Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "A Man is Known by the Company He Keeps" (without using the actual phrase). (01/31/08)
-
TITLE: The No Show | Previous Challenge Entry
By Steve Bato
02/06/08 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“Nah. Go on, bro. I have other plans.” Randy almost never joined his brother for the weekly Bible study. Allen no longer apologized for his brother’s frequent absences from Wednesday evening and Sunday morning services. He also no longer expected him to go with him to the Tuesday evening prayer service or the Saturday afternoon Scripture memorization sessions.
Allen punctuated his drive through the sparsely traveled side streets with a prayer for his brother.
“Dear Lord, thank you for providing all these wonderful growth opportunities, and please forgive him for continually ignoring you. I pray he will renew his commitment to you, and find his way back to your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
He prayed this so often, the words now came out in one, long, nearly unbroken, stream of words tumbling one upon another.
The church fellowship hall was filled with the Wednesday night regulars—a much smaller group than Sunday mornings. The pastor’s message about “serving the least of these” was truly inspiring—Allen took his customary three full pages of notes and underlined in his Bible the key texts.
As he parked the car in front of their apartment, he noted two things: the absence of lights in the apartment, and a person waiting at their door.
His cautious approach revealed a frail old woman as their visitor. A threadbare shawl clung tightly to her spare frame. Her pockmarked face sank from apparent grief, but her bright green eyes held a spark of hope.
“Good evening, ma’am.” Allen stood a safe distance away. “Can I help you with something?”
“Yes, sir, please. Does Randy live here? I need to see him desperately!”
“Well, yes, this is his home. He is my brother. However, I’m not sure where he is at the moment. May I ask what it is that you need from him?” Allen could not fathom how someone like this would even know his brother, let alone desperately need him.
“Yes, sir, please. You see, Randy has been coming to my neighbor hood nearly every evening and weekend for the last few months. He’s helped everyone with anything they needed. Most of us are elderly and have barely enough money to live on. He’s fixed porches, changed light bulbs, delivered groceries and helped in so many ways. He’s even helped us start a small Bible study, and taught us how to pray not only for our own needs but to show us how to be a blessing to those all around us. I had hoped he would be by earlier today, because my only toilet is backed up. I can go to the neighbor’s during the day, but that is just not a good option for the night. I thought I would come and see if he would mind fixing it for me.”
Allen’s tongue found no words at its command for a handful of moments. Now he knew why his brother had not been going with him! It all made sense now!
“Ma’am, I do not know where he is or when he will return. He may be in your neighborhood right now, for all I know. I bet if you go back, you’ll find him. But, just in case, when he does get home I’ll mention you stopped by. Good night!” He pushed past her, threw the door open, stomped inside, and slammed the door behind him.
Right. I’ll tell him! If he thinks he can get out of church that easy . . .!
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Laury
Great story!
But, those are just suggestions. You write very well and I really enjoyed the comentary of the last line. Keep up the good work. God bless.