Salvation

I enjoyed reading "Salvation" by Langston Hughes. This short story discusses the struggles a twelve year old boy faces within his faith. First of all, he has expectations of what his salvation should be, almost step by step. He discovers this is not the case when the moment of truth arrives.

Langston is the young boy whom Jesus was to come and save. Langston's Auntie Reed, among many other church members, explained to him that when he was saved he would see a light and something inside him would be forever changed. He was expecting to see and hear and feel Jesus in his heart and soul. I got the impression he longed for this moment, he physically wanted to be enveloped within all these feelings and emotions.

The young boy kept waiting for those feelings to emerge, and waiting for Jesus to come for his salvation. Nothing of the sort was happening. I can understand as a twelve year old, that one would be confused on the true meaning of salvation. His expectations were concrete visible signs of Jesus' coming. I think it can be difficult to know what to expect, or to be able to accept what happens during this time. When his friend gets tired of waiting, Westley approaches the alter, basically just to Ð''get it over with'. Langston seems very discouraged at this behavior and wants desperately to feel his faith come full circle.

I conclude Langston was crying not only for what he deems disappointing, but also for the fact that his faith is forever shaken. He will forever be confused about his choices, his lifestyle, and any ability to place faith and trust in another's hands. I certainly would not want this life for myself. One can only hope that Langston finds faith again and is able to trust in his life.