I used something almost like this in a sermon once. I don't remember exactly where I got it, but is was a good example of the difference between believing in something, and having faith.

Your retelling of the story was very well done.

I wish I had had your version when I was giving my sermon.

Val....I heard this theme before long time ago, so I wrote it in my way.

I am confused by some of the comments here, Laz. Some say this is not original. Has this story been written before? If so, I have never read it.

I thought you did a terrific job and I was surprised at the ending, never suspecting what would happen. A real thought provoking story. I enjoyed it tremendously.

Felix, felix...he didn't get far...and then fell. The rope prevented him from hitting bottom.
But...hey...that is not the moral of the story. Stop analyzing.

This ain't The New Yorker, but this story does everything you intended, Laz. The ending was a nice twist:) My only question immediately was, "How, when he was fresh and began the ascent hours ago, did he not realize he was not ascending?" Or did he in fact get so far up, then manage his way back down during the freezing night, only to die moments before his boots touched the grass?
Well, I liked it anyway:)

The whole ending lacks impact... and that is the nub of the problem.

A problem we all face... every day. We try to avoid the impact of our decisions - and the results of that are exactly as Laz has painted them.

Me? I'll take the impact. If you're going to do something - DO it. If you claim to be something - be it absolutely.

Any idiot can follow a trend - and are usually rewarded accordingly. To misquote John Shedd, it's easy for a human being to be safe, but that is not what humans are made for.

So our lives then should make trends, avoid them or confound them - but never follow them. Only the poorest of intellects would ever consider writing in such a way.

And, as if by example, Lazlo, again, takes the commonplace and stands it on it's ear. I could go on and on... as a matter of fact, I will... right here:

http://www.bookrix.com/_groupforumbook-en--the-rope-by-lazurus.html

I'd give it a heart - but I already did.

Kenneth, if you're asking me...I would cut the rope. Yes, it would really be a 'leap' of faith. Not always easy.

This reminded me a lot of that movie James Franco was in where he was trapped. This short story will stay with me forever. It's a reminder to Trust in HIM and do whatever HE leads you to do. HE might not have put us in the situation but HE is always with you through it! LOVED this and can't to read more of your works!

Very well written. A true test of faith. While reading I wondered what I would have done in the same circumstances.

Thanks....it's also not my usual genre, but every so often I need to write something spiritual.