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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: FLEXIBLE (07/09/20)
Stacy was busy clearing away the supper dishes and looking forward to spending a quiet evening at home when the doorbell rang unexpectedly. “Now who can that be? Should we even bother to answer the door?” she asked her husband Ray, with a sigh.

“Better get it. It may be someone we know.” Ray responded. “I'll finish up with the dishes. You deserve a break from the kitchen. ”

Opening the front door a crack, Stacy peered out then flung it wide. “Katie, what are you doing here and what's that sign you're holding?”

Katie moved the sign around so her friend could see. “I'm joining with some of the neighbors to protest restrictions with covid-19. We're sick and tired of wearing the masks, being forced to stay indoors and not even allowed to attend church services. We'll be gathering in front of City Hall with a large group in about a half hour. Want to join us?” Excitement shone in her eyes and the shrill sound of her voice as she waved the sign around. Stacy noted she wasn't wearing a mask.

“Oh, I don't think so,” Stacy replied in alarm. “I hope this demonstration is peaceful,” she added cautiously. “And it could be dangerous to join this group. They could be spreading the virus around by their protest. Why don't you play it safe and go home to your husband. I don't see Ted around.”

“Oh, he's an old stick-in-the-mud! Too scared to venture out anywhere these days but I, for one, am ready to take on the governor or anyone else who thinks they can make us obey these government regulations. They're absolutely crazy!”

Stacy winced. “Come in and sit down for a minute, hon. I don't think you're seeing the whole picture and it's hot outside. Have a cool drink. Ray will fix us something, won't you, dear? (This to Ray who appeared in the doorway. He smiled and nodded to Katie.)

Katie entered reluctantly and put her sign board down. “Stacy, you know our governor has gone too far. This is a free country and we have a right to protest whenever we see something that's not to our liking.”

“Of course we do if it's something that's harmful to us all. But don't you think you're being too easily persuaded by people who haven't enough patience to settle down and wait this out. You're a church goer and I'm thinking of 1 Peter 2:13. Here let me get my Bible and read it.” Finding her Bible she read, “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men. Whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” She paused, “well, of course this includes the police who are trying to do their job by arresting law breakers. If you watch TV, you can see how the mobs are treating these officers. We need to be flexible enough to submit to authorities who are creating our laws but look for peaceful ways to approach them if we think they're doing real harm with their policies. Right now we're feeling inconvenienced by the shutdowns and all but we have to look at the total picture. If it's a matter of people dying, I'm willing to sacrifice my business for the common good.”

Katie gave her a curious look, “I noticed your store is still open. Don't tell me you're doing business as usual. You must have taken a hit financially.”

“Well, yes we did and Ray and I had to let our clerical help go. We're opening earlier in the morning as well. We've managed to stay afloat, however, and as soon as they lift the restrictions we'll be hiring again. In the meantime, we'll stay flexible and just go with the flow.” Stacey managed a smile and accepted the lemonade Ray handed her.

“You've managed to make me feel thoughtless,” Katie said ruefully. She put down the sign and accepted her lemonade. “I guess I'll just stay out of the protest.”
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This article has been read 402 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
07/16/20
Great job with the topic and good delivery and message.

Very timely reminder and wonderful job with writing.

Blessings~
Barbara Culler 
07/17/20
This is a very timely piece!
Debra Brand 
07/20/20
Writing with the times! Good job.
Nancy Sullivan 
07/21/20
There are days I would gladly grab a sign and escort Katie downtown, but that probably won't change anything. We are living in difficult times, and the scripture and example you used makes our role clear. Thanks for a great lesson in your article.
Tammy Ortung 
07/21/20
A story well told, relevant to world events. Great message.
John Custer
07/21/20
Timely article. Keep writing. Good job.
Robert Rutaagi 
09/11/21

Thank you for such a splendid and uplifting article.

COVID-19 is a global enigma that has puzzled the world. Only the Holy Spirit can guide a believer like you to guide impulsive actors like Katie.