The First Impression | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: The First Impression | Previous Challenge Entry
By Vicki Chappelear
12/08/06
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

I pulled into the parking lot, removed the keys from the ignition and took a deep breath. I’ll admit I was nervous. What a crazy idea, me going into a church! There are just some things that don’t go together; me and church were one of them.

My co-worker had invited me many times and I always had an excuse not to go, but this time I really couldn’t think of a good reason not to go and besides maybe he would get off my back about it if I went just once. He seemed happy and things in my world were a little depressing so I thought, “What would it hurt to try it.” Now I knew that I was no saint, but I didn’t think the church would collapse on me, so I figured no harm could come from me going just this once.

I finally mustered the courage to open the car door and take that first step. The entrance to the door seemed like a million miles away, but slowly I made my way. I almost turned around twice. At the door there were people standing there. They actually opened the door so I could go in, strange; this politeness was foreign to me. They all smiled genuinely and welcomed me. I could feel my stiffness begin to soften and my cold heart was beginning to warm. Kindness, I hadn’t seen it in a while and here it was in massive amounts being poured out, and on me none the less.

I gave a forced smile to one of the ladies at the door. I think she sensed my uneasiness, “Have you been here before?” she said with an easy smile. I shook my head.

“Welcome, we are so glad you have come to join us today. My name is Carol.” She put out her hand.

“I’m Susanne.” I shook her hand. There was a strange peace that came over me as I entered the church.

“Were you invited by someone today? I can help you find them.” Why would she leave her greeting job to help me find someone?

I told her who had invited me and she helped me find them in the sanctuary. As I sat down, my friend was very glad that I had come. I listened to the message that week, I had never before heard about God’s love and forgiveness. I left feeling hopeful.

As I left, Carol was again standing at the door; she smiled and said, “See you next week!” And she did, I came back the next two weeks in a row and then I accepted Jesus as my Savior.

I wanted to leave that first Sunday, but those at the door that greeted me made me feel so welcome. And Carol made me feel as if I had a friend as soon as I entered. To tell the truth, I would have walked out if it hadn’t been for Carol, she showed me God’s love. What a difference was made in my life by someone just saying “hello.”

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

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.