Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "It's No Use Crying over Spilt Milk" (without using the actual phrase or literal exampl (02/07/08)
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TITLE: I Know, But..... | Previous Challenge Entry
By Keturah Alvin
02/11/08 -
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“Please ma’am, can you spare a couple of dollars? I'm homeless and I haven’t eaten in days”, said the haggardly man.
There was a stench coming from his body that could raise the dead. His fingernails were filthy and the few teeth he had were gray and yellow. He looked disgusting and he was way too close to her as she tried to move past him. But before she could, she paused because his eyes caught hers. Pain and sorrow were etched there, but so was purity. She listened as he talked about how much he would appreciate anything she could do for an old man.
Just as she was about to reach in her purse, she noticed one of her co-workers approaching from behind. His judgmental eyes were fixated on them. As her co-worker shook his head in disgust, she was willing to bet she knew what he was thinking. Surely she’s not so naïve and stupid to give that old man any money. The homeless man stood waiting in expectation. She dismissed her inner witness, and replied, “I’m sorry sir, but I can’t help you today”.
"Have a good weekend Zoe" was her co-worker's way of expressing his approval.
She noticed the disappointment in the homeless man's eyes, but he managed a smile. “Okay. Thanks anyway ma’am. Have a blessed day.” He slowly moved along. She quickly moved along.
What you’ve done to the least of these my brethren, you have done also to Me.
Guilt, shame and conviction hit her like a ton of bricks. She did an about-face. She didn’t see him anywhere. There was no sign of him. He was gone, and so was her opportunity to be a blessing to him. She was set up and she missed it. She failed the test.
In the downtown area, the homeless are always asking for relief of some kind. It was the general consensus that most of them were looking for their next quick fix. But she knew in her heart this man was strategically placed in her pathway for a purpose.
She messed up.
“I can-not believe I did that", she said to her husband later that night.
“Zoe, please tell me you’re not still talking about the homeless gentleman” said her husband Randall.
“Yes I am. It is eating at me. I should’ve…….” (sigh) "I let....". She placed her fingers over her mouth and shook her head.
As gently as he could, her husband said, “Okay. For the 100th time, I agree with you. You should’ve responded differently. You feel bad about it. I get that. You get that. Now what?”
“I don’t know what. I just don’t know” she whined. He got the feeling she was gearing up for another discussion on the matter, and he wasn’t up for it. "How do you really feel about it Randall? I mean - was what I did that horrible?”
“Honey, listen to me. I know you feel horrible, but unfortunately, what’s done is done. It can't be undone, and I can’t guarantee you’ll ever see this particular man again. Maybe you will. I don’t know. But you can learn from this experience. You can pray for him."
"I know, but...."
"Grace will bring another opportunity and you will recognize it”, he interrupted, “a-n-d, you will take advantage of it and walk away with peace instead of regret. Zoe, I believe this situation is gonna make you a better person.”
He was content that he finally reached her until she said, “You’re probably right, but……” He didn’t even hear what came next.
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