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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Friend (11/02/17)
Don’t Bug Me, I’m Worshipping Jesus!

My mom was not shy about making her expectations known. So, it should not have surprised me when those same expectations came with her to church that Sunday. I think it was her list of complaints during our drive that set me on edge. By the time she finally found the best seat to see the pastor from and had instructed me 10 times how to hang her purse on the walker “the right way”, I was emotionally exhausted. I considered taking up smoking at that very moment in the pew, but instead I headed toward the foyer for a sanity break.

About 10 minutes later I took my seat next to her. I reminded myself that her irritation was how she hid fear and anxiety. A lifelong struggle. I needed to celebrate that she was attending the service and hoped today she would have a spiritual break through. After soaking in my surroundings, I stood to worship.

Before the chorus could be was sung, I felt a “tap-tap” on my left hip. Ignoring it and sang a bit louder, hands raised.

“Tap-tap!”

“Don’t bug me, I’m worshiping Jesus!”, I thought - hoping the words would not spill out of my mouth. I was swaying a bit by now adding in my own lyrics to the chorus, “Jesus, my Eyes Are Only on You” (and not my mother...). All good on the outside; volcano ready to blow on the inside.

“Tap -tap!!”

“TAP-TAP!!”

“WHAAAT?!!” I bent over and said in my biggest non-verbal dragon roar.

In the sweetest, calmest voice I have ever heard my mother use she said, “Honey, you have a long piece of toilet seat paper hanging out from the back of your pants. I’ve been trying to grab it, but you kept moving around.”

Yeah... did I mention we were in the third row from the front? The expression, “Can I have a witness?” had a whole new meaning in that moment.

The following week there was another interruption. It had been a difficult few days and once again I had arrived emotionally exhausted. Finding the right seat had gone smoothly. I chose to stand with the congregation, but was having a hard time concentrating.

“Tap, tap…”

“Oh no you don’t!”, I thought to myself and scooted over a bit. I was becoming a pro at this.

‘Tap…tap…”

I began whispering between the stanzas. “Lord, I am so hurt. She needs to understand this from my perspective!”. Tears were starting to well up. It felt like the music was carrying me.

“Tap…tap…”

“Don’t bug me, I’m WORSHIPPING!” I almost shouted, but held my tongue not wanting to make another scene. Subconsciously, I touched the back of my pants – all clear.

“Tap. Tap.”

“This really needs to stop!” crept out of my mouth. I peered at the seat next to me, it was empty of course. I had come alone.

“Tap. Tap. Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”

“Oh! Jesus - it’s YOU!” I sat down, putting my head in my hands. “Sorry about that. I am so hurt by my friend. She says she’s a Christian, but I’d be worried about that right now if I was her. As soon as this service is over I’m making some phone calls – to ask for prayer for her of course...”

I started singing again, maybe a bit too fast.

“Tap. Tap. You will be worshipping right next to her in heaven, so how about forgiving her just as I have forgiven you? Oh, and by the way, you have something in your eye. Possibly a branch.”

I let out a sigh. I knew that scripture; “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” I needed to forgive her and I needed to be forgiven also. I wasn’t sure I could do it. I didn’t know how it would all work out, but I knew Jesus would be with me every step of the way.

As I stood up again to worship, I gave thanks for interruptions and made a mental note to thank my mom.













Non-Fiction
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This article has been read 526 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Penny Neimiller 
11/10/17
Been there, done that...Can relate! A bit of humility is all that is needed and His love in our hearts! Liked the way you wrote your article, adding some humor always helps too.
Penny
C D Swanson 
11/10/17
Great job and message here!
Blessings~
Bonnie Bowden 
11/10/17
I loved the way you interjected humor throughout your story.It definitely got the point across.

My only suggestion would be to double-space between paragraphs for easier reading.
Jenny Fulton 
11/11/17
Good job creating a humorous tension between the mc and the mother.

After focusing in on the relationship between the two, i was a bit thrown at the sudden introduction of a third person. I would suggest hinting at the conflict earlier in the story with the end being a kind of resolution to that.
Rebecca Bithyah
11/13/17
I had a number of "LOL's" out of this! So funny. Well done. Like the previous comment, I became confused when the friend was introduced. At first, I thought the MC was still talking about her mother.
I thought you dealt with an experience we've all encountered with humour and depth. Thanks.
Salome Njunge
11/17/17
Great work.congratulations