Why does proximity so often provoke rivalry? Is it our penchant for comparison, the way nearness gives us a view of the things we lack?

Is this why siblings find it easy to slip into envy?

Is it why, in order to bring us close to one another, God must make us new?

This is a story about dreams and disappointment, about secrets and competition and the way we measure worth,

but mostly it's the story of a God who roots for us and does not forget us when we're struggling,

a God who comes near to help.

I'm Justin Gerhardt.

Welcome to Holy Ghost Stories. Welcome to Holy Ghost Stories. You know, Noon on the outskirts of Iran.

A young woman, a beautiful young woman, 14, maybe 15 years old,

shields her eyes from the sun overhead, squinting into the distance

toward the well.

One, two, three flocks.

The sheep are motionless, lying on the ground, resting in the heat while their shepherds share

gossip, catch up, steal a quick nap.

When the fourth flock arrives, they'll remove the covering stone and draw water for their

livestock. Good of them to wait for her.

Rachel walks resolutely toward the watering hole, staff in hand, woolen disciples following alongside and behind.

Glancing over her shoulder, she calls encouragement to the stragglers, smiles as the littlest

ones bleed at her, trotting to keep up. Even as they near the well, Rachel scans the horizon

for predators, making sure her sheep are safe. This is her

flock. Well, it's her father lots, but she loves these animals. And until she bears children,

what a wonderful day that will be. These are the closest things to kids she's got.

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