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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Beautiful (11/07/05)
“You’re still beautiful to me. Come here. Let me see you better.” Carla Morgan twisted from the mirror and closed her robe over her chest. She didn’t want George to see her. The biopsies and subsequent surgeries had taken their toll. She was sure she was repulsive to him now. Carla could barely look at herself. She turned toward the spare bedroom.

******

“You are beautiful, sweetie. I know he will think you are the prettiest prom date he could ever have.” Tiffani Dunlap turned from the mirror in her gown and faced her mother with the same adage she had been screaming for months now.

“But I’m so fat!” She twirled her tiny frame around and around for a fresh look at each angle. “How bad do I really look in this dress?” she cried. Tiffani ran to her bathroom.

******

“It’s a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. Your customer should love it.” His wife stroked her hand over the creamy oak finish.

“I don’t know,” Pete Kramer said. “I think I could have sanded it more and maybe used a better stain. I hope they like it.” He stood back and inspected the cabinet with a frown pulling at his brows.

*******

“How’d you ever design such a beautiful quilt?” Her granddaughter touched the delicate stitches holding together the red and blue fabric. “I know you will win first place at the fair.”

“Hmmm,” Pauline Lucie murmured. “This row could be more even. My eyes just aren’t what they used to be.” She shook her head ever so gently and turned toward the muted television.


*******

“You did a beautiful job singing your solo today. I bet you wish you had started singing at church years ago.” Her friend gave her a hug.

“I don’t know. Did you hear that last note? I think I could have been higher.” Karen Anderson sighed as she collected her book and purse and turned toward her car.


*******

“Your sermon was beautiful today, honey. I particularly loved when you read in Genesis how God made everything ‘good’. I know sometimes I forget to appreciate the beauty of His workmanship and doubt that I am good enough in His eyes. Thanks hon.” Beth kissed him on his cheek and opened the oven door to check their dinner.

“Do you really think I made any difference today? Should I have used another example? There are so many hurting people in our congregation who are filled with self doubt and don’t have a clue that they are special to God.” Pastor Ron reached for his sermon notes and scratched the back of his head.

“Maybe I can do better next week. Hon, call me when dinner is ready. I want to get started now while I’m thinking about it.” He turned from his wife and hurried toward his study.

“Mmmmm. What a beautiful roast. Thank you, Lord.” Beth smiled as she prepared to call her family to the table.
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This article has been read 1792 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
David Conrad
11/14/05
Good job, too often we, in the name of achieving our very best, take for granted the giftings God has placed within us and how unique we are. no one else can do the job we were placed here to do.
Garnet Miller 
11/14/05
At times we all feel that our offerings are insufficient for our Lord. But we must remember that God is pleased with our gifts as long as they are offered in love. Our best is beautiful to the Master!
dub W
11/15/05
I really like how you handled this, such diverse way. Indeed, we need to recognize that God gives us everything we need. To Him we owe thanks no matter what.
Jeffrey Snell
11/15/05
Interesting, original entry. Great job contrasting perfection with beauty.
DaNine K. Ward
11/16/05
What an interesting approach, very creative. You said a mouthful. Thanks!
Pat Guy
11/17/05
Pastor Ron? Hmmmmm....sounds familiar! :) This brought tears to my eyes - such a poignant message for us all. (including Pastor Ron!) And I especially enjoyed the way you did this - held my interest, not preachy - loved it! :)
Brandi Roberts
11/17/05
Very well written. I loved the different examples. Thanks for sharing!
Anita Neuman
11/17/05
It took me a while to catch on to the common thread - but once I did, I LOVED the theme. Great job!
Julianne Jones
11/18/05
I enjoyed your approach to the topic - very original and thoughtful. You managed to pack a powerful message into the tiny snapshots from life. Well done.
Shari Armstrong 
11/19/05
I started reading this, then got "distracted" by a friend that I was IM'ing with. Then I needed to write an important e-mail. I came back to finish this -and it was just the words I needed to hear. Thank you.
Val Clark
11/20/05
A timely, well written message. 'Just as I am.' How hard that is to accept.
Helga Doermer
11/21/05
Once upon a time, one very wise woman told me that we need to be satisfied when we know we've done the best we can.

Another one suggested that when we recieve a compliment, we thank the giver, so as not to undermine their gift, and what we mean to them.

Your vignettes catch at that aching expectation of perfection, which keeps us from our healing/wholeness.