Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: KINDNESS (11/04/21)
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TITLE: Emily Is A Loving And Kind Friend | Previous Challenge Entry
By Janice Aylor
11/11/21 -
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I was invited to join a small group study on Sunday evenings. One of the men from the church decided to begin a group for those single people in their thirties or forties. I decided to check out this small group on the first evening they met.
It turned out to be a great group. I thoroughly enjoyed myself there and it wasn’t long until I began to look forward to Sunday nights even more than usual.
One day Emily showed up for the study. I instantly liked her. It turned out we had lots in common. She asked, “So, where do you work?”
“Bell Atlantic, one of the phone companies. And where do you work?” I asked her.
“Social Security.” She replied. So our friendship began.
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She was always so kind to me. She often picked me up when we went to various social events with the church group. She would say, “Why don’t I pick you up at 7:30? We can meet the others at 8.”
Sometimes we went to media events at the church together. Once they had a series by a famous Christian writer. The series lasted for three weeks, and we really enjoyed it. Emily said, “We should do this again for other series when they offer them.”
I agreed that we should. We would go out and celebrate one another’s birthdays, Christmas, and other special occasions. We would usually go to one of our favorite restaurants for lunch or dinner.
The highlight of our friendship was when she was Maid of Honor at my wedding. It was a special moment when she stood with me while my husband and I exchanged our wedding vows.
Her biggest help to me, however, was when my mother died. She spoke with me for about two hours after I informed her of my mother’s death. Emily said, “Your mother is at peace now and is no longer suffering. God took her home in His mercy. I know it is hard to lose someone you love, but God loves her more than you do.”
I said, “I know it’s true. God wanted her home with Him. Her journey is over.”
Emily told me she was coming to the funeral. She said, “You need a friend, especially now.”
I thanked her. “You are always around when I need you. You’re a great comfort.”
The pastor gave a fantastic sermon, quoting the twenty-third psalm. He said, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” (Psalm 23:4, KJV)
Later Emily said, “That was a lovely sermon. I could almost see your mother going through the valley with the Lord at her side.”
“Yeah, it sounded amazing the way the pastor described it, didn’t it?” I was sort of in shock the way he described the journey from earth to heaven. It was so beautiful I wept.
Emily wept with me. She was always empathic, feeling what I was feeling. I think she has the gift of mercy.
Eventually we were led to attend different churches, but that did not prevent us from getting together for Christmas and for birthdays. We had great times and lots of fun.
However, the day came when she had to move away. Her health went downhill quickly after she had a mini stroke one day while she was at work. She had to retire from her job which she loved and did not want to give up.
Emily moved back to her home state so she could be near her family. I still speak with her on the phone, and we keep in touch concerning how things are going.
I miss her a lot.
I know one day we will see one another in heaven. I love you, Emily.
*This is based on a true story.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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Thank you for successfully hooking me until your wedding day before which I thought Emily was your targeted wife!
What a memorable experience! Thank you and well done.