Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "A Man is Known by the Company He Keeps" (without using the actual phrase). (01/31/08)
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TITLE: One of the Pack | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kim Stairs
02/02/08 -
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But when these two worlds collide, watch out! It can be a disaster or it can be a great day. Think about it for a moment, has anyone entered your world that is totally out of this world? I have. We had a young lady move in with us for a short while and it was an interesting time.
She had come from a world of adult entertainment dancing filled with men who mistreat women, sexual perversion, and sexual immorality. Her sense of self was all wrapped up in the job she had. But when she entered into our world it was like culture shock! We didn't watch rated "R" movies or listen to vulgar music, my clothes were much different than hers, we went to church, and we read a book called Holy Bible. At that time in her life, we were like her second parents. Our home was her safe haven.
One day due to her mixed up perception of appearance she asked me to go through a box of clothes she had. She wanted me to tell her which clothes in my opinion were too short, too low, too tight. You get the point. It was very strange for me to help this young lady adjust to social acceptable attire. Yet it was also a blessing to her. Her life eventually got turned around. She removed herself from her former lifestyle and today is married, happily.
How much sadder this could have turned out. What would her chances have been if each time I looked at her I saw an exotic dancer? There were many other labels I could have given her too. I tread the idea that her life could have gotten worse if we hadn't stepped up and helped her with her new world. The clothes was one of many "ways" she was leaving behind.
When you see someone from another world, would you let them into yours? Will you look past the pack they hang with to see the diamond inside their soul? Or do you judge and stare at them for their misguided deeds? Is all you see the title they keep: homeless, prostitute, adulter, alcoholic, sinner? Or will you be the one in their life God uses to be the turning point out of a world of destruction in to a world of light?
Before you answer these questions, remember who Jesus had dinner with, who drew him water from the well, who did he call out of a tree and stay with? Jesus hung with the destitude and the lowly. Would you have seen him as the Son of God or one of the pack?
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I don't think you need the opening "Tarzan" comparisons...the young woman's story is very compelling, and would really grab readers' interest.