The Oubliette:

            All of Joshua’s followers knew to expect punishment on the first workday. They arose quickly, dressed, and met outside their section at dawn to walk as one united group to the courthouse. Though none of them knew exactly what awaited, they knew someone would receive a punishment. So even before Stan rang the bell, all of Joshua’s followers circled in prayer in front of him. There was no way to make Stan angrier. So, by the time the rest of the citizens of Sanctuary wandered in, Stan was ferocious.

            “These illegal criminals chose to violate the law again. Hannah, step forward.” Stan ordered. “Each of the citizens of Sanctuary worked together to build an oubliette.” Stan announced, “Hannah will spend two days without light, food, or water. Dathan will put her inside the oubliette, and Peninnah will be forced to watch the hole to make sure none of Joshua’s followers help this criminal.” Hannah wasn’t sure what an oubliette was, but it sounded terrifying; and she was going to be kept in the room by Peninnah. She didn’t really have a great relationship with Peninnah.

            All Joshua’s followers gathered around Hannah and prayed. Stan grabbed Hannah and pushed her to Dathan who shoved her to a spot to the left of the courthouse. He opened a trap door as she fell down a long tunnel from a sunny day into blackness. She decided to crawl to find a wall and evaluate her new place of suffering. She started singing some of the Psalms she had known from her childhood quietly at first, but then more confidently. She then heard a sound from above with Peninnah responding in the familiar words.

            After some time, Hannah saw a small stream of light. Although it wasn’t much, she knew Peninnah was there. Peninnah whispered, “I must keep my eyes on you, so I guess I could leave a stone in the lid—just so I can see you. I know Stan wants to hear reports about your suffering, so that’s what he’ll hear. Stan made us work during the day you were all relaxing on the mountain, so I should feel very angry.”

            “Hannah, I remember how terribly I treated you before Sanctuary, and I am very sorry. You treated me with respect and friendship even when I was very harsh and made fun of you. When your son became a respected leader, you could have used that against me. Instead, you were generous. You even defended my sons when others mocked us. You knew God more than I did; and even though you don’t think I watched and learned; I saw God’s love through you.”

            “Hannah, I don’t understand you and all the other followers. You knew that the punishment for going to the mountain would be harsh—and Stan’s definition of harsh will be getting worse. Yet, you had enough courage to decide to go to the mountain. What does Joshua have on the mountain that is worth risking this pain?”

            Hannah wondered what she should say. Should she tell the truth? Peninnah said, “It’s time for breakfast. I will be leaving you. I’ll be back later, but I won’t leave you long.” Hannah was glad for the time alone to pray. As she prayed, she clearly heard a voice telling her to tell Peninnah the truth. “I want her to know what is on that mountain that is worth the suffering that all my followers choose to endure.”

            Hannah crawled around the dungeon exploring the area while Peninnah was away. In the far corner in a small section of the wall she found a plate of bread and a jar of water. She decided to pray over the food. She heard Peninnah praying with her to cover her words which surprised Hannah. Peninnah above her was protecting her in this oubliette and covering her prayers so nobody would know that Hannah had food.

            Hannah spoke, “On the mountain, we are building a place of refuge and a home where we are safe from the pain of Sanctuary. We didn’t steal anything, but we saved the seeds from the fruit and vegetables that we ate in Sanctuary and planted them on the terraces. They’re growing superbly. We also planted grass for sheep and rams to feed. We are building a small home near a beautiful waterfall.”

            Peninnah asked, “But why are you building all these things when we have water, grass, food, and supplies in Sanctuary?”

            Hannah simply said, “I don’t know why we are building these things. I simply know that it feels right; and if we must suffer, then we’re willing to endure the tests Stan gives us.”

            “Hannah, I’m glad that Stan ordered me to watch you. I will protect you to the best of my ability. Some of the citizens are very angry with you and the other followers. They blame all of you for Stan’s foul moods. They blame your group for making them dig this hole and for making us suffer that day without food or water. I understand what you say, but some of these people are vicious. Hannah, I realize the mountain is beautiful up there, but some of these citizens are planning to ravage your group. You need to be careful. I need to be quiet and close the cover. Someone is coming.” The light was covered, and Hannah enjoyed the food and water—preserving as much as she could for later. Still the food and water were an unexpected blessing.

            Later, Peninnah opened the lid. Stan came to check on you. Perhaps we will need to develop a code to have you make some appropriately heart- rending sounds.

            Hannah laughed, “I can be a good actress.” They both laughed. “Peninnah, if you ask me if I see any snakes down here, I’ll scream so loudly that the skin will crawl off from Stan’s boots.”

            Hannah decided to explain to Peninnah about Joshua. “When I first went to the mountain, I thought Joshua was crazy. He gives us food, which is so tasty and filling. Then he tells us stories; some are deep and accurate about people. We have activities and fun, sing, play games, pray, worship God, and work. He explains why people suffer. Yes, even though it seems like we’re always breaking rocks or building something, our friendship and companionship shows great tenderness. We all love each other in such an open, welcoming way. I can’t imagine a week without our fellowship, solidarity, and harmony.”

            Peninnah looked at the ground and realized that all her life, she wanted this love; yet she couldn’t overcome her dread of wrath of Stan and the pain. “I’ll think about what you said, but I don’t think I have the courage to face Stan’s indignation. Hannah, no matter how much you love the mountain, I really want you to consider staying down in the city. Many of Sanctuary’s residents are enraged and want to cause your group great torture. They are even giving Stan ingenious ideas to use, and I don’t want to see you hurt. You’re so sweet and gentle. I can’t see how you gained that much courage. Hannah, please forgive me.”

            Hannah said, “Peninnah, I forgive you. I think you show a lot of courage by helping me. I realize that you are risking Stan’s wrath, and I am so grateful. You are more loved than you think. You need to be with us— it will strengthen you. But, if it is your choice to stay here, I will try to give you the support that you’re giving to me.”

            Peninnah replied, “I must go for now and make some rounds. I will be back. I must close the cover.” While the cover darkened the room, Hannah prayed to God who had always answered her prayers. She felt like there was a presence in the room comforting her. She could tell the presence was peaceful and loving.

            Hannah sat in the darkness, knowing that she had consumed all the breakfast food and water; but when she reached for the plate, she found more food remaining. Since half of the day passed, she prayed over the food and reached for the jug. The water jug was full to the brim with the same water from the waterfall—she recognized the sweet, pure taste. She didn’t know if it was day or night, but she did recognize the familiar presence was still next to her. She prayed the familiar blessings over the food and in absolute gratitude thanked God for His presence in her time of testing.

            Hannah spoke to God as if he were sitting with her sharing the food. She told God of her gratitude for her husband, son, life before Sanctuary, and her thanks for Peninnah’s generosity. She thanked God for Joshua and his love for all the followers. She asked God to allow her to help Peninnah find the courage to go to the shelter of the mountain.

            Later, Peninnah opened the cover and apologized. “I wish I could bring you food today, but Stan is scrutinizing me intently. I will have to leave you tonight.”

            During the evening, Hannah spent the time sleeping, praying, and resting with the presence who had come to give her so much comfort. Time passed quickly that night, and the sunlight streamed in with a concerned face staring into the hole. “Hannah?”

            “I’m here and fine.”

            “Stan was furious that I spoke with you yesterday. He said I could have no contact, so I must be careful. I can only leave a small rock under the cover—large enough for just a little light. But Stan is suspicious and is keeping a close eye on me. I’m so sorry I can’t do more.”

            So, Hannah spent the day talking to the presence and reciting stories from the oral traditions of her family.

            After the two days, Hannah felt refreshed and restored. Peninnah was the first to pass a rope down and pull Hannah out. The two who had remained distant before this experience, hugged, and whispered to each other forgiveness and gratitude. Hannah looked at the dungeon that had held her and gave thanks to God for His presence and protection. She also wanted to remember the kindness of a former antagonist who risked her life giving her light and conversation. Hannah whispered a prayer of thanks for the protection by the presence through the darkness and trial.

            Later, Peninnah told Hannah she would try to give warnings about Stan’s punishment plans so the followers could prepare. She wasn’t sure if Stan would trust her anymore. She said she would have to act like Stan was right to protect Joshua’s group. “Even though I don’t have the courage that you do, I can try to help you and your friends to survive Stan’s rage. Perhaps, sometime, I can see your beautiful mountain, and you will welcome me as a sister.”

            During the rest of the week, Hannah worked to mix the oils and soaps, but now she had a different sensitivity. She frequently stopped and remembered the presence who had helped her endure the time in the hole. When all she had was hope, she found out that was all she needed.