Let's Do Lunch | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Let's Do Lunch | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ebony Anderson
03/05/18
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In the time it takes for a coffee break, I have worked up the nerve and know what I must do. Once again, I gather with my coworker and others around the machines percolating in the tiny office kitchen. Each one of us are brewing up our personal brand of java systematically as the fridge and drawers open and close for the creamer and sugar. She is not saying much today, but she doesnâ€™t have to. This is not our first time around the machine. Over the weeks, I have listened and nodded, first casually, but then intently and thoughtfully as she slowly detailed the issues of her life, revealing pieces here and there between work and office tidbits like a patchwork quilt that comes together into a loud and colorful arrangement. The ex-husband that ran off and now wants custody, the financial struggles, the wayward teen, the mom who is battling Alzheimerâ€™s and the siblings who are in denial. So many issues of her life, blurted out here and there, sometimes seriously, sometimes comically as the coffee was brewing or while we sat crammed in the tiny break area sipping slowly with the steam rising from our cups. Although she never said it said it aloud, I know she is not a believer. In fact, we have never really talked about God but I suspected this early on because she never mentioned Him. I was certain when I finally said I would pray for her. She had a strange look. It wasnâ€™t angry but she was perplexed and questioning, her expression said, â€œwhatâ€™s the use?"

Since I am new to this job, I have yet to tell her that I have been through it all. I have lived on her street, literally walked down her block. A mother of three, I too lost my husband suddenly. Soon after, I still had to get up everyday and live this life, dealing with job and finances, all the while grieving. I lost both my parents recently too. If it had not been for the Lord who was on my side, where would I be? I have the Lord in my life, and Iâ€™m still here, once broken down, but strong. Hurt, but not bitter. My love lost, but ready to love again. I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. These verses are not just fancy platitudes to me. They are the life I live. God is my constant and consistent help.

In the time it takes for a coffee break, I finally relinquish the conditional, temporary calm of the caffeine high that I normally desire, and hesitantly address the gnawing unsettling that has been growing within me day after day, as she recites her problems. So many days, I commiserated but walked away without getting to the heart of the matter, carrying the weight of her distress, each time kicking myself afterwards. But not this time. I resolve that today, it would be different. I would be different. I feel the need... no, I have the responsibility to say more and to do more. It is time for me to give a reason for the hope that lies within me.

Yes, I will tell her today, but not here and definitely not now. Not in the confines of this tiny space, that is governed by office rules, spying eyes, ears and the sliver of time that is so fleeting. Besides, it is already time to get back to work.

So, in the time it takes for a coffee break, I look her in the eyes and whisper, â€œLetâ€™s do lunch.â€

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