Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Yellow (11/12/09)
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TITLE: A Different Shade of Yellow | Previous Challenge Entry
By Terry R A Eissfeldt
11/12/09 -
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Letter to the Editor:
I’ve discovered that you don’t have to be Amish to experience shunning and that shunning is bullying, bullying is cowardice, cowardice is fear and fear is pride. Everything always come back to pride.
Recently my husband was on the front page of your paper. He was convicted of child pornography. I won’t go into the pain and shame that caused me. No, that is but the beginning, now I'm at the end.
I’m a Christian. So is my husband. He was caught in his sin in a very public way and is now paying for it with his freedom. Of course his reputation, job and our home are all lost. But not our marriage. I took a vow: for better or for worse...till death separates...
What’s the point of this letter, you’re asking? I’m not sure. I think I stated it at the beginning...the shunning...the cowardice...the pride
The ‘sin’ wasn’t mine, however, I’m connected to it by marriage. I guess that makes me guilty or like an untouchable or something. Very suddenly, after the conviction,( at least they waited to see if he would be convicted ) the shunning began.
I’m not talking about the town folks, no not them...
Jerry, at the grocery store, was so nice to me the other day. He carried my groceries out. He gave me a hug and told me that he and his wife were there for me if I ever needed anything. His kindness almost stopped the great tide of shame and sorrow that I’m drowning in....almost.
No, the shunning has been from my church family. Phone calls ceased. Email updates ended. And when I’m spotted, like at the mailbox, people hurry in the other direction. Even the pastor.
Friends, at least I thought they were friends, said tthey loved me, were there for me, were praying for me....such hollow words like dandelion flowers turned to seed, blowing in the wind...
I know what I’m about to do is viewed as cowardly but I can’t go on. The pain is too great. I guess I have too much pride.
I’m sorry Momma and Daddy.
Bury me in my yellow dress.
Name withheld
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Obits:
It is with great sadness Mr and Mrs Anders announce the sudden passing of their only child, Belinda. No service is planned. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Cancer Daffodil Campaign.
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The Christian community needs to have zero tolerance for child molesters. Forgiveness...yes. What to do about the wife who "hid" it?
Mona