which is how he comes across in your story. A lovely read John.
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He truly was, and I’m glad that comes through here…have a wonderful day!
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Things like that give me hope for the world. That was wonderful. I loved it.
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Thanks so much…the world could use more selfless souls like this!
Have a blessed weekend!
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One of my favorites. Historical flash. Nicely done.
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Thanks – I always appreciate your kind words!
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Amazing – in 100 words – I’m not a writer so I find it simply wonderful how you communicated so much in so little. Very nice story.
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Thanks – I appreciate that! Shaving a story down to 100 words can be a mind-bender at times, but it’s a great way to become more concise and focused in your writing!
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I had no idea who George Mueller was, so looked him up. Thanks for broadening my horizons with this lovely tale.
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You’re so welcome… glad I could introduce you to this man and his inspiring life!
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Very nice. Your character’s inspirational – both the factual and the fictional bits.
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Thanks for that, Margaret!
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Well-written and inspiring story based on history, John Mark. What a great deal of good he accomplished! Great use of the prompt. Well done. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks, Suzanne! Mueller is certainly someone I admire… have a great one!
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A well told history lesson – nice work. He sounds like an interesting man.
Cheers
KT
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I think so… I’ve always found his biography to be particularly inspiring.
Have a good one!
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