Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: CROOKED (04/30/20)
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TITLE: Whose Sin | Previous Challenge Entry
By Art Westefeld
05/07/20 -
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Taking a deep breath, I launched into my latest adventure in Christian counselling. “I was awakened by one of my small congregation’s members, Rodek, who asked me to meet him and his wife, Belloq, at a birthing center, to bless their first born child. I responded that I would be there shortly.”
"When I arrived and identified myself, I got a bigoted response from the Qlag receptionist. As a human and a Christian, I was doubly scorned. For "enlightened" beings, they are an insular lot. After tracking down Rodek and confirming that I was expected, he smacked the door control with his paw."
"For any newcomers, the Qlag are built like terran lions."
"Rodek met me, exclaiming, “I’m so glad you're here, Pastor. Belloq is rather upset about the cub. I hope you can provide some spiritual comfort to her.”"
"My heart was in my throat. I had taken the required courses on dealing with death, and was afraid that my training, and burgeoning understanding of Qlag culture might be put to the test. Though I’ve lived on Qlag for several years, I’m still unsure of their reactions."
"Rodek escorted me through the open birthing ward, both of us ignoring the hostile glares from other new parents. As I approached Belloq’s cot towards the middle of the ward, I could see her sobbing, something I’ve never seen a Qlag do before. I asked gently, “May I hold your cub?”"
"Belloq thrust him at me and growled, “Why has God afflicted our Rowgon?”"
"I took him and looked at him, not understanding. "He seems to be healthy. He has your eyes and Rodek’s coat.”"
"She had been concerned about having a cub with Rodek's blue eyes, since they are regarded as less than full Qlag."
"“His tail!” she hissed. Reclaiming her cub, she turned him over and pulled on Rowgon’s tail, which straightened briefly, then resumed a notable kink. Like the kitten I had mis-handled as a child, he meowed and growled as if to say, 'Stop it!’"
"Rodek saw my look of confusion and explained in a voice just above a growl. “Some Qlag superstitions still manage to pop up even among believers. Belloq is thinking that one or both of us have displeased God for such a curse to manifest in our cub.”"
"I placed a hand on each parent's shoulder. "My brother and sister, do you remember when the disciples asked about the blind man to Jesus?""
"They nodded."
""He explained that it had nothing to do with his parents, but that God would be glorified. We are not promised the absence of tribulation, but rather that Jesus will always walk that road beside us.""
"They nodded again, and tension dissipated from Belloq's posture as she drew Rowgon in to a tentative embrace.
"I had no training on how to counsel a parent who is dealing with a real or perceived handicap of course, since human advancements have eliminated them from modern life, but God seemed to have given me the right words."
Further discussion was interrupted by Rowgon’s grandparents appearing behind me. With their natural stealthy walk, I hadn’t noticed Shiren and Kurn approach Belloq until I saw Kurn reach for Rowgon. As a deacon in our small church, I knew I could ask him what challenges Rowgon might face. Kurn growled low, “He will be taunted about his crooked tail by other Qlag children.”
I growled back, showing my understanding about polite conversation among Qlag, “You had a son with blue eyes. Surely you can offer your experience to them,” I motioned towards the new parents, “About how to handle childhood taunts.”"
Kurn responded in a softer voice. “You are correct, Pastor, as you usually are.”"
"Shiren padded past me, looked down at her daughter and new grandson and purred, “Rowgon is a gift from the Lord, and our love for him will be for the family’s and Lord's honor.”"
I slipped away at that point, confident that Shiren would convince her daughter that she would be a wonderful dame.
Certain that the new parents were in good hands, I began planning Rowgon's dedication, the first one ever to be done on Qlag. I will describe the dedication ceremony in my next report."
Author's note: the incident and the title for this tale comes from John 9.
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So I trust her.
So I trust her.