 |
|
|
It was the perfect day and I was more than a little nervous. Although I had visited the small, friendly church once before, today would be different. As I knelt down to pray, I was humbled and curious as to how I would be perceived. Prayerfully, I asked for guidance and courage.
I had found the tattered dress and oversized shoes at a yard sale . The dress an offensive green color with a musty odor and the shoes were yellow with black scuff marks and worn soles. As I slipped into the dress, I noticed a gaping hole under the sleeve which I hastily fixed with two safety pins. The lipstick that I chose for this day was a bright red and the rouge was equally as bright. As I applied the green eye shadow, I was struck by my appearance. Typically, I dress very conservatively with very little makeup - but not today. Minutes passed as I tried to find “me” in that mirror. Unsuccessful, I grabbed the shoes, my Bible and my courage and headed out the door.
Pulling into the parking lot, my stomach did a somersault. “Maybe this wasn’t one of my better ideas”, I thought to myself. A quick prayer renewed my strength and as I opened the car door, the warmth of the Sonshine flooded over me. I was early and there were several church members milling about in the parking lot. I seemed invisible as I approached the large, ornate wooden doors. Even the greeter seemed to find something to occupy himself as I passed him in the vestibule.
I felt awkward and alone. There was a busy chatter among the churchgoers and the pews were beginning to fill up quickly. Embarrassed, I quickly chose a seat on the very end of the last pew. Many walked by but none seemed to notice me. It wasn’t until the second song that I was certain that I had been noticed as the women two rows in front of me began whispering loudly enough for me to hear. Words are so destructive.
Welcome time came and passed with no interaction from any of the church members. I was keenly aware that they were avoiding me even though I wore my friendliest smile. I watched as the offering plate pass each hand on all of the aisles preceding me and then watched as the usher dismissed me. Disappointed, I carefully tucked my tithe back into my oversized red purse.
The end of the service came with as little fanfare as it had begun. I sat quiet and alone as the members filed out of the church. Rejected and weary, I made my way to the parking lot. The results were as I expected.
How many people had I passed by at my church because they weren’t “just like me”? How would I fare on judgment day for all of those people that I discouraged from coming to church?
“Verily, I say unto you: inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
|
|
|
