Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Write something in the YOUNG ADULT or TEEN genre (06/07/07)
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TITLE: God and a Half-Slip | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Petty
06/07/07 -
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Twenty-five years ago I sat on a folding chair in the small fellowship hall. That room had hosted many a potluck dinner as well as children’s activities and even a teen rock-a-thon. But that day I sat in a row filled with my peers awaiting the most exciting event to date, for me. Our church was beginning participation in a girl’s ministry called Missionettes. We looked so forward to earning prestigious badges and obtaining brand new blue and white uniforms. Some of the women in the church sewed beautiful skirts and sashes for us and we wore them proudly. Today we would usher in this new endeavor with a candle lighting ceremony. Each girl was given a specific task or scripture to recite, just after lighting our candle. As my turn approached my stomach filled with knots. Still, I couldn’t wait to get up there.
As I took my place next to two taller girls, I began to recite Philippians 4:8: The Missionette Code. I was so pleased with myself for getting through it without stumbling, that I didn’t realize a minor glitch in my performance. As I was finishing up, my lovely new wrap-around skirt began to come unwrapped! For some reason, even against my mother’s objection, I had failed to put on a slip that day. It was too much of a bother, I’d thought. Besides, no one sees under there anyway, right? Unfortunately, I’d been very, very wrong. I was mortified! One of the nearby leaders stepped forward and wrapped the fabric of her skirt as far around me as she could, while she scooted me out of the limelight. I had never been so grateful for anyone in my short little life.
After some creative pinning, the ceremony was completed. Photos were taken. Girls smiled. Parents beamed. I survived the incident with minor humiliation from my sister-missionettes.
It’s funny now as I look back at it. But for the most part, when I think of that day, I think of the beginnings of something wonderful. Precious were those hours spent in God’s Word, and being challenged to dig deeper in my walk with Him. I have joyful memories of evenings spent exploring new things as I earned badges alongside my friends. I remember outings, and friendships that are still in tact today. Remembrances of receiving the title of Honor Star and walking forward to have a crown placed on my head and a bible placed in my hand remain dear to me.
Even now, each time I light a candle, two things come to my mind: The first is Philippians 4:8, and the second … wear a slip!
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