Short Stories

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"It's gonna be another hot one today. This caramel frappuccino is cooling me off pretty well" said Kalle, while pulling out her notebook and pen. "I know,I don't even know why I'm wearing these jeans", laughed Felicia. "While I was at J.C. Penney's yesterday, I saw these really skimpy outfits for teenagers. It's sad how the clothing designers are promoting immodesty among our girls.", said Kalle. "You know, the world doesn't operate the way God does. It's amazing that women of the Bible were virtuous, humble, strong and beautiful. And they were women of faith too", replied Felicia. As Kalle sipped her coffee, she said, "I remember being teased constantly for wanting to remain chaste until marriage. But I think if you're grounded in God's Word, you can withstand those temptations." Felicia then said, "Why don't we start a coffeehouse ministry for young single women like us? It'll be a good idea, we can promote abstinence and God-given self-worth. Then they won't have to look to men for their validation."

Felicia and Kalle have been friends for three years. They are both single Christians who want to reach young women for Christ and encourage fellow believers. Felicia is a senior at Xavier University, where she's studying public relations. She hopes to start a Biblically-based advertising firm. Kalle is a senior at Loyola University and hopes to become a social worker. The two have been meeting for coffee on Saturdays for about three months and so far there's been an interest by other patrons to sit in on the session. It's like a roundtable discussion on TV. Some people sit in and ask questions about the Bible while others sit in because they need encouragement after a bad day. On some occasions the patrons watch attentively from a distance. The two women are now going to start a regular bible study and fellowship hour and it is slowly gaining some participants. What will become of it?


Later that afternoon, Kalle drove home and fixed some baked catfish fillets with French fries. She then turned on 20/20 and folded the newly washed clothes. Around 10 p.m., a fellow classmate called. "Do you have the notes from our urban policy class? I couldn't come to class yesterday." "Yes, you can stop by tonight or tommorrow afternoon around 3 p.m. Dr. Lovelace basically talked about the problems with today's city leadership and used New Orleans as an example. But I have the questions that's gonna be on next week's exam", said Kalle. "I'll stop by tommorrow. How's your bible study coming along?" asked the classmate. "It's getting better each day. We're in the book of Galatians now and we're studying about our freedom in Christ and that we're no longer in bondage to the law of sin and death. It's an interesting study, you ought to join us", replied Kalle. "I'll come next Saturday. Well, I gotta go now but I'll see you tommorrow, bye" said the classmate.

Meanwhile Felicia mopped her floor and baked a chocolate cheesecake. She appeared to be excited about her ministry. "I pray that this outreach will encourage young women to stay sexually pure and to wait for God's choice for them", she smiled. As she went to bed, she thought about the rewards of her efforts. "This is God sending His message through me", she said.


A week later, the group met at Starbuck's as usual. "You know, none of us could keep all of God's commands perfectly. We can try but we would fail each time. Our hearts want to serve God, but because of the indwelling sin inside of us, we have the same experience that Paul had in Romans 7. That's why we must abide in Christ because we can do nothing without Him. This is especially important to understand as single women because the media and other young men bombard our minds with the wrong messages about sex. If we try to stay pure in our own efforts, it won't work," said Kalle. "The media is always there to bombard our minds with distorted views of sex," added Felicia. "Besides abiding in Christ, are any other steps we can take?", asked a participant. "You can stay away from tempting situations such as bars, men's homes, or other places. And sometimes you may want to cut the TV off. TV can uplift people through inspirational programs but Satan will use it to carry out his agenda too," said Felicia. "Be careful about the Internet. Installing filters usually work", said Kalle. After the Bible study the group had coffee and pastries while having fellowship. "Who says you can only fellowship on Sundays?", smiled another participant.


On Monday morning, Felicia woke up to a room filled with smoke. As she rushed down the stairs, the whole apartment building burst into flames. Apparently there was an electric fire caused by another tenant. Felicia lost everything. While crying she got her cell phone and called Kalle. "The apartment building is on fire!, I'm standing outside but all of my things are destroyed!." "I'm on my way down there", replied Kalle. As she arrived, she hugged Felicia and said, "I know you're hurting now, and you think you can't recover from this but God is in control and He's using this situation to make you stronger." "I know you're right but I'm so angry at those people. How could they have been so careless? I could've died in there!", shouted Felicia. "You know what, it's not your job to avenge your loss. God will do that for you. You need to regroup and let healing take place one day at a time", replied Kalle. Felicia was now homeless. Kalle let her live with her until she found another home. Meanwhile Felicia had to pick up the pieces and start over. It wasn't going to be easy but with the help of her friends and God, things will get better.

At the next Bible study Kalle said, "As you all know, Felicia lost her home in a fire. She's staying with me for now and we're trying to raise money for her to find a new home. We'll be doing this as long as it takes to help Felicia. So if you want to donate anything, you can go to any Liberty Bank and send your money. Or if you want to donate furniture, clothes or other items you can send them to Felicia's and my church on weekdays during office hours. We appreciate your help in this effort". "I'll try to give what I can even though I'm on a fixed income", said a participant. "I talked to her parents in Philadelphia and they'll send some money on a weekly basis to help Felicia replace her textbooks", said Kalle. "I want to thank you for your support and prayers. You all have been generous and kind to me and I really appreciate it", smiled Felicia. "This is a rough time for all of us because she is one of our sisters in Christ", said another participant.

Weeks later,Felicia was able to buy new textbooks but still couldn't find an affordable home. She considered being a homeowner but her salary as a secretary is only enough for rent. Felicia prayed daily for direction concerning her situation and she continued to search around town. Meanwhile, the amount of donations equaled $1,000. The donations came from churches, businesses, organizations and the group members. In other donations, she received two loads of clothes and dental supplies. Felicia was very grateful, she received support and it was evidence of God's faithfulness to her.

One morning, Kalle and Felicia went jogging in City Park. "I think a miracle is on the way. You've endured this trial with patience and hope. I can see it now", said Kalle. "I think so too. I received more monetary donations and I just got more furniture from my cousins in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. I'm really blessed. See, a good thing can truly come out of this situation", replied Felicia. "You haven't totally recovered yet but I'm glad that you kept your eyes on God during this time", said Kalle. "Because of that, I see everyday as a new beginning", said Felicia.


A year later, Felicia raised almost $10,000. In addition, she graduated and landed a job with an advertising firm. She is in the process of owning a home and she and Kalle still hold their coffehouse Bible studies on Saturday afternoons

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