Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Shopping (03/01/07)
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TITLE: Prosperity Mary, Resourceful Martha and Timid Terry | Previous Challenge Entry
By Wayne Harris
03/06/07 -
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While Zack was on his trip to New York City, Prosperity Mary rented a warehouse and planned an art show near her home in Stone Mountain, Georgia. She rounded up artists and used Zack Houston’s five paintings as a magnet for all who shopped for quality art. The artists sold paintings to the shoppers. They gave Prosperity Mary a percentage of the profit. At the end of the night she had some great news.
Zack Joshua met with Resourceful Martha. “Will you take care of my two paintings?” he asked. “Both are valuable.”
While Zack was on his trip to New York City, Resourceful Martha had an idea. She took the two paintings to a store where they ran prints from originals. She sold the prints to several galleries. “I cannot wait until Zack Joshua returns,” she said.
Finally, Zack Joshua called upon Timid Terry. “Will you keep this painting until I return from my business trip?” he asked. “It is valuable.”
After Zack Joshua departed on his business trip Timid Terry searched the city for a good vault. She found one at a city bank. “I’ll hide it here. That should guarantee safety for this valuable work of art.”
When Zack Joshua drove into Stone Mountain, Georgia he called the three ladies on the phone. “Will you meet me at Destiny’s Coffee Shop in an hour?”
Properity Mary, Resourceful Martha and Timid Terry entered the coffee house. Zack Joshua stood up and said, “I am so glad to see you. How have you been?”
Prosperity Mary started jumping up and down. “Sir, I have some great news.”
“I’m all ears,” said Mr. Joshua.
“I used the paintings to draw art shoppers to an art showing. I made enough to buy five more valuable paintings.” Prosperity Mary smiled. “Look, Mr. Joshua, you now have ten valuable paintings.”
“Great job!” he said. “You doubled what I left you with. I shall reward you.”
Resourceful Martha chimed in. “I made prints!”
“And?” asked Zack Joshua.
“I earned enough money to buy two more valuable paintings for your collection.”
“Great job, Resourceful Martha,” said Zack. “I have something valuable for you, too. Brace yourself for a mighty reward. You doubled what I gave you. Fantastic.”
“I protected the painting you left with me,” said Timid Terry. “I was afraid that somebody might steal it. Somebody might mark on it. I hid it, sir.”
“We have a problem, Timid Terry,” Zack Joshua said.
“Why?” she asked. “Did I not protect it?”
“Yes,” he replied, “But you did not profit me in any way.”
“I did my best, sir,” she said.
“Please give your painting to Prosperity Mary,” Mr. Joshua said.
“But that will leave me with nothing,” she complained.
“Yes,” Mr. Joshua said, “but it will leave the one who added five paintings to my collection with another valuable painting.”
“I feel very sad,” said Timid Terry. “I cannot find an ounce of joy in my heart.”
“What about you, Resourceful Mary?”
“I can barely contain the joy that is bubbling over in my soul.”
“What about you, Resourceful Martha?”
“I have never felt such joy in my heart.”
“I can only allow two of you to remain with my business,” said Zack Joshua. “Prosperity Mary, you may stay. Resourceful Martha, you may stay.”
“You are sending me away?” asked Timid Terry.
“You did nothing with what I gave you. You must leave now.”
Timid Terry’s head dropped as she walked away. She would never return. She had wasted the opportunity Mr. Joshua had given her.
Fascinated George, 5, smiled at his father. He looked so cozy in his cotton pajamas. The thick white comforter kept the warmth in. “Daddy, our Sunday School teacher told a story like the one you just told me, the one about Timid Terry.”
“Really?” said Fascinated George’s father, Wise Bill.
“She called it the parable of the talents,” the boy said.
“Very good, son.”
“Will you read it to me?”
“Yes. But can you wait until our reading time tomorrow night? You need to get some sleep for school.”
“Sure, Daddy.”
Wise Bill prayed with his son, flipped the light switch, shut the door, but not completely, and walked down the hall to his bedroom.
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Fun way to modernize the familiar story!