adapted from 1 Samuel 25:2-35 by Joshua, 13, Minnesota

"Mistress Abigail! Mistress Abigail!" exclaimed the breathless servant.

"What is it, Ahimelech?" Abigail questioned.

"Soldiers! They’re coming to attack us!"

"What soldiers?"

"David and 400 of his fighting men!"

"David?"

"The kind man who has protected your husband’s flocks from theft and other dangers," Ahimelech blurted.

"But why is he angry and trying to attack us?" Abigail persisted.

"Because your husband, my master Nabal, hurled insults at him when he asked for food. I heard Nabal say, ‘Why should I give my food to a ruthless band of fighters from who knows where?’ Mistress Abigail, please think it over and do something or we will all be destroyed!"

Abigail thought quickly.

"Ahimelech!" she ordered. "Get five dressed sheep, and prepare a large amount of figs, raisin cakes and bread for David. Tell my other servants to help you pack it on donkeys and send it to him. Perhaps we can turn away his anger with this gift."

Abigail followed the servants and when she met David on the road, she bowed before him. "Please accept this gift on my behalf and do not carry out your revenge against us. I know what kindness you have shown to our shepherds, and I praise God because of it. Thank you for all you have done for us."

David paused, sheathed his sword and replied. "Thanks be to God who has brought you to me and turned me from my anger. I most assuredly would have killed all the males in your household by now if you had not kept me from revenge. Go to your home in peace."

And so, with her wise choice, Abigail turned away David’s anger and saved her family.

	Q: What is a bird’s favorite game? A: Air hockey. Adam O., 9, Arkansas Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe