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Bob Lampkin

Parable of the Prodigal Daughter

Biracial woman sad
Photo Illustration by: Pablo Stanley

Della, coming from a biracial Black and Jewish family, had always been a dreamer of possibilities. Growing up in a small, tight-knit community, she was surrounded by the love and guidance of her Messianic Rabbi father. Yet, the allure of the big city beckoned her, and at the age of eighteen, Della packed her bags and headed to New York City. Her heart was filled with dreams of becoming a renowned dancer and model, but her father's heart was heavy with the fear of losing her to the temptations of the city.


With a tearful farewell, Della left her hometown, her father's words echoing in her ears, "Remember, Della, you are always welcome home, no matter what." The city was a whirlwind of excitement and opportunity. Della quickly landed a few modeling gigs in music videos, and her life seemed to be taking off. She was surrounded by glitz and glamour, attending glamorous parties and basking in the attention she received. However, as she delved deeper into this glamorous world, Della began to feel a growing sense of emptiness. The late nights, the constant pressure to maintain a certain image, and the superficiality of the people she met left her feeling lost and unfulfilled.


The more she tried to fit into this new lifestyle, the more she felt like she was losing herself. She began to engage in behaviors that were completely foreign to her, such as drinking excessively and experimenting with drugs. Her once bright and hopeful spirit was gradually replaced by a deep sense of despair and self-loathing.


One night, after a particularly wild party, Della woke up in a stranger's bed, feeling more alone and disgusted than ever before. She was surrounded by empty bottles and discarded clothing, and the stench of vomit filled the air. The memory of her father's loving embrace seemed like a distant dream. She realized that the life she had been chasing was empty and meaningless. The glamour and excitement she had craved had only led to a downward spiral of self-destruction.


With a heavy heart, Della decided to return home. The journey back for this prodigal daughter was filled with mixed emotions. She was both terrified and relieved to be leaving the city behind, but she was also filled with shame and guilt over the choices she had made. As she boarded the train, she couldn't help but think of the day she had left home, filled with such hope and excitement. Now, she was returning broken and defeated.


When Della finally arrived home, her father was waiting for her at the train station. Seeing her in such a state, his heart ached with pain. He embraced her tightly, his tears falling onto her hair. As they walked home together, Della poured out her heart, sharing her struggles and regrets. Her father listened patiently, offering words of comfort and understanding.


Through her experiences, Della learned the valuable lesson that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be found in superficial pursuits or external validation. It is found within oneself, in a deep connection with God and loved ones. She returned to her hometown, not as a lost and disillusioned young woman, but as a wiser and more compassionate individual. And as she continued to grow and evolve, she realized that her journey, though challenging, had ultimately brought her closer to the love and guidance she had always sought.


 

Bob Lampkin

Bob L. Lampkin is a professional linguist, author and Rabbinic Minister providing Messianic teachings on numerous life changing topics from an ancient and foundational perspective that has been lost with time. He is committed to helping those who have been damaged by trauma. We are committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to deepen your faith and live in Shalom. Click here to learn more:


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