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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Pastor (11/30/06)
Ralph looked around the room at his family and friends gathered in celebration of his graduation from Theology school. He sipped pink lemonade while listening to an old aunt fill him in on the happenings in her life.

“See Ralphie, ever since I fell and twisted this here ankle I’ve needed this cane. As you can see it isn’t the most attractive cane. I’ve looked all over for a pink one but all I’ve found are these ugly brown and black ones that look fine on a man but not on a delicate feminine woman like your Aunt Shirley.”

Ralph’s eyes swept over Aunt Shirley’s pink outfit with matching pink sneakers.

All she needs is a cup of pink lemonade, he joked to himself.

“Shirley dear, come see Rebecca.” Ralph’s mother guided the woman over to the sofa where Rebecca and her husband sat.

Ralph was about to go into the kitchen to throw away his empty cup when Uncle Don stopped him.

“Ralph you are something else man. You went and said you were going to be a preacher man and here you are. I’m proud of you Ralph.”

“Thanks.” Ralph shook his uncle’s hand warmly. They hadn’t seen each other in many years but kept in touch with the occasional phone call.

“So where will you be preaching at?” Don asked.

“ A small church in Vermont.” Ralph smiled at the memory of the small white church nestled in between tall fir trees.

“Vermont huh?” Don looked disappointed. “I sure was hoping you would stay close to home.”

“Well maybe some day but for now I’m going to Vermont.” Ralph knew in his heart the small church was the place for him.

Don looked at his nephew and slapped him on the back, “I guess you have to start off small before you get to a mega church were you can make those big bucks. Before long you’ll be rolling in a Rolls and living in the hills my boy. One day I’m going to have to make an appointment to see my own nephew.” Don laughed loudly causing several of the guests to look at him.

An attractive female caught his eye and he left Ralph to ponder his words.

Is this what my family thinks of my profession... of me? He thought. It pained him and he wanted very much to set things straight with Ralph but didn’t want to cause a scene.

Ralph hurried to the kitchen and tossed the cup in the trash. He went out the back door and walked around the garden his mother had labored in since he was a boy. The flowers were fragrant and pleasing to the eye. Several birds splashed in the bird -bath and the entire yard had a peacefulness to it that enveloped Ralph immediately.

He sat on a stone bench and watched the birds. Within a few minutes he was joined by Rebecca. She sat next to him with her hand resting on her large protruding belly.

“I hope I’m not intruding.” Rebecca said.

“Of course not.”

Rebecca took Ralph’s hand.

“I’ve finally got you to myself.” Rebecca bit her bottom lip. “Can I talk to you about something?”

“Sure.” Ralph could see that Rebecca was worried and immediately forgot
his own irritation from a few moments ago.

“I need to talk to you as my pastor, not my cousin.”

“As your pastor?” Ralph’s heart filled with joy at that statement.

“Yes, I need you to pray with me because I’m really scared about this journey into motherhood I’m about to take.” Rebecca's eyes filled eyes.

“As your pastor I would love to pray with you. Should I get Steve?” Ralph asked.

Rebecca nodded and Ralph went into the house to get his cousin in law.

Steve joined his wife and Ralph on the stone bench where they held hands and prayed for Rebecca, the unborn child and Steve.

“I really needed that.” Rebecca hugged Ralph tightly. “Will you be God-father?” Rebecca asked.

“I would be honored.”

Rebecca and Steve returned to the house and Ralph sat back on the bench needing a few more minutes to himself. He was a pastor. A vessel used by God to aid others in their time of need. He thanked God for using him, an ordinary man, to share God’s extraordinary message.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
terri tiffany
12/08/06
Very nice character development. I liked the way you did the dialogue. I liked how you were able to use him as a new pastor. There was one confusing line where a female looked at him...could be the word placement was a bit off.
But this was a nice story that shared tons of emotions. Nice!
Donna Powers
12/10/06
A very sweet story. He used an ordinary moment to the job God had called him to do. I loved his family's varied reactions to his new job. Very nice.
Catrina Bradley
12/14/06
I really enjoyed your story! Aunt Shirley looking all over for a pink cane made me grin, and I loved his cousin asking him to be her pastor, making him feel worthy. Great job!