LOST in the Valley of the 23rd Psalm

By W.C. Prince

The beloved 23rd Psalm comes to life in this story when you find yourself talking with a sheep who wants to introduce you to his shepherd. Somehow, the fact that you just met a talking sheep--his name is Easy-- doesn't bother you at all. In fact, you want to meet Easy's shepherd and see what is so special about him. You end up taking an overnight journey with Easy and the herd through "the Valley." Predators are everywhere, and a skirmish leaves you alone with the flock at night. You have to take charge of the sheep the next day when the shepherd asks, "What happened to Easy?" 

Will you be able to lead the flock out of the valley? Will Easy be okay? See for yourself why this story (a quick read, at under 50 pages) is loved by young and old alike, and find new meaning in the wonderful 23rd Psalm.

"When I finished the story, and then read the 23rd Psalm, I got chills!" --early reader

• Language: English
• Publisher: W.C. Prince
• Release date: Aug 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536565966

Book preview

1

You blink, and bring your hand up to block the morning sun. Its low rays glisten across the dewy grass. Your silver Isuzu Trooper sits on the side of the road, dead. The sound of the hood slamming still echoes through the valley. You’re a day early for your assignment with the local sheepherders to learn about the unusual activity with their flocks, so time is on your side, but you didn’t count on this.

There has been talk of supernatural activity. Of course, no one really believes it. Your job is to find a few sincere-looking characters and show their shallow thinking. Once this is on film, the whole thing will go away, but it’ll be good to draw attention for a few days before the show airs.

But now you’re stranded thirty miles outside of town. There’s no cell service and you haven’t seen a car in hours. Lot of good it’s going to end up being that you drove through the night to get here early and scope out the terrain before the shoot. You turn and kick the tire of the Trooper. Then, fists on your belt, you walk out into the grass toward the rising sun.

A sheep, round and wooly, approaches.

Well, good morning! And a fine morning it is, too! Come, come — I was just about to go see the shepherd. I want you to come with me.

Slack-jawed, you blink and shake your head in disbelief. You shift your weight backwards, reach with your hand and turn your head toward the gear piled in the back of the Trooper, but your eyes never leave the sheep. It seems to smile as it talks. Its voice is warm and welcoming.

You simply must come. I'm so proud to be in his flock. You have to meet him. Let's walk. He turns and walks toward a small hill. You notice his legs are wet, but otherwise he is completely dry and clean and very wooly. He is a beautiful sheep, and oh so pleasant and friendly. Maybe it's the lack of sleep, but it seems so natural that he can talk; you slide into believing easily. And without another backward glance, you follow.

What's your name? he asks, looking back at you, listening. Grasshoppers jump in all directions, morning birdsong fills the air, the breeze is cool in your face. Something about this sheep makes you feel so comfortable that you respond without hesitation. Oh, that's a nice name. My name is Easy, and I've lived with my shepherd my whole life. He's just up ahead. Don't worry, it won't take long.