Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: LOVE (agape and/or phileo) (03/12/15)
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TITLE: An Inconvenient Encounter | Previous Challenge Entry
By Julie Blackman
03/19/15 -
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Sheila turned around to see an older looking man with gray straggly hair, and an out of control beard. His face was weathered from the sun, his eyes were red, and narrowed. And based on his ragged clothing, he must have been on the streets for a while. It wasn’t uncommon to see the homeless from time to time especially since she worked downtown. Her office was located across the street from a nearby park. Oftentimes, workers were approached by men and women asking for money at the end of the day.
“Can you spare a couple dollars or some change to help me get by for the night? I haven’t eaten all day” he said.
“No. Sorry” Sheila said and hurried to her car. Tonight was grocery shopping night.
As she walked up and down the aisles and placed food into the cart, her mind focused on the man. I probably could have given him something. She stopped to open the inside pocket of her purse. There it was, a folded five dollar bill. Guilt set in. But I wanted to get my shopping done early. This poor excuse was no match for her reprimanding conscience. Why the rush? You were only going to the supermarket. For the rest of the evening, her mind was haunted by images of his melancholy face.
The next day, Sheila was determined to find this man. In addition to making herself a lunch, she packed a turkey sandwich, an apple, a bottled water, and the five dollar bill into a separate brown bag. Please God, let me have a chance to make this right.
The end of the day couldn’t arrive quickly enough. She grabbed her handbag, the packed lunch from the fridge, and rushed out of the office. She walked across the street and through the park, scanning the area. Where is he? Just then, a familiar voice from behind her said.
“Miss, excuse me. Oh, I bothered you yesterday. Never mind” he said and started to walk away.
“No wait, stop! I shouldn’t have dismissed you like that yesterday. I apologize” Sheila replied.
“That’s okay—used to it. I don’t blame you though. It must have been frightening to see someone like me come up to you” he said.
“Well, it was wrong of me. My name is Sheila. I brought this for you.”
“For me?” He took the bag and peeked inside. “This looks like you made this lunch.”
“I did. What’s your name?”
“But why? Sorry, my name is John. Don’t get me wrong, lady…I mean Sheila. I’m grateful, just surprised” John replied.
“Well, let’s just say that a voice scolded me yesterday and I asked God to grant me another opportunity to do the right thing.”
“You asked God? I don’t get it. What’s He got to do with you and me?” John asked.
“Everything. You know He loves you right?”
“Well, the poor choices that I’ve made in the past cost me everything. And at this stage in my life, I’m not worthy of His love.”
“That’s where you’re wrong John. He gave His only son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you. That’s how important you are to Him. That’s a huge price that Jesus paid to satisfy mankind’s sin debt. You have to admit, now that’s love” Sheila said.
“But look at me. I’m—"
“You’re precious in His sight John. Let Him help you.” As Sheila said these words, she watched as his countenance changed from sorrowful to hopeful and his eyes lit up.
“Are you sure He can help me?” John asked pointing to himself.
“Oh I can guarantee that He can. He loves you” Sheila replied.
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