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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: ALL TALK, NO ACTION (01/10/19)
He sat cross-legged, leaning against the stuccoed wall of the building, his bundle of worldly possessions next to him. Erratic hand and head movements indicted some type of mental illness, yet he said not a word to customers entering the mini-mart. His appearance seemed clean and fairly well groomed, yet downcast eyes revealed a feeling of sadness.

Parking my car in the stall directly in front of him, I sensed his dejection, but brushed it away with a roll of my eyes. Oh God, not another bum reaching out for my money.

“Oh how I love Jesus…”

Singing along with the last line of that song, I popped out the praise and worship disc and clicked off the air conditioner. My work phone rang before I could get out of the car, and I responded to the summons. It was not good news, and I was irritated. Glancing up at the transient, I felt resentful that yet another lazy person was panhandling, while I slaved away in my miserable job. I walked into the store with my head held high, not giving eye contact to the beggar.

“Oh how I love Jesus…”

The morning was already hot, and I was thirsty and cranky. My throat felt parched and I longed to gulp down the drink I held in my hand as I waited in the long line. Finally, my turn came to pay for my beverages. Taking a deep breath of perceived righteous indignation, I gestured towards my car, and complained to the clerk.

“I work hard for my money, and he’s out there begging for it!”

Shrugging, the kindly attendant mumbled some apology as he returned my change, and responded:

“I would have to call the police to get him out of here.”

Well, he's not bothering anyone. Feeling remorseful over my outburst, I picked up the bag of colas and returned to the car, still avoiding eye contact with the transient.

“Oh how I love Jesus…”

I opened one of the bottles of soda and took a long refreshing drink. Shifting my SUV into reverse, I glanced up and witnessed the woman who had been in line behind me, offer the homeless man an iced cold bottle of water. I then watched as yet another customer handed him a thick sandwich and a tall bottle of fruit juice.



“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 NIV


I was devastated. YOU hypocrite! You fraud! You call yourself a Christian?

I’m so sorry! Sobbing as I drove away, I was heart broken and begged God’s forgiveness. I cried all the way to work, and grieved my sanctimonious behavior the entire day. How could I be so self righteous?

I sensed the man’s sadness; he did not ask for money, yet I ignored that information because I was in a foul mood. I prided myself on how well I work with people who have special needs, yet mistreated a fellow human being by ignoring his physical and emotional needs. I’m so sorry, God!

That deep sorrow over my un-Christ-like behavior lasted several days. I wanted to seek the young man’s forgiveness, but never saw him again. Unable to redeem myself, I asked God to give me another chance. He has, many times over, yet that heartbreaking pain of my hypocrisy continues with me to this day.

Now when I come across a person who is obviously homeless, I heed that inner prompt, and share what I’m compelled to give. I don’t know if the people who gave that poor man food and drink were Christians, but that’s not important. What’s meaningful is how God used them to teach me a painful lesson.


“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)


When I serve others in kindness, regardless of who they are, I’m doing it for Jesus, because I love him. I desire to live my life as a shining testimony of God, no matter what mood I happen to be in, but especially when I’m feeling cranky.


Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
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This article has been read 457 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Yvonne Blake 
01/17/19
Oh... I know that feeling. I have regrets like this in my life.
I like how you showed the topic rather through the action of the characters. Well done.
Thanks for writing this. Keep it up.
Linda Lawrence
01/17/19
Excellent opening paragraph and satisfying ending. I think the story would have a better flow if the scripture verses were incorporated into the MC's thought processes, rather than sticking out in bold type. The story was certainly on topic.
Laurie Glass 
01/18/19
You caught my attention with the beginning of your story. I like how you used the words of a hymn to show us "all talk." Keep writing.
C D Swanson 
01/19/19
I loved your style, your content and your message!

Excellent...keep writing!

Thank you

God bless~
Tricia Draper 
01/24/19
I love the details. I have felt the same way sometimes, and this was an eye opener for me. I was convicted by this, too, with tears welling up in my eyes. Thank you for your honesty.
Laurie Glass 
01/25/19
Congrats on your win. Well deserved. :)