Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Luggage (08/15/05)
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TITLE: Empty Luggage | Previous Challenge Entry
By lisa elg
08/22/05 -
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Lucy struggled to concentrate on his words, and soon found her mind wandering. “Why am I here? Lord, I don’t fit in. They all seem so content and put together,” Lucy thought. Her eyes began to sting with unshed tears as the congregation collectively stated, “Amen.” The pastor departed and the praise team filled his space. The team leader announced an altar call/offering opportunity as the music began to play.
Lucy remained planted in her seat. To Lucy, walking through the sea of occupied chairs to publicly offer herself at the altar was like strutting around without skin. A few times she felt the invitation, but opted to choke back tears in her chair instead.
What Lucy truly enjoyed was people-watching. She loved wondering about the people who placed their tithe envelopes in the gold platters. Did they squander their money on too much fast food or bounce checks like she did? More than that, she loved studying the people who shed their inhibitions and knelt before the altar. Who were these people? Did they receive really bad news? Were they moved for a loved one’s salvation? Did they, like me, feel like they were always one sin away from falling from grace?
This Sunday was different. As the member walked the aisles, Lucy noticed one woman carrying her tithe in one hand and a red suitcase in the other. The woman exuded such confidence that Lucy chalked it up to a Mission Trip or something. Then Lucy spotted a suit-clad man also carrying a suitcase. She began to measure the responses of the seated members. They were the picture of serenity.
She scanned the room and saw more people with luggage. Some were carrying their bags, some were pulling them on wheels, and some were even wearing their bags on their backs. What was going on? The music continued to play and no one else seemed to notice the luggage.
Lucy turned her attention to the people at the altar. The sight stole her breath. These people were on their knees, dumping the contents of their luggage on the altar. With curiosity outweighing her insecurity, Lucy rushed toward the altar. It was littered with white index cards containing black lettering. One card read REGRETS, another UNFORGIVENESS, and UNBELIEF. There were so many; a paper mountain of grievances.
A plastic handle suddenly filled Lucy’s hand. She was not surprised to see a battered, black suitcase attached to it. With a heavy heart, Lucy dropped to her knees and brought the suitcase to her lap. She knew what was in her suitcase. It was the same stuff that stole her smile, deflated her dreams, and seared her heart. Hot tears coursed down her cheeks as painful memories bubbled to the surface of her mind. She felt the invitation and chose to accept as she emptied her suitcase on the altar.
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