Our Hiding Place

Prologue

I was alone in my room while I lay on my bed, not taking my eyes off the window where I could see the dark sky. There were no stars or moon.

I breathed heavily as I started to wonder why the atmosphere felt weird.

Kalaunan, nakarinig ako ng mga pagsabog kasabay ng pagliwanag ng kalangitan. It was a lightning. It started to freak me out when more of it followed so I hid under my blanket.

What's this? I thought.

A thought about the second coming of Christ suddenly came into my mind which made my heart pound faster.

Is Christ coming? I thought.

All of a sudden I heard the loud sound of a trumpet and I burst into tears because of so much fear...

Napamulagat ako at bumungad sa akin ang tahimik na k'warto ko na ngayon ay madilim pa rin.

Ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko dahil sa panaginip na 'yon.

I massaged my forehead. I wasn't sure why I had a dream about that. It was the first time.

"Was it a sign that Jesus Christ is coming soon?" I mumbled.

It was just a random dream, Michelle, my mind answered. You're being paranoid because you've heard about it last Sunday.

"Right," I breathed.

I closed my eyes again. But suddenly, I heard Evangelist Storm's voice preaching in my head, "It will surely happen... Christ is coming back soon!"

I opened my eyes again and stared at the ceiling for a few seconds, thinking deeply.

But when? I thought.

I then examined how my life was going so far.

I still went out with my unbelieving friends because I couldn't say "no" to them sometimes. I couldn't express my faith, and I remained quiet. I was afraid of persecution. I didn't want to lose my friendship with them.

It is hard to live a Christian life. Most of the time, I just wanted to give up and go back to my old life that kept on haunting me. I am wondering if I am really saved because until now, I know I am not yet completely free and healed.

Please, do not come yet. I am not yet ready. Give me more time...