Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Embarrassed (07/19/07)
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TITLE: The End of the World | Previous Challenge Entry
By Nancy Jo Wilson
07/24/07 -
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I was a senior in high school and good little girl. Being shy, I didn't date much. I did, however, admire bad boys from a distance. For me, there was something quite alluring about a guy who did what he wanted, when he wanted. But it was pure fantasy. While intrigued, I was also intimidated by a guy who's scope of experience was far beyond mine. And I never would have considered dating a non-Christian.
There was a boy, Chad, a sophomore, who was dangerously good looking and appealing in all of the wrong ways. I mentioned, in confidence, to an unsaved friend of mine that I found this boy attractive. Of course, it turned out she knew Chad. I made it clear that I wouldn't date him; I just thought that he was cute. My friend said "Why not? He's a great guy." I didn't offer an explanation. I was scared of what my friend would say about my beliefs. Quickly, I changed the subject and the conversation ended.
The next day at lunch, my friend Dan sat with me. Dan was also a sophomore and as Murphy's Law would have it, friends with my crush. "Are you the only senior named Nancy?" he asked.
"Yes, why?" I answered.
"Because Chad says that a senior named Nancy thinks he's hot. He's not sure who it is." To quote Anne Shirley of Green Gables, I was 'humiliated to dust.' I feigned confusion and told Dan that I had no idea what he was talking about.
The remaining two and half hours of school were torturous. The implications of the situation were overwhelming. In the unspoken laws of high school, it was occasionally tolerated when a male senior dated a sophomore. But a senior girl only dated senior boys. If people found out... It was too embarrassing to contemplate.
Social standing aside, there was the even more embarrassing thought of having to face and talk to Chad. I already mentioned that I was shy; I had trouble talking with regular boys much less my fantasy made reality. On top of that, I would be forced to explain my values to him. The whole thing made me nauseas.
It was Friday. I knew my life was over and I went home to a weekend filled with dread every time the phone rang. I was sure at any moment, someone would call to tease, or worse, it would be Chad. But no one called and when I spoke with my friends, no one mentioned it.
I thought about staying home Monday, but my mom wouldn't allow it. So I went to school, hating each step. I made it through the entire day and ... Nothing. Nothing happened at all. In actuality, nothing ever happened. My friends never brought it up, I never had to talk to Chad. The whole thing blew over. I was amazed.
That utter humiliation taught me two valuable lessons. First, I learned given time, most things blow over. The things that we feel are earth shattering often aren't and with patience they resolve themselves. More importantly, I learned that it is always best to be up front about your beliefs. I could have easily said "I think that Chad's cute, but I only date Christians." and settled the issue. Jesus said that if we aren't ashamed of Him, He won't be ashamed of us. I was ashamed in front of my friend and ended up with greater shame. It is better to be bold in Christ and handle a little embarrassment, then be ashamed of Him and reap larger problems.
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This is well written and easy to read. You conveyed the necessity of being truthful in addition to portraying the angst of teenage emotions. Good job.