Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Touch (the sense of touch) (08/05/10)
-
TITLE: Charlotte Steps Out | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ruth Brown
08/11/10 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
She deftly rubbed makeup under her eyes. When did these dark circles and bags happen?
She smirked at the mirror. It's going to take a while, she snickered. She smoothed on more beige. Some preacher used to say,' If the barn needs painted …' Uh huh, mine does.
Charlotte rifled through her dresser drawer, looking for her black girdle. Where are those girdly things that slim your torso and legs, better put those on too. Wish I had started on the weight loss sooner.
She got one leg in and wiggled the fabric up her leg, only to realize the crotch was still around her knees. I'd better stick the other foot in and try to get this even. She yanked up on them and heard a pop when her finger went right through the fabric.
"Oh perfect, just perfect! She felt the area of the pop. Now, I've got a large tumor on my hip. Ah, the girdle will cover that."
She snaked her body into the 2X, long leg girdle. Huffing and puffing, she announced to the mirror,
"Ye-hep, smoothed it right out."
She pulled out her slacks, the ones that didn't fit yet when she tried them at Christmas and slid them over her freshly painted toes. Like a glove, Charlotte smiled.
She stroked her purple silk shirt, and pulled it over her head; then teased and sprayed her hair, I hate this allergy to hairspray. Hope I don't scratch all evening.
Charlotte stared at her reflection, took a deep breath and realized, I can't breath very well.
I'd better see if I can sit down in these. She gingerly lowered her well girdled bottom onto the side of her bed. It was an epiphany, She couldn't get a deep breath.
I can't sit! Gotta take this junk off and let the flab flop.
You're So Vain, popped into her head. She hummed a few bars.
Lord, forgive me. You're the only one that matters. I need to reflect you tonight. With your help, I 'll glorify you in every smile, touch and hug.
***
"Honey, I'll drive tonight, you'll fall asleep if I don't."
Charlotte shook her head as she noticed, hubby's head nodded on the way.
A banner was plastered on the side of the K of C Hall - Welcome Class of 1964.
Lynette and Pamela welcomed them. Charlotte reached out for Lynette first. They exchanged warm hugs and then it was Pam's turn. Charlotte sighed, reassured by the warmth of their touch. They both seem so genuinely glad to see me.
She turned around to see old friend, Mark, with outstretched arms. I told my wife, "I'd love to see that Charlotte Casey. We were big buddies in school."
"He did say that," she nodded, "just a few minutes ago."
"Mark's Dad taught me in the sixth grade. He was such a fine man. I knew Mike would turn out well," Charlotte affirmed, as she touched Sharon's arm.
Friends mingled and greeted each other, then Lynette called on Walt, now a pastor, to pray for the families that had lost loved ones; and those who were ill.
"Oh Lord, We need you tonight as our Jehovah Rap-ha, Our healer. We pray that you will touch each one of these with your healing power tonight, and pray in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, that they be healed of their diseases. Amen."
Each classmate stood and shared, catching up on the past five years. Charlotte was deeply touched when Earlene shared at the end.
"I was posed with a question this week. What would you say to your friends if it was your last time to see them?"
"So here it is. First I love you all; but more importantly God loves you so much more. He sent his son, Jesus, to die for you.
Jesus is coming back. I believe soon. I urge you all to accept him as your Savior. Let him touch your heart. You won't believe the burdens he will lift. I want to enjoy that final reunion in heaven with every one of you."
Claps, and hearty Amen's resounded across the room.
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.
There were some spots I had trouble with, I wasn't exactly sure if I was reading it right. I noticed you had an apostrophe on the Amens, but since they were plural all you needed to add was the s.
The ending was the perfect message. Your passion and love for the Lord really glowed here.