Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "Actions Speak Louder than Words" (without using the actual phrase). (02/21/08)
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TITLE: I'm a Christian | Previous Challenge Entry
By Symantha McClennan
02/28/08 -
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418 Words
I’m a Christian
“I’m Margaret. Our church is having a newcomer’s social this weekend, would you like to come?”
Sally was surprised to be invited to church on her first day at work and her heart rejoiced at the thought of working with a Christian. This job might turn out to be a blessing after all, thought Sally with relief. She thought about the hard times she and her husband had come through, moving cross country for a job he’d been promised only to find the company defunct by the time they got here. She was supposed to stay home with the kids, but right now Elliott was, and they were both trying to make the best of it.
“Thank you so much for the invitation,” said Sally, “but I have to work…”
Margaret interrupted her, “Oh, so you’re the new Sunday girl,” said Margaret emphasizing the word Sunday.
“I’m Sally.” Sally offered her hand to Margaret. Margaret accepted it cautiously and returned Sally’s firm handshake with a limp one of her own.
“I’m a Christian,” said Margaret. “I could never work on Sunday.” This time she emphasized the word “never”.
Sally stared at her for a moment. “Well,” she said trying not to sound defensive, “I needed a job and this looks like a great one. I’m sure God will understand if I miss a few Sundays at church.” She smiled at Margaret.
Margaret tossed her blonde curls and sang a quick aria. “I sing in the choir and I take food to sick members of the church. My husband and I are even friends with a pastor and his family.”
“That’s great,” said Sally feeling a knot form in the pit of her stomach as her smile faded. She looked around for some support or a way to get out of this conversation that was quickly descending from a mountain to a valley. She noticed her new co-workers rolling their eyes at each other.
No help there she thought. “Well, Margaret, I believe that this is His plan for me at this time and I am so grateful for this job. Thanks for the invitation.”
“God Bless you,” said Margaret, “it sounds like you’re going to need it.” She walked off with another toss of her blonde curls.
Sally stood, her mouth open in shock as one of her other co-workers walked up to her. “Don’t mind her,” she said with a giggle and a glance at the other ladies in the department. “We don’t.”
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The second paragraph could be shortened quite a bit--most of that background isn't really necessary to the story, and it'd give you more words for character and plot development.
I love the irony in your simple, perfect title.