Christian Living

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Caroline
© 2004
by

Stephen A. Peterson


For 17 year old Rhonda Draper and her family Sundays can be very hectic. As a daughter of a Methodist minister and volunteer Sunday school teacher, Rhonda was responsible for presenting Bible text and explanation to some 12 to 16 children and teens between 10 and 18 years of age. To her surprise some her students didn’t want to immediately leave her class once it concluded. When this happened, Rhonda put them to work helping the preschool teacher in charge of babysitting babies and toddlers.

On a cold November morning, a young girl from a surrounding Shawnee, Oklahoma neighborhood appeared on the church’s children’s playground. One of the children in Rhonda’s class noticed the young girl and went to tell Rhonda about the girl on the playground. After giving the class a short break, Rhonda went out to talk to the child. Rhonda asked her why did not want to come into the warm building and be with the other children.

“Nobody wants to be my friend because my clothes are not neat and clean like everyone else’s are. I don’t smell so good ‘cause we don’t have no water in my house. My mom couldn’t pay the water bill so we can’t take a bath or shower. And I have an ugly birthmark on my arm that I don’t want the others to see,” said the girl.

Rhonda told the girl that she could arrange for her to take a shower using the church’s facilities, get her some fresh, clean clothes then let her join her Sunday school class. Then the girl told Rhonda, “Miss I’ve got this terrible cough. I think I might have the flu or maybe a real bad cold.”

“Oh, that’s alright. As you can tell I don’t feel so well either “responded Rhonda. I’ve had a cold, too. I caught it a couple of days ago. So its okay if you come on in.”

The little girl still would not come in. Rhonda’s concern for the little caused her to pray: “Lord, I need You to help me help this little girl.” No sooner than Rhonda had completed her prayer when Treava, a 60 plus year old woman, seemed to suddenly appear before Rhonda and the little girl.

“Hi, Rhonda! Who’s your little friend?”

“I don’t know. I never asked her her name,” responded Rhonda.

“What’s your name little girl,” asked Treava.

“Caroline. My name is Caroline Rush. I live with my mom. I live on Pottenger street. I’m 8 years old.”

Caroline, is your mother at home?”

“No,” Caroline responded.

“Caroline, we can let you clean yourself up, give you some clean clothes and something to eat. In a little while, we will take you home. Maybe your mom will be at home. But while you are here, let’s meet with the other boys and girls after you clean up.”

Caroline went into the room with the rest of the boys and girls. She had a set of new clothes that included a long sleeve blouse. Caroline became the best of friends with several of the children. She could not believe anyone would go through what Rhonda and Treava had gone through for her. None of the children knew that she had a birthmark, wore dirty clothing or personally unclean.

Is this not like our Heavenly Father? When we come to Him as we are, walk through the door of faith to accept the living, cleansing waters of grace, and join with members of the Body of Christ we are changed to become a new person in happiness and joy!

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