Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of “A Stitch in Time Saves Nine” (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (01/03/08)
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TITLE: Miss Peterson's True Identity | Previous Challenge Entry
By Joanney Uthe
01/07/08 -
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I tried a few times to correct her, but my determination to be Miss Confident shattered in the confusion of the situation. My weak, “But I’m not really...” was always interrupted and misinterpreted as humility. I never got the chance to finish the sentence and say that I wasn’t Barbara Peterson, the guest speaker, but Suzie Peterson, children’s librarian. If only Becky Jo and everyone she introduced me to had been three feet tall instead of five, my confidence would have let me explain. You see, I struggle to communicate with adults who don’t have children with them. I could never stand in front of an auditorium full of women and talk for a whole weekend. Not that I had anything prepared anyway. Yet Becky Jo kept introducing me to people as Barbara Peterson, the guest speaker. The more she introduced me, the more embarrassed and withdrawn I felt. I kept praying that the real Barbara Peterson would show up soon and clear up the mess.
It seemed like Becky Jo personally introduced me to at least half the room before handing me off to Mary Jean who, as you know, is the one in charge of personal arrangements for the speaker. She showed me to the private room reserved for Barbara Peterson. When she opened the door, I started to tell her that I really needed to explain something to her before going any further, but her cell phone rang. She ushered me into the room, not seeming to notice my hesitation. I never got a chance to tell her the truth. She found out when the phone call informed her that Barbara Peterson’s plane landed late and she would be here at the hotel in five minutes. That's when everyone concluded that I was trying to steal from the committee by impersonating the guest speaker. They think I planned to give an amateur talk and take the check. I had no such intentions.
So now you know who I really am, although I don’t suppose you believe me either. Honestly, Officer, I didn’t mean to impersonate Miss Peterson... uh, Miss Barbara Peterson. I guess if any of us had taken the time to listen and explain this would have never happened. I should have confidently just told Becky Jo that I was Suzie Peterson, not Barbara Peterson. But the truth is; I am no more Miss Confident than I am Miss Barbara Peterson. I really needed the message of this conference. Now-- not only am I not allowed to attend the conference -- they’re pressing charges against me, as well. All because I tried to appear confident but didn’t speak with confidence.”
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The door behind Suzie opened and an excited voice called her name. “Suzie? Susan Renee Peterson? Is that really you?” Suzie turned to see who would know her full name, let alone use her given name of Susan. At first, she did not recognize the younger mirror image of herself. “It’s me, your cousin Barbie. Oh, Suzie, I have been praying that God would cross our paths. I grew up idolizing you. God has shown me that I cannot be you because He created me to be me. He has given me this message to share with other woman. But he did it through my love for you. Will you be my special guest this weekend?”
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This brought to mind a novel which employs mistaken identity. It is The Proposal, by Angela Hunt. You might enjoy it, though it takes a sinister direction.
This one reads like a skit...for a Women's Conference!