Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: STAND UP FOR JESUS (don't write about the song) (04/09/15)
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TITLE: Love and Cake | Previous Challenge Entry
By Amelia Brown
04/16/15 -
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“Creations Cakeshop, what can I bake for you today? Yes… salted caramel cupcakes. OK. I’ll have two dozen ready by noon.”
“Mr. Philbert, in two seconds the icing will turn to rock.” Madeline poked her head through the door revealing curious eyes. With white powder on the tip of her nose, she resembled a busted crack addict. She’s been working for Jeff over two years. The two maintained a professional, yet friendly relationship.
Replacing the receiver Jeff responded, “I’m on it. You might want to clean that flour off your face so you won’t give my customers the wrong idea.”
“You’re funny,” Madeline said, clearly not amused.
The bell over the front door signaled the entrance of Jeff’s first customers of the day. It’s official, the icing is now rock solid, he thought. “Welcome to Creations Cakeshop, my name is Jeff. How may I help you?”
In a bubbly voice, the guy wearing a neon orange shirt replied, “We need a wedding cake.” I couldn’t guess who the man behind him was, but the lady standing next to him wore his face like a mask. I could tell she was his mother.
“Well, congratulations!”
“Thanks.”
“If this beautiful lady standing next to you wasn’t already wearing a ring, I would assume she’s your fiancé.” Turning to the woman he continued, “God has blessed you with the gift of youth; you’re no older than twenty, right?”
“Flattery will get you everywhere young man,” she cooed. Her cheeks confirmed she bought the compliment.
“That’s where all my cuteness comes from.” Orange-shirt snapped his fingers while giving a twirl.
Madeline interrupted his demonstration when she entered and greeted them. She went over to the cash register and started loading it with change.
“So, what kind of wedding cake are you looking for?” Jeff asked.
“O-m-g, I don’t know where to begin.” Orange-shirt dramatically placed the back of his hand over his forehead.
“I get it. That’s why the ladies usually handle this part. Men aren’t the best cake shoppers. Speaking of which, where is your wife-to-be?”
That’s when the man behind spoke up. “No wife-to-be. But I’m his fiancé,” he said with a grin.
Baffled Jeff stuttered, “Oh, I-um… I-I-thought… I didn’t know.” He never had a situation like this before. Yet, he knew what he had to do. “I’m sorry, because of my religious beliefs, I won’t be able to provide services to celebrate a same-sex couple’s wedding. It’s store policy.” Jeff knew what he stands for, but that didn’t make the situation any less awkward.
“You’ve got some nerves, that’s disrespectful and discriminating.” Spat, Orange-shirt. The rage was evident on the faces of the other two.
Trying to perform damage control, Jeff spoke up. “That wasn’t my intention. I believe in the Bible and what it teaches. Jesus doesn’t condone same-sex marriages, so I can’t either. I apologize if I’ve offended you all.”
“Oh, you’ve offended us alright. I’m gonna sue you’re a**!” the fiancé assured before they stormed out of the store.
Madeline, who was watching everything unfold, strolled over. “Are you sure you did the right thing Mr. Philbert?” I mean, I know we’re Christians, but what would Jesus do? Would He want us to treat others like this for His sake?
“I hear what you’re saying. Still, I can’t support such abomination. I’m trying to practice what I preach.”
“John 3:16 says, God loved ‘the world.’ He gave up Jesus for ‘Whomever’—not for some people. Jesus sat with tax collectors, He rescued an adulterous woman, and He even attached the ear of the soldier who took Him to his death. All to inspire change. If He can show love to the unlovable, why shouldn’t we? There has to be a middle ground. How can we stand up for our religion, while showing Christ’s love and acceptance to those with opposing views?”
Jeff sighed, “I haven’t figured that out as yet.”
Footnote: Based on the true story of the bakery that refused to serve gay couples.
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