Courage
Okay, we all know the story of Adam (named John in this story) and Eve, right? How the snake tricks Eve (named Elizabeth, Eli for short, in this story) in to eating the fruit that God so happened to tell them not to eat. Well, what if I told you that the snake didn't trick Eve. What if I told you that Eve did it out of courage, knowing she would have to face the consequences, even if she was doing it for someone she loved? Would you believe me? Well, believe me or not. I'm still going to tell you...
God told them not to eat it. He specifically told them not to eat it, Eli thought. And yet, here she was, knowing that she would have to summon up the courage to eat the red fruit and face the consequences, or the snake would kill him. Yes, him John. Eli sighed. Every time she thought of him, her heart filled with love. And she didn't have courage, he would die. She remembered John's pleading words, before she left to think, "Don't do it, Eli. Forget about me, please, just don't play his game." I'm sorry, John, Eli thought to herself, but I'm not going to give you up. I'm going to give Eden up.
The next day, Eli walked to the tree with the red fruit. Just as he promised, the snake was there, with John. When he saw her, he grinned at her, letting her know that he was okay. She looked at the snake. "So all I have to do is eat one of the red fruits from this tree and you'll let him go."
"If you have the courage," the snake remarked, with a look on his face that Eli thought was a sneer. She nodded, then looked John. She gave him a sad smile, then stepped close to the tree, willing for the courage that she oh so wished was there. Just deep, very deep inside her. When she felt it flowing through her, Eli brought up her hand, making a grab at one of the fruits. After finally grabbing on and getting it off the branch, she took a bite. God, she thought, this is delicious. A few seconds later, the fruit had disappeared, leaving only an empty core.
Eli threw it at the snake, saying, "There, I ate it. Now let John go so we can leave Eden with the little pride and dignity we have left." Soon, both she and John were walking through the gates of Eden and down to Earth. While they were walking, John remarked, "I'm envious."
"Why?"
"Because I know I wouldn't have that kind of courage to defy God like that. Was it difficult to summon up that courage?"
She grinned evilly. "You have no idea."
From that point on, if someone wanted courage, they would have to look for it. No, not like looking for gold or a 7- Eleven. You would have to look for it deep inside yourself, just like Eli.